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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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(3) The SPORTIX Phase 2 project is expected to proceed rapidly with completion of vendor agreement in February and the system going live at the end of 1994. With the launching of the system, members of the public will be able to book all leisure services facilities and activities at some 100 ticketing locations throughout the urban areas. The new system will involve extensive use of state-of-the-art technology in such features as client-server, graphic user interface and powerful end-user tools for the management information system.
(4) The URBTIX computers will be upgraded in January 1994. With a doubling of the power of the existing system, the Council can offer better service to URBTIX patrons, specifically, shortening queuing time during busy periods, opening more outlets, enhancing telephone booking service, providing access to tickets for Hong Kong Stadium events, among other things.
(5) Major advances in the Council's network will be made, primarily in rationalization of the present network, upgrading of lines, implementation of network security and resilience, introduction of more local area networks and links to local and overseas organizations.
(6) The Planning and Development Geographic Information System requires to be reviewed and a system upgrade or replacement is anticipated in 1994.
Longer-term considerations
Looking further ahead, I would like to draw your attention to additional significant areas for IT application, including the following:
(1) Greater use of computerized information for management decisions. (2) Computerization of venue management for our culture, entertainment and sports venues.
(3) Development of self-service terminals for ticketing and enquiries.
(4) Greater use of fax for URBTIX, SPORTIX booking, reservation of library materials, enquiry services, applications for licences and permits.
(5) Reduction of paper in the office by making more use of IT-based systems like imaging systems, electronic mail, PC fax, etc.
(6) Expansion of the scope of the STATUS text retrieval system, especially the user base and inclusion of other Council and Departmental documents, particularly Chinese committee papers and minutes.
(7) More innovative use of IT (especially engaging PCs and networks), particularly in our museums (e.g. multi-media systems), training school (e.g. CD-I or Interactive CD-ROM), publicity unit (e.g. photoCD), performing venues (e.g. 3-D CAD/visualization systems for stage designs), USD hot-line (e.g. voice response units, pen-based PCs), licensing/health inspection sections (e.g. notebook PCs or PDAs-portable data assistant).
(8) Implementation of a proper capacity planning programme and retirement of obsolete and under-powered equipment, specifically PCs.
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I would like to urge my colleagues on the Council to support these proposals, in order to maintain the momentum in enhancing service to the public. In this information age, it is vital that state-of-the-art information technology is engaged in both front-line service and infrastructure efficiency.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion.
MR. RONALD POON CHO-YIU (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I must first apologise to the lady behind the glass. What I am going to say first instance is not in the written text. This is to echo two other Councillors' remark. I cannot help making this in punctual observation at this point before my main speech.
Looking at the desertors in the front bench, it is indeed a very sad situation. Probably they think there is no need to listen to what we have to say. While looking at the full house situation at the back bench, I am much encouraged and I am certain the future is for us, younger generation. Back to my original text.
My original intention was to write this speech in the usual holiday setting with a drink in my hand, but, this year the drink got out of hand in Phuket and I end up having to write this speech on a Sunday in my office in order to meet the Monday deadline for translation. Such is the life of an Urban Councillor.
Last year I took pain to work out a subtle analogy to illustrate the consequences to our Governor of his actions but unfortunately a year has passed and there is no sign of him changing his mind. In fact as you all know the situation has worsen. A few days ago I read in the paper that his birth sign is Taurus. Taurian people are known to be stubborn. I should have known not to waste time in this matter as I am a Taurian myself. While being stubborn, I can only make life intolerable to a small circle of people I work and live with. He, being the Governor, can have devastating effects on the whole community.
To be more constructive, I would like now to turn to my area of work in the Urban Council to make some suggestions for your consideration:
(1) We should, as soon as possible, launch a design competition for the New History Museum. As you all know, a site has been set aside for it for over ten years and a brief has already been in existence. The Design Competition will not only help to expedite the realization of this project by Hong Kong wide publicity but will also enhance the Council's image as a promoter of good architectural design in civic buildings in Hong Kong. We all experienced the excellent result of the Toilet Competition and the New History Museum being a more prominent and larger project will certainly attract more public attention.
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m
Page 89 of 132
Page 89 of 132
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
181
180
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
(3) The SPORTIX Phase 2 project is expected to proceed rapidly with completion of vendor agreement in February and the system going live at the end of 1994. With the launching of the system, members of the public will be able to book all leisure services facilities and activities at some 100 ticketing locations throughout the urban areas. The new system will involve extensive use of state-of-the-art technology in such features as client-server, graphic user interface and powerful end-user tools for the management information system.
(4) The URBTIX computers will be upgraded in January 1994. With a doubling of the power of the existing system, the Council can offer better service to URBTIX patrons, specifically, shortening queuing time during busy periods, opening more outlets, enhancing telephone booking service, providing access to tickets for Hong Kong Stadium events, among other things.
(5) Major advances in the Council's network will be made, primarily in rationalization of the present network, upgrading of lines, implementation of network security and resilience, introduction of more local area networks and links to local and overseas organizations.
(6) The Planning and Development Geographic Information System requires to be reviewed and a system upgrade or replacement is anticipated in 1994.
Longer-term considerations
Looking further ahead, I would like to draw your attention to additional significant areas for IT application, including the following:
(1) Greater use of computerized information for management decisions. (2) Computerization of venue management for our culture, entertainment and
sports venues.
(3) Development of self-service terminals for ticketing and enquiries.
(4) Greater use of fax for URBTIX, SPORTIX booking, reservation of library
materials, enquiry services, applications for licences and permits.
(5) Reduction of paper in the office by making more use of IT-based systems
like imaging systems, electronic mail, PC fax, etc.
(6) Expansion of the scope of the STATUS text retrieval system, especially the user base and inclusion of other Council and Departmental documents, particularly Chinese committee papers and minutes.
(7) More innovative use of IT (especially engaging PCs and networks), particularly in our museums (e.g. multi-media systems), training school (e.g. CD-I or Interactive CD-ROM), publicity unit (e.g. photoCD), performing venues (e.g. 3-D CAD/visualization systems for stage designs), USD hot-line (e.g. voice response units, pen-based PCs), licensing/health inspection sections (e.g. notebook PCs or PDAs-portable data assistant). (8) Implementation of a proper capacity planning programme and retirement
of obsolete and under-powered equipment, specifically PCs.
Page 89 of 132
I would like to urge my colleagues on the Council to support these proposals, in order to maintain the momentum in enhancing service to the public. In this information age, it is vital that state-of-the-art information technology is engaged in both front-line service and infrastructure efficiency.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion.
MR. RONALD POON CHO-YIU (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I must first apologise to the lady behind the glass. What I am going to say first instance is not in the written text. This is to echo two other Councillors' remark. I cannot help making this in punctual observation at this point before my main speech.
Looking at the desertors in the front bench, it is indeed a very sad situation. Probably they think there is no need to listen to what we have to say. While looking at the full house situation at the back bench, I am much encouraged and I am certain the future is for us, younger generation. Back to my original
text.
My original intention was to write this speech in the usual holiday setting with a drink in my hand, but, this year the drink got out of hand in Phuket and I end up having to write this speech on a Sunday in my office in order to meet the Monday deadline for translation. Such is the life of an Urban Councillor.
Last year I took pain to work out a subtle analogy to illustrate the consequences to our Governor of his actions but unfortunately a year has passed and there is no sign of him changing his mind. In fact as you all know the situation has worsen. A few days ago I read in the paper that his birth sign is Taurus. Taurian people are known to be stubborn. I should have known not to waste time in this matter as I am a Taurian myself. While being stubborn, I can only make life intolerable to a small circle of people I work and live with. He, being the Governor, can have devastating effects on the whole community.
To be more constructive, I would like now to turn to my area of work in the Urban Council to make some suggestions for your consideration:
(1) We should, as soon as possible, launch a design competition for the New History Museum. As you all know, a site has been set aside for it for over ten years and a brief has already been in existence. The Design Competition will not only help to expedite the realization of this project by Hong Kong wide publicity but will also enhance the Council's image as a promoter of good architectural design in civic buildings in Hong Kong. We all experienced the excellent result of the Toilet Competition and the New History Museum being a more prominent and larger project will certainly attract more public attention.
Page 89 of 132
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