Hong Kong Observatory provides internship for City University students

The Hong Kong Observatory is the first Government Department to provide a real-work setting for the education and training of students from the City University of Hong Kong under the Co-operative Education Scheme of the University. The two organizations signed an agreement on 6 February.

The Co-operative Education Scheme is an internship to provide concurrent education, which integrates classroom learning with relevant job experience. Students joining the Scheme will be granted a scholarship by scientific institutes or industries to work in the respective organisation for one year. The Scheme aims at training young scientists who can respond to the ever-changing needs of the society.

The Acting Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Mr LAM Chiu-ying said, "The Observatory is happy to contribute to the education of young scientists in Hong Kong. We give students a chance to get in touch with science at work and to gain experience in scientific research, which would prepare them well for their future career. I believe that the student attached to the Observatory will benefit from his/her work at the Department."

Professor Roderick Wong, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the City University remarked, "I am grateful to the support rendered by the Hong Kong Observatory. With the support from Government Departments and the industrial sector, I am sure that the Co-operative Education Scheme would help produce quality graduates to serve the local industry and the Pearl River Delta region."

Miss Sammi Wong from the Department of Physics and Material Science is attached to the Observatory in 2003 under the Scheme. She said, "I developed my interest in atmospheric science after taking a course on this subject last year. I shall be doing research on the application of numerical weather prediction models at the Observatory. I am pleased to apply what I have learnt to solve a problem in the real world. This is a very valuable opportunity for me."

Miss Wong further indicated that she might pursue a higher degree on atmosphere science or meteorology after completing her internship. Her experience at the Observatory will form a solid foundation for her future studies.