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

(June 2011)

中文

I. Focus Updates

1.    與其他黨派議員一起探討，以創新及科技提升香港競爭力
How to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness by innovation and technology – Discussion with Members of other parties in LegCo

How can we enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness? How to implement the setting up of the Innovation and Technology Bureau? I believe these are concerns not only from friends in the ICT industry, but also other people in the community as well.  To this end, my LegCo office together with the Hong Kong Professionals and Senior Executives Association and some ICT professional bodies, organized a forum this month, bringing elites from different sectors together.  We hope to draw on collective wisdom and reach a consensus as how to promote development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.

Our guest speaker, Dr. NI Peng-fei from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences pointed out that Hong Kong should not rely solely on its financial industry. Hong Kong should enhance its technology innovation.   With his setting this stage, the forum actively participated in the ensuing discussion section. Other guests include the Hon. LAU Kong-wah, also an Executive Council Member, the Hon. Emily LAU and Mrs. Fanny LAW, NPC Deputy. To my surprise, despite different political orientations among some of them, all agreed the importance of innovation and technology in the future economic development of Hong Kong.  They are willing to put aside differences, and urge the Government to change the old thinking and be more practical and proactive so as to attract more talents and funds to help nourish the innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.  Only with this will our younger generation see hope, prospects and more opportunities.

2.    立法會通過成立通訊事務管理局
The LegCo approved establishment of the Communications Authority

The LegCo passed its third reading on the “Communications Authority Bill” on 30 June, and approved the establishment of the Communications Authority as a single regulatory body for the Telecommunications and Broadcasting sectors. I have been actively participated in the deliberation of the Bill.  I stated in the second reading debate that it is disappointing to see the delay of implementation on the merging of the OFTA and the Broadcasting Authority, though it has been discussed for years. I hope the Government, in merging the two organizations, will appoint people from different sectors, in particular young talents to join the Communications Authority, and also hope it can retain sufficient professional positions and avoid “de-specialization” in the process, so as to ensure a smooth operation of the Authority.

3.    我在資訊科技及廣播事務委員會上的提問
My questions raised in the ITB panel

The items of e-government updates and information security were discussed at the LegCo ITB panel meeting in June. The new computerized Land Information System was in full operation in December 2010. In view of the current illegal structures in premises and buildings, I asked the Government if they will set up a territory-wide e-database for buildings. Through online interactive platform, not only the public can access the data of building structures and construction, but also the authority will be able to tackle more effectively the problem of illegal structures in premises and buildings. Besides, I am concerned about the new strategy document published by the U.S Department of Defense that, for the very first time, the U.S will treat attack on their Internet networks as war behaviors and will formulate anti-war strategies in response. So, I asked the Government if they have assessed the impact of this document to Hong Kong, and which Bureau will be responsible for the follow-up.

4.    香港法例電子資料庫預計最快2015年投入服務
A brand-new electronic database of the Laws of Hong Kong is expected to be implemented in 2015

After nine-month deliberation, the LegCo passed the third reading on the “Legislation Publication Bill” on 22 June. The notice of tender invitation of the new electronic database of the Laws of Hong Kong was announced on 30 June. It is expected the brand-new database will be implemented in 2015/16 at the earliest.  By then, people will be able to download or print copies of legislations free of charge, or buy printed copies at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department. I expect the establishment of the e-database of the Laws of Hong Kong will help improve services of legal profession in Hong Kong and provide a convenient platform of public access to the legislation.

5.    科技創業培育公司圓桌會議
Round Table meeting for technology incubation companies

Not long ago, I invited Mr. Andrew LAI, Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, for lunch with several technology companies which have joined the technology incubation programme. We discussed on how to optimize the funding scheme by the Innovation and Technology Commission, thereby helping the start-up SMEs to effectively use the funds for company operation and development.  The luncheon discussed that local IT industry is facing many competitions and challenges such as high rental costs, competition from the Mainland, difficulty in hiring local IT talents and etc. Besides, procurement is also one of the difficulties that SMEs is facing.  I hope the Commission will, after listening to these views and concerns from the industry, review current funding scheme to help more technology incubates, and promote development of the technology industry as a whole.

II. Articles Sharing (Chinese Only)

1. 偷拍風波
   《星島日報》
   2011年6月30日

2. 互聯網選舉威力
   《星島日報》
   2011年6月23日

3. 網上新工種
   《星島日報》
   2011年6月16日

4. 化解食物安全危機
   《星島日報》
   2011年6月9日