346 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
(d) Multiple Applications on the Smart Identity Card
The Immigration Department started issuing smart identity (ID) cards in 2003. In addition to using the card for traditional immigration functions as a means of identification, holders of smart ID cards may also choose to use them as library cards and opt to have a digital certificate the personal e- Cert issued by the Hongkong Post Certification Authority embedded in them to carry out secure online transactions. Holders of Smart ID cards have been able to use their cards for automated passenger clearance since the end of 2004 and automated vehicle clearance since April 2005. With the launch of the Leisure Link self-service kiosks of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in December 2007, the cards can be used to book sports and leisure facilities.
Hong Kong continued to gain world recognition for its efforts in promoting e-government. In the e-readiness rankings released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2007, Hong Kong was ranked fourth in the world, and first in the Asia-Pacific Region.
IT Manpower
The Government is committed to creating an environment where a well-qualified IT workforce can flourish and meet the needs of the community. It has run an annual sponsorship scheme for an IT exchange programme since 2002 to expose Hong Kong students to the digital world and to encourage tertiary institutions to organise IT-related exchange programmes with overseas or Mainland institutions. A government-funded programme was launched by the Cyberport in mid-2007 to provide internship opportunities to IT graduates to gain practical working experience.
The Industry Training Advisory Committee for the IT industry was formed to develop, maintain and update training procedures and Specification of Competency Standards. It will also strengthen the link between the industry and the vocational education sector to create a better equipped and more productive and competitive workforce. The Government sponsored the Hong Kong Computer Society to develop the IT Professional Certification scheme to recognise the capability and experience of IT practitioners. The Government will continue to work with the academic sector and the IT industry on longer term measures to ensure that the IT workforce meets local manpower needs and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in the world market. When needed, talented people and IT professionals from elsewhere, including the Mainland, may be admitted to Hong Kong to offset shortages in specific areas.
Building a Digitally Inclusive Society
The Government encourages citizens to use IT to boost their competitiveness and quality of life. It will continue to organise various activities and initiatives to promote wider adoption and greater public awareness of IT. Since 2005, the Government has injected $4 million into the Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) to engage various stakeholders to design and implement digital inclusion programmes for Hong Kong. The fund also received $1.6 million from commercial sponsorship. So far, 29 projects have been funded by the DSF. Other initiatives included district IT