ENG-2016 — Page 147

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Innovation and Technology

Coordination Centre to provide security advice to operators of critical infrastructure, companies, schools and individuals.

Data centres are critical technology infrastructure. They support the digital development of various sectors in areas such as cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence, thus promoting the growth of high-value-added economic activities in finance, logistics and e-commerce. Many multinational corporations operate data centres in Hong Kong. The following measures aim to further boost the development of data centres:

• Use of industrial buildings and industrial lots for data centres. Two concessionary measures allow the conversion of industrial buildings into data centres and the redevelopment of industrial lots for high-tier data centres. As at end-December, the government had approved 16 applications for the conversion of industrial buildings into data centres and approved one application to redevelop an industrial lot.

• Provision of support services. The Data Centre Facilitation Unit under the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer provides support and inter-departmental coordination for enterprises interested in setting up data centres.

In November, a $500 million Technology Voucher Programme was launched to promote the effective use of technological solutions by SMEs to upgrade their business processes and enhance operational efficiency. Each eligible SME will get cumulative funding of up to $200,000 on a 2:1 matching basis. By the end of 2016, over 500 SMEs had registered online.

The annual signature International IT Fest was held in April to discuss the future development and strategies of the internet-driven economy. The year of 2016 also marked the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong ICT Awards, held jointly with the local industry to recognise outstanding inventions and applications.

The annual InnoTech Month promotes an I&T culture among industry stakeholders and the public through an InnoCarnival, roadshows, stage performances related to innovation and the arts and other activities. The Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme, organised jointly with the academia and non-governmental organisations, seeks to enhance students' interest in I&T and encourage them to pursue related careers.

To tackle social issues using I&T, the government is setting up a $500 million Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living that will support projects benefiting the public or specific groups, such as the elderly or disabled. The fund is expected to be launched in mid-2017.

Digital inclusion initiatives are in place to serve the elderly and the underprivileged. Initiatives carried out in 2016 included an outreach programme to encourage more elderly people to use ICT in their daily lives, funding support for the development of mobile apps that would meet the needs of underprivileged groups, a Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme to encourage the adoption of accessible design for websites and mobile apps, and an Internet Learning Support Programme to help students from low-income families undertake online learning at home.

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