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The Government today (September 18) launched public consultation on the proposed new Digital 21 Strategy, which sets out the blueprint for Hong Kong's overall development in information and communications technology (ICT).
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said, "The Digital 21 Strategy was first published in 1998 and updated three times, in 2001, 2004 and 2008, evolving alongside rapid advances in technology and the changing needs of the community.
"With the advent of wireless and multi-platform technologies, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and big data in recent years, it is time to update the strategy again."
The Government has commissioned a consultant to review the achievements under the Digital 21 Strategy and make recommendations on a new blueprint to steer Hong Kong's ICT development in the next few years.
"Smarter Hong Kong, Smarter Living" is the theme of the proposed new strategy. It sets out the framework for Hong Kong to leverage on new technologies to propel continuous economic and social development on various fronts.
The new strategy contains an array of initiatives under four strategic thrusts:
1. Empowering everyone - to build platforms that enable the public and business to realise their aspirations.
2. Igniting business innovation - to enhance research and development, and provision of open data.
3. Supporting a thriving ICT industry - to recognise excellence and assist local ICT companies to gain a foothold in the Mainland and overseas markets.
4. Transforming and integrating public services to develop intuitive, personalised and multi-platform e-services.
Mr So noted that the "Smarter Hong Kong, Smarter Living" strategy would be a living strategy that would grow and evolve continuously in pace with global trends and aspirations of the community.
In drawing up the new strategy, 19 engagement sessions were held with ICT professionals and industry bodies, academia, major users and government departments to gauge their views and insights on the way forward. The consultant's findings and recommendations, endorsed by the Digital 21 Strategy Advisory Committee, form the basis of the public consultation document.
"We hope to seek comments from the public through the consultation. The views collected will help us refine the strategy and shape the way forward," Mr So said.
The consultation document can be downloaded from the Digital 21 website (www.digital21.gov.hk). Views and comments can be sent by email to digital21@ogcio.gov.hk; by fax to 3153 2666; or by post to the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, 20/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong, on or before November 30, 2013.
Ends/Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:21
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