The Chief Executive released his second Policy Address in late October 2023. The report covers national security, governance, economic diversification, attracting enterprises and talent, land and housing, fertility support, youth development and healthcare improvements. This article extracts the information technology measures from Policy Address 2023 so industry readers can quickly understand the key IT-related directions.
Policy Address 2023: Information Technology Measures
Legislation for critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Following recent cyberattacks on public-sector computer systems, the government will legislate for cybersecurity protection of critical infrastructure IT networks. The work will focus on sectors including energy, communications, transport and financial institutions, with a bill expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council in 2024.
Establishing the Digital Policy Office. To use data more effectively for governance, the government will establish a Digital Policy Office by merging the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Efficiency Office (EO). The office will formulate policies on digital government, data governance and information technology, coordinate more digital services across departments, and continue encouraging departments to adopt new technologies through the Smart Government Innovation Lab, the TechConnect scheme and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s innovation collaboration platform.
Launching an authorised data exchange gateway. Policy Address 2023 proposes integrating internal government IT resources and promoting open data. The government will launch an authorised data exchange gateway, connecting with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Commercial Data Interchange. This will provide SMEs and banks with more business data authorised by corporate customers, helping accelerate credit approval and improve financial service efficiency.
AI, Blockchain and Digital Services
The government will optimize and launch more digital services using artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to improve service efficiency. Measures listed in Policy Address 2023 include using blockchain to issue and verify electronic licences and certificates; using AI to improve security at cargo handling areas; introducing automated parking systems in new government car parks and short-term tenancy car parks; strengthening smart mobility research and traffic data analytics through the Smart Traffic Fund; launching the HKSOS smart rescue mobile app; adding AI chatbot services to 1823; digitizing licence application services such as electronic vehicle licences, driving licences and food business licences; expanding electronic appointment services; using QR Code verification in the registration system for dealers in precious metals and stones; developing a digital transformation plan for waterworks facilities with big data, AI and smart technologies; and piloting smart estate management in ten public housing estates using IoT sensors, AI and mobile devices.
The government will also work with Guangdong authorities to promote a Digital Bay Area through information technology. This includes cross-boundary government services, enabling Hong Kong residents to log in to Guangdong government service platforms through iAM Smart and allowing residents on both sides to use local self-service machines for public services.
International Innovation and Technology Centre
To further implement the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint released in December 2022, the government will establish the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises within the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. It will support strategic enterprises in promoting new industrialization and development in Hong Kong, while helping manufacturers adopt information technology for transformation.
The government will also set up a HKD 10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme to support downstream new industrial development, providing more funding for companies in health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.
Semiconductors, Microelectronics, AI and 5G
Policy Address 2023 also proposes developing third-generation semiconductors and the microelectronics industry. Hong Kong Science Park and a Shanghai semiconductor company signed a memorandum to establish the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute. The initiative will provide advanced infrastructure and hardware support, strengthen cooperation with universities and industry, and support core technology research for microelectronics and third-generation semiconductors.
Science Park will establish a new InnoHK research centre for generative AI technologies and study appropriate rules and guidelines for AI use. Cyberport will set up an AI supercomputing centre in phases from 2024 to support the computing power needed for AI research and related industries, with Cyberport Phase 5 expected to complete in 2025.
For 5G, Hong Kong’s commercial 5G network already covers more than 90% of the population and 99% of core business districts. The government will continue improving 5G coverage, auction more spectrum to mobile network operators, increase network transmission speeds, strengthen network capacity at major public event venues, and expand mobile infrastructure in remote and rural areas.
This article is based on official government information. For full details, readers can refer to the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address website and PDF.
Translation supported by AI.