SmartPLAY plays dumb on first day of launch

Users of SmartPLAY, a new intelligent sports and recreation service booking and information system introduced by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, lament on Thursday as the system was inaccessible on the first day of its launch.

Available in both web and mobile app versions, SmartPLAY replaces the existing Leisure Link system with effect from 7 am on November 9. 

Many netizens who tried to log onto the system this morning reported encountering technical difficulties, with the system being inaccessible for hours.

One of the users, Chan, said he tried logging onto the new system this morning at 7 am, but he was only welcomed by a prompt that read “SmartPLAY System will be officially launched at 7 am on November 9, 2023”, as well as another one saying there was a connection failure.

He expressed dissatisfaction that he was still unable to log onto the system after a few hours, saying it was ironic for authorities to claim that the costly system could accommodate a large number of users at the same time.

Other users also shared their experiences online, with some saying they were kicked out of the system while waiting to make their reservations. Some also said they failed to receive a confirmation of their booking after payment.

Speaking at LegCo this morning, Lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king questioned the LCSD’s effort, saying the department had spent quite a long time preparing for the launch, yet still ended up in such a situation.

Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Lillian Cheong Man-lei, said in response, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer was aware of the situation this morning and has since reached out to the LCSD for information on the matter.
 

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