HKUST and ExxonMobil Ignite Young Minds at iSTEAM Program 2025
The Center for Global & Community Engagement at the HKUST School of Engineering, supported by ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, proudly hosted the “HKUST-ExxonMobil iSTEAM Program 2025 – Smartbot Jungle Games” on November 22, 2025. This year, the program attracted 108 enthusiastic students from 18 primary and secondary schools, igniting their interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (iSTEAM).
The event commenced with a lively opening ceremony, featuring an introduction to ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited by Mr. Tony Kwok, HK and Macau Fuels Sales Director. He shared insights into the company’s energy business and highlighted its commitment to community engagement and youth education.
Students were organized into two categories, with each category consisting of 18 groups. They participated in two hands-on workshops designed and led by HKUST undergraduate students: the Catapult Robot and the Magnetic Tank. With guidance from HKUST students, participants gained valuable experience in basic programming and robotics.
In the Catapult Robot workshop, students learned to install a catapult mechanism onto a micro:bit-driven car, programmed them to control the robot's movement and launch cannonballs. In the Magnetic Tank workshop, participants constructed a block-based tank equipped with micro:bit technology to drive and detect magnets.
After the workshops, students enthusiastically engaged in the competition. The Catapult Robot teams aimed to accurately shoot cannonballs into designated areas marked with varying point values, while the Magnetic Tank teams set out on a treasure hunt, searching for hidden magnetic treasures.
This year’s program was enriched by the service-learning team from HKUST (GZ), who shared fresh perspectives to our iSTEAM approach. Together with ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, we explored opportunities to extend these inspiring experiences to schools in Dayawan (Huizhou).
The day concluded with an award presentation ceremony, where participants were recognized for their teamwork and problem-solving skills. The HKUST-ExxonMobil iSTEAM Program exemplifies the dedication of both HKUST and ExxonMobil to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders in the iSTEAM fields.
The winners are as follows:
Catapult Robot Competition:
Champion Chiu Yang Primary School of Hong Kong (C4)
First Runner-up Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School (C6)
Second Runner-up Sacred Heart Canossian School (C8)
Magnetic Tank Competition:
Champion North Point Government Primary School (M13)
First Runner-up Fung Kai No.1 Primary School (M1)
Second Runner-up Kowloon Tong Government Primary School (M10)