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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (August 21) visited Po Leung Kuk Sai Ying Pun Home for the Elderly cum Day Care Centre for the Elderly to see how the seniors learn to use the Internet and acquire digital skills.
He was first briefed on the implementation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Outreach Programmes for the Elderly. Under the programmes, the Centre arranges training in the use of tablet computers and video conferencing as well as outreach visits by volunteers to solitary and "hidden" elderly people in the community to arouse their interest in using ICT.
Mr So said, "Technological advancement not only spurs economic development, but also enhances the quality of life. The Government is committed to encouraging ICT adoption among the elderly so as to help them access online information, broaden their social circles and integrate with society."
Since its commencement in 2014, the ICT Outreach Programmes for Elderly has been well received. In view of the encouraging response, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer organised a new round of the programme this year with funding support totalling $1.2 million to enable seniors to enjoy a more fulfilling and interesting life by adopting ICT.
Mr So next observed the elderly learning to use tablet computers and the resident nurse providing a telecare service for a "hidden" elderly person using video communication software.
He also listened to some of the seniors sharing the challenges and fun of using smart phones and other mobile devices.
Mr So took the opportunity to remind the elderly to stay vigilant and be on guard against phone scams, which have been on the rise recently. He said that if they receive any suspicious phone calls they should not disclose their personal data and should contact the Police immediately.
"As the phone scams are incoming calls which originate from outside Hong Kong, the Office of the Communications Authority discussed with the Police and telecommunications operators the measure of inserting a specific '+' sign on the calling number display (CND) of mobile phones for all incoming calls originating from outside Hong Kong. After the implementation of this measure from today, if the public receive an incoming call with the CND of a local Hong Kong phone number and a '+' sign as a prefix, the phone number is probably suspect and the public should use extra caution," said Mr So.
Ends/Friday, August 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:42
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