Since 2017, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), with the co-ordination of the Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has been collaborating with Tsinghua University to organise the "Tsinghua University Course on Developments in the Contemporary China and Digital Governance" (previously known as "Tsinghua University Course on Developments in the Contemporary China and Information Technology"). The sixth cohort of the course officially launched today (September 23) at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The course aims to broaden the perspectives of the professional grades in the DPO and contribute to the development of digital government and innovation and technology in Hong Kong, complementing the national and the city's development strategies for digitalisation.
 
     The DPO, established last year, is committed to promoting data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies within the Government and across various sectors to enhance the Government's efficiency and services, with a view to bringing greater benefits to citizens and the business sector through the development of digital government and smart city. This year's course will focus on "Digital Governance" for the first time, reflecting the DPO's new positioning in digital government, smart city and data-driven applications and governance.
 
     The course will last for six days, with modes of study including lectures by professors and experts, site visits and networking activities. A broad scope of study will be offered to participants, covering key areas including innovative governance, smart city, big data, informatisation, AI, and cybersecurity, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The course curriculum is closely related to work practice and supports professional advancement, deepening participants' understanding of the nation's digital transformation.
 
     There will be 37 participants in this year's course, marking a record high in attendance. These include mid-level management officers of three professional grades managed by the DPO, namely Analyst/Programmer, Management Services Officer and Computer Operator. This fully reflects the DPO's characteristics of cross-grade and diversified collaboration. Through this course, staff from different grades have the opportunity to enhance communication and collaboration, foster team cohesion and demonstrate the collective efforts and organisational strength of the DPO as all members work together with dedication to support the development of Hong Kong's digital government and smart city initiatives. The course also aims to deepen staff's understanding of the nation and foster a sense of patriotism.
 
     Addressing the pre-course briefing, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, encouraged participants, pointing out that attending a training course in the Chinese Mainland is not only a valuable learning opportunity for DPO staff but also reflects their responsibilities and mission as Hong Kong's civil servants and members of the innovation and technology sector. Mr Wong urged participants to treasure this precious opportunity, uphold professionalism, actively engage and exchange with scholars and experts in the Chinese Mainland, continuously enhance their professional capabilities, and contribute to the development of innovation and technology of the nation and Hong Kong.

Ends/Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:52

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