Hong Kong develops into digital city
13 - 11 - 2003

Thanks to Government initiatives, Hong Kong has made great strides on the road to becoming an e-business community and a digital city, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said today (November 13).

Mr Wong gave an overview of the SAR Government's recent information technology (IT) measures in a speech to the 9th Joint International Computer Conference in Zhuhai.

A key principle of the Digital 21 Strategy is that the Government must lead by example in the adoption of e-business. As at the end of June this year, the Government has provided e-options for 86% of public services amenable to electronic delivery. It is confident of achieving its aim of 90% by the end of the year.

The smart identity card launched this June is a major component of e-government strategy. Offering increased security and various value-added applications, the new ID card supports e-business and e-government transactions.

To provide the logistics industry with a neutral and open electronic platform for information and data exchange, the Government is exploring a Digital Trade and Transportation Network. It is hoped that operating costs can be lowered by improvements in the speed and reliability of information transmission.

To help the public navigate Government websites with ease, the "Common Look and Feel" website guidelines and specifications were introduced at the end of last year.

All Government websites come in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese versions. The Government plans to develop a "Text-to-Speech" sound version to improve access for the disabled.

The Electronic Service Delivery Scheme has been well-received, logging more than 3.5 million transactions since its launch at the end of 2000. The scheme offers 170 kinds of Government services online and has significantly improved quality and efficiency of delivery.

"The Government plans to join up a number of related cross-departmental services with a view to providing the public with more direct access and better search functions. Projects under study include the Business Entry Portal, the Property Information Hub and the Integrated Criminal Justice System," Mr Wong said.

As Government services go online, more information must be stored electronically. To establish policies and guidelines for data storage, the Government set up the Electronic Record Management Working Group in May 2001. It has recommended development of an Electronic Record Management System to manage and store records reliably and consistently.

The Government has actively promoted the development of open source software in recent years. At present, servers and desktop computers in 30 Government departments use Linux systems.

To foster the growth of the wireless and mobile communications industry in Hong Kong, the Government is setting up a Wireless Solutions Development Centre at the Cyberport where software developers can test their products and obtain industry news.

To promote IT usage in the community, the Government has strengthened IT programmes in the schools and made 5,000 computers available throughout Hong Kong for public use. The IT Hong Kong Campaign begun in September 2000 also provides training and seminars for different groups in the community.

"The Government has always supported the use of IT in commerce and industry to enhance productivity and operational efficiency," Mr Wong said. Measures include organising an IT awareness campaign, setting up support centers, and launching the IT Easy Link for Business, which provides both a hotline enquiry service and face-to-face consultations.

To encourage IT vendors to participate in government IT projects, the Government has adopted a vigorous outsourcing strategy. Information and business-matching services are also offered via supporting organisations to help vendors expand into overseas markets.

With the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, 18 sectors including telecommunications services will enjoy closer trading ties with the Mainland. The Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau is discussing with the industry a mechanism to strengthen co-operation between the IT and communications industries on both sides of the boundary.

"Information technology is part of the drive for economic restructuring," Mr Wong said. "To maintain Hong Kong's prosperity, reinforcing Hong Kong's IT connection with the Pearl River Delta and investing in IT education is crucial."

The Government is conducting a public consultation on the 2001 Digital 21 Strategy and plans to announce a new strategy in early 2004.

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