Working Report of
Legislative Councilor Samson Tam Wai Ho
(Information Technology)

(April 2011)

中文

I. Focus Updates

1.  Development of Data Centre needs collaboration of Government policy
政府須以政策配合數據中心發展

In the latter half of April, my office held a forum on “How to promote Hong Kong as the regional Data Centre Hub”, co-organized with the HKCS. Mr. Stephen Mak, the Government Chief Information Officer was also invited to the discussion with professionals of our industry. Some participants expressed concerns on the difficulties and obstacles encountered during development of Data Centre, including problems of lands supply, human resources, infrastructure and regulations. As for lands supply, there is no enough land for development of Data Centre. Coupled with increasing rent, it has become the biggest obstacle for many enterprises to set up their Data Centre in Hong Kong. As for human resources, some participants said that the number of IT professionals grows slowly these years which might hinder the development of Data Centre. So they hope the Government can work together with the industry to attract more youngsters into taking IT-related courses and thereby entering our IT industry. Meanwhile, the Government should provide ongoing training and courses to maintain a sustainable development of our IT professionals. I hope the Government will listen to the opinions from our industry and, with appropriate supporting government policies, ultimately turn Hong Kong into a regional Data Centre hub.

2.   The LegCo passed the Budget 2011-12
立法會通過2011-12年度財政預算案

The Budget 2011-12 sparked fierce discussions in the society, including distribution of $6000 to each permanent Hong Kong resident over the age of 18, has been passed in the LegCo in mid April. I spoke in the motion debate about the about face of our Financial Secretary of the way distributing the money to the public. However, the change of course was still criticized by most of the public. It showed that most people are not concerned only their own interests but rather, they expect the Government could properly and more effectively use the revenue to solve the problems on housing, health care, education and overall economy. This is what a responsible and committed Government is expected to do.
   
Besides, I also pointed out that the Government has not allocated sufficient resources in promoting the Six Industries. With the development of the 12th Five-Year Plan and internet economy, if the Government does not actively support development of the new industries and help transition of traditional industries, I am worried Hong Kong will finally lose its opportunities and competitive advantages and be overtaken by neighboring cities and countries. So, I suggested the Government should allocate enough resources, and with supportive policies to enhance development of Data Centre and innovation technology.

3.    Register Online and Offline to be a voter of the IT Sector, and push Government to set up the Innovation and Technology Bureau
網上網下呼籲登記成為I.T.界選民，積極爭取成立創科局

Recently, through lots of events and online channels including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Weibo, I urged friends in the industry who have not yet registered as voters to register immediately. I hope to unite efforts of all stakeholders in the industry to effectively push the Government to support and promote development of the industry, in particular establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau. Please join me to encourage your friends to participate. If you have any questions, you are welcome to visit my website at   www.samsontam.hk/index.php/be-an-it-voter.

4.    Government should revitalize old industrial buildings, and promote Data Centre development
政府應積極活化工業邨，推動數據中心發展

The issue of revitalizing old industrial buildings was discussed at the Commerce and Industry Panel meeting. I feel encouraged that both Government officials and LegCo members seem to have reached a consensus that Hong Kong needs to provide more lands for developing Data Centre. The officials said that the authority will later set up a website of Data Centre to provide the industry a one-stop shop for information and service. I consider having this measure alone is not enough. Instead, the Government has the responsibility to formulate new policies to meet the development trend of Cloud Computing service and internet economy.

5.        Government will seek for allocation of a sum of $68 million to implement free WiFi service
政府將申撥6,800萬元拓免費WiFi服務

At the meeting of the Information Technology and Broadcasting Panel, the members discussed the issue of free government WiFi service and supported seeking for an additional allocation of $68 million in the Finance Committee. The 5-year new generation GovWiFi service will be extended to about 40 new premises. Meanwhile, the Government will review usage of existing premises and reduce the service scope or curtail the service for locations of low usage.

II. Articles Sharing (Chinese Only)

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3. 變身中的工業邨
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4. 聯合國資訊腦震盪
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