Press Release

(Hong Kong – 18 August 2025) The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has conducted an investigation and follow-up over the past two months regarding the attention received by a Secondary Four student's development of an artificial intelligence platform named Medisafe. Today, we are releasing the relevant investigation progress and findings.

1. Focus on the originality of student competition concepts  

The investigation, initiated in June 2025, involved gathering information from relevant individuals and organizations to verify the accuracy of data and review competition evaluation criteria and processes. The HKAGE adhered to the principles of transparency, fairness, and impartiality to ensure a thorough investigation and fair treatment of all participants. The investigation's objectives and focus included:

• Determining the originality of the student's competition concepts at HKAGE-related competitions (i.e., the Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition, the Young STEAM Talent Award, the International Science Competition 2025 – Hong Kong Regional Selection Finals, and the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva). Other competitions were investigated by the respective organizations.

• Verifying whether the student's participation complied with the relevant competition assessment mechanisms and rules.

2. Timeline reflecting Medisafe’s iterations from the student's original concept

Regarding the verification of original concepts, based on the information collected during the investigation, it was revealed that the student submitted her work to the 26th Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition and the JPC Innovation and Technology Competition 2023-24 in January 2024 and February 2024, respectively. The student's work included a 22-page ppt presentation covering problem analysis, principles, arguments, case studies, required application functions, and proposed solutions. The HKAGE also obtained email confirmation that the student presented the concept of her work to the teacher in October 2023. Therefore, the HKAGE acknowledges Medisafe as the student's original concept.

Regarding the allegation that Medisafe appeared on the website of the US technology company involved in 2022. The company’s public statement pointed out that the website information regarding “2022” displayed in 2024 was a placeholder. The information mentioned above (detailed in Table 1) reflects that the student developed her work before the relevant information was posted on the website of the US company.

3. Review of assessment criteria of various competitions to verify compliance

The HKAGE's second investigation focus was whether the student complied fully with the assessment criteria in all the local competitions she participated in. Each of the related competitions has its respective assessment focuses (detailed in Table 2). Based on the principle of originality, the assessment criteria include innovative aspects of original concepts, scientific and practical value of works, integration of ESG concepts, leadership abilities, and passion for innovation etc. A judge also indicated that the judging panel would raise challenging questions during interviews to assess participants' ability to defend their work's concepts, logics, and relevant knowledge. 

Regarding the international event of the public’s concern, i.e., whether the student's work in the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva involved commercial elements. The HKAGE enquired about the situation with the event's Hong Kong representative and received the written response below:

“The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva prioritizes the originality and creativity of works. On the day the student participated in Geneva, she presented her creative concept to the judges, accompanied by a self-developed prototype program for explanation. It was based on this (creativity and prototype) that she received a silver award. It is noteworthy that she did not use any so-called professional systems for the presentation."

The HKAGE respects and agrees to the organizer's judgment, considering the Hong Kong representative's statement regarding the student's work. The HKAGE reiterates that any violations found will be handled seriously and will be reported to competition organizers.

4. Difficulty in ascertaining the direct connection between the student’s work and the commercial product

During the investigation, the HKAGE received inconsistent messages. After several inquiries and verification, it was finally ascertained that the US technology company and the student's parents had initial contact in March 2024. The timing of the engagement between the parents and the company occurred after the student had submitted entries to the 26th Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition (January 2024) and the JPC Innovation and Technology Competition 2023-24 (February 2024). 

It is understood that the two parties started the discussion with reference to the student's work, including design concepts and operating principles. The company's mentioning of their work being "entirely from scratch" is questionable. As subsequent negotiations regarding commercial activities between the two parties fall outside the scope of the HKAGE's investigation, no comment will be provided on this matter.

Regarding the connection between the student’s competition entry and the commercialized product, the HKAGE found it difficult to define any direct relationship between the commercial activities of the two parties and the work submitted by the student for the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Therefore, the HKAGE will abide by the rules and decisions of the organizer.

5. Data Collection Aligns with Competition and Innovation Purposes

Concerning the patient data, the student's written reports submitted for the competition clearly stated that the data came from "simulated patients". However, certain presentation materials contained misleading wordings, which the HKAGE has advised the student to address and improve the situation. 

Regarding the drug data, it was clarified by the drug database that database was permissible for non-commercial use.

6. Recommendation: Strengthen Declaration Mechanisms for Competition Organizers 

In view of the rapid advancements in technology, local competition organisations will need to continue to emphasize, remind and request participants to pay attention to various ethical principles in the use of artificial intelligence and data, including the proper declaration of any involvement of professional techniques and third-party advice. The HKAGE will continue to encourage students to learn from exploration, discerning the use of artificial intelligence under guidance, and leveraging their analytical thinking, learning, and enthusiasm for learning.

Over the past two months, all related parties including the student, her parents, and individuals initially raised the queries, have been subjected to irrational opinions, abuses, and even personal attacks on the internet, far exceeding the scope and scale of student activities. As an educator, we are deeply saddened and sincerely hope that all parties will cease such behaviour, return to rationality, and discuss matters in a calm and peaceful manner.

In conclusion, the HKAGE hopes the public can understand that the original intention of each organiser is to promote innovation and technology development, providing local young people with appropriate platforms and learning opportunities to support their growth and exploration of their potential. For parents and students, awards are not the most important thing; rather, the process of participating, cultivating integrity, and fostering a positive learning attitude are what truly matter. We also urge all sectors to work together to create a positive and inclusive growth environment, enabling students to learn and grow from their experiences.

 Table 1: Timeline of Recent Survey Findings and Related Events

Table 2: Evaluation Criteria for Relevant Competitions

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