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BASF, the world’s leading chemical company and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) are once again organising the BASF Kids’ Lab at the CUHK campus from July 27-30. This summer, BASF Kids’ Lab presents two funny and practical experiments on a very timely topic, “The science behind handwashing”.

“The Kids’ Lab programme is designed to spark curiosity in children at a young age. Through safe and thought-provoking experiments, we want to show them how a career in science can be enjoyable and innovative. Our Kids’ Lab programme has been supporting the promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education because these skills are critical to almost any industry for continued innovation and future success,” said Dr. Carola Richter, President, Regional Division, South & East Asia, ASEAN and Australia & New Zealand and Company Director, BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd.

Professor To Ngai, Professor, Department of Chemistry, CUHK, said “The COVID-19 occurrence has caused a global request for effective measures aimed at mitigating the infection spread. Hand sanitising has been identified as an essential activity in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. Through the Kids’ Lab, students will make their own hand sanitiser and learn about the science and materials behind it. In long run, I hope this kind of activity enables them to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for learning science and technology.”

Starting from today to 30 July, close to 400 Hong Kong primary school students will get the chance to conduct a pair of hands-on and engaging chemistry experiments under the guidance of CUHK science students and BASF volunteers. The two experiments are:

Washing hands to remove bacteria

Children will learn how simulated germs stay on their hands despite “normal” handwashing. This interesting experiment visualises the journeys of germs and teaches children the good hygiene habit of washing hands properly. 

DIY hand sanitiser

Using simple lab equipment and chemicals, children will make their very own hand sanitiser. Children will understand the key properties of the ingredients and the proper handling of all components involved in this interesting experiment.

BASF Kids’ Lab is a free and interactive chemistry education programme designed for children to discover the world of chemistry through simple and safe hands-on experiments and help them understand the ubiquity of chemistry in our daily lives. Since its launch in 1997, the programme has been brought to more than 30 countries and regions across the globe. The programme was first introduced in Hong Kong in 2005. 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organised into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com/.

About The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, CUHK is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Under the University’s unique collegiate system, the programmes and activities offered by its nine colleges complement the formal curricula by delivering whole-person education and pastoral care. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

CUHK is recognised as the most innovative university in Hong Kong for the fourth consecutive year and is ranked 26th in the Asia-Pacific region by Reuters’ latest “Asia Pacific Region’s Most Innovative Universities” listing. The University currently has more than 1,400 granted patents in different jurisdictions worldwide. Some of these patents have been licensed to relevant industries that help bring these innovations to the market to benefit society. In academic year 2020-21, CUHK received 226 granted patents and filed 386 patent applications for inventions developed in the areas of medical technology, biotechnology, information technology, telecommunications, and materials science.