Bridging the digital divide
12 - 06 - 2004

The Government will continue its efforts to promote the use of information technology (IT) and bridge the digital divide in the community, despite the increase in IT usage in Hong Kong in recent years, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said at the IT Bridge launching ceremony today (June 12).

According to the Thematic Household Survey conducted by the Census and Statistics Department in 2003, the penetration rate of personal computers was 67.5%, which had doubled the rate of 1998 (34.5%) while the Internet penetration rate was 60%, which is five times of that of 1998 (11.8%).

Mr Wong said building a digitally inclusive society had always been an important part in the Government's IT strategy. In the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy announced this year, one of the main work areas is to bridge digital divide.

Over the past few years, the Government has launched various measures to promote the wider use of IT in the community, particularly among women, new immigrants, the elderly and disabled.

About 5,300 computers with Internet connection are installed in libraries, post offices, community centres, Community Cyber Points and the Super Cyber Centre. All are open for use by the public free of charge. More than 20 computers are installed with facilities catering for the visually impaired. Computers in the Community Cyber Points have also been upgraded with broadband Internet connection since last year.

IT appreciation courses were regularly organised and radio programmes produced to enhance the public's knowledge of and interest in IT.

To assist people with IT usage problems, the Government has launched the IT Easy Link hotline enquiry service with the Hong Kong Computer Society.

A pilot sound portal was launched this year to facilitate the elderly and visually impaired's access to government information. The portal is being tested by related organisations and associations.

Mr Wong said the Government strongly supported computer recycling campaigns and had internally initiated such a drive. More than 1,000 obsolete computers were donated to related organisations, which were then passed to the elderly, disabled or those in need after being updated with relevant hardware and software.

"We believe that through the participation and joint efforts of various organisations, we can fully utilise limited resources and enable all sectors of the community to enjoy the benefits brought by advancements in information and communication technologies," he said.

Organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and Hong Kong Association for Computer Education, the IT Bridge programme aims to encourage and assist children with hearing disabilities to make use of IT and learn more about the world through the Internet.

Mr Wong expressed his appreciation to the programme's volunteers for devoting their time to contribute to those with special needs in the community. He also thanked a service provider for providing free Internet connection and other companies for supporting the programme.

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