Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl

The Finals of the Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl 2020 (GYSTB 2020), initiated by the Creative Education Unit of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), was held online on August 1. With 92 shortlisted secondary school teams from Hong Kong and around the world, this was an exciting event, with presentations of innovative science and technology solutions to tackle every day challenges. Seven Hong Kong teams made it to the Finals, of whom two took home the Prize in their respective categories.

A “Study on the Anti-reflux ability of Chinese Yam using Novel Gastro-oesophageal Model” by Hong Kong’s  Heep Yunn School took the Gold Prize in the Biology and Chemistry category. The team discovered that Chinese yam could replace existing medicine for anti-acid-reflux using an innovative oesophageal experimental model.

In the Physical and Engineering category, Ruth Madden from Ireland won the Gold Prize for her “Microplastic Filter – A Small Solution to a Global Problem”. Ruth and her team designed and built a standalone filtration unit to intercept microplastic particles emanating from a domestic washing machine prior to their entry into the public wastewater system and the wider environment.

As Kenneth Lee Kin-lok, Supervisor (Innovation and Creativity) of The HKFYG said, “I am so impressed by the amazing inventions as well as creativity of all the students. What pleases me the most is how, in spite of the current situation, everyone has learnt to be flexible and demonstrated how easily learning and knowledge exchanges can take place through online platforms” He continued, “This year’s GYSTB, which had to be undertaken through a different platform has been a success because of the support and openness of teachers and students. Only because of this has have we been able to see the convergence of diverse scientific cultures in this virtual contest, proving that even a pandemic cannot deter students’ enthusiasm and passion!” Lee hoped that students enjoyed the Contest, learning more about the future skills of innovation and problem solving, resilience and adaptability, as well as communication and collaboration. While congratulating the winners, Lee concluded by saying how confident he was in the future, given the remarkable imagination and scientific foresight of all the participants.

The competition attracted a total of 122 teams from 22 countries and regions, with about 70% of the teams having previously won awards in regional or international science competitions. Under the theme of “Social Innovation”, participants were encouraged to apply their knowledge in physics, engineering, biology and chemistry to come up with creative ideas for resolving everyday problems. They presented their projects to a professional judging panel formed by academics and industry representatives, which challenged their scientific knowledge, collaboration and presentation skills.

The GYSTB 2020 is organised by the Creative Education Unit of the HKFYG and supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission.  The competition is a showcase of global youth scientific achievement and innovation, which aims to promote science and technology, provide a platform for global youth to develop their creativity and scientific mindsets, and facilitate the exchange of scientific ideas, interests and abilities among young scientists all over the world.

For more details, please visit ce.hkfyg.org.hk/teachers-zone/competition/gystb.

Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl 2020 Results

Biology and Chemistry category

Physics and Engineering category