Hong Kong Tramways has launched a sister company to offer STEM programs for students during their summer holiday, which began last week.

Tramplus aims to translate concepts that arise from tram engineering to the classroom, introducing science, technology, engineering and math programs that teach students through real-world examples. Its first program, STEM with Tram: Early Summer Bootcamp, will kick off next month.

The four-day boot camp is an online interactive program that will guide students through assembling a solar-powered tram model and explore concepts surrounding engineering and carbon footprints.

The boot camp targets secondary one to three students and aims to inspire independent learning and innovative thinking through a design-centered approach.

"We hope tramplus can encourage the younger generation to understand more about trams and stimulate their imagination regarding smart-city development. The experience may sow a seed for their future contributions," said Nixon Cheung Wing-hang, general manager of tramplus.

Meanwhile, Hang Lung Properties partnered with Playright Children's Play Association to donate 1,500 packs to hospitalized children diagnosed with Covid.

The two companies aim to organize online interactive play sessions for 2,000 underprivileged children over the course of two months to relieve anxiety while drawing attention to physical and mental well-being.

Weber Lo Wai-pak, chief executive of Hang Lung Properties, said that they hope to provide emotional support to children and parents affected by the pandemic.

Additionally, three graduates from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education - Vincent So Wing-cheong, Feliz Ng Lok-tung and Grace Leung Nim-yan - designed a board game to inspire connection during this isolating time.

"During the epidemic, young people can only attend online classes. We hope that they can play the game with their families ... [it] encourages young people to move forward in adversity, stay positive and meet the challenges of growth," team leader So said.

The team hopes to further promote the game after the epidemic and has already filmed several short promotional videos.

Tramplus' first program, STEM with Tram: Early Summer Bootcamp, is an online course designed to let students explore engineering concepts and activities.

Hop aboard for summer of stem