************************************************************
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the presentation ceremony of the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awards 2009 today (January 19):
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening.
It is my great pleasure to join you all again this year to celebrate the success of our Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
The ICT Awards are now in their fourth year, and continue to go from strength to strength. There were some 640 entries this year, about double the number last year. First and foremost, congratulations to all the winners this year.
It is often said that technology changes the world. Our very own Professor Charles Kao proved that with his work in fibre optics, and he won the Nobel Prize in Physics last year for his lifelong dedication to the cause.
It was back in the 1960s that Professor Kao began his groundbreaking research. Today, developments in ICT are coming thick and fast. Indeed, the last decade is often described as the digital decade because of the rapid changes it brought to ICT.
Today, for most of us, smartphones, iPods, digital cameras and PDAs have become part of our way of life. And can you remember the last time you made it through the day without touching a computer of some sort?
The point is that things have become smaller, faster and easier to use, and our lives are becoming even more interconnected. Most of us can only imagine what the new decade will bring in terms of the way we communicate and share information.
No doubt, our ICT professionals have a few ideas and more than a few innovations up their sleeves.
During the global financial crisis, the Government identified six industries where Hong Kong has a clear advantage over our rivals in the region. Among these industries is innovation and technology, which includes the ICT sector.
In the months ahead, we will work with the ICT sector to identify obstacles to growth and clear the way for the sector to fulfil its economic potential.
Developing advanced ICT applications and services will help to maintain our city's competitive edge and uphold our status as the regional business hub.
Ladies and Gentlemen, over the years, the ICT Awards have provided a springboard for winners to go on and achieve prestigious regional and international recognition.
These awards also help winners enhance their competitiveness and market access both locally and internationally.
The success of the Hong Kong ICT Awards reflects a close collaboration among the industry, academia and the Government. I am encouraged by the enthusiastic support from all parties and their devotion to the further development of the ICT industry.
Once again, I congratulate all the award winners on their outstanding achievements. I also would like to thank the Organising Committee, the Leading Organisers and supporting organisations, and judges for their dedication in achieving another successful Hong Kong ICT Awards.
Have a great evening. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:30
NNNN
Windows Media format
Real Media format