BEd-(S)ICT students bag bronze at HK Techathon+2025
Kelly Chan Wai-yi, left, and Joanne Ng Wing-kiu, take a photo with the HK$3,000 bronze award at the finale of the competition.
Joanne Ng Wing-kiu and Kelly Chan Wai-yi, two fourth-year students from the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Information and Communication Technology (BEd-(S)ICT) programme, won the distinguished bronze medal along with a cash prize of HK$3,000 at the finale of the HK Techathon+2025 competition held on 19 January 2025 at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. Under the expert mentorship of Dr Manpreet Singh from the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT), the students developed a groundbreaking AI-assisted device addressing urgent mental health issues in Hong Kong.
Their submission “Oasis” is a mobile booth equipped with IoT-supported devices and an app. “People can use the booth to relax amidst their busy schedules. Once settled, they can communicate their mental condition to the AI-assisted console, which will then generate an immersive environment with tailored images, lighting, and music. Within seconds, attendees enter a private space to meditate and relax,” Joanne explained.
A concept design photo of the “Oasis” booth. Equipped with IoT-supported devices and AI-assisted applications, the booth adjusts its lighting and music to create an immersive environment tailored to mental needs of users.
The duo were overjoyed upon learning they had won the bronze prize. “This was our first time participating in a major public competition, and it was also our first time winning one. The HK Techathon+2025 event was highly competitive, so it was a significant surprise and encouragement for us to win among other well-prepared teams,” Kelly said.
“Hong Kong residents, including students and working professionals, face immense pressure. Installing such booths on campuses and in workplaces could provide a customised and interactive environment for relaxation. Many telephone booths in Hong Kong are underutilised. We hope to refurbish them into mental oases for those needing immediate help,” they added.
Joanne, first from left, and Kelly, second from left, take photos with other staff members of the University. They thank the EDuce unit (Entrepreneurship Development Unit Community Empowerment) and Knowledge Transfer sub-office of the University for giving them many useful advices for improving their invention. Also in the photo are Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Associate Vice President (Research) of the University, sixth from right, and Professor Stephen Chow Cheuk-fai, Director of Knowledge Transfer, fifth from right.
Kelly, second from right and Joanne, second from left, receive the cash award from the competition organisers.
(Entrepreneurship Development Unit CommunityEmpowerment) and Knowledge Transfer sub-office of the University for their support and guidance throughout the competition.
“This pioneering project highlights the immense potential of integrating technology with mental health support and underscores the vital role students and professionals play in fostering community well-being. By addressing mental health with a thoughtful and accessible approach, Joanne and Kelly are paving the way for a future where relief support is readily available. This will transform the mental health care landscape in an increasingly demanding world,” Dr Singh remarked.
Joanne and Kelly’s achievement at the HK Techathon+ competition has significantly enhanced the position of EdUHK in promoting STEM and AI education for girls. “People used to believe male students perform better in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but this perception is changing,” Kelly said, noting that subjects like STEM, Information and Communication Technology, and AI have become increasingly popular among female students.
Joanne Ng Wing-kiu, right, and Kelly Chan Wai-yi, second from right, thank their project supervisor Dr Manpreet Singh for his advice and encouragement throughout their participation in the HK Techathon+2025 competition.
Their achievement reflects women's empowerment in STEM education, encouraging females to explore their interests in technology and problem-solving, thereby narrowing the gender gap in these fields.
Dr Singh stressed that their success showcases the capabilities of female students in STEM and computation-based subjects, motivating others to pursue similar paths. “Their achievement reflects women's empowerment in STEM education, encouraging females to explore their interests in technology and problem-solving, thereby narrowing the gender gap in these fields,” the experienced educator and researcher in STEM education said.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and 13 leading universities and institutions in Hong Kong, HK Techathon+ encourages innovators to tackle challenges with inventive approaches. Entries were judged according to their innovativeness/technology content, commercial feasibility, team capability, and social/community impact. The competition features student and open categories under four themes: Trusted AI & Data Science, Sustainability & ESG, Digital Economy and Smart Cities. Joanne and Kelly submitted their entry under the Smart Cities category for students. Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025 Event is the nineth edition of the event since its inauguration in 2015.
Click here to view a recap of the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025 Event.
