Execution Summary

The "STEM Internship Scheme" launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission is not merely a funding measure, but a strong signal of Hong Kong's economic restructuring. Against the backdrop of the national "14th Five-Year Plan" explicitly supporting Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology center, this scheme reveals a deep-seated market reality: the demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) talent far exceeds the supply, and this skills gap cannot be filled solely by higher education, but must be traced back to basic education and even early childhood education.

Commissioned by Kidrise , this report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis for parents, educators, and policymakers. Using the "STEM Internship Program" as a starting point, we will thoroughly analyze the education and science and technology innovation policies outlined in the 2024/25 Policy Address, combining the latest labor market wage data and neuroscience research to demonstrate the inherent link between "play" and "fun."

Analysis shows that future workplace winners will no longer be memorizers of knowledge, but innovators with computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary adaptability—and the golden period for cultivating these core competencies is between the ages of 0 and 6.

This report will explore the following core issues in depth:

• Policy Decoding : From Government Subsidies for University Student Internships, We Can See the Anxiety and Opportunities Behind Hong Kong's "Talent Acquisition" Strategy.
• Economic Reality : Through detailed salary data analysis, this study reveals the premium potential of STEM professions over the next decade.
• Scientific evidence : Citing research in neuroscience and educational psychology, this study explains why hands-on learning is far more efficient than traditional classroom learning.
• Product Pedagogy : In-depth analysis of how various teaching aids (such as magnetic tiles and science experiment kits) on the Kidrise platform specifically correspond to core skills in the future workplace.
• Parent's Guide : In the AI ​​era, how to build a growth resume for your children that is "inflation-resistant" and "automation-resistant".

Chapter 1 Policy Signals and Macroeconomic Background: Deciphering the Deeper Meaning of the "STEM Internship Program"

1.1 "STEM Internship Program": The Economic Logic of Government Intervention in the Market

The Innovation and Technology Agency's "STEM Internship Program," ostensibly aimed at encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to participate in short-term STEM-related internships, is, from a macroeconomic perspective, a form of "supply-side intervention" by the government in the labor market. When an economy cannot naturally produce enough specific types of talent, the government needs to reduce companies' hiring costs through fiscal subsidies, while simultaneously sending a clear price signal to students: STEM skills have value, and the government is willing to "pay the bill."

1.1.1 Funding Flow and Talent Orientation

The government has allocated tens of millions of dollars for this plan (for example, HK$40 million in 2021), which is no small amount. This sustained investment indicates that the shortage of innovation and technology talent is not a cyclical fluctuation, but a structural gap. By funding internships, the government is essentially building a bridge for students to "real-world" experience, attempting to address the "skills mismatch" problem between academia and industry.

1.1.2 Conversion rate from funding to employment

A key metric for this program is conversion rates. If students gain exposure to real-world research and development (R&D) environments during their internships, their willingness to pursue careers in the innovation and technology sector after graduation will significantly increase. This is crucial for Hong Kong, an economy long dominated by finance and services. In the past, top science graduates often flocked to investment banks or management consulting firms; now, the policy is attempting to draw these highly intelligent talents back to laboratories and technology companies to support the development of a "new industrialization."

1.2 2024/25 Policy Address: The "Trinity" of Education, Science and Technology and Talent

In his 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee proposed a core strategy: "Integrated development of education, science and technology and talent" as the foundation and strategic pillar of progress in the new era. This statement elevates STEM education to an unprecedented level of national strategic importance.

• Building an "International Post-Secondary Education Hub" : The Policy Address explicitly proposes establishing the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and raising the cap on non-local student admissions to public universities to 40%, with further relaxation of restrictions on self-financing institutions in the future. This means that Hong Kong's universities will become more international, and local students will face competition from top global talent.
• Northern Metropolitan Area University Town: The Silicon Valley of the Future? The "Northern Metropolitan Area" is defined as a new engine for Hong Kong's future development, particularly in innovation and technology. The government plans to build the "Northern Metropolitan University Town" in the north, encouraging universities to collaborate closely with technology companies in the Greater Bay Area.
• The rise of Universities of Applied Sciences : The government's strong promotion of the development of "Universities of Applied Sciences" (UAS) marks an elevation in the status of vocational and professional education. This breaks with the traditional concept of "emphasizing academics and neglecting applications."

1.3 Digital Education and the Popularization of STEAM

Policy documents from the Education Bureau (EDB) show that STEAM education is no longer the exclusive domain of gifted students, but rather a basic education for "all people" and "all aspects".

• Enhanced Coding Education in Upper Primary Schools : The policy goal is for at least 75% of publicly funded schools to implement enhanced coding education in upper primary schools. This means that coding will become the "fourth language" after Chinese, English, and mathematics.
• Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Junior High School : Introducing AI courses at the junior high school level allows students to be exposed to machine learning and algorithmic logic as early as possible.
• School-based STEAM Coordinator : All publicly funded primary and secondary schools must designate a specific person to coordinate STEAM education and ensure the implementation of interdisciplinary learning.

This series of policy measures clearly outlines the future of education: STEM skills will be the basic requirement. For parents, if their children have not developed an interest in logical thinking and scientific inquiry in elementary school, they will face a significant learning gap when they enter middle school.

Chapter Two: Economic Realities and Workplace Trends: The Golden Age of STEM Talent

2.1 Talent Shortage and Despair for Enterprises

A survey by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) reveals that the business community's thirst for talent has reached a "desperate" level. 74% of the surveyed companies said they are facing a talent shortage, and 60% of them pointed out that the shortage of IT talent is the biggest obstacle to their adoption of new technologies.

This is not merely a matter of insufficient manpower, but a mismatch in "quality." Companies need high-end talent with skills in data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI applications, not just basic clerical work. Surveys show the largest talent gap (59%) in junior management positions, which is precisely the entry point for university graduates. This explains why the government is eager to accelerate talent development through "STEM internship programs."

2.2 Salary Trends in 2025: The Data Speaks

According to forecasts from several headhunting firms and human resources agencies, Hong Kong's technology talent will enjoy a significant salary premium in 2025. The following data is compiled from reports by Robert Half, KOS International, and the Census and Statistics Department.

(Note: Some monthly salary data is calculated by dividing the annual salary by 12 and is for reference only.)

2.2.1 Differences in the starting line for recent graduates

Data shows that the median starting salary for an IT graduate can reach $25,000, far exceeding the average starting salary for college graduates in the overall market (approximately $19,500). In engineering, the starting salary is also $21,500. This means that by choosing the right path (STEM fields), a child already has a nearly 30% head start in their career.

2.2.2 Cybersecurity and the Premium of AI

Of particular note are the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). Due to high demand and limited supply, these professionals can see salary increases of 20% to 25% when switching jobs, far exceeding the average increase of 3.5% in other industries. This is a direct reward from the market for "high-tech barriers to entry."

2.3 Blurring of Industry Boundaries: The Rise of Broadly STEM Positions

STEM is no longer limited to tech companies. Job trends in 2025 show that traditional industries are undergoing profound digital transformation, which has spawned a large number of "pan-STEM" jobs.

• Financial Industry (Fintech) : Banks no longer need just tellers or traditional account managers. Future financial professionals will need to understand blockchain, smart contracts, and big data analytics.
• Architecture and Engineering : With the increasing popularity of Composite Building (MiC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), civil engineers need to operate building projects like operating software.
• Retail and Marketing : E-commerce and digital marketing require professionals to have data analytics skills and know how to use AI tools for precision marketing.

Therefore, parents should not narrowly understand STEM as "becoming a scientist in the future" or "writing programs." In fact, it is the basic operating system for all high-paying jobs in the future.

Chapter Three: The Critical Period for Scientific Enlightenment: Why is it too late to start in university?

Although the government invests significant resources in university internships and research, research in neuroscience and educational psychology consistently indicates that STEM skills development must begin in early childhood . Waiting until university to cultivate "scientific intuition" and "logical thinking" often yields less effective results.

3.1 The Golden Window for Brain Development

The period from 0 to 6 years old is the most rapid period of human brain development, during which the density of neural synaptic connections reaches its peak.

• Neuroplasticity : The brains of young children possess extremely high plasticity, enabling them to rapidly absorb new information and establish cognitive patterns. Research indicates that children exposed to STEM concepts (such as causality, spatial structure, and quantitative logic) at an early age exhibit more developed areas of their brains responsible for logical reasoning and mathematical operations.
• Experiential learning : Neuroscience evidence shows that knowledge acquired through "hands-on" and "experience" has a retention rate as high as 80-90%, while traditional one-way lectures only have a retention rate of 5%. This is because hands-on activities can simultaneously activate the brain's motor cortex, visual cortex, and prefrontal cortex, forming deeper neural memories.

3.2 The Formation of "STEM Identity"

A long-term study by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) found that if students lack exposure to science in kindergarten, 62% will continue to struggle with science in elementary school, and this frustration often accompanies them throughout their academic careers.

This involves a psychological concept— "STEM Identity." If children believe "science is hard" or "I'm not good at math" before the age of seven, this self-labeling is extremely difficult to change. Conversely, if they build confidence—"I'm a little inventor" or "I can solve problems"—through fun toys and games, this positive self-identity will drive them to actively choose challenging STEM-related courses in the future.

3.3 The Foundation of 21st Century Core Skills (4Cs)

The core of early STEM education is not the indoctrination of knowledge, but the cultivation of "4C" core skills, which are the universal currency of the future workplace:

• Critical Thinking : Learn to ask "why?". For example, why did this tower of blocks collapse?
• Creativity : Finding solutions beyond the "standard answer".
• Collaboration skills : Building complex structures with peers, learning to communicate, divide tasks, and compromise.
• Communication skills : Able to clearly explain one's design ideas and logic.

Chapter Four: Product Pedagogy: How Kidrise Toys Connect with Future Skills

Based on the above analysis of neuroscience and the job market, we can accurately map the popular product categories on the Kidrise platform to the core competencies required for future STEM talent. This is not simply "playing with toys," but rather a strategic "competency building" approach.

4.1 Magnetic Tiles and Construction Toys (Giromag, Hape)

Corresponding skills: Spatial Reasoning and Structural Engineering

• Product Analysis : Giromag Stained Window Magnetic Tiles or Hape Science Experiment Kits require children to transform two-dimensional images in their minds into three-dimensional entities.
• Educational Value : Spatial reasoning ability is one of the strongest predictors of a child's future success in engineering, architecture, and advanced mathematics. When children try to make a castle built from magnetic tiles "stand firm," they are intuitively learning about the center of gravity, balancing forces, and geometric structures in physics.

4.2 Science Experiment Kit (Hape Science & Physics)

Corresponding skills: Scientific inquiry spirit and resilience.

• Product Analysis : Hape's science physics experiment kits allow children to conduct hands-on experiments in optics, mechanics, or circuitry.
• Educational Value : Failure is the norm in scientific experiments. An experiment's failure means there was a problem with variable control. This teaches children to redefine "failure" as "data." This mindset— "It's not that I failed, but that I discovered a method that didn't work" —is the most important psychological quality for researchers and entrepreneurs.

4.3 Montessori and Logic Teaching Aids (Goryeo Baby)

Corresponding skills: Algorithmic thinking and classification/induction

• Product Analysis : Goryeo Baby's Montessori teaching aids, such as sorting boxes and threading sets, emphasize order, classification, and sequence.
• Educational Value : The core of programming is not writing code, but logic. An algorithm is essentially a series of ordered steps to solve a problem. When young children classify objects by color, shape, or size, or sort them according to specific patterns, they are actually performing "entity programming."

4.4 3D Maze Ball and Concentration Training (Kidrise 3D Maze)

Corresponding skills: Executive Function and Flow.

• Product Analysis : 3D Maze Ball requires players to precisely control the ball's path in three-dimensional space; the slightest distraction will result in failure.
• Educational Value : In a fragmented era dominated by short videos, the ability to work deeply has become extremely rare. Maze balls train children's hand-eye coordination, and more importantly, their ability to concentrate for extended periods to solve single, complex problems.

4.5 Unplugged Coding

Corresponding skill: Computational Thinking

• Product Analysis : Although Kidrise's product catalog includes many physical toys, many of its puzzles and logic games actually incorporate programming logic.
• Educational Value : The education sector is increasingly advocating for "unplugged programming," which teaches programming logic without using a computer screen. This avoids the vision and concentration damage caused by early exposure to electronic screens in young children, while allowing them to understand abstract concepts such as "instructions," "loops," and "conditional statements."

Chapter 5 Practical Guide: STEM Education Strategies for Hong Kong Parents

Faced with government policy initiatives and fierce market competition, how should parents plan for their children? The following are practical suggestions based on research reports.

5.1 Get rid of the "tutoring" mindset and establish a "laboratory" mentality

Hong Kong parents are accustomed to subjectifying all learning, believing that STEM education means attending tutoring classes. However, research shows that overly structured teaching can stifle creativity.

• Recommendation : Transform your home into a "mini innovation center." Buy open-ended toys (such as magnetic tiles and building blocks) instead of toys with only one way to play. Parents should shift their role from "teacher" to "laboratory manager," providing resources (toys) and then stepping back to let children explore and make mistakes on their own.
• Shift your approach : When a child asks, "How do you play with this?", don't directly teach them. Instead, ask, "How do you think you can play with this?" or "Try doing this and see what happens?"

5.2 Focus on gender equality: Break the myth that "girls are not suited for science".

Professor Nancy Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, is a role model for women's outstanding achievements in STEM fields. However, data shows that many girls begin to lose interest in STEM around the age of 11.

Recommendation : Introduce STEM toys to girls as early as possible. Don't just buy dolls; science sets and STEAM products that combine art and technology (such as DIY crafts combined with circuitry) from Kidrise are perfect for sparking a girl's interest. Tell your daughter that scientists can be elegant and intelligent women like Principal Yeh.

5.3 Developing Soft Skills: STEM is More Than Just Technology

The World Economic Forum points out that future top talents will need to possess "complex problem-solving skills" and "emotional intelligence".

Recommendation : Use board games to train children's awareness of rules, emotional management, and communication skills. An engineer who can communicate effectively in a team is more valuable in the workplace than a reclusive technical genius.

5.4 Make good use of government and social resources

• Pay attention to school policies : find out whether your child's school has implemented the Education Bureau's STEAM coordinator policy and whether there are enough programming courses.
• Participating in extracurricular activities : While family education is important, attending high-quality science camps or visiting science museums can broaden children's horizons.
• Keep an eye on university developments : Pay attention to open days and youth science programs at various universities (such as HKUST and HKU) to let your child experience the academic atmosphere early on.

Chapter Six: Future Vision: The Greater Bay Area's Innovation and Technology Vision by 2035

When today's kindergarten students (aged 3-6) graduate from university, it will be around 2040. What will Hong Kong be like then?

• The Maturation Stage of the Northern Metropolitan Area : By then, the Northern Metropolitan Area will no longer be just a concept, but will have developed into an international innovation and technology center deeply integrated with Shenzhen. Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and new energy will be the leading industries here.
• The Symbiosis of AI and Humanity : AI will not completely replace humans, but it will replace those who "don't know how to use AI." The core competitiveness of the future lies in "human-AI collaboration ." Children who cultivate logical thinking and creativity from a young age will become the commanders of AI.
• The New Normal of Lifelong Learning : With the accelerating pace of technological iteration, a university degree will no longer be the end of learning. Future professionals will need exceptional adaptability and learning agility . This is precisely the ultimate manifestation of the "spirit of inquiry" emphasized in early STEM education.

in conclusion

Although the government's "STEM Internship Scheme" is aimed at university students, it sends a resounding signal to the whole society: innovation and technology are the future of Hong Kong, and STEM talents are the future elites.

However, the outcome of this talent war is decided long before university entrance exams. It depends on whether a child is holding a mobile phone or building blocks at age 3; whether they choose to give up or rebuild a collapsed building block tower at age 5; and whether parents view STEM as a boring subject or a way of life for exploring the world.

For Kidrise users, you're not just buying a toy, but a ticket to the future for your child. Through high-quality educational tools and proper guidance, we are building the most powerful brain infrastructure for the next generation, enabling them to ride the waves of future technology and become protagonists on the innovation and technology stage in Hong Kong and around the world.

As stated in the policy address, education is the foundation of the future. Let's start today, beginning with floor play at home, to lay the foundation for our children's future.

Data Appendix: Key Indicators Overview

To help readers understand the current situation more intuitively, the following is a summary of the key data indicators cited in the report.