Mr Bryant Chan, Chairman of FHKI Group 19 (Hong Kong Toys Council), highlights the vast potential of related industries, “STEM toys are an extremely promising category. In 2023, the global toy industry reached a market value of approximately US$100 billion, with 5%, which is US$5 billion constituted by STEM toys and products. Considering its status as an emerging category, this already represents a substantial market share. I have observed a consistent upward trend in the production value of STEM toys and products, and I anticipate it will more than double within the next decade,” said Bryant. STEM toys and products demand a higher knowledge threshold in educational content, particularly in the fields of technology and engineering. According to Bryant, whether it is traditional toy manufacturers seeking to pivot or new companies aiming to capitalise on the opportunity, they must overcome challenges in product development, manufacturing costs, and interdisciplinary capabilities of their staff. “However,” he emphasised, “the most significant challenge lies in demonstrating that their products indeed encompass highquality STEM components that effectively enhance students’ mastery of interdisciplinary STEM skills.” Overcoming Challenges in Product Quality Bryant continues, “the quality of education content can vary substantially for existing STEM toys and products in Hong Kong; hence, I see Q STEM as a timely solution to this matter. The certification provides objective rating standards, particularly given its introduction by the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, the governing body of the Q-Mark. The Q STEM not only safeguards consumers but also enhances industry standards, aiding the sector in overcoming this major challenge.” Aside from Q STEM, Bryant stated that the Hong Kong Toys Council is also promoting STEM education in Hong Kong through various channels. For example, the Council has partnered with the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association to organise the “Hong Kong Smart Design Awards”, where they recently added a “STEM” category to encourage STEM toy and product manufacturers to strive for excellence. Customising Products to Enlarge Customer Base Some parents believe that the current style and packaging design of STEM toys predominantly cater to boys, making it less likely to capture the interest of girls. They suggest that manufacturers should introduce product lines specifically tailored to different genders or preferences. Bryant was also in the view that more product customisation can help better cater to the specific needs of students from diverse backgrounds, prolonging the product lifecycle. This, he believes, could be a viable solution to expanding the customer base. FOCUS STORY | 專題 工總第19分組（香港玩具協會）主席陳允誠先生 （Bryant）指出，STEM相關產業的未來發展潛 力極大：「這是一個非常 promising 的玩具類別！ 2023年全球玩具產業的市場價值達到約1,000億 美元，當中5%，即50億為STEM玩具及產品，對於 一個新興類別而言，能佔到這個份額已經不錯。我 觀察到 STEM產品及玩具的產值連年上升，相信不 用10年時間就會增加逾一倍。」 STEM玩具及產品對於教育成份、特別是科技、工程 等跨學科的知識要求較高，Bryant指出無論是傳統 玩具製造商想轉型入場，抑或新公司來捕捉商機， 都需要在產品開發、製造成本及員工跨學科能力 等不同層面克服挑戰：「不過，我認為最重要的挑 戰，始終在於企業要證明自己的產品貨真價實，包 含高質量的STEM成份，有助學生掌握STEM綜合 能力。」 助業界克服產品質量的挑戰 Bryant續稱：「香港現時的STEM玩具和產品在教育 內容的質量上存在很大差異，而 Q STEM 正好對症 下藥。一來它具有客觀的評分準則，二來它與Q嘜 一樣，由香港優質標誌局推出，讓人充滿信心。 我相信 Q STEM 一方面能保障消費者，另一方 面能提升業界水平，協助業界克服這個最重要的 挑戰。」 除了 Q STEM 以外，Bryant表示香港玩具協會也透 過不同途徑，推動香港STEM教育發展，例如與香 港出口商會合辦「香港智營設計大賞」，比賽的參 賽類別近年新增「STEM」一欄，藉此鼓勵STEM玩 具及用品製造商精益求精。 產品客製化有助擴大客源 有家長認為，目前STEM玩具的外觀及包裝設計大 多以男生主導，未必能夠讓女生產生足夠興趣， 建議製造商推出專為不同性別或口味而設的產品 線。Bryant亦認為，提高產品的客製化程度，有助 產品更加貼近不同背景學生的實際需要，令產品的 生命周期延長，將會是擴大客源的可行方案。 Toy Industries: Unlocking Vast Opportunities with Q STEM 玩具業界：Q STEM助捕捉龐大商機 Q STEM will significantly impact Hong Kong's economy, industry, and education. Hong Kong Industrialist has invited representatives from relevant fields to share their insights. Q STEM 對於香港經濟、產業及教育等多個領域，將產生深遠的影響， 今期《香港工業家》特別找來相關界別的代表，闡述他們的看法。 22 | 5-7/2024
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