Tag Archives: China

     â€‹The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, today (September 11) led a delegation of Hong Kong’s cybersecurity industry to attend the Guangdong Cybersecurity Week 2023 and Cybersecurity Expo in Guangzhou for two consecutive days in support of the annual China Cybersecurity Week and to exchange views on technologies and the latest developments in cybersecurity of Hong Kong and Guangdong.

     Mr Wong attended the opening ceremony of the Guangdong Cybersecurity Week as the guest of honour and gave an overview of the cybersecurity strategies and related implementation matters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the Cybersecurity Summit. “Hong Kong and the Mainland have been actively bringing in various innovative technologies to promote smart city development, and this will also pose new challenges to cybersecurity. I hope that industries in Hong Kong and the Mainland will strengthen their ties, work together to promote the development of cybersecurity technologies and industries, and make contributions to both cybersecurity and national security,” said Mr Wong.

     He added that the HKSAR Government had emphasised the importance of building a secure cyber environment in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint announced in December last year, and would continue to put in place measures and plans to enhance the awareness of cybersecurity among different sectors in the community and strengthen Hong Kong’s cybersecurity capability.

     The delegation will meet with the industry in Guangdong Province tomorrow (September 12) to understand the Mainland business environment. Mr Wong will then attend the closing ceremony of the Yuedun 2023 Guangdong Provincial Digital Government Cyber Security Practical Offense and Defense Exercise and return to Hong Kong in the evening.

     The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has all along supported China Cybersecurity Week activities over the years and has worked hand-in-hand with stakeholders to promote and strengthen public awareness of cybersecurity. In addition to the delegation’s participation in the Guangdong Cybersecurity Week events, the OGCIO has joined forces with stakeholders and organised a series of activities this year, including the Build a Secure Cyberspace 2023 – Protect Your Online Identity Seminar and Speech Contest Award Ceremony to be held on September 22 in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre. This event will feature representatives from the OGCIO as well as cybersecurity experts, who will share recommendations on the protection of online identities with a view to raising cybersecurity awareness among organisations and the general public. Other activities of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Week include the Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023, the Smart & Secure City Hall, All-out Anti-Phishing Moving Showroom Campaign, and more. Participation from both the industry and the general public are most welcome. Please visit the thematic webpage (www.cybersecurity.hk/en/csw-main.php) for registration and details on the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Week.

      

     Following is the opening address by the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, at the Opening Ceremony of the Cyber Security Summit 2023 today (September 11):
 
éƒ�主任(Director-General of the Information Centre of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Hao Yinxing), Mohamed (Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Mohamed Butt), 方院士(Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Professor Fang Binxing), Dale (Chairman of the Cyber Security Summit 2023 Organising Committee, Mr Dale Johnstone), Jason (Acting Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Jason Pun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. I am delighted to join you all today at this much-anticipated Cyber Security Summit 2023. Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Hong Kong Productivity Council for orchestrating this remarkable summit, which presents us with an invaluable platform where we can meet up with a number of global cyber security experts and benefit from the wealth of experiences and insights from the industry players.
 
     AI (artificial intelligence), is bringing changes to most, if not all aspects of our daily life, and its convergence with quantum computing holds immense promise. It will revolutionise industries, unlock unprecedented opportunities, and reshape our very existence. However, as what Mohamad just introduced, as these technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, we have to face the profound security implications that arise from these groundbreaking developments. 
 
     The pace of AI development and its adoption rate differ across regions, and the impact of AI technology on various industries and sectors may vary. That said, different regions and organisations have begun to explore diverse approaches to address the implications and challenges associated with AI, and at the same time, to strike a balance between fostering technological innovation and adhering to relevant regulatory obligations.
 
     In Hong Kong, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) published in 2021 the Guidance on the Ethical Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (the AI Guidance) to assist organisations in their understanding and compliance with the personal data privacy protection requirements as suggested by the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance when developing and utilising AI that involves the use of personal data. The AI Guidance covers a range of crucial aspects including the data stewardship values and ethical principles that organisations should uphold when dealing with AI. The AI Guidance also aids organisations in formulating appropriate AI strategies and management models that align with ethical considerations.
 
     Besides the PCPD, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), as represented by Jason today, has also developed the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework. This framework serves as a practical guide for government bureaux and departments when undertaking projects that incorporate AI technologies. Its primary objective is twofold: to offer clear and comprehensive guidance on best practices and to manage potential risks and issues associated with such projects, including privacy, data security, and management concerns.
 
     As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, as what I have just introduced, so do the threats that lurk in the shadows of cyberspace. With quantum computing bringing much more speed, its emergence enhances the ability of attackers to break traditional encryption algorithms that have long been the bedrock of our digital security. “AI takeover” is no longer a hypothetical scenario. It is just a matter of time.
 
     Cyber security is a matter of significant concern for the Government. It is given high priority and is viewed as a critical aspect of governance. We have been closely monitoring the development of post-quantum cryptography, and its impact on cyber security, in particular on the evolution of quantum-resistant encryption algorithms. We will review and revise relevant policies and guidelines suitably, and assess the cyber security risks and countermeasures brought about by this development trend. We strive to ensure that these risks are effectively managed and that our cyber security measures remain resilient in the face of technological progress.
 
     It is not going to be easy, as securing ourselves in this post-quantum and AI world demands our collective attention, collaboration, and innovation. The defence against cyber security threats does call for a holistic approach, not just by the Government, but from all walks of life, and most importantly, to co-operate with our industry players and talent like all of you here, to work together and transcend traditional boundaries, encompassing the realms of technology and human expertise. Let’s work together with concerted efforts towards this goal. Lastly, may I wish you all a fruitful and very rewarding summit.  Thank you very much. read more

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 11) that Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach in Tsuen Wan District, which was temporarily closed earlier due to inspection and clearance works of damages and miscellaneous ar… read more

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2023 today (September 11):

Mr Michael Lee (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning to you all. I am delighted to welcome you all to the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2023. 

     This third edition, the first since 2018, is compelling testimony to Hong Kong’s robust rebound as we emerge from the pandemic. The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to create opportunity, and in the most extensive and inclusive sense possible – here in Hong Kong, throughout Asia and around the world.
      
     That commitment embraces the wide-ranging continuum that runs from business to philanthropy, from profit to benevolence, from making money to building caring communities.

     It’s why I’m here today. It’s why you’re here as well. And what a wonderful turnout for this two-day Forum. I’m told that more than 1 600 of you will be joining the Forum, in three venues throughout the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong’s up-and-coming art and culture hub. 

     You come from some 20 countries and regions. Philanthropists, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, business and thought leaders, academics and so many others here. To make a difference for your foundation, trust, charity, company or institution, and ultimately, for the community. 

     You’re here to discuss, debate and co-operate, to continue the complex and essential task of building better cities, creating more fulfilling lives for urban communities all over the world. 

     In a world beset with multifaceted issues ranging from climate change to poverty alleviation, philanthropy stands as an indispensable tool to tackle these daunting challenges. 

     Hong Kong, I’m here to say, is the ideal backdrop for this international dialogue. Hong Kong is committed to cross-sector collaboration, to encouraging public-private partnerships, to tackling socio-economic issues head-on. Indeed, we have a compelling history of doing so. 

     Our philanthropic heritage is marked by a long-standing tradition of private concerns contributing to welfare and manifold other social initiatives. 

     At last count, based on their tax exemption status, some 10 000 charities have been set up in Hong Kong. In the financial year 2020-21, approved charitable donations under profits tax for business donors totalled US$560 million. For individual donors, charitable donations approved under salaries tax reached nearly US$1 billion. 

     Meanwhile, a growing proportion of global family offices are creating philanthropic foundations to spur social improvement. Such initiatives have bolstered our city’s philanthropic spirit.

     In recent years, there has also been a notable rise in the number of Hong Kong social enterprises tackling social issues through community engagement. These social enterprises demonstrate the impact that unified action for significant social transformation can enable. 

     Talking about unified action for the community, you would be aware that Hong Kong has just been deluged by unprecedentedly heavy rainstorm last week. 

     The hourly rainfall has, at one point, hit 158.1 millimetres, the highest record since the year of 1884. The rainfall recorded in just a matter of 24 hours was equivalent to one-fourth of our annual rainfall.

     Quite a number of our localities were affected by road blockage as a result of flooding and landslides. I was moved by the fact that volunteers, community leaders, civil servants, our District Care Teams, as well as different NGOs have promptly risen to the challenge, by lending their helping hands to those affected, and assisting to clean up our streets and roads. The compassion and generosity of our community is heartening and vital to our rise as a charitable hub.

     Yes, Hong Kong has the potential to become a major international philanthropic centre. Benevolence aside, it is also thanks to our world-class financial services sector, we offer an abundance of professional services, tools and resources for philanthropists to channel to social initiatives.  

     Our green and social investment sector is equally accomplished, presenting extensive opportunities for philanthropists pursuing sustainable development. 

     We have also made it easier to apply for charitable tax-exemption status. For the purpose of tax concessions for single family offices in Hong Kong, we have expanded the beneficial interest a qualified charity may hold in family-owned investment-holding vehicles. These and other measures will make it easier for wealth owners to direct resources to philanthropic causes in Hong Kong. 

     Our vision, on philanthropy and much else, is outlined in the Government’s Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong, issued earlier this year.  

     Hong Kong, let me reassure you, is determined to play an increasingly important role in advancing philanthropy and the social impact it can make, here in Hong Kong, and well beyond. We want to create a fairer society for everyone.  

     It helps that we have the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to turn to, for organising the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, and a great deal more. 

     As Jockey Club Chairman Mr Michael Lee noted, just a few minutes ago, that includes the establishment, today, of the Institute of Philanthropy. This initiative will, I’m confident, go a long way towards realising the Hong Kong SAR Government’s goal of building Hong Kong into a leading international centre for philanthropy. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a rewarding Forum, an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong and the best of philanthropy in the years to come.

     Thank you very much.

    

Attention TV/radio announcers:   Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:        Here is an item of interest to swimmers.        The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today … read more