(C) Enhance Governance Efficacy and Further Strengthen the Civil Service System Optimise Government Services through "AI+"

AI in Public Services

437. In last year's Policy Address, I proposed establishing the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to co-ordinate the departmental application of AI, making use of data to drive the efficacy of public services and social governance. To date, 30 projects have been implemented, including:

(i) The TD uses AI to tackle unfair online queuing, reducing by half the public's waiting time in making online bookings; the LCSD uses AI to tackle touting in leisure-facility bookings, giving the public fair access in booking leisure facilities.

(ii) The EMSD uses drones and AI to detect defects and facilitate maintenance.

(iii) The EPD has introduced technologies, including AI and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), to shorten by half EIA process time.

(iv) The FEHD uses AI to facilitate the handling of refuse-related complaints, reducing processing time by up to 70%.

438. The Government will apply AI to improve efficiency, including:

(i) AI in Environmental Protection: The EPD has developed the world's first Hong Kong Environmental Database. It provides data and analytical tools using AI and the Geographic Information System. In one case, a project's construction cost dropped by about $40 billion by reducing the ecologically sensitive area by nearly 70% and shortening the tunnel section from about 5 kilometres to 0.8 kilometres. The EPD will also expand the application of AI technology in ecological surveys and enrich the database content, including real-time monitoring of wastewater, air and noise, for the early identification of potential pollution risks.

(ii) AI in Public Works: The Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund will expand its services to AI applications in project management, covering site supervision for public works and contract administration, as well as assistance in the procurement and tender assessment of public works projects.

(iii) AI in Estate Management: The HKHA will improve PRH estate management and service quality by using technologies, including the application of IoT real-time flooding alerts and AI video analytics for the speedy identification of misconduct such as throwing objects from height and illegal parking, as well as drone-assisted inspections of lift shafts and the external walls of buildings.

(iv) AI in Healthcare: The HA will use AI to compile clinical summaries and facilitate real-time diagnosis assistance, and apply an AI risk-prediction model for the early identification of high-risk patients. AI will also be used for facilitating service arrangements and reducing average time to triage. In addition, the HA will enhance the clinical applications of AI through the introduction of smart wearable devices, AI-assisted clinical information systems, risk prediction systems for clinical deterioration, as well as AI-assisted imaging services and medical report generation, etc, in a bid to develop global leading smart hospitals.

(v) AI in Social Welfare: The Social Welfare Department will upgrade its information technology (IT) infrastructure, enhancing service quality and efficiency through the application of AI and strengthening IT security.

Expand Drone Application in Emergency Response and Crime Prevention

439. Last year, the HKPF launched a pilot scheme for the deployment of drones to protect people's lives and properties. To date, nearly 60 cases have been detected and 150 traffic contravention cases handled, including possession of drugs, theft and dangerous driving. The HKPF will expand the application of drones in emergency response and crime prevention areas. Automatic drone patrol coverage will be increased through a centralised drone-management system and the installation of drone docks. Drones can quickly reach sites during the early stages of emergencies, providing real-time, aerial and panoramic viewing of the scene. Complemented by AI, drones can enhance on-site assessment and control and expand the area that can be covered, strengthening the security of the community.

Customs and Excise Anti-money Laundering Big Data Platform

440. The C&ED will consolidate existing systems to build an anti-money laundering, big-data platform, using technology to boost analytical capabilities and combat cross-boundary money-laundering activities and networks.

Defence against Cybersecurity Challenges

441. The Government will launch a Cybersecurity Defence Programme to provide cybersecurity certification for local organisations and develop shared defence tools and a mechanism for sharing threat intelligence, reinforcing society's digital security and resilience.

442. We will develop a Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence Analysis and Alert System following the requirements stipulated by the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance. We will adopt AI technology to collect international cyber-threat intelligence, analyse threats targeting local critical infrastructure and issue risk alerts to operators.

Further Strengthen the Civil Service System

443. We will continue to improve the efficacy of civil service governance, including:

(i) In July, the Public Service Commission (Investigation) Regulation came into operation. We will implement the Heads of Department Accountability System and the Tier II investigation mechanism under the Administrative Responsibility Two-tier Investigation Mechanism. We will devise the operational system and manpower deployment arrangements for the Public Service Commission's independent investigation.

(ii) We will improve the performance appraisal system for civil servants to differentiate the performance levels of staff more effectively, giving a clearer basis for reward and punishment. Its effectiveness will be reviewed after completing two reporting cycles. The Civil Service Bureau will continue to implement reforms.

(iii) The Government will complete the amendments to the Public Service (Administration) Order and the Public Service (Disciplinary) Regulation in the fourth quarter. They will improve the efficiency and effectiveness in handling disciplinary cases through streamlined disciplinary procedures and the extension of interdiction arrangements.

Chapter IX

Closing Remarks

444. Through the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, Hong Kong has repeatedly scaled new heights in global rankings over the past four years. We have been consistently ranked the world's freest economy and have risen to become second in world competitiveness. We are the world's number three international financial centre and have jumped to fourth globally in talent competitiveness.

445. These objective rankings clearly demonstrate our development potential, promising outlook and the international community's confidence in Hong Kong. They also underline Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability under "one country, two systems". We continue to make progress, with confidence but without conceit.

446. Today, Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in advancing from stability to prosperity. We are fully aware that formulating a comprehensive, strategic roadmap is integral to our long-term development. The Government has been persistent in mapping our way by driving development through reform. The primary goal of our policies is to enable economic development that can benefit the people of Hong Kong, and meet their aspirations for a better life.

447. Against the backdrop of accelerating global changes not seen in a century, there has been a profound shift in the global political and economic landscape. The next five years will be a crucial period for our country to advance Chinese modernisation. At the same time, it will also be a golden window for Hong Kong to achieve development of higher quality. The National 15th Five-Year Plan leverages the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties arising from the rapidly changing external environment, opening up boundless opportunities for Hong Kong.

448. The First Five-Year Plan of Hong Kong maps out the blueprint for how we can proactively align ourselves with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This Policy Address, meanwhile, serves as the action agenda to propel the implementation of our own Five-Year Plan. It sets out our key policy priorities and major projects formulated in response to economic outlook and dynamics, such that we can seize both national and international opportunities. Deeply rooted in the same vision, the two documents are interconnected and inextricably related.

449. "One day the roc will rise with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles up into the sky." At this juncture in history, I believe that, with the solid backing of our country, together with our good minds and hardworking hands, we can ensure that the fruits of our efforts reach and enrich each and every family, building Hong Kong, our home, into a better, more prosperous place to live and flourish.

Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:26

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