The sixth generation solar-powered car, SOPHIE VI, built by engineering students at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) – a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) – will take on the World Solar Challenge to be held in Australia this October. SOPHIE VI is 25% lighter than its previous edition and conserves more electricity. Coupled with its streamlined design, the car will surely shine again in the global tournament.

The new SOPHIE VI was showcased in a STEM Education Promotion Day held today (2 July). Apart from launching the new solar car, the event also displayed winning works of Seconary School IoT (Internet of Things) design competition and unveiled the D•PARK carnival. The event was jointly organised by the IVE Engineering Discipline, the VTC STEM Education Centre, Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations in four districts (namely Central & Western, Sai Kung, Kwai Tsing, and Islands), the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools in four districts (namely Central & Western, Sai Kung & Tseung Kwan O, Tsuen Wan & Kwai Tsing, and Islands) and D•PARK. The pledging ceremony for participating in the upcoming World Solar Challenge 2017 was also held. The STEM Education Promotion Day was orgnaised with a view to equipping our younger generations with high-level knowledge and understanding of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).