"BOC Life New Generation Financial and Technology Designers" Programme 2026-2027 Kick-off Ceremony Integrating AI and VR with Humanistic Care to Empower Children’s Holistic Growth

BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited ("BOC Life") has launched the technology- and Virtual Reality (VR)-enabled "BOC Life New Generation Financial and Technology Designers" Programme (the "Programme") in continued partnership with St. James' Settlement. Supported once again by matching funds from the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged under the Social Welfare Department, the Programme introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) and VR learning elements for the first time, actively responding to the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address's direction to deepen digital and STEAM education. The new phase will cover 12 participating schools and is expected to benefit over 2,000 students, empowering them to give back to society through creativity.

By leveraging technology to empower education, the Programme guides students to draw from their personal experiences and community memories to explore community needs and mental health issues. Utilising AI and VR technologies, students will design interactive games and construct ideal simulated communities, fostering innovative thinking, empathy, and problem-solving skills throughout the hands-on process.

Speaking at the new school year launch ceremony, Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life, said: "AI is transitioning from a 'tool' to an 'everyday reality'. We are deeply inspired by the HKSAR Government’s emphasis on 'AI+' and digital education in the latest Policy Address. At BOC Life, we firmly believe that youth development is vital to sustainable development and serves as the cornerstone of long-term corporate value in fostering business with purpose. Over the years, BOC Life has collaborated closely with St. James' Settlement to build an equitable innovation and tech-learning platform for students from diverse backgrounds. Through cross-disciplinary integration of coding, AI, financial literacy, and community care, we aim to empower future leaders equipped with innovative mindsets and social responsibility—injecting momentum into Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem and driving the city’s sustainable development."

Ms. Josephine Lee, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement, stated: "We are deeply grateful to BOC Life and the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged for their longstanding support. We believe the future society requires not only individuals with technological expertise, but also talent driven by humanistic care and a strong sense of social responsibility. Through this Programme, we hope students will not only learn about innovative technologies such as AI and VR, but also develop the ability to observe their community and respond to social needs   with creativity and empathy, harnessing technology to make a positive impact and contribute to a more caring and inclusive society." 

Programme Highlights:

• Holistic Wellness Inspiration: Through an introduction the 8 Pillars of Wellness (physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, financial, and environmental), students are encouraged to explore community needs and mental health issues, while building community connections and developing empathy.
• Fostering Social Care Through Technology: Stepping into the shoes of underprivileged groups through technology enables students to experience the daily challenges they face, demonstrating how technology can go beyond its functional role to promote empathy, social care, and community inclusion.
• From "Players" to "Creators": Beginning with experiencing games, the ten-session workshops gradually introduce students to VR and AI technologies before advancing to coding and VR game design. By applying their knowledge in practice, students evolve from players into creators. The Programme also strengthens their digital literacy and critical thinking skills, laying a solid foundation for future technology-driven learning and innovation.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration among Government, Business, and Community: Supported by the Social Welfare Department’s Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, this initiative exemplifies the collaborative power of the government, business sector, and social welfare organisations. Together, we provide high-quality STEAM education to underpriviledged students in Hong Kong, narrowing the digital divide and driving sustainable social development.

   

Photo 1 : Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life (Right) and Ms. Josephine Lee, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement (Left) at the new school year launch ceremony of the "BOC Life New Generation Financial and Technology Designers" Programme, promoting STEAM education and nurturing a new generation with both innovative thinking and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Photo 2 & 3: Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life and Ms. Josephine Lee, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement with students at this year’s new school year launch ceremony for the "BOC Life New Generation Financial and Technology Designers" Programme.