Welcome remarks by S for IT at Internet Economy Summit 2019 (English only) (with photo)
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     Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, at the Internet Economy Summit (IES) 2019 today (April 15):
 
Chief Executive (Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam), Deputy Director Yang (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China Mr Yang Xiaowei), President Ma (President of the China Internet Development Foundation, Ms Ma Li), Deputy Director Lu (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Ms Lu Xinning), Mr Chen (Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee Mr Chen Xinhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. 
 
     On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all to this year's Internet Economy Summit, or IES. In particular, I would like to thank Deputy Director Yang and Mr Chen for accepting our invitation as the officiating guests at the opening of the Summit, and speaking at the Visionary Forum this morning. My special thanks also go to President Ma for the strong support and close partnership of the China Internet Development Foundation ever since the first IES was launched three years ago. Thank you all very much. 
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, innovation and technology have profoundly revolutionised economies, disrupted industries and transformed our daily lives. To cope with and leverage the ever-evolving digital economy, we must strategise on what the digital future will hold and collaborate with different local and global entities, to join this inevitable digital future. This applies to the government, the business sector, and the community as a whole. For this year's IES, we have thus put together a two-day program with the theme "Digital Economy Redefines our Future".
 
     The Summit will focus on key issues such as smart city, fintech, artificial intelligence, cyber security, re-industrialisation, as well as opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     Over 50 policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts will share their insights on impactful topics such as digital transformation, data-driven innovations, and hyper-connectivity. These speakers come with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience, including the government, academia, technology industry and innovative start-up companies. I am sure all the attendees will look forward to their exciting presentations and stimulating discussions in the next two days.
 
     Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Cyberport for co-organising this year's Summit, and to the many partners of IES for contributing to the thematic sessions of this year's Summit.
 
     I wish you all an enjoyable and rewarding experience at the Internet Economy Summit 2019. Thank you very much.

Ends/Monday, April 15, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:08

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