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Following is a speech by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau, at the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Launching Ceremony of the Hong Kong Computer Society today (May 3):

Mr Lai, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be here today to speak at the International Computer Driving Licence Launching Ceremony of the Hong Kong Computer Society. The launch of this initiative marks a major step forward for Hong Kong in the assessment of basic IT skills to align with internationally recognised standards.

As we enter into the Information Age, our enterprises are facing more and more challenges posed by the continuous revolution in information technology. We have to find ways to turn these challenges into opportunities or we may risk lagging behind in a trend that will substantially change the face of the entire world. IT is now used as a tool in almost every aspect of business activities, from simple usage of word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails to complex enterprise database systems, computer aided design applications, etc. Companies well recognise IT as a key enabler of competitiveness. Being "IT-enabled" is gradually emerging as a pre-requisite for success in business competition. In a few years' time, e-business will just be normal business.

The Government is well aware of the need to equip our people with IT skills. We have launched in November 1998 a five-year strategy on IT in education, called "Information Technology for Learning in a New Era", to ensure that our next generation are all computer literate. The tertiary institutions, Vocational Training Council and other private training institutes are providing IT related training at different levels. The Employees Retraining Board is also providing over 30 000 training places annually on basic IT and related skills to enhance the IT literacy of our workforce.

I am chairing a Task Force on IT Manpower to examine measures to enhance IT manpower supply in Hong Kong. One of the subjects we are focusing on is how to facilitate the establishment of an accreditation system for IT courses at sub-degree level and below. I am glad that the Hong Kong Computer Society is already working with us and the Vocational Training Council on this important matter.

With the launch of the International Computer Driving Licence scheme, a clear yardstick for measuring people's basic IT skills is established. This will help employers better assess the IT skills of their employees. And employees will also benefit from their enhanced IT skills and employability. Today's launch is therefore a crucial step forward in the development of Hong Kong's workforce to cope with the information economy.

May I take this opportunity to compliment the Hong Kong Computer Society for its vision and the efforts it has made in turning this initiative into reality, and I wish the initiative every success.

Thank you.

END/Thursday, May 3, 2001

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