Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a new cornerstone of learning, encouraging students to not only rely on their STEM foundations but also to harness their creativity in exploring boundless possibilities. At the Solve for Tomorrow tech competition organized by Samsung across Hong Kong, students were invited to merge creativity with AI technology to deliver innovative solutions for society. Recently, the final round of this competition took place, where projects from the University of Hong Kong, the Elizabeth School Old Students' Association Tang Kwok Wah Secondary School, and Tai Po Old Public Secondary School respectively claimed championship titles in their categories.
The competition took place from last September to April of this year, spanning 8 months and attracting nearly 500 teams from 180 institutions, including universities, colleges, and high schools. Participants attended several workshops on AI and design thinking, benefiting from expert mentorship to refine their projects. This year, the number of participants doubled compared to the previous edition. Nine teams made it to the finals, where the top three teams from each group were crowned after an intense final held last Sunday.
Senior executives at Samsung Electronics Hong Kong Limited expressed their satisfaction with the integration of AI elements into the Solve for Tomorrow competition, hoping to collaborate with the academic sector to promote innovative applications of AI. They also introduced a series of workshops to help students prepare and shape their future. The finalist teams, guided by renowned mentors, delivered impressive final presentations. During the event, guests also shared insights on the impact of AI across various industries, including enhancing the smart features of smartphones.
For example, experts from MedEXO Robotics mentioned that incorporating AI into medical and assistive tools can enhance the efficiency of personalized rehabilitation training. As for the founder of SDMC, they emphasized the importance of data analysis and AI in digital marketing, as these technologies can significantly reduce analysis time while improving product planning and business models. In summary, the guest speakers encouraged students to continue their learning in the field of AI, to understand the principles behind these technologies, and to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving world.
This year, the theme of the competition is reflected through the winning entries in each category, showcasing the practical application needs of AI. For instance, the winning entry in the secondary school category, Kangle Tong, is a smart bracelet paired with a mobile application, created by Tong Kwok Wah Secondary School, affiliated with the Elizabeth School Alumni Association. This creation aims to use an AI assistant, Alè, to help seniors solve everyday inconveniences. The bracelet, combined with AI technology, allows caregivers to better understand the health conditions of elderly individuals, thereby improving their quality of life.
The participating students designed this project after noticing the needs of the elderly around them and tested it multiple times on the Alè AI model. This application offers a 24/7 AI assistant, mental health assessments, as well as medical advice and information about community activities. The students excelled in this project and received valuable guidance from their mentors to enhance the bracelet's features.
The winning work in the primary school student category, Chef AI: A Feast for Your Taste Buds APP, uses tongue photography to provide users with personalized nutritional therapy advice, while standing out as a remarkable example of AI technology application. This project was developed by the students during the last summer vacation and shone brilliantly in the competition. The supervising teacher emphasized that this was not only an academic challenge but also an opportunity for the students to gain valuable competition experience.
On the other hand, the team from the University of Hong Kong has developed iWalk Smart Insoles, capable of collecting walking data, providing personalized fitness recommendations, and detecting early issues related to foot health and posture. This showcases the potential applications of AI in the medical field.
In addition to cash prizes, Samsung also offers university category champions an internship opportunity within the company, showcasing its commitment to nurturing tomorrow’s talent. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the collaboration program with the Education Bureau, which also provides internships to the winning teams from high schools. The goal is to encourage more young people to engage in the development of AI and technology in Hong Kong.
