Remaking the Norm - HKSTP Interns: I&T is Where the Future Lies

For years, Medicine and Business have been long regarded as the “golden courses” for Hong Kong’s top DSE scorers. But a quiet shift is now under way with students choosing a different path: Innovation and Technology. Their choice reflects a belief that I&T offers a future as promising as any traditional profession and signals a new direction for Hong Kong’s brightest young minds.

I&T opens a new career chapter for Hong Kong students

Helen Ching, one of this year’s top DSE scorers, had always been drawn to algorithms and data. Yet it was a job-shadowing programme at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) that truly opened her eyes. Observing tech leaders at work within the Science Park, she learned that impactful innovators possess not only technical rigour but also strategic thinking and a global perspective—qualities she aims to cultivate through her Computer Science studies and engagement with the international community at the University of Oxford. The experience gave her a rare behind-the-scenes look at Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, inspiring her to encourage young people to step beyond conventional paths and explore the diverse programmes offered by organisations like HKSTP, which can open career options they may never have considered.

Helen’s story is by no means an isolated case. Rather, it is a vivid reflection of HKSTP’s years of dedication to nurturing talent—from interns to I&T professionals, from campuses to the front lines of industry. HKSTP has built a complete talent development pipeline that empowers more young people to step outside traditional frameworks and pursue their future in I&T.

HKSTP Talent Programme paves the way for next innovators

At the heart of HKSTP’s talent development strategy lies a comprehensive programme designed to nurture young talent at every stage of their journey. From internship opportunities and recruitment fairs to the latest Talent Foundry (TF) initiative, HKSTP provides a seamless pathway that bridges the gap between academic learning and industry application. These programmes equip participants with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving I&T landscape. By connecting students with startups, tech companies, and industry mentors, HKSTP not only cultivates technical expertise but also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset—ensuring that the next generation of innovators is ready to lead, create, and transform.

Global innovators find their footing in Hong Kong Science Park

Serkan Kumyol is a Computer Science PhD candidate at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with eight years of extensive research experience in traditional AI. Choosing Hong Kong over the US and Europe, he saw the city as a dynamic springboard for global tech talent, offering rich international resources and growth opportunities. Serkan joined the TF Programme last year, which shifted his mindset from theoretical perfection toward building scalable, commercial systems. Beyond securing key roles within the HKSTP ecosystem, the initiative laid the foundation for him to translate his doctoral research into a thriving startup.  

Similarly, University College London graduate Simeng Zhang, enrolled in the HKSTP Global Internship Programme, exemplifies the transition from intern to full-time Electronic Engineer at HKSTP park company. Passing up two Master’s offers from the University of Cambridge, Zhang chose Hong Kong for immediate, hands-on industry experience.  Accelerated by her stay at HKSTP InnoCell Kowloon West and immersed in a collaborative network of international peers, she cemented her decision to trade academic theory for real-world innovation, convinced that Hong Kong is where the future of technology is being built.

I&T is not the preserve of a select few. Whether one is a top DSE scorer charting an unconventional path, a university student taking the first steps into the world of coding, or a seasoned researcher seeking to translate years of academic inquiry into commercial reality—there is a place within Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem for all who possess curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn. The opportunities are abundant and the doors remain open to every young talent in the city.