Speech by Mr. Howard C Dickson Government Chief Information Officer for the HK Computer Society Press Conference on 28 May 2007 in respect of the IT Professional Certification System (ITPCRS) and the establishment of the HK Institute of IT Professional Certification (HKITPC)
28 May 2007

Mr Lee, Mr Lau, Dr Cheung, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to this event. I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Computer Society for the good progress made in the IT Professional Certification scheme.

A properly equipped IT profession with the right talents is crucial in the sustained development of Hong Kong as an innovative knowledge economy. IT professional certification is an important tool in giving recognition to IT professional competency. The Government strongly supports recognition of professional competency in IT. As a major employer, we encourage our staff to obtain professional recognition to confirm their competence and to pursue continuous professional development by taking up-to-date technology and professional training.

We support the development of certification schemes where they meet the practical needs of businesses. We are open to professional competency recognition schemes that enhance the IT profession. IT is a dynamic and fast-developing sector where its sustainable growth depends on an open manpower market. We hope to see competency recognition schemes to encourage professional development rather than to create barriers to entry for individuals aspiring to enter or advance in the IT disciplines.

It has been my pleasure that my Office, the OGCIO has been able to contribute to HKCS' certification scheme by providing funding support to make it possible. And we are very pleased to be the sponsor of the certification scheme, since it is one of the industry driven mechanisms in giving formal recognition to IT professional competency in Hong Kong.

The establishment of the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Certification exemplifies the industry's aspirations and continued efforts to advance the professional development of the local IT workforce. I congratulate the profession on this milestone development in professional recognition and wish it every success in its endeavours.

My Office will see in what way we could be of help on further developments in this area and I am sure today's event will bring fresh impetus for the IT profession in Hong Kong to scale new heights.

Thank you !

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