Hong Kong Youth Explore Hydrogen Cars and AI at Engineering Carnival
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) organized its Youth Ambassador Carnival 2026 on August 8 at its Kowloon Bay headquarters, drawing thousands of young participants to explore hydrogen-powered vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and artificial intelligence applications in engineering. The event, themed around four pillars — Hydrogen Pioneer, Green Future, Engineering Dreams, and AI Experience — launched a collaboration with the Hong Kong Scout Association to create the Mechanical and Electrical Pioneers Badge, the first such award developed jointly with a works department under the Active Citizen badge series. EMSD Director Poon Kwok-ying emphasized that teenagers can serve as effective "energy ambassadors" within their households, learning practical skills like safely using electrical outlets, selecting energy-efficient appliances, and adjusting air-conditioning settings appropriately. The programme targets over 11,000 individual members and 100 schools, creating a ripple effect that extends electrical safety awareness from individual youths into families and the wider community.
Key Points
- The carnival took place on August 8 at EMSD headquarters in Kowloon Bay, featuring four themed zones and activities including hydrogen car races, interactive exhibitions, and specialist lectures
- A zero-emission hydrogen-powered street cleaning vehicle already serving in North District was showcased, allowing participants to understand environmental benefits by observing that its only emission is water
- The Mechanical and Electrical Pioneers Badge, open to Cub Scouts through Ventures Scouts aged 6 to 25, is structured by age and ability, with younger members learning basic safety awareness while older members organize promotional activities
- EMSD has partnered with tertiary institutions to offer job shadowing programmes where students accompany engineers to meetings and construction sites to experience a day in the life of an engineering professional
- Hands-on workshops like hydrogen car building teach underlying principles through age-appropriate content, with primary students learning about water cycles and secondary students studying fuel cell efficiency
Why It Matters
By transforming curiosity about cutting-edge technology into practical daily habits, this programme addresses Hong Kong's dual challenges of engineering talent pipeline development and sustainable energy adoption. The badge system creates a structured pathway for young people to progress from passive learning to active community leadership in electrical safety and environmental protection. With youth serving as multipliers within their households, these seemingly simple habits around appliance selection and energy use can generate substantial cumulative impact across the city's residential sector.
By transforming curiosity about cutting-edge technology into practical daily habits, this programme addresses Hong Kong's dual challenges of engineering talent pipeline development and sustainable energy adoption. The badge system creates a structured pathway for young people to progress from passive learning to active community leadership in electrical safety and environmental protection. With youth serving as multipliers within their households, these seemingly simple habits around appliance selection and energy use can generate substantial cumulative impact across the city's residential sector.