Industry's aspiration on New Strategy of Innovation and Technology

The Administration had endorsed the new strategy of Innovation and Technology, in which the funding model of the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) will be changed to a three-tier funding structure.

I learned that IT sector is disappointed because information technology is not included in the focus areas in the new strategy. In order to urge the Administration consider our aspiration and recommendations, I, together with representatives from "IT Matters for Hong Kong" met with the Mr. Anthony S K Wong, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology on 17 Jan 2005 for exchanging our views and having an in-depth discussion on this matter.

Moreover, on behalf of "IT Matters for Hong Kong", I also tabled a submission with a list of questions to the LegCo Panel on Commerce and Industry, so as to raise members' concern and ask for the administration's response. I will continue to l keep you update and provide information on the new strategy through my e-Newsletter and my newly revamped cyber-office.

My new cyber office launched

A New Year, a New Look! From the new site, you can find

• my latest commentary on IT & Telecom issues and other publications
• documents and papers of my Advisory Committee, and the 3 Working Groups (Information Security, Wireless Technology, and Closer IT Partnership with Mainland China)
• my speeches and my work at the LegCo
• my photo gallery and my blog

Please spend a little time to visit.

Wish you have prosperous year in the Year of Rooster!

CK Sin

Submission
Discussion paper on Information Security
The paper, which is jointly published by 5 IS-professional bodies, is part of the effort of Working Group on Information Security in raising the general awareness of information security. By putting forward the top 10 information security issues, the working group aims to draw Government's attention to the information security challenges that need to be addressed in near future. I submitted this paper to Digital 21Strategy Advisory Committee (D21SAC) on behalf of the WG in Jan 2005.

Panels

Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting
4 February 2005

Agenda

• Operation of Film Guarantee Fund
• Reduction of licence fee for mobile carrier licences
• 2004 Surveys on IT Usage and Penetration in the Household and Business Sector
• Progress Report on the Implementation of the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy and Action Plan for 2005

Panel on Commerce and Industry
15 February 2005

Tentative agenda

• Preliminary report on the impact of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA)

Council questions
26 Jan 2005

• Migration of the Internet Protocol adopted for Internet infrastructure from version 4 to version 6

2 Feb 2005

• Measures to support the development of Hong Kong's software industry

Motion
23 Feb 2005

• Taking forward the issues of concern to the elderly
• Policy on the recycling industry

Activities

WiMAX Forum 2005

• Organizer: Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association, Hong Kong Productivity Council
  
• Date: 17 Feb 2005
  
• Time: 2:00 -5:20pm
• Venue: Exhibition Hall, 4/F, HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong.
• Registration:Free Admission. First-come-first-served [registration form]
• Enquiry: 2788-6088 (Ms Tang) or 2788-6082 (Ms Cheung)

Tackling Spamming: the Next Steps

Mr. John Tsang, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology will deliver his speech at this luncheon.

• Organizer: HKCS, HKITF, WTIA, ISIA, HKISPA, ITAHK
• Date: 24 Feb 2005
• Time: 12:30 - 2:00pm
• Veune: Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place , 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
• Regristration: Seats will only be reserved after payment is received before 21 Feb 2005
• Enquiry: Ms. Rachel Wong (rachel.wong@hkitf.org.hk / 2869-7379 )

News

Appointment of Government Chief Information Officer
The Government announced the appointment of Mr Howard C Dickson as the Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO). Mr Dickson has taken up the appointment on February 1, 2005.

OFTA Announces Quality of Service (QoS) Information Framework
The OFTA announced a framework under which quality of service (QoS) information on residential broadband Internet service will be available to consumers for making informed choices.

10 indicators under 3 types of information will be generated from the framework for public information. The 3 types of information include: (I) technical performance, such as download and upload time of the service providers; (II) service information, such as helpline numbers and information on billing and service termination; and (III) pledges and actual performance statistics on complaint handling time and enquiry call answering time.

New strategy for electronic service delivery endorsed
Under the new strategy, the Government will group the related e-government services into a number of service clusters having regard to the specific needs of the individual customer segments. Where appropriate, the cluster will provide related commercial services in addition to e-government services so as to enhance the customer and commercial value of the clusters.

As an elected legislator, I always love to know your views. If you have anything would like to share with me, you can either email me or make an appointment for an office visit or home visit. Please leave your name, contact number, and discussion topic via email, and my office will follow up your request with phone calls accordingly.