Depts Commended For Adopting I&T

Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit commended government departments for their innovation and courage to break new ground at the Leading Towards Robotics Technologies Innovation Competition Award Presentation Ceremony today.

The competition was organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sit said the Government has all along been encouraging the use of innovation and technology to enhance public services and bring greater convenience and benefits to the public.

He noted that robotics technologies, with huge potential and wide applications, is one of the key research and development areas in Hong Kong.

The competition embraced robotics technologies across a host of public services and arranged proof-of-concept testing for the proposals to expedite the adoption of technologies in various government departments.

The new ideas and impetus injected into public services can benefit the public and promote the development of smart government, Mr Sit emphasised.

He encouraged government departments and industry players to continue to make good use of the office's Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart LAB) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department's E&M InnoPortal to work on innovative solutions.

The competition received a total of 38 innovative proposals from 13 government bureaus and departments.

The Smart LAB matched the 10 proposals shortlisted by the selection panel with the local technology industry for a six-month proof-of-concept development.

The final judging panel then selected the winners after listening to the 10 finalists' presentation on the progress and results of the proof-of-concept developments.

Government Chief Information Officer Victor Lam said the Smart LAB will promote the adoption of the winning solutions in the Government to enhance both the quality and efficiency of public services.

It is hoped that the public can enjoy convenience and brand new experiences in public services brought by innovation and technology, he added.