“Octopus AI RoboRacer: STEM Adventure” Officially Launches

The brand-new three-year “Octopus AI RoboRacer: STEM Adventure”, jointly organised by Octopus Cards Limited (‘Octopus’) and St. James’ Settlement (‘SJS’), with matching grant support from the Social Welfare Department’s Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, held its kick-off ceremony for the 2025-2026 on 11 October 2025. About 120 teachers and students from 10 participating primary and secondary schools, along with representatives from the organisers and Octopus corporate volunteers, participated in the ceremony and experiential activities. Mr. Cyron Chan, General Manager of the Information Technology Resource Centre of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (‘HKCSS’), was invited to share insights with students on the applications of Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) in daily life, while emphasising the importance of cultivating proper digital literacy.

AI technology is becoming increasingly prevalent and is emerging as one of the essential skills for future society and workplaces. The Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report 2020, released by the Census and Statistics Department, shows that nearly 280,000 children in Hong Kong live below the poverty line. With limited resources, children from disadvantaged background often have limited access to relevant technologies and opportunities to engage with them due to resource constraints. This results in insufficient knowledge of AI fundamentals, applications and potential risks, which makes it more difficult for them to navigate future digital challenges.

In view of this, Octopus and SJS have partnered to launch a new three-year programme “Octopus AI RoboRacer: STEM Adventure” that integrates AI and robotics technologies. The programme offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including classroom sessions, workshops and day camps, enabling students to learn through interactive and hands-on experience. It is designed to enhance students’ ability to utilise AI in problem-solving, develop logical thinking and creativity, as well as promote appropriate digital literacy and safety awareness, helping students avoid overreliance on technology or believe misinformation. Ultimately, the programme promotes holistic development, bridges the digital divide, and prepares students for future educational and employment opportunities.

This year’s programme will focus on environmental protection and community care. In addition to learning various AI tools and knowledge, students will apply AI to practical community projects. They will explore issues related to environmental protection and community care in their daily lives and then design and create innovative AI-powered robots as solutions. This approach aims to inspire students to think from multiple perspectives and encourages them to use innovative technology to improve quality of life and well-being.

Mr. Tim Ying, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus, said, “Octopus has long been committed to promoting innovation and nurturing talent, actively responding to society’s growing emphasis on digital education. The new ‘Octopus AI RoboRacer: STEM Adventure’ focuses on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, empowering students from our communities to master the key technologies shaping the future. Through this programme, they can enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, laying a strong foundation for their journey in innovation and technology. We firmly believe that technology is not just a tool, but a force that can transform lives. Through a series of interactive lessons and hands-on activities, we hope students will apply what they learn to everyday life and use the power of technology to give back to the community, helping Hong Kong move toward a smarter and brighter future.”

Ms. Josephine Lee, Chief Executive Officer of SJS, stated, “We are grateful for the invaluable support from the Octopus Cards Limited and Social Welfare Department’s Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged. With this new and innovative three-year programme, we are making an important step to empower underprivileged students with essential skills for the future. By promoting educational equity and fostering technological inclusion, we aim to prepare children from underprivileged families to succeed in the digital era and face upcoming challenges with confidence.”

The kick-off ceremony featured a sharing session by Mr. Cyron Chan, General Manager of the Information Technology Resource Centre of HKCSS. He shared his insights on the applications of AI technology in everyday life and highlighted the importance of learning AI. He pointed out that, with rapid development of AI, students can now learn a wide range of subjects using AI. However, underprivileged students who lack learning resources and the right mindset will face a greater digital divide compared to their peers. He stressed that cultivating students’ ability to use AI responsibly and strengthening their digital literacy are not only for improving learning outcomes but also for ensuing future competitiveness.