What is the role of Hong Kong in the National "12-5" Plan?

(May 2010)

I. Focus Updates

1.    Exploring the role of Hong Kong in the National “12-5” Plan
       尋找香港在國家十二‧五科技規劃的角色

Currently, China is formulating her "12-5" Plan on technology development. How could Hong Kong industry seize this opportunity and increase participation? My office and the Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council jointly organized the “Fifth Technology Economy Summit" on May 14. The Deputy Director of Development Division of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Qin Yong delivered the keynote address and shared his views with over 200 participants from Guangdong, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Mr. Gregory So, the Under Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development, was invited to officiate at the ceremony. Miss Janet Wong, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology was also present in the discussion with participants.

Mr. Qin pointed out the three areas where Hong Kong’s ICT industry could participate in the Plan, namely: (1) to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland to develop the Six Industries; (2) to continue to actively participate in national science and technology projects; and (3) to continue to deepen co-operation among Guangdong, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

I also expressed the view that Hong Kong needed a Science and Technology Bureau to co-ordinate Government, industries, academia and research institutes, so that they could work more effectively together.

2.   Keeping pace when implementing Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation
      落實粵港合作，切忌步伐「一快一慢」

The motion of “Proactively Implementing the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/ Guangdong Co-operation” was passed by the Legislative Council on 26 May. My amendment to this motion was supported by members and passed as well. By this amendment, I asked the Government to focus on three aspects in implementing the Agreement, namely: (1) making provisions for the training of talents, (2) actively promoting technology and innovation and (3) providing the right environment for the development of high-end industries. I am convinced that these actions are definitely the driving force behind our economic growth. The success of Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation much depends on the financial commitment of the Government and its ability of implementing the division of responsibilities. Like a three-legged race, Hong Kong has to keep pace with its partner. Otherwise, Hong Kong is likely to be marginalized, if its competitiveness cannot match that of Guangdong.

3.   Four questions raised regarding the Internet and Government ICT policies
      提出四條關於互聯網和政府ICT政策的質詢

Regarding recent social issues and government policies concerned by the ICT industry, I raised a total of four questions to the LegCo this month, which covered several policy areas. The questions included: conflicts between school management and students brought by the Internet; assisting people with disabilities in using information and communications technology; access of fiber-based networks to old buildings and security of Wi-Fi facilities in government venues. To see the replies from the Government, please click the following links:

1. Conflicts between school management and students brought by the Internet 
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201004/28/P201004280136.htm

2. Assisting people with disabilities in using information and communications technology
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/12/P201005120209.htm

3. Access of fiber-based networks to old buildings
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/19/P201005190211.htm

4. Security of Wi-Fi facilities in government venues
   http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201005/26/P201005260159.htm

4.   How to assist persons with disabilities to use information and communications technology more effectively?
      如何支援傷健人士人士更有效使用資訊科技？
 

In mid May, I held a roundtable meeting and met with the representatives from the social welfare sector, including the visually impaired, the hearing impaired and the physically disabled to further understand their use of information and communications technology. They explained to me the difficulties they encountered: e.g. the Hospital Authority’s telephone booking service was not friendly to people with hearing problem; the application criteria of the Social Welfare Department’s Central Fund for Personal Computers were inflexible and could not help them in finding employment; and blind persons could not read information on product package and would need a sound barcode reader to get product information. I will reflect these to the Government through various channels and will urge the Government to take positive and effective steps to eliminate the digital barriers, so as to provide a more friendly environment for people with disabilities to use information technology.

5.   LegCo delegation to Shanghai Expo 2010, made recommendations to the operation of Hong Kong Pavilion
     考察上海世博會，對香港館運作提出建議

From 8 to 10 May, I joined the LegCo delegation to Shanghai World Expo. The theme of the World Expo 2010 is “Better City Better Life”. The Hong Kong Pavilion introduces smart city development by using RFID application, which may serve as a model for other mainland cities. World Expo of this year has set up an official website: the “Expo Shanghai Online”. I think the contents of the Hong Kong Pavilion should be considered for permanent display on this website. It would even be better if we could establish a web 2.0 Interactive World Expo and invite people to post their Expo photos and comments. I believe that these measures will give more value for money for our $340 million investment.

6.   Visited Cyberport with industry friends
      組織業界到數碼港參觀和交流

At the end of this month, I paid a visit to the Cyberport with friends from our industry.  During the visit, Mr. Herman Lam, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cyberport introduced its latest development, the lease information as well as results of assisting local multi-media companies on the development of high-tech facilities. After the visit, we also had lunch with members of the Cyberport Tenants Club and exchanged views on several issues.

7.   The Government should open up the radio airwaves and promote new media development
      政府應開放大氣電波及推動新媒體發展

At the special meeting of Information Technology and Broadcasting Panel at the end of May, we listened to the public opinions on future operation of the RTHK and the new RTHK Charter. I believe it is a long-term approach to open up the radio airwaves in Hong Kong. The public will have more space to express their views and the Government should also promote the development of new media and digitalization of the past program contents for public use.

The other issues of radio political advertising incident, progress report on the work of Hong Kong Design Centre, promoting the development of local creative industries and progress update on E-Government development were also discussed at the meeting of May. At the meeting, I also raised the following concerns: How many overseas design centres were stationed in Hong Kong in recent years? Is there any services satisfaction survey to designers conducted by the Hong Kong Design Centre? Dr. Edmund Lee, the Executive Director of Hong Kong Design Centre responded by saying that the Centre is carrying out a design indicator study and later a consultation will be held. It is expected that the framework of indicator will be launched this year.

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立法會剛通過“積極執行‘粵港合作框架協議’”的議員議案，而我就該議案提出的修正案亦獲議員支持並通過。我提出修正案的目的，是希望政府在落實執行粵港合作框架協議時，能夠做好三方面：

1. 配合人才培訓

2. 積極推動科技創新

3. 配合香港發展高端產業

因為我深信，做好這幾方面，絕對是香港經濟增長的原動力。而粵港合作的成功關鍵，在於特區政府作出多少財政承擔，以及能夠落實分工。

我就該議案辯論的發言，主要分為四個部份：

第一部份，人才培訓方面，近年香港教育的輻射面擴大至內地，尤其是大學教育，究竟對香港是好是壞？隨著越來越多本港大學北移，本地大學應如何定位？特區政府有否制訂清晰的產學研發展政策？我相信，將香港教品牌出口到珠三角，吸納更多具潛質的學生，對粵港的科研發展絕對有好處。

第二部份，在落實推動科技創新方面，首先我簡單講及據我所知，廣東省就現代信息服務業制訂的五個發展重點，以及相關的發展規劃和政策。至於香港在推動六大優勢產業，尤其是涉及科技創新範疇的創新科技、文化及創意產業、檢測和認證，粵港在六大產業的融合互補上有何契機？我認為，特區政府應協助本地相關產業爭取在內地的定位，並配合適當的政策，這方面必須粵港兩地政府共同研究，才可定出有效的粵港合作方案。

第三部分，在發展高端產業方面，據我了解，廣東省在產業化過程中會使出很多招數，例如每個行業都會建立產業聯盟，以及打造新產業的示範工程。所以，我認為，香港應該探討一下如何促進兩地聯盟的交流和合作。此外，我相信，如果香港能夠爭取到一些示範工程，例如交通運輸信息服務及電子簽名數字證書等，將會是香港產業化的一個先機。

最後，我提出做好粵港合作的兩個關鍵：第一，特區政府為推動粵港創新科技產業發展投放多少資源。但在這方面，特區政府一直都沒有明確交代新的財政承擔，令人擔心，廣東省走得快，而香港走得慢，有如二人三足遊戲，快慢不一致，競爭力此消彼長，香港就有可能被邊緣化。第二，政府必須做到落實分工，明確交代粵港合作框架下，每個範疇由哪個官員負責，以加強粵港合作的成效和透明度。

粵港政府簽署了合作框架協議，並準備納入國家「十二‧五規劃」，但香港科技業界怎樣切實把握機遇和加強參與？國家科技部發展計劃司秦勇副司長應邀來港演講，認為香港的參與可以循三大方向著手。

我的議員辦事處與香港資訊科技聯會日前聯合主辦「第五屆科技經濟高峰會」，以「十二‧五規劃–粵港創新科技何去何從」爲主題，邀請國家科技部發展計劃司秦勇副司長作專題演講，與二百多位來自本港、廣東和深圳的業界人士分享，商務及經濟發展局蘇錦樑副局長應邀擔任主禮嘉賓，創新科技署王榮珍署長也參與了嘉賓互動交流環節。

香港如何配合參與？

秦副司長目前正從事十二‧五科技規劃的編制工作，他指出，全球知識創造和技術創新速度明顯加快，即使在國際金融危機發生之後，美國和歐盟對科技的投入不減反增，引發新一輪科技競爭，中國迫切需要提升國家科技的國際影響力和競爭優勢，以期到2015年，全社會R&D研發經費佔GDP的比值從目前的1.62%提高到2.2%，高新技術產業增加值佔製造業增加值的比重從11%提高到16%以上。

秦副司長表示，十二‧五科技規劃將於今年12月完成草案，明年三月提交全國人大審議，再公佈落實。在這期間，歡迎本港科技業界就香港可作出的配合和參與，提出建議，以便國家考慮。他個人認為，香港科技界不妨循三大方向參與國家十二‧五科技發展：其一，依托CEPA協議，加強香港與內地合作發展六大優勢產業；其二，繼續積極參加國家的各項科技計劃，例如在內地設立研發機構，直接申請相關項目；其三，繼續深化粵港、深港合作，促進區域創新體系的建設。

香港需要科技局  官產學研攜手並進

在隨後的嘉賓分享環節，廣東省社會科學院產業經濟研究所所長向曉梅教授分析了粵港產業合作的重點與策略，認為雙方可以在文化創意產業、新一代電子信息、生物醫藥、節能環保和海洋產業等方面合作；香港生物科技協會主席于常海教授則認為，粵港透過基因芯片的研發等，有可能令大珠三角區域，繼美國和歐洲之後，形成新的生物科技中心；香港理工大學行政副校長楊偉雄先生表示，要與政府的供需對接，產學研才會更有效落實，而政策的諮詢或落實過程，例如科研項目的評審、鑒定和跟進，或需不時改造；中科院深圳先進技術研究院樊建平教授提到，香港和深圳應爭取發展成為新興產業創新增長極，然後將成果輻射到整個珠三角地區。

隨後，業界參加者紛紛就香港與內地科技發展的硬件〈例如科技園區基建〉和軟件〈包括人才培養、研發資助、公共支援平台的建立等〉，向上述嘉賓提問或表達意見，參與交流的創新科技署王榮珍署長表示，會把意見寫下來並跟進。

    我認為，儘管嘉賓的分享和業界參加者的討論各有側重，卻有一個非常顯著的共同點，即，大家都認同，科技的發展以至香港和內地的合作，有賴官產學研攜手並進。在大會結束前，我有感而發，向在場朋友表示，自己從事這個行業已有二十多年，我一直有一番心願，希望香港科技真正可以發展並壯大起來，而香港需要一個科技局，以便官產學研更有效地發揮作用。我和業界不少朋友都期待，在2012年選出的新特首能夠顯示出對科技發展的重視和承擔，重新設立科技局，引領香港向知識型新經濟邁進。

最近有政黨和立法會議員涉及電台政治廣告事件，引起社會廣泛討論，我對事件亦表深關注，因為一方面有市民向我反映，他們對現有法例的公平性和適用範圍存有疑問，另一方面我認為，普選和政黨實在不可分割，政府推動普選的同時，亦有責任推動政黨發展。所以，日前趁特首到立法會回答議員質詢，我向他提出了以下兩個問題：

1. 現有法例對電子傳媒和文字傳媒的政治廣告有不同的規管，加上有越來越多網絡電台和電視台的出現，他們暫時又不受相關規管，面對這樣的不公平和存在灰色地帶，政府是否有需要盡快檢討現有法例？

2. 人大常委會已清楚表明，2020年可以普選立法會，而邁向普選的過程中，政黨的發展亦相當重要，要普選就要有發展成熟和具代表性的政黨，所以如果現有法例或將來的法例，是會局限政黨的宣傳空間，特首認為這方面是否存在矛盾呢？

他表示，現時香港政黨發展跟外國有很多不同的地方，香港市民較重視選舉的公平、廉潔和競選經費上限，所以如果容許電子傳媒或其他媒體賣政治廣告，可能會影響香港公平、公正的選舉傳統，選舉事務處在這方面會有嚴謹的指引。他相信，市民並不想現有的選舉安排和制度有大改變，所以政府無計劃改變現有的安排。

對於特首的答覆，大家有何看法？

YouTube: 特首答問會 2010-5-6
http://www.youtube.com/samsontamwaiho?gl=HK&hl=zh-TW

Legislative Councilor Samson Tam Wai Ho

(Information Technology)

(April 2010)

I. Focus Updates

1.    The Government should make financial commitment to human resources and infrastructure of ICT industry
       政府應為ICT業界的人才和基建作出財政承擔

The Appropriation Bill of 2010 was recently passed in LegCo. My speech in the Budget Debate was based on views collected through different channels, namely from the ICT industry and the public in the past few months. I urged the Government to find out the real needs of the public, and invest more resources for the future so as to create more wealth for Hong Kong, apart from giving out “candy”. This is the most effective way that a responsible Government with commitment would spend public money.

My speech included three parts:

1. collected through online interactive platform

2. opinions expressed by ICT industry; and

3. my own views.

To summarize, the public is concerned about the issues of housing, property prices, wealth gap and youth opportunities. The ICT industry is more concerned about ICT software and hardware infrastructure, support for the establishment of the Next Generation Internet, digital inclusion and professional development. Personally, I hope that the Government should understand that the future ICT has a significant impact on the world and also directly affects the economy, the society and livelihood of the people. I urged the Government to make provisions for strengthening the promotion of e-engagement and the implementation of an interactive and open government. I also urged the Government to allocate more resources to assist SMEs to enhance the application of ICT and encourage them to move towards innovation and technology development, so as to cope with new economic restructuring.

    My speech in the 2010 Budget Debate is available from:
    /legco-speeches/speech/400-14032010-

2.   Visited OGCIO to discuss Budget related issues
      到訪政府資訊科技總監辦公室討論預算案等議題

On 8 April, I visited OGCIO with ten ICT industry members to discuss Budget issues and expressed our concerns and expectations. The participants were from HKC, ISIA, BCS, ITJC, HMSICA, WTIA, IPROA and HKPC. They raised questions on professional development, ICT hardware and software infrastructure, Government and various sectors’ IT application, the establishment of the Next Generation Internet, Government procurement and contract-out policy. Mr. Stephen Mak, the Deputy Government Chief Information Officer provided answer on each issue and undertook to follow up and actively consider the suggestions from our industry.

3.   Visited Innovation and Technology Commission to discuss Government support to technology industry
       到訪創新科技署探討政府對科技產業的支援

On 13 April, ICT industry members and I visited the Innovation and Technology Commission. We exchanged views on the Budget and the Government’s support for the technology industry with Miss Janet Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology and Mr. Andrew Lai, Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology. The concerns and suggestions made by us were: urging the Government to establish a Science and Technology Bureau, encouraging local investments on R&D, promoting the productisation of R&D results, taking the lead to promote the establishment of the Next Generation Internet, and supporting the set-up of a one-stop IT sharing platform. The Commissioner said that her Department had started to consider how to improve the R&D funding model. One idea was the “vertical” model which was a “demand-led” approach, meaning that the developers would determine the “users” and their needs from the very beginning; the other was the “horizontal” model, the purpose of which was to avoid the suspension of R&D involving complicated and multi-stage researches.

4.   ICT delegation’s visit to the Airport Authority and HACTL to explore ways of improving the competitiveness of the HK Airport
      舉辦ICT與空運業參觀交流團探討加強香港機場競爭力

How could the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) maintain its competitive edge in the face of competition from Mainland airports and the change of our own socio-economic environment?
On 17 April, I organized a visit to the Airport Authority HK (AAHK) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) participated by ICT industry members. The purpose of this visit was to exchange views with the air cargo industry delegation with a view to gaining a better understanding of the existing development strategies and challenges. We all agreed that the key solution rested with making better use of innovation and adding value to the existing facilities. The AAHK’s first RFID baggage-handling system and SuperTerminal One’s self-developed online logistics management system were good examples of how to improve the competitive edge of Hong Kong’s airport. Furthermore, the AAHK had initiated the preparation of the 2030 development blueprint, which would include a feasibility study of the construction of a third runway and related facilities. The Government and our community should support such initiatives and discuss these issues as soon as possible, in order to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.

5.   Latest ICT issues discussed in LegCo
      立法會有關ICT的最新討論事項

At the meeting of the Information Technology and Broadcasting Panel in mid April, the issues of digital inclusion, the future operation of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the new RTHK Charter were discussed. Generally, members were concerned about how Government would improve the degree of digital inclusion for the underprivileged groups, particularly the elderly and the disabled. As for the RTHK Charter, some members were worried that the Advisory Board might influence the editorial independence of RTHK and they also expressed concern about the transparency of the Board.

Moreover, a special meeting will be held on 31 May to invite the public and deputations to give views on “Future operation of the RTHK and the new RTHK Charter”. Interested parties are invited to send the written submissions to the LegCo secretariat by post or by email before 18 May. For details, please refer to the following links:

http://www.legco.gov.hk/general/chinese/sec/invite_s/itb20100426.htm (CHI)
http://www.legco.gov.hk/general/english/sec/invite_s/itb20100426.htm (ENG)

The subsidy on Internet access charge was discussed at the meeting of the Education Panel. Members suggested that the Government should allocate more resources to help low-income families which had not yet subscribed to Internet service. This was to ensure that students of low-income families could carry out online study at home.

The Commerce and Industry Panel discussed the report of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) in a recent meeting. In the report, the ICT industry was regarded as a new industry subject to monitoring and study. . I really worried that the Government was delaying the development of the industry, which was the last thing we would want to see. I believe that Software Certification is a very important area in the ICT industry and hope that the Government will materialize how to promote its development, especially should fight for local enterprises’ opportunity to take part in the Software Certification service in Guangdong. Professor Ching Pak-chung, Chairman of HKCTC responded by saying that Software Certification was a prospective area to look into, but the Council had to discuss with the industry and set a clear direction for development.

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   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年4月1日

 
立法會資訊科技及廣播事務委員會日前分別就數碼共融的最新進展，以及有關香港電台未來運作的諮詢報告和新香港電台約章進行討論。議員普遍關注政府如何提升弱勢社群，尤其是殘疾人士和長者的數碼共融程度；至於新香港電台約章方面，部份議員擔心，顧問委員會將來可能會影響港台的編輯自主，並關注該委員會是否有高透明度。此外，立法會教育事務委員會日前討論上網費津貼時，議員普遍認為，政府應盡快投放更多資源，協助尚未使用上網服務的低收入家庭，確保低收入家庭學生能在家進行網上學習。

1. 鼓勵IT業界出謀獻策，提升殘疾人士數碼共融程度。
   
   弱勢社群接觸和利用資訊及通訊科技的問題，一直備受社會關注。雖然政府近年已優先處理長者、低收入家庭兒童和殘疾人士的數碼共融問題，但根據港大進行的研究顯示，殘疾人士和長者無論在電腦和互聯網的使用情況、普及程度和知識水平方面，近年情況簡直是停滯不前，其中殘疾人士和長者具有使用電腦和互聯網知識的百分比，一直分別低於一成半及一成。所以，議員們認為，政府過往在推動數碼共融方面，只集中協助低收入家庭兒童，而忽略了殘疾人士和長者，希望政府今後能夠投放更多資源，制訂有效措施，以提升殘疾人士和長者的數碼共融程度。至於如何落實有關措施和工作？我希望業界朋友能夠多提意見，共同向政府出謀獻策。

2. 如何有效完善新港台約章，以履行公共廣播機構的使命？
   
   經過多年討論，政府終於就香港公共廣播服務的未來路向，以及香港電台的日後運作有較具體的建議，並進行了公眾諮詢。對於新港台約章中有關顧問委員會與港台關係，我和部份議員都關注顧問委員會日後的透明度是否足夠，亦有議員擔心，顧問委員會日後可就港台節目編輯方針、節目標準與質素等提供意見，將可能會影響港台的編輯自主。對於議員們提出的擔憂和疑慮，我希望當局能夠加以正視，並審慎處理。

3. 政府如何提供有效支援，配合上網費津貼計劃的落實？
   
   政府在預算案已承諾推出上網費津貼計劃，但具體如何落實，確保有關津貼得以有效正確使用？根據政府提供資料顯示，在30萬個低收入家庭中，有約8%目前尚未使用上網服務，我認為，政府應深入研究並制訂措施，盡快調撥資源，協助這些低收入家庭學生添置電腦及使用上網服務，當中政府可以考慮為這些家庭提供低廉的全新電腦租用或借用服務，以減輕低收入家庭購置電腦的負擔。同時，政府亦應加快設立負責提供配套服務的非牟利機構，以配合上網費津貼計劃的推行。

新一份財政預算案自二月底發表以來，我先後透過不同渠道，收集市民和業界的意見，包括在 Facebook開設“IT人看預算案”群組。日前，我舉辦了「2010-11年度財政預算案論壇」，並請來商務及經濟發展局局長劉吳惠蘭與業界直接交流 和討論。業界普遍認為，新一份預算案較務實，並已盡量平衡社會各階層的訴求。

經過約一個半小時的意見交流，綜合業界提出的意見主要有以下幾方面：

過去一個月，我收集了來自業界和市民對新一份預算案的很多不同意見，我正跟政府資訊科技總監辦公室及創新科技署安排會晤，以作進一步的意見交流，更希望能 夠落實一些具體建議。如業界朋友有興趣參與，歡迎與我聯絡，將盡量予以安排。

Legislative Councilor Samson Tam Wai Ho

(Information Technology)

(March 2010)

I. Focus Updates

1.    Discussion on how to promote e-engagement with the government officials
       與官員探討如何推動電子公民參與 

Recently, more and more government officials open accounts in social networking portals to strive for direct communication with the public. However, the question is how the Government could encourage e-engagement to achieve better results. For this purpose, I organized a forum together with social livelihood concern groups and youth organizations. We invited Mr. Raymond Tam, Director of CE’s Office, and over 20 government officials from more than 10 government departments to have an open discussion on this subject. In the forum, Mr. Tam frankly admitted that the sustainability of this approach was his prime concern. In my opinion, the public is willing to communicate with government officials. However, the government system lacks the mechanism to allow mistakes and officials lack the readiness to accept public criticisms. If we can overcome these shortcomings, it is not hard to implement e-engagement.

2.   Vice President of CAE was invited to discuss on Triple Play in China
      邀請中國工程院副院長探討中國三網融合

On 8 March, the forum of “Opportunities and Challenges of Triple Play” was co-organized by the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, the Idea for Hong Kong and my LegCo office. Professor Wu Hequan, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) was invited as the Guest of Honour to speak on the occasion. Triple Play refers to the interconnection of telecommunications, TV broadcasting and the Internet networks. Professor Wu mentioned that the huge market potential of Triple Play would bring the industry many opportunities and economic benefits due to numerous Chinese Internet users and voluminous online activities. As for challenges, they are mainly in the harmonization of technology standards, improvement of government regulations and formulation of relevant rules of law. I believe, Triple Play and resource-sharing will be a general trend. How the local enterprises could take part in Triple Play with their past experiences, therefore is worthy of our further discussion.

3.   Witnessed the establishment of “Hong Kong Next Generation Internet Society”
      見證「香港下一代互聯網學會」成立

I was invited to the Inauguration Ceremony of the Hong Kong Next Generation Internet Society (HKNGIS). Together with local and Chinese IT industry friends, we witnessed the establishment of the Society on 9 March. Founded by some local industry veterans, it was chaired by Dr. Ng Nam. Governments all over the world which have foresight are devoted to building next generation Internet. Therefore, Hong Kong should not lag behind. The mission of HKNGIS is to rally the effort of the IT industry to push the Government to implement NGI and move Hong Kong towards a knowledge-based economy, which was worthy of our support. In the subsequent seminar, Professor Wu Hequan, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering was invited to introduce the latest development of NGI in the Mainland.

4.   Invited to be the keynote speaker in FutureGov Forum Hong Kong
      擔任「未來政府香港論壇」特邀演講嘉賓

I was invited to be the keynote speaker in the FutureGov Forum Hong Kong on 9 March. I shared my views on Gov 2.0 with IT friends and government officials from the Asia- Pacific region. Through this forum, I also learnt the experiences of foreign countries, such as Australia’s Victorian Public Service Action Plan introduced by the Victorian Government in November 2009.  This plan was signed by all Department Heads requiring them to implement 11 initiatives.  The Korean Government also set a Green Informatization Plan to drive e-Government into Green Government. The next forum will be held in Dalian in September 2010, I will continue to take part in if time permits.

5.   The Government should strengthen the development of submarine cables
      政府應加強海底電纜基建發展

At the meeting of the Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting this month, members discussed the landing of submarine cables and the development of digital audio broadcasting. Members were concerned if local development of submarine cables has fallen behind other Asian landing points such as Singapore and Taiwan. The response from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau reflected that the Government was aware of the seriousness of the problem and has proposed several suggestions to land more submarine cables in Hong Kong. It is hoped to discuss with stakeholders on the promotion of the measures later. In my view, the Government should fight for more submarine cable landing points in Hong Kong and enhance the outgoing telecommunications network infrastructure development so as to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional telecommunications hub.

6.   Set up a web 2.0 platform for interactive discussion with the public on the Budget
      設立web 2.0平台與市民互動討論財政預算案

Immediately after the release of the Budget of 2010, I started a group discussion in the Facebook, calling “IT people to read the Budget”. I hope to collect opinions from the public through this web 2.0 platform, thus drawing public attention and generating discussion on the Budget. Consequently, I raised 53 written questions with the Government, which covered several policy areas touching on promotion of e-government, e-engagement, funding arrangements for IT projects, as well as education, environmental protection, health, security, housing and transportation. To see the replies from the Government, please click the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=339042969816

II. Articles Sharing (Chinese Only)

1. 社交媒體 的行銷威力
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年3月30日

2. 香港網上 音樂何時起飛？
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年3月25日

3. 網絡化下 的 區域人才庫
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年3月24日

4. 落實電子 公民參與政府準備好了嗎？
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年3月18日

5. 建立網絡 合作夥伴為企業增值
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年3月16日

6. 做個低碳 網絡消費者
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年3月11日

7. 將靈感變 做財富
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年3月9日

8. 我想免費 看世界盃
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年3月4日

9. 從買賣生 意加快企業創新
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年3月3日

政府應該如何落實推動電子公民參與?

近期社會的熱門話題，除 了財政預算案之外，大家也關注到有越來越多正副局長在社交網站開戶，爭取與市民直接溝通，這固然是值得鼓勵的事，但是，究竟政府應該如何落實推動電子公民 參與，才可以取得更大的成效呢？

為此，我聯同一些社會民生關注組織及青年團體舉辦了一場研討會，並請來特首辦主任譚志源及十多個政府部 門，共逾二十名政府官員，以及相關社會人士參與討論，獲得不少啟發，今天在報章上也發表了文章，現附上供大家參考和指教。

我也很感謝當日 參與現場討論的各界朋友，尤其是以下幾位主講嘉賓：行政長官辦公室主任譚志源先生、政府資訊科技總監葛輝先生、香港大學社會工作及社會行政學系葉兆輝教 授，以及擔任主持的菁英會副主席洪為民先生。

【附 錄】刊登於2010年3月18日《星島日報》文章

近 期有愈來愈多正副局長在社交網站開戶，尤其高鐵事件後，有局長亦通過有關網站與市民直接溝通，相信這是政府在壓力下，以行動作回應。究竟政府應如何落實推 動電子公民參與？政府是否已經準備好推動這項工作？政府知不知道市民有甚麼期望？市民大眾對於政府現時推動電子公民參與所做工作有何看法呢？

起步在於查找不足

為此，我聯同一些社會民生關注組織及青年團體舉辦了「特區政府如何應用資訊及通訊科技提升公民參與」研討會，並請來特首辦 主任譚志源及十多個政府部門，共逾二十名政府官員、政治助理、立法會議員、區議員、社福機構、資訊及通訊科技界朋友參與討論。

綜合會上發 言者的意見，我將政府對於電子公民參與的落實，主要歸納為七大欠缺或不足：(一)立法會議員黃成智直指，政府最欠膽量，不敢與不同政見人士在網上直接討 論；(二)有青年組織朋友認為，政府欠缺領導，尤其是特首曾蔭權帶頭參與；(三)有學者認為最重要是有心，但政府偏偏欠這顆心；(四)有區議員認為，政府 現時收集意見時欠缺系統，例如對於如何提取、綜合、分優先次序都沒詳細考慮；(五)有社福界朋友批評，政府處理問題時欠人性化，除了工具的運用外，政府的 思維和想法均與市民脫節；(六)特首辦主任譚志源回應時坦言，最關心政府推動電子公民參與會否欠缺持續性；(七)我認為，政府系統欠缺容許犯錯的機制，而 政府官員往往缺乏接受大眾批評的胸襟。我相信，無論如何查找不足絕對是邁向成功的第一步。

明白紅蘿蔔在哪裏

政府落 實電子公民參與的最初動力，固然是出於大眾市民的壓力和期望，但若要順利推動，也必須明白紅蘿蔔在哪裏，令有關官員覺得值得為此下工夫。我認為，網上新媒 體對於政府是一個機遇，得以有一個平台或渠道，讓官員們可以發放訊息，表達想法，尤其是直接接觸到不同聲音，聆聽他們的訴求，以免像目前一樣，政治議題幾 乎完全被大眾傳媒所主導。更大的紅蘿葡是，屆時政府政策的釐定，不再局限於靠公務員隊伍的腦袋，而是鼓勵全港七百多萬市民一起出謀獻策，形成集體的社會智 慧〈social wisdom〉，政策將會更符合社會大眾的要求。我相信，市民也樂意與官員在網上溝通，剩下來的問題只是，政府和有關官員準備好了嗎？

Legislative Councilor Samson Tam Wai Ho

(Information Technology)

(February 2010)

I. Focus Updates

1.    Trip to Singapore to study how to promote Interactive Government
       考察新加坡如何推動互動政府
  

I visited Singapore recently for the purpose of studying its policies, measures and experiences in promoting Interactive Government.

One of the departments we visited was REACH and the full name is Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @Home. In October 2006, this department was established as a government consultation portal in Singapore.

2.    Witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation of professional qualification between Hong Kong and Guangdong
       見證粵港簽署專業資格推廣合作備忘錄

Early February, I was invited to go to Guangzhou to attend the “2010 Annual Meeting of Guangdong ICT” and witnessed the signing of the cooperation memorandum of IT professional qualification among Guangdong and Hong Kong IT-related organizations such as Hong Kong Computer Society. I think, under the framework of CEPA, accelerating the mutual recognition of IT professional qualifications is definitely beneficial to the exchange of professional and technical personnel of Hong Kong with those in the Mainland. This will also facilitate the entry of our services into the Mainland market and the promotion of developing the Six Industries. To this end, the Government should actively assist local IT professional bodies to communicate and cooperate with related organizations in the Mainland, so as to create more opportunities for benefiting the IT industry and the Hong Kong economy as a whole quickly.

3.  Organized forum of IT@ Import and Export industry, strengthening e-trade development
       舉辦IT與進出口界研討會，促進網上貿易的發展

Despite the worldwide financial tsunami, Asia’s export of e-trade has recorded strong growth which far exceeds that of Europe and America. This indicates a huge potential for e-trade development. Early this month, I organized a roundtable forum and invited friends from the Import and Export sector and IT sector to discuss how to promote HK SMEs’, e-trade development. Some participants mentioned that local SMEs generally lack IT knowledge and confidence in online security, thus hindering them from participating in e-trade. Therefore, I hope the Government will consider allocating IT matching fund for SMEs, and provide free IT consultation service to help them to develop e-trade. I will endeavor to promote on the e-trade platform such as eBay and provide training and technical supports so that local SMEs can enhance their competitiveness.

4.    Not in favor of the Government on the introduction of charge on telephone directory enquiry services
       不贊成政府就電話號碼查詢引入服務收費


The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) is conducting a review on telephone directory service, planning to impose a charge on the service and to withdraw the low-usage White Page Directory. At the panel meeting on Information Technology and Broadcasting on 8 February, I stated that the telephone directory enquiry service should be regarded as one of the social infrastructure projects and  no charges should be imposed on such service. On the contrary, the Government should work out how to make the telecommunications operators use this facility more fairly. Besides, the Government should consider setting up a single call center in order to regulate and enhance service quality.

5.    Urged the Government to allocate more resources to support the implementation of the “debundling” policy
       要求政府投放資源，配合實施教材與課本「分拆訂價」政策

At the panel meeting on Education on 8 February, members discussed textbook price policy and e-learning development.  The Education Bureau decided to adopt the recommendations from the Working Group on Textbooks and e-Learning Resources Development requiring textbook publishers to apply the “debundling” policy. This would prevent the sale and purchase of textbooks bundled with teaching/learning materials. However, textbook publishers pointed out that there would be difficulties in the implementation of the policy, which might generate intellectual property issues. They requested the administration to postpone implementation to 2012. I hope that the Government and textbook publishers could reach a consensus on the transitional period as soon as possible and that the latter would provide discounts in the interim period. In order to promote e-learning and teaching, the most important thing is to allocate sufficient resources to schools and teachers for their purchase of e-learning materials after implemented the “debundling” policy.

6.     Welcome to express your opinions on the Budget 2010/11
        歡迎大家就財政預算發表意見

Mr. John Tsang, the Financial Secretary has released the 2010/11 Budget and the Budget Debate will be held on 14 April in the Legislative Council. During this period, I welcome opinions from both the ICT industry and the community at large. Please let me have your views and suggestions on the Budget, so that I will reflect to the Government. My email address is: office@samsontam.hk
I also set up a Facebook Group and welcome to discuss at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=339042969816

II. Articles Sharing (Chinese Only)

1. 學生上網津貼雙管如何齊下
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年2月25日

2. 網絡成為融資渠道
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年2月22日

3. 等待財爺派利是
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年2月18日

4. 未來補習課
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年2月17日

5. 亞洲網上貿易急速發展的原因
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年2月11日

6. 網上免費資源具威力
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年2月9日

7. 如何有效促進青年公民參與？
   刊登於《文匯報》
   2010年2月6日

8. 做個精明電訊消費者
   刊登於《星島日報》
   2010年2月4日

9. 只要有創意寵物商機現
   刊登於《電腦廣場》
   2010年2月3日