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The Media, Communications and Information Technology

Information Security

The government's information security portal (InfoSec.gov.hk) provides the latest IT security news, protection measures, best practices and guidelines, and short videos and radio episodes, helping to raise the public's awareness of security threats and to protect their computer systems and data. The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Co-ordination Centre also provides computer security incident response services for local businesses and the general public.

Facilitating the ICT Industry

The government is committed to cultivating a vibrant, competitive and innovative ICT industry. Under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Hong Kong service suppliers can apply for qualification certification of computer information system integration and provide various IT services in the Mainland, including software implementation and data processing services, database services, and online data processing and transaction services. Hong Kong residents can take qualification examinations on computing technology and software, and provide computer and software services in the Mainland. In addition, Guangdong and Hong Kong have implemented a scheme for the mutual recognition of electronic signature certificates to facilitate secure cross-boundary e-commerce.

The government collaborates with the local ICT industry in organising the Hong Kong ICT Awards, recognising outstanding ICT inventions and applications. In 2013, Hong Kong's ICT products and solutions won six grand awards in three prestigious international awards: the World Summit Award Mobile, the World Summit Award and the Asia Pacific ICT Awards.

Since 2010, the government has allocated over 15 hectares and reserved two hectares of land in Tseung Kwan O for the development of high-tier data centres. The first data centre site was sold in October 2013. Two incentive measures were introduced in 2012 to encourage the conversion of industrial buildings into data centres and the development of high-tier data centres on existing industrial lots. As at the end of 2013, eight applications had been received, of which five had been approved. Since its inception in July 2011, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer's Data Centre Facilitation Unit has handled about 300 enquiries, providing assistance to parties interested in setting up data centres in Hong Kong.

Held over two weeks in April, the first ever International IT Fest attracted 46,000 participants to 25 ICT events showcasing Hong Kong's achievements as a regional ICT hub.

Facilitating Development of Cloud Industry and Standards

In 2013, the government produced a Practice Guide for Procuring Cloud Services to promote cloud computing adoption among local companies, especially SMEs. The Hong Kong and Guangdong governments also launched their cross-linked one-stop cloud (InfoCloud) portals that provide useful guidelines and information for cloud users and service providers on choosing and managing cloud services. The two governments also jointly organised meetings and forums to promote the development of cloud industry and standards.

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