The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong today (April 12), to exchange views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and jointly witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology Development (MOU) between the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC, joining hands to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy through technological innovation.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy Director of the CAC, Mr Wang Jingtao, singed the MOU. Covering key areas including promotion of AI, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain, the MOU aims to deepen the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre, promoting a new real economy driven by technological innovation, and driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development. The two places will further strengthen co-operation and jointly propel new quality productive forces development, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges and promotion.

     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the CAC’s support for Hong Kong’s I&T development. He said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and achieving high-quality development. The MOU signed today marks a new milestone in the co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country’s high commitment and support to Hong Kong’s I&T development. Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.”

     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong was designated again to stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit this year on April 13 and 14. Hong Kong will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation capabilities, and leverage the pivotal role as a bridge for “going global and attracting foreign investment”, so as to further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and to expand broader and more diversified opportunities for I&T collaboration.

     Professor Sun Dong said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre. At the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with the robust support from the country, the HKSAR Government will accelerate the promotion of I&T development to build Hong Kong into a source of innovation for the country and the world, taking a new leap forward in Hong Kong’s I&T development while serving the country’s needs.”

     In response to and in support of the 11th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department (FSD) today (April 12) held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O, providing an opportunity to deepen the public’s understanding of national security and the FSD’s work on safeguarding national security, public order and safety. The event attracted more than 9 000 visitors. 

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, accompanied by the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Derek Armstrong Chan, watched a fire and ambulance appliances parade in the morning. Mr Chan then visited the national security education game booths and toured the National Security Education cum Resource Centre at the academy.

     At the open day, exhibition boards and game booths on national security were set up to enhance public understanding of the importance of national security through interactive engagement. A flag-raising ceremony was also held with the FSD’s Guard of Honour performing a Chinese-style foot drill. Moreover, simulation training facilities including a simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, the Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum, and the National Security Education cum Resource Centre were open to the public. Members of the public were able to obtain information on the department’s recruitment exercise during their visit. 

     The FSD has long fully supported the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in implementing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The department will resolutely continue to support and co-operate with various departments in the work of safeguarding national security so that the safety of Hong Kong citizens can be better protected.