Working Report of
Legislative Councilor Samson Tam Wai Ho
(Information Technology)

(November 2010)

中文

I. Focus Updates

1.  Finding HK's New Positioning from the Report on Chinese Urban Competitiveness 2010

從中國城市競爭力報告中尋找香港新定位

On 10 November I attended a Forum jointly organized by the Chinese Academic of Social Sciences and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and other institutions on the Competitiveness of Cities in China.  The key speaker Dr NI Pengfei was the author of the Report on Chinese Urban Competitiveness 2010.  He used statistics to point out that despite HK still leads in aspects of talents, social and commercial environment, and overall competitiveness, compared with Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing the gap is narrowing down.  Indeed, on individual competitiveness indices, HK has actually been surpassed by other cities.  For this reason, HK urgently needs a new positioning.  I think Hong Kong’s ability to reach new heights of development must stem from science and technology and culture, this is evidenced by the global trend of knowledge based and service based development.  Hong Kong must steer toward value-added knowledge based economic development, to become our nation’s Global City.

In addition, my office hosted a conference on “the Competitiveness of Hong Kong and Innovation in Science and Technology”. We invited Professor TAO Zhi Gang from the Faculty of Business & Economics of the University of Hong Kong to be our guest speaker.  Dr TAO considers that the role of HK as a window to the Pearl River Delta is diminishing, whereas Yangtze River Delta has become the key window for imports to China market.  HK would need to attract more mainland enterprises to start business here.  This will help strengthen the role of HK as a platform for exports for mainland enterprises, and also more in-depth understanding of the business operations of these enterprises, paving the way to make HK an expert of the mainland markets.

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2.  How Government can take the lead of using products developed by local science and technology?

政府帶頭試用本地科研產品，如何落實？

The LegCo panel on Commerce and Industry initiated discussion in respect of the progress report prepared by the Research & Development Centre, and of creating a conducive environment for propelling the turning of R&D; products from local innovation and technology into merchandise.  I consider that the Government’s reduction on the R&D; sponsorships to the industry is reasonable, but would like to see that Government to encourage the industry to participate more in research items.  The Commissioner for the Innovation and Technology Centre, Miss Janet Wong indicated that through the ‘Use of Innovation and Technology in Public Organizations’ Plan, Government departments and public organizations are now using products developed by local science and technology. This will help marketing of the respective merchandise later, and attract more participation in R&D; product development from companies.  She also indicated that Government will review on the Split Model of the ASTRI next year.

3.  Funding allocation for Computerization for the new administrative works increased 9%

政府新行政工作的電腦化計劃撥款將增加9%

The meeting in mid Nov of the LegCo Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting discussed the funding application for computerization for the new administrative works in 2011-12, the chargeable mobile content services, and the mid-term review on sound broadcasting licenses. On the computerization funding application, Government forecasts the funding requirement for 2011-12 is HK$780 million, compared with $715 million in 2010-11, or a 9% increase.  Among the items there are 153 new items, including four main categories of (1) data protection and system security, (2) maintenance and repair of essential service system, (3) implementation of major policies, and (3) customer service improvement and productivity enhancement.

4.  Implications of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance to the IT Industry

私隱條例對業界有何影響？

My office jointly organized with the Internet Professional Association a round table discussion on 25 Nov, on reviewing the implications of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance on the industry.  The Internet is the access to global information, and also a potential passage for privacy leaks.  Many IT enterprises have expressed concerns about possible constraints on IT development, resulting in comprising our competitiveness.  I shall continue to collect and relay views and suggestions from the industry to the Government on the Ordinance.

5.  Urging the Government to set up the Innovation and Technology Bureau - the HKDF Luncheon

出席香港民主促進會午餐會，推動成立「創新及科技局」

I attended the luncheon of the HK Democratic Foundation on 26 Nov.  Other attendees included a past Member of the Executive Council Mr. Andrew Liao Cheung-sing, and officials from the Central Policy Unit, and the Efficiency Unit of the HKSAR Government.  In my luncheon presentation I explained why Hong Kong urgently needs the setting up of the Innovation and Technology Bureau, in order to help find the new positioning and development opportunities for HK.  In the Q&A; session, many agreed the HKSAR Government should be more determined in propelling the innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.

6.  Proposing to Government to Promote Regional Cooperation for Development of High Value Recycling Industry and Business

建議政府促進區域合作，發展高增值的廢物循環再造產業

The LegCo’s motion debate on “Promoting the waste recycling industries” took place on 24 Nov.  I pointed out that the cost effectiveness for HK to proceed in this direction on its own would be doubtful, and I propose Government to promote regional cooperation, helping collaboration of the recycling and environmental protection industry in HK and Pearl River Delta, in developing hi-end recycling technology and products, which in turn supporting the industry to embark on the new horizon of high technology and high product value.

II. Articles Sharing (Chinese Only)

1. Why Hong Kong Needs An Innovation And Technology Bureau

   《South China Morning Post》
   December 3, 2010

2. 從失敗中學習 
   《星島日報》
   2010年12月2日

3. 互動的科技化西九
   《星島日報》
   2010年11月25日

4. 感動香港
   《星島日報》
   2010年11月18日

5. 「企業公民」新文化
   《星島日報》
   2010年11月11日