Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the GS1 Hong Kong 2025 Annual Member Dinner today (April 8):

Andrew (the President of Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung), Roy (the Chairman of GS1 Hong Kong Board, Mr Roy Ng), Anna (the Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong Board, Ms Anna Lin), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening! It is my great pleasure to join you at the GS1 Hong Kong Annual Member Dinner this year.
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     The wonders of the black and white lines that make up a barcode have empowered businesses to grow and thrive in a fast-paced digital world, where barcodes are not only a tool for sales tracking, but also provide invaluable data for inventory management, pricing and logistics as well as being a cornerstone in the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). 

     Thanks to GS1 Hong Kong for introducing barcode standards to Hong Kong in 1989. Since then, GS1 has been working closely with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, industry organisations and stakeholders to support more than 8 000 companies improve efficiency and productivity in areas as diverse as retail and logistics. What seemed like a simple series of lines became the bedrock of global trade and commerce, enabling unprecedented efficiency and connectivity in data and supply chain management.

     Like GS1, the Government is committed to enhancing public services efficiency and promoting continuous economic upgrading and transformation through the adoption of digital strategies and I&T applications. For example, we introduced the "iAM Smart" in late 2022 to provide one-stop digital government services to members of the public, which has already accumulated more than 3.3 million registrations. In addition, the Digital Policy Office is moving full steam ahead with the development of the Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Platform. The CorpID Platform will facilitate corporations to undergo corporate identity authentication and corporate signature verification in a secure, convenient and efficient manner when using e-government services or conducting online transactions.

     As the world moves towards a digital and connected future, Hong Kong has not only kept pace but set the stage for digital transformation. Our partners in the I&T industry, including GS1, have been at the heart of this transformation, turning challenges into opportunities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. It is this same spirit that will propel Hong Kong to new heights, ensuring that we remain a global financial and logistics hub, and strengthening our position as an international I&T centre.

     Ladies and gentlemen, barcodes are the unsung heroes of our bustling ports and thriving markets. What we celebrate tonight is more than the barcode, but the spirit of innovation it represents. The success story of Hong Kong is not built on technology alone but on collaboration and shared purpose. In the face of global challenges posed by a cloudy external environment with immense uncertainties, including the escalating trade protectionism, the HKSAR Government will continue to remain composed to maintain our status as a free port and strengthen our new position as an international I&T hub. As a trusted partner of the Government and the local business community, I believe that GS1 Hong Kong will continue to apply I&T for the benefit of Hong Kong as a whole.

     In closing, may I wish you all an enjoyable evening. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:42

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