(Policy Address 2023) Govt sets up Digital Policy Office and unveils over 100 digital initiatives

Hong Kong will merge the existing Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Efficiency Office into a newly set up Digital Policy Office, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Wednesday. 

“Led by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, the new office will be responsible for formulating policies on digital government, data governance and information technology,” Lee said. 

Lee continued that the office will consolidate information technology-related resources within the government, promote the opening up of data and coordinate with departments to offer more digital services. 

He noted that the government will publish administrative guidelines to facilitate data flow and ensure data security to drive digital-based development before the end of this year. 

Authorities will also launch over a hundred of digital government initiatives to promote Digital Government and Smart City from 2024 onward. 

These projects include issuing and verifying licenses and certificates electronically by using blockchain technology; enhancing security in public cargo areas by employing AI technology; providing automated parking systems in newly completed government car parks and short-term tenancy car parks. 

The list also goes on such as providing electronic payment options for all government fees within one year; developing smart search-and-rescue mobile applications; and enhancing the 1823 enquiry service through AI chatbot. 

Lee also revealed his plan to develop the “Digital Bay Area” in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government. 

Efforts include promoting the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, under which Hong Kong residents can log into the Guangdong Government Service Network with “iAM Smart”. 

The initiative will also allow Guangdong and Hong Kong residents to use the self-help kiosks rather than having to access government services in person.