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S for IT visits Eastern District (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, met  district council members and visited an elderly centre and two innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises during his visit to Eastern District today (February 13).
      
     Accompanied by the Chairman of Eastern District Council, Mr Wong Kin-pan, and the District Officer (Eastern), Ms Anne Teng, Mr Yang held a meeting with the district council members and listened to their concerns on district development and I&T matters.
      
     This was followed by a visit to the Hong Kong Society for the Aged (SAGE) Chai Wan District Elderly Community Centre. Accompanied by Vice-chairman of the SAGE Board of Directors Dr Ng Nam and board member Dr Chan Fun-ting, Mr Yang was given a brief introduction on the support services offered to the elderly and their caregivers and the adoption of technologies in enhancing service delivery. Mr Yang also distributed cleaning gift packs to the elderly, reminding them to stay vigilant against influenza and practise good personal and household environmental hygiene.
   
     The "Love-your-brain" website developed by the SAGE advocates health care of brain for elderly people, with advice on brain fitness and online "brain training" games. Virtual reality technology is also employed to assist the elderly in muscle fitness. Digital ambassadors at the centre help the elderly to master the use of tablets to encourage lifelong learning.
      
     Mr Yang noted that the Government has been striving to promote digital inclusion. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer launched the third round of Information and Communications Technology Outreach Programme for the Elderly last year and extended the service to those with dementia with a view to slowing down the deterioration with the aid of digital technology. The SAGE is one of the three funded organisations. The Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living launched by the Innovation and Technology Bureau last year also provides subsidies for innovation and technology projects that can benefit the elderly.
      
     Mr Yang then toured the relaunched "blueprint" to learn more about the difference from its old office in Cornwall House, as well as the evolving needs of start-ups and various enterprises for flexible co-working spaces. He also took the chance to chat with members of "blueprint", which include local and overseas start-ups.
      
     The last stop of the district visit was the Hong Kong headquarters of Facebook. Mr Yang met with the company's Head of Greater China, Ms Jayne Leung, and Head of Public Policy, Mr George Chen, to gain a better understanding of Facebook's business development in Hong Kong and Greater China.
      
     Mr Yang said that subsequent to Facebook's announcement in 2016 of building a new high capacity subsea cable - the Pacific Light Cable Network - connecting Los Angeles and Hong Kong, he was glad to learn of Facebook's investment in January 2018 in another submarine cable network, the Hong Kong-Americas, linking Hong Kong and California. Mr Yang welcomed increasing connectivity, saying it will reinforce Hong Kong's competitive edge as a data hub. He said he looked forward to robust co-operation with Facebook in light of the growing role of the digital economy. 
 
Ends/Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:55
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Photo

The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (centre), meets with members of Eastern District Council (EDC) as part of his district visit today (February 13). Sitting next to him are the Chairman of the EDC, Mr Wong Kin-pan (right), and the Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung (left).
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (first left), watches elderly people doing fitness exercises at the SAGE Chai Wan District Elderly Community Centre today (February 13).
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (second right), chats with start-up members at "blueprint" today (February 13).
The Secretary for Information and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (right), is given a guided tour by Facebook's Head of Greater China, Ms Jayne Leung (left), at the Hong Kong headquarters of Facebook today (February 13).
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (second right), is pictured with Facebook's Head of Greater China, Ms Jayne Leung (first right) and its Head of Public Policy, Mr George Chen (second left), and the Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung (first left), at Facebook's Hong Kong headquarters today (February 13).