The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is sparing no effort to create a favorable environment for a new, knowledge-based economy that enhances its international competitiveness. According to Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Gordon Leung, the first priority is nurturing adequate talent in innovation technology.
Speaking at the January 15 opening ceremony of the Dell Learning Centre at a local primary school, Mr. Leung said the provision of appropriate technological training and facilities and the wider adoption of information and communication technology remain significant factors in nurturing talent.
The government’s Digital 21 Strategy’s main aim is to develop Hong Kong into a dynamic and knowledgeable community with a competitive edge. A top priority is to promote the general application of information and communication technology to break the digital barrier.
“Government bureaus and departments, including the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, have been actively improving infrastructural facilities and upgrading technological support in schools and the community. They also set up the Task Force on Digital Inclusion at the end of 2008,” said Mr. Leung.
The government also has been working closely with the commercial sector and nongovernmental organizations in holding various digital inclusive activities. “We hope to incorporate the strengths of all parties and bring out the synergy effect to overcome the digital divide through tripartite cooperation,” he added.
Such cooperative efforts include the Pilot Scheme on Digital Cyber Centres, which the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer launched recently. Under this program, the government works in partnership with the business sector, information and communication technology organizations, professional groups and community organizations. To help integrate disadvantaged young people and other needy members of the community into the information world, district cyber centers equipped with computer and Internet facilities were set up to enable access to information and communication technology and online services.
Ten district cyber centers with 250 computers and related facilities were established in the first stage.
Mr. Leung said the opening of the Dell Learning Centre is another outstanding example of promoting digital inclusion through cooperation among academics, the commercial sector and nongovernmental organizations.
“I hope Dell and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups can establish more similar learning centers in Hong Kong in the future to offer support to needy students,” he said.
Situated at the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups’ Lee Shau Kee Primary School in Tin Shui Wai, the Dell Learning Centre is Hong Kong’s first. It is hoped that the user base can be expanded from primary students to parents, and that the facility can be open to the public on weekends and public holidays.
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