Hong Kong STEAM Education

Since 2016, the Hong Kong Government (HKG) has increased its annual budget to US$140 million for STEAM education in its primary and secondary schools (HK budget highlights 2023). Starting in 2023, primary and secondary schools are set to receive maximum budgets of US$52,000 and US$130,000, respectively. In 2022, 95.7 percent of schools offered STEAM-related extracurricular activities, and 29 percent included STEAM classes in their curriculum. This aims to foster innovation and critical thinking and prepare students for future technological advancements and higher education.

As STEAM becomes a greater priority in Hong Kong, schools increasingly incorporate project-based learning, collaborative activities, and hands-on experiments into their curricula. Emphasis is given to the practical application of theoretical knowledge to develop problem-solving skills among students. For example, many primary and secondary schools have incorporated coding and learning about innovative technologies into their curricula.  

Increased HKG funding is coupled with a growing ecosystem of competitions and educational events. The HKG recognizes the need to develop STEAM skills to prepare students to succeed in a competitive global landscape shaped by rapid technological advancements. Early exposure to STEAM can also cultivate interest in choosing science majors for their undergraduate and graduate degrees.  

The education sector in Hong Kong offers collaboration opportunities between U.S. educational institutions, companies, and Hong Kong schools with a focus on STEAM education development. Last year, Litz USA Student Service, a major Hong Kong educational agent, reported sending 150 students, with 75 percent majoring in STEAM-related fields. U.S. academic institutions can explore the Hong Kong market for student recruitment and establish relationships with local companies connected to Hong Kong academic institutions and students.

For information on Hong Kong’s education sector or to offer your education-related product or service, please contact our office at office.hongkong@trade.gov.