Opening Speech by Mr K H Lau, Director of Information Technology Services at the 15th International Computer Expo on 13 - 5 - 1999

Mr. Tang, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

Advances in Information Technology (IT) have brought about a lot of changes, from the way we work, the way we communicate, to the way we do business. The important question is how should we prepare ourselves for the Information Age and how to grasp the opportunities offered by the digital world. I am, therefore, pleased to see the opening of Computer Expo '99, which will help to raise our awareness and understanding of these opportunities.

In November last year, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR published the "Digital 21" IT Strategy which contains a range of initiatives to enhance and promote Hong Kong's information infrastructure and services in order to make Hong Kong a leading digital city in the globally connected world.

Our key initiatives include:

• First, the development of high capacity telecommunications networks which provide the arteries through which digital information flows;

• Second, the establishment of an open and common interface as well as a public key infrastructure so that individuals, businesses and the government can interact through digital networks easily and securely;

• Third, the adoption of IT in education and provision of IT training in order to equip our younger generation and our work force with the necessary skills required in the digital world; and

• Fourth, the cultivation of a culture which welcomes the use of new technologies in the community.

Since the IT Strategy was published, the Government has been working closely with various organizations, such as chambers of commerce, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and the Trade Development Council to publicise the strategic direction and major projects. For example, the Electronic Service Delivery is showcased in various roadshows. Seminars on Chinese language interface have been organized. And we shall continue our efforts to foster interest in the business potentials offered by IT, and to give the average citizen a better appreciation of the Information Age.

The Government is also promoting the use of IT in education. Part of the IT Strategy is focused at educating our youngsters and making everyone of us aware of the importance of IT to our daily life. This year's Expo has set up a "ChildCOM Zone" to exhibit IT and related educational materials for the youngsters. This will provide interesting insight for parents and educators on how IT can help our children and youth to acquire a broad knowledge base, a global outlook, and the capability for life-long learning.

We believe our IT Strategy will ride on Hong Kong's strengths. The digital world offers enormous opportunities for every one of us. I would like to urge every one of you to tap the strengths we already have and to grasp these new opportunities and maintain Hong Kong's leading position in the ever-competitive business world.

The Computer Expo 99 is a valuable showcase for those who need to keep in touch with the advances in IT. I am sure that it will raise public awareness of the importance of IT development.

I wish Computer Expo '99 every success.

Thank you.

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