Samson Tam's Report

What is the role of Hong Kong in the National "12-5" Plan?

(May 2010)

I. Focus Updates

1.    Exploring the role of Hong Kong in the National “12-5” Plan
       尋找香港在國家十二‧五科技規劃的角色

Currently, China is formulating her "12-5" Plan on technology development. How could Hong Kong industry seize this opportunity and increase participation? My office and the Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council jointly organized the “Fifth Technology Economy Summit" on May 14. The Deputy Director of Development Division of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Qin Yong delivered the keynote address and shared his views with over 200 participants from Guangdong, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Mr. Gregory So, the Under Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development, was invited to officiate at the ceremony. Miss Janet Wong, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology was also present in the discussion with participants.

Mr. Qin pointed out the three areas where Hong Kong’s ICT industry could participate in the Plan, namely: (1) to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland to develop the Six Industries; (2) to continue to actively participate in national science and technology projects; and (3) to continue to deepen co-operation among Guangdong, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

I also expressed the view that Hong Kong needed a Science and Technology Bureau to co-ordinate Government, industries, academia and research institutes, so that they could work more effectively together.

2.   Keeping pace when implementing Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation
      落實粵港合作，切忌步伐「一快一慢」

The motion of “Proactively Implementing the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/ Guangdong Co-operation” was passed by the Legislative Council on 26 May. My amendment to this motion was supported by members and passed as well. By this amendment, I asked the Government to focus on three aspects in implementing the Agreement, namely: (1) making provisions for the training of talents, (2) actively promoting technology and innovation and (3) providing the right environment for the development of high-end industries. I am convinced that these actions are definitely the driving force behind our economic growth. The success of Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation much depends on the financial commitment of the Government and its ability of implementing the division of responsibilities. Like a three-legged race, Hong Kong has to keep pace with its partner. Otherwise, Hong Kong is likely to be marginalized, if its competitiveness cannot match that of Guangdong.

3.   Four questions raised regarding the Internet and Government ICT policies
      提出四條關於互聯網和政府ICT政策的質詢

Regarding recent social issues and government policies concerned by the ICT industry, I raised a total of four questions to the LegCo this month, which covered several policy areas. The questions included: conflicts between school management and students brought by the Internet; assisting people with disabilities in using information and communications technology; access of fiber-based networks to old buildings and security of Wi-Fi facilities in government venues. To see the replies from the Government, please click the following links:

1. Conflicts between school management and students brought by the Internet 
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201004/28/P201004280136.htm

2. Assisting people with disabilities in using information and communications technology
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/12/P201005120209.htm

3. Access of fiber-based networks to old buildings
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/19/P201005190211.htm

4. Security of Wi-Fi facilities in government venues
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/26/P201005260159.htm

4.   How to assist persons with disabilities to use information and communications technology more effectively?
      如何支援傷健人士人士更有效使用資訊科技？
 

In mid May, I held a roundtable meeting and met with the representatives from the social welfare sector, including the visually impaired, the hearing impaired and the physically disabled to further understand their use of information and communications technology. They explained to me the difficulties they encountered: e.g. the Hospital Authority’s telephone booking service was not friendly to people with hearing problem; the application criteria of the Social Welfare Department’s Central Fund for Personal Computers were inflexible and could not help them in finding employment; and blind persons could not read information on product package and would need a sound barcode reader to get product information. I will reflect these to the Government through various channels and will urge the Government to take positive and effective steps to eliminate the digital barriers, so as to provide a more friendly environment for people with disabilities to use information technology.

5.   LegCo delegation to Shanghai Expo 2010, made recommendations to the operation of Hong Kong Pavilion
     考察上海世博會，對香港館運作提出建議

From 8 to 10 May, I joined the LegCo delegation to Shanghai World Expo. The theme of the World Expo 2010 is “Better City Better Life”. The Hong Kong Pavilion introduces smart city development by using RFID application, which may serve as a model for other mainland cities. World Expo of this year has set up an official website: the “Expo Shanghai Online”. I think the contents of the Hong Kong Pavilion should be considered for permanent display on this website. It would even be better if we could establish a web 2.0 Interactive World Expo and invite people to post their Expo photos and comments. I believe that these measures will give more value for money for our $340 million investment.

6.   Visited Cyberport with industry friends
      組織業界到數碼港參觀和交流

At the end of this month, I paid a visit to the Cyberport with friends from our industry.  During the visit, Mr. Herman Lam, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cyberport introduced its latest development, the lease information as well as results of assisting local multi-media companies on the development of high-tech facilities. After the visit, we also had lunch with members of the Cyberport Tenants Club and exchanged views on several issues.

7.   The Government should open up the radio airwaves and promote new media development
      政府應開放大氣電波及推動新媒體發展

At the special meeting of Information Technology and Broadcasting Panel at the end of May, we listened to the public opinions on future operation of the RTHK and the new RTHK Charter. I believe it is a long-term approach to open up the radio airwaves in Hong Kong. The public will have more space to express their views and the Government should also promote the development of new media and digitalization of the past program contents for public use.

The other issues of radio political advertising incident, progress report on the work of Hong Kong Design Centre, promoting the development of local creative industries and progress update on E-Government development were also discussed at the meeting of May. At the meeting, I also raised the following concerns: How many overseas design centres were stationed in Hong Kong in recent years? Is there any services satisfaction survey to designers conducted by the Hong Kong Design Centre? Dr. Edmund Lee, the Executive Director of Hong Kong Design Centre responded by saying that the Centre is carrying out a design indicator study and later a consultation will be held. It is expected that the framework of indicator will be launched this year.

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