ENG-2008 — Page 423

Communications, the Media and Information Technology | 347

Guangdong and Hong Kong will continue issuing applications of mutual recognition of electronic signature certificates on a trial basis.

Cyberport

Cyberport is a strategic centre which brings together a cluster of high quality IT and related enterprises, and facilitates synergy and partnership among members of the ICT industry. The centre is home to more than 90 local, Mainland and overseas companies specialising in IT applications, information services and multimedia content creation, as well as around 30 start-up companies undergoing incubation. Cyberport is a major venue for IT and digital entertainment-related conferences in Hong Kong and Asia. Since 2002, over 1 100 IT-related events have been held at Cyberport.

The centre also provides the ICT and digital media industries with important infrastructure, technical and resource support and facilitates the development of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the industrial support centres.

Leader in E-government

E-government is an integral part of the Government's overall IT strategy. Building on the foundation laid down in the past few years, Hong Kong has launched the next stage of e-government. The key developments include:

(a) GovHK

GovHK (www.gov.hk) which was officially launched in August 2007 as Hong Kong's one-stop shop for online government information and services sought frequently by the general public.

To bring more convenience to the general public, a more personalised interface will be introduced to provide information and services tailored to users' needs, preferences and interests.

(b) Electronic Health Records

Hong Kong needs a healthcare system that can cater for the changing demographic structure, increasing healthcare needs and rising health expenditure. As part of Government healthcare reform, in 2009 the Food and Health Bureau will set up a dedicated office to co-ordinate the development of a territory-wide patient-oriented electronic health record system. This will provide a pivotal infrastructure for implemention of the reform.

(c) GovWiFi Programme

The Government officially launched the GovWiFi Programme in March as a step forward in making Hong Kong a wireless city. The Programme will provide free Wi-Fi facilities for the public at about 350 government premises throughout the territory including public libraries, public enquiry service centres, sports centres, job centres, community halls, parks and government joint-user buildings. By the end of 2008, the GovWiFi service was available