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The Government launched the Internet version of the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Scheme today (December 9). The scheme, a key initiative under the Government "Digital 21" Information Technology Strategy, provides an innovative way to deliver services to the community in a public-oriented and user-friendly manner.

The ESD information infrastructure can also be used for providing commercial services, thus pump-priming the development of electronic commerce in Hong Kong. A clear notice has been displayed in the ESD web site at www.esd.gov.hk to inform the users that the commercial services are not related to or endorsed by the Government.

This was stated by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau, when launching the Internet version of the ESD Scheme this afternoon.

Mrs Yau noted that ESD services were available online 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. "The public can now access over 60 types of public services like payment of Government fees, submission of tax return, voter registration, renewal of driving and vehicle licences, change of personal address, etc. through a single portal. New services will be added from time to time," she said.

ESD services can be accessed through computers with Internet connection. Those with no computers can make use of public computer facilities installed in district offices, community halls, public libraries and post offices to obtain ESD services. Specially designed computer facilities installed in dedicated Community Cyber Points in selected locations are also available for the blind and visually impaired to access ESD services. There is also a text only version for ESD services in the web site.

"Our objective is to ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to obtain public services online through the ESD Scheme," she stressed.

Early next year, the community can also make use of public information kiosks installed in convenient locations, including MTR/KCR stations, shopping centres, supermarkets, etc. to access ESD services. The formal launch of the ESD Scheme will also be held then.

Some ESD applications, e.g. renewal of driving licence, etc. require the use of digital certificates to authenticate the identity of users. The public may apply for digital certificates from the Hongkong Post.

The Hongkong Post will launch a series of programs to promote digital certificates to tie in with the launch of the ESD Scheme, including visiting major organisations to carry out on-site digital certificate registration for the employees of the organisations starting from later this month.

For first-time ESD users, Mrs Yau advised: "If your computers do not have the necessary software, e.g. software for data encryption, etc., you will have to download the software from the web site when you use the service for the first time. Moreover, those not using broadband will take longer time to complete some of the more complicated applications."

"The ESD Scheme is a new service and we expect that there will be many comments on how the service can be further improved. We welcome these comments and will take active follow-up action so as to make the Scheme more efficient and user-friendly," Mrs Yau added.

End/Saturday, December 9, 2000NNNN