Opening address by S for IT at Hong Kong IoT Conference 2017 (English only) (with photo)

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     Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, at the Hong Kong Internet of Things (IoT) Conference 2017 today (June 28):

Anna (Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong, Ms Anna Lin), Charles (Legislative Council member Mr Charles Mok), Robert (President of the Hong Kong Internet of Things Industry Advisory Council, Mr Robert Burton), distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning to you all. I am very pleased to join you again this year at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong IoT Conference organised by GS1 Hong Kong.

     The theme of today's conference is "IoT from Vision to Action". We all know that IoT has presented the world with new opportunities in an unprecedented way. Researches have indicated that IoT has become a phenomenon that is shaping the future of our businesses and our daily living. IDC (International Data Corporation) forecasts that the global IoT market will grow to US$1.7 trillion by 2020. Gartner predicts that over 20 billion connected IoT devices will be in use worldwide by 2020. Furthermore, General Electric predicts investment in industrial IoT is expected to top US$60 trillion during the next 15 years. Some even see IoT as the next industrial revolution that will impact the whole world in coming decade.

     What the Government is most interested in is putting IoT applications to popular use by the community, and stimulating further development of industries and our economy. Over the years, the Government has been using IoT sensors to improve public services. For example, we deploy sensors at strategic routes to collect real time traffic data, in manholes of city storm drains to detect water levels, and inside the slopes to detect impending landslides. IoT applications have also been deployed in luggage handling at the Hong Kong International Airport.

     Building on Hong Kong's world-class ICT (information and communications technology) infrastructure, we encourage the business community to step up adoption of IoT technologies in commercial applications. In the consultancy study commissioned by the Government to formulate a smart city blueprint for Hong Kong, a framework to co-ordinate IoT solutions in smart city development will be set. And a number of pilot projects and selected test beds will also be recommended by the consultant. The consultancy study will be completed by the end of this month and we will share it with the public. Let us all participate and contribute in Hong Kong's journey toward a smarter city.

     The Hong Kong IoT Conference would not be possible without GS1 Hong Kong, the support organisations and sponsors, as well as all the speakers and participants. It has become the platform in Hong Kong to explore vast possibilities and opportunities of IoT solutions. I wish the Conference a continuing success and everyone a great and enlightening learning experience.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:36

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Photo

The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (third right); the President of the Hong Kong Internet of Things Industry Advisory Council, Mr Robert Burton (fourth left); Legislative Council member Mr Charles Mok (third left); the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Allen Yeung (second right); the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Herman Lam (second left); the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong (first right); and the Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong, Ms Anna Lin (first left), officiate at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Internet of Things Conference 2017 today (June 28).