Hong Kong addresses the 'digital divide'

The Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau Tsang Ka-lai, attended the Asia IT Ministers' Summit in Seoul, Korea today (June 1).

Speaking at the Summit, Mrs Carrie Yau said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government was determined to strengthening IT knowledge among the community and facilitating the exploration of opportunities in the digital world.

Mrs Yau said, "In our Digital 21 Strategy promulgated last May, we have adopted 'strengthening the Hong Kong community for digital exploitation' as a key result area, and have set out policies and measures to achieve our goal." US$280 million has so far been spent on various initiatives to address digital divide in four specific fronts, namely, education and training; technology diffusion in the community; knowledge and awareness; and access to online services.

"However, Government's efforts alone are not sufficient. The concerted efforts and support of the IT industry and the concerned NGOs are necessary if we are to successfully build a digitally inclusive society.

"IT co-operation should also extend beyond borders. I hope the IT ministers in Asia could work together to share experience and good practice, and develop new ideas and initiatives to tackle the issue of digital divide." she added.

The Asia IT Ministers' Summit was chaired Dr Yang Seung-taik, Minister of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Korea, with participation from over 20 Asian economies, including Hong Kong. Topics of common interests were discussed, including bridging the digital divide, standardization and IT development in Asia, digitization of culture, construction of broadband network environment in Asia, and joint action on affordability of Internet services.

End/Saturday,June 1, 2002