Opening Remarks by Mr. Stephen Mak, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, at the ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 - "Youths and ICT" Seminar
08 - 12 - 2006

Christine, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning! I am delighted to be here today to speak at the "Youths and ICT" seminar of ITU Telecom World 2006.

Before we embark on our discussion, let's take stock of the current situation in our society. According to the latest survey conducted by our Census and Statistics Department, the usage rate of PC and the Internet in the age group under 24 is as high as 96%. It is comparable with other advanced countries. For instance, the Internet usage rate of the youths in South Korea was about 97% in December 2005. The survey also revealed that the youths in Hong Kong mainly use PCs and the Internet to communicate with the outside world. PC and the Internet has become an integral part of the daily life of our new generation.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to enriching the ICT knowledge of our youths. We have allocated considerable resources to promote ICT in education. Back in 1998, we have promulgated the five-year "Information Technology for Learning in a New Era" strategy to herald the beginning of our efforts in integrating ICT into education. To equip students to master ICT as a generic tool, the tertiary institutions in Hong Kong have also strengthened the ICT component in their programmes and courses.

In order to provide the youths with the correct concept and guidance on the proper use of PC and the Internet, we have implemented a number of measures.

A column is specifically set up in our INFOSEC web site (www.infosec.gov.hk) to promote information security to the youngsters and students and to educate them on computer crime.

To combat online file sharing of pirated materials, we have collaborated with the industry to establish the Intellectual Property Right Protection Alliance to step up the fight against piracy and counterfeiting. Under a new scheme entitled "Youth Ambassador Against Internet Piracy", 11 local youth uniform organizations and their 200,000 members have been recruited to form a strong alliance, which aims at fighting illegal file-sharing activities on the Internet.

With a view to encouraging innovation, quality research and development in ICT areas by local students, our newly created Hong Kong ICT Awards Scheme has included the "eYouth" award category.

ICT is the key to the development of the information society. Our youths must endeavor to make the best use of ICT to keep on improving and striving for perfection so as to maintain their competitiveness in the Information Age.

Today's seminar provides a good platform for exchanging views in regard to cultivating our next generation in relation to ICT. I wish you all a fruitful discussion in the seminar.

Thank you.

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