An engaging formula for learning

Science festival targets young, inquisitive minds with an innovative approach.

As mathematics and technology take a more prominent role in the rapidly-changing economy, more varied educational methods are being explored to make learning more fun, relevant and useful.

Internet conglomerate Tencent Holdings Ltd is endeavoring to foster children's interest in science-related subjects by hosting an annual event that gathers world-leading figures and delivers lectures in a way that's engaging and comprehensible.

During the Tencent Youth Science Festival last month, luminaries－ranging from Ouyang Ziyuan, founding father of the Chinese lunar exploration program, and Avery Broderick, US astrophysicist who helped photograph a black hole, to Marc Abrahams, US author, columnist and creator of the Ig Nobel Prizes－gathered at Tsinghua University to impart their knowledge and share their experiences with youngsters.

"The event aims to foster curiosity that's embedded in the mind of every child and ignite their passion for science," says Cheng Wu, vice-president of Tencent and CEO of Tencent Pictures. "Not everyone will grow up to become scientists but we strive to protect and cultivate that curiosity to explore the unknown."

The youth gala unveiled a list of science topics interesting to Chinese youngsters, and identified astronomy as the most popular subject.