Speech by Mr. Tony Wong, JP, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer (Industry Development), at the “ISACA Student Group Annual Case Competition 2019” (with photos)

Leroy (Mr Leroy YAU, President, ISACA China Hong Kong Chapter), Dr SHUM (Dr SHUM Kam Hong, Director, Applied Cryptosystems of the Division of Security & Data Sciences, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology (ASTRI), Maverick (Mr Maverick TAM, Chief Risk Officer, Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL)), fellow students, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all at the ISACA Student Group Annual Case Competition 2019, which provides an excellent platform for students across universities to share their innovative insights on “Sharing Economy”.

The emergence of sharing economy has revolutionised the traditional and capital intensive business model based on tangible assets. It has generated keen competition across sectors and regions along with great opportunities for transformation. These opportunities stem from the application of Internet, mobile computing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and all in all, innovation and technology (I&T).

The Government is committed to promoting I&T to drive the transformation and diversified development of the economy, as well as improve people’s quality of life. To assist young people in participating actively in I&T and entrepreneurship, we are stepping up the support on multiple fronts. To name a few, the Government is devoting its efforts in delivering over 70 smart city initiatives in six areas as announced in the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong. A key initiative is to nurture the younger generation of ICT talent through implementation of various measures such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, IT enrichment programmes in secondary schools, and funding schemes for universities.

Last November, the Chief Executive announced at her second Policy Address a new initiative of hosting an annual “City I&T Grand Challenge” to promote the use of I&T in addressing livelihood issues and create a fervid I&T atmosphere for Hong Kong. A total of $500 million will be allocated for this new initiative in the next five years. We welcome various sectors, including the academia and students, to put forward innovative solutions to tackle issues closely related to our daily lives.

I have to thank ISACA China Hong Kong Chapter for its long years of support to local educational seminars and workshops to elevate the information security profession, as well as its efforts to organise this competition to develop the interest in IT and business among local university students.

I can see the teams get a light of innovation and enthusiasm shining in your eyes. I can’t wait for your wonderful presentation. I wish you all an inspiring and rewarding afternoon.

Thank you.

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