Class Notes

Samsung seeking young inventors for creative design competition

Samsung Electronics is calling for inventions from university students. The 2008 SAMSUNG Joint Universities of Talents Awards on Creative Technology Gadgets requires teams to design a hi-tech gadget using old materials, and write a proposal and build a prototype. The prize is a trip to Samsung headquarters in Seoul. Deadline for entries is September 26. Details: www.samsung.com/hk/2008juctta.

Silent film contest for moviemakersEducational website iCUBED.us has launched a silent-filmmaking competition for young people to showcase creativity. Participants must be aged 13 to 21. They must make a one-minute silent film on the theme of 'One Minute of Kindness', 'Yak Cheese' or an open topic to show 'what they really care about'. Three winners will each be awarded US$1,000. Individuals or groups entering must post their works on Youtube before January 10. Details: www.icubed.us/.

Design extravaganza at PolyU

Polytechnic University's School of Design is running a design extravaganza featuring conferences, lectures, exhibitions and workshops until the end of next month. Renowned international designers will discuss with students how to tap into their hidden potential. One of the highlights is the multimedia graduation show. Most programmes are open to the public. Details: www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/designmonth2008.

Medicine scholar wins book award

A Baptist University Chinese medicine scholar was awarded an Outstanding Books Award by mainland publishers for his editing work on an encyclopedia on contemporary medicinal plants. The Encyclopedia on Contemporary Medicinal Plants was co-edited by Professor Zhao Zhongzhen from BaptistU's School of Chinese Medicine and Professor Xiao Peigen from the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

New multi-disciplinary degrees

Polytechnic University has launched eight new full-time undergraduate degrees. The programmes are multi-disciplinary, covering diverse areas such as food science and transport systems engineering.