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HKSAR's leap toward a digital tomorrow
文章
2024 年 4 月 12 日
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In the bustling heart of Asia, a new vision unfolds for Hong Kong, one that seeks to transform the city into a hub of technological innovation. The central government's national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) lends its unequivocal backing to this vision, heralding a fresh positioning and mission for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the robust support of both the central and the HKSAR governments, we have witnessed an acceleration in the city's developmental stride, particularly in the cultivation of the digital economy — a realm where Hong Kong's unique strengths are now meeting unprecedented opportunities.
The digital revolution is reshaping the way we produce, operate businesses, and conceive commercial models. It's an era in which efficiency and competitiveness are bolstered, and new business prospects are nurtured. In step with these transformative times, the HKSAR government has been vigorously championing the digital economy and the construction of a smart city. A recent policy declaration on data circulation and security has laid the groundwork for robust data governance. Beyond this, plans are afoot to establish a Digital Policy Office to fast-track the development of a digital government infrastructure.
In addition to local efforts, the central government's support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector has been overwhelming. Not only have Hong Kong residents been given the chance to participate in the country's manned space missions, but for the first time, payload specialists are being selected directly from Hong Kong. This is a resounding endorsement of the city's scientific community by the nation. Additionally, Hong Kong has inked pivotal agreements with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments to accelerate the establishment of an international innovation and technology center. These agreements, along with multiple cooperative accords with various provinces and cities, are propelling Hong Kong's integration into the nation's overall development strategy.
Positioned uniquely as a city that enjoys the motherland's consistent support while maintaining global connectivity, Hong Kong is primed to become a metropolis of innovation. This is exemplified by the Digital Economy Summit 2024, a hallmark event jointly hosted by the HKSAR government and Cyberport, scheduled for April 12-13 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. This summit will convene global leaders from technology, politics, business, and academia to discuss topics spanning smart cities, the digital economy, intelligent mobility, smart buildings, Web3, new energy and sustainable development. Over two days, extending into the weekend to engage the public, the event will also invite high school and university students on guided tours, instilling in our youth an early connection to the digital economy sector.
This year's summit, themed "Smarter Technovation for All: Forging a Sustainable Future", underscores how digital technology can be interwoven with sustainable development. By extending into the weekend, it hopes to involve residents directly, allowing them to grasp the applications of digital technology in both the economy and daily life, and to experience firsthand the benefits of the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, a focus of the summit, is expected to drive advanced production technologies and foster industry exchange, thus enhancing Hong Kong's productive capabilities.
It is also important to note that the digital economy is not just a trend but a driving force in the global economic narrative. Looking ahead, a collaborative synergy between government, industry, academia and research should be strengthened. By nurturing talent, advancing technology applications, and enhancing public awareness, we can propel the growth of the digital economy. These efforts will open new business and investment opportunities, positioning Hong Kong as a leading smart city and digital financial center, contributing to the nation's needs.
Hong Kong's journey toward this sustainable digital future is more than a strategic move; it is a commitment to innovation, a pledge to the city's youth, and a cornerstone for a thriving, tech-led economy. As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
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近年來，隨着內地資訊科技行業發展步伐加快，美國為首的西方國家開始臆想中國會利用網絡平台進行情報收集活動。由字節跳動公司創辦並營運的 TikTok 就被美國政府指控，向中國政府提供用戶的個人信息，危害美國的國家安全。
TikTok在美國深受年輕一代的歡迎。在2017 年5 月進入海外市場後，僅以1年5 個月的時間就成為美國月度下載量及安裝量最高的手機應用程式。然而，公司業務擴張的驚人速度引來了美國政府的猜忌。
2019 年末，美國海軍以TikTok 應用構成網路安全威脅為由，禁止在政府的行動裝置上使用TikTok；美國陸軍則在2020 年初加入抵制TikTok 的行列。當時，特朗普政府曾嘗試透過行政命令，全面封殺TikTok，奈何有關命令最終被法院推翻。
近日，美國眾議院通過一項法案要求字節跳動公司在6 個月內剝離旗下短片分享平台TikTok，否則將在全國範圍內禁用TikTok。總統拜登已表明，假若法案獲兩院通過，他會簽署並頒布落實。
匪夷所思的是，此前一直支持封殺 TikTok 的特朗普卻改變立場，反對禁用TikTok。據美國媒體報道，特朗普「轉軚」的原因有二。第一，他認為假若法案通過，facebook 可能會借機吞併TikTok，從中獲利。特朗普堅信 facebook 母公司Meta 的行政總裁朱克伯格在2020 年大選中協助拜登贏得選舉，因此對其懷有私怨，不希望他因此獲益。
但更重要的原因是，共和黨金主傑夫．亞斯（Jeff Yass）旗下一間公司現時擁有字節跳動15% 股份，市場估值約400 億美元。由於亞斯在本屆大選中向特朗普提供了巨額的財政援助，促使特朗普的立場出現重大轉變。
In recent years, as China's information technology industry development pace accelerates, Western countries led by the United States began conjecturing that China would use online platforms for intelligence collection activities. TikTok, created and operated by ByteDance, has been accused by the US government of providing users' personal information to the Chinese government, posing a threat to US national security.
TikTok is hugely popular among young people in the US. After entering overseas markets in May 2017, it became the mobile app with the highest monthly downloads and installations in the US in just one year and five months. However, the company's astonishing business expansion speed aroused suspicion from the US government.
In late 2019, the US Navy banned the use of TikTok on government mobile devices, citing security risks posed by the app. The US Army also joined the boycott of TikTok in early 2020. At the time, the Trump administration attempted to completely ban TikTok through executive orders, but the relevant orders were ultimately overturned by the courts.
Recently, the US House of Representatives passed a bill requiring ByteDance to divest its short video sharing platform TikTok within six months, or TikTok will be banned nationwide in the US. President Biden has indicated that he will sign and enforce it if the bill passes both chambers.
Strangely, Trump, who had long supported banning TikTok, changed his stance to oppose banning it. According to US media reports, Trump "changed course" for two reasons. First, he believes if the bill passes, Facebook may take advantage to acquire TikTok and profit from it. Trump firmly believes Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg assisted Biden in winning the 2020 election, so he harbors personal resentment and does not want him to benefit from this.
But the more important reason is that a company owned by Republican megadonor Jeff Yass currently holds 15% of ByteDance shares worth an estimated $40 billion in market value. Given Yass' huge financial support for Trump in this election, it prompted a major shift in Trump's position.
2024年4月15日是《維護國家安全條例》實施後的第一個全民國家安全教育日。國務院港澳辦夏寶龍主任繼在2月完成在港的七天考察後（21-28日），今次以視像形式出席全民國安教育日開幕典禮暨主題講座，他在會上發表講話，提出香港實現由治及興的五大「需要」：
香港順利履行憲制責任完成《基本法》第23條本地立法，已為香港寫進一篇新的歷史篇章。習近平主席曾提到「『一國兩制』是個好制度，必須長期堅持」，「一國兩制」原則一直沒有改變，這制度充分證明是成功的，並為香港帶來許多優勢與紅利。國家安全是每個國家都非常重視的核心價值，保護國家安全是每個香港市民的責任。無論我們在全球哪一個地方、與哪一個國家進行商業交往、建立友誼或就業，我們都應恪守國家安全的底線。
國家著憑多年努力，創下一項又一項「不可能的任務」。正如夏寶龍主任所言：「中國的發展歷經各種困難挑戰才走到今天，過去沒有因為『中國崩潰論』而崩潰，現在也不會因為『中國見頂論』而見頂，更不會因為『產能過剩論』而停滯不前。」這句話深刻地表明國家堅韌不拔和持續進步的決心。
我們應該珍惜前人多年來為我們打下的基礎，更需要積極融入國家發展大局。前人不屈不撓的精神與努力創造了一個又一個舉世矚目的成就；好的制度更令香港成為一個擁有獨特的優勢、舉足輕重的地區。今天，後人不能再固步自封，只顧「乘涼」而不「種樹」。香港人向來以彈性、懂順勢而為聞名，我們應保持開放的心態，適應大環境下的變化，加倍努力來鞏固和發揚香港的獨特優勢，創造發展機遇。
競選資金在選舉中的作用向來舉足輕重，在美國總統大選更甚。美國總統大選的總開支近年一路飈升，由1996 年約66 億美元升至2020 年約140 億美元。而候選人的籌款能力愈強，贏面就愈高。
2020 年上屆大選，拜登破紀錄籌得超過10 億美元，而特朗普則籌得約7.7 億美元。由於特朗普在選舉衝刺階段時出現資金短缺，不得不減少在多個關鍵州份的廣告投放量，導致特朗普在上屆大選中丟掉了3 個關鍵州份，間接令他輸掉選舉。
來到今屆選舉，由於特朗普有多宗官非纏身，需要動用競選資金支付相關法律費用，導致競選團隊一度出現財政危機。早前，特朗普在紐約州的一宗民事訴訟中敗訴並被判罰款。雖然他有意提出上訴，但須先繳付高達1.75 億美元的保證金方可繼續進行訴訟。外界一度關注他有沒有足夠資金去支付天價保證金，更有傳他可能會因為無法支付保證金而被法庭拍賣旗下的名貴物業。
近日，特朗普得到一名金主慷慨解囊，在限期前支付保證金，得以繼續上訴。根據美國當地傳媒報道，該名金主是靠銷售次級汽車貸款服務（Subprime auto loan）起家的加州富豪漢基（Don Hankey）。漢基是特朗普及共和黨的忠實支持者，過往一直有向共和黨捐款。單是2016 年8 月，他就分別捐款予共和黨全國委員會（Republican National Committee） 及懷俄明州共和黨競選委員會（Republican Party of Wyoming PAC）。
雖然今次特朗普覓得金主贊助，但在籌集競選資金方面仍然落後拜登。民主黨現時已籌得超過1 億9000 萬美元，仍然領先特朗普團隊。因此，我認為特朗普團隊現時最迫切的任務是盡快確保競選資金來源，避免因「缺水」而失票。
Campaign funding has always played an important role in elections, even more so in the US presidential election. The total spending on US presidential elections has been soaring in recent years, from about $6.6 billion in 1996 to about $14 billion in 2020. And the stronger a candidate's fundraising ability, the higher the chances of winning.
In the last election in 2020, Biden broke records by raising over $1 billion, while Trump raised about $770 million. Due to a cash crunch during the final stage of the election, Trump had to reduce advertising spending in multiple key states, leading to his loss of three key states and indirectly losing the election.
In this year's election, Trump has been embroiled in multiple scandals and needs to use campaign funds to pay legal fees, resulting in a temporary financial crisis for his campaign team. Previously, Trump lost a civil lawsuit in New York and was ordered to pay fines. Although he intends to appeal, he needs to post a hefty bond of $175 million first before the lawsuit can continue. There were concerns about whether he had enough money to pay the exorbitant bond, and rumors that he may have his valuable properties auctioned off by the court if unable to pay.
Recently, Trump found a generous benefactor who paid the bond before the deadline, allowing him to continue appealing. According to local media reports, the benefactor is Don Hankey, a billionaire from California who made his fortune through subprime auto loans. Hankey is a loyal supporter of Trump and the Republican Party, having donated to them in the past. Just in August 2016, he separately donated to the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Wyoming PAC.
While Trump has found a sponsor this time, he is still lagging behind Biden in fundraising. The Democrats have already raised over $189 million, still leading Trump's team. Therefore, I believe the most urgent task for Trump's team now is to ensure sources of campaign funds as soon as possible to avoid losing votes due to "running out of water."
佐敦華豐大廈上周三（4月10日）發生三級嚴重火災，造成5人死亡，約40人受傷。我對事件深感痛悲痛，對於火災中失去生命的人們致以最深切的哀悼，但願逝者安息，生者平安。
今次大火，特區政府嚴肅應對，消防火速撲火，民政署開放梁顯利油麻地社區中心安置災民，警方及民政署等人員亦在大廈門口設置登記處，安排居民上樓執拾物件。保安局局長鄧炳強披上消防裝備視察火災現場，行政長官李家超亦親身前往醫院到探望傷者，惟這些都是火災發生後的善後工作。
那麼，火災發生前呢？樓宇管理和監管方面似乎未有做好。
根據報道，華豐大廈已有60年樓齡。屋宇署早在2008年已向大廈業主立案法團發出消防安全指示，要求大廈提升至符合現代要求的防火門、耐火物料圍封非緊急設施，以及提供符合耐火能力的固定窗等。十年後，屋宇署在2018年續針對樓宇的公用部分，再向大廈業主立案法團發出強制驗樓法定通知 。惟之後，署方似乎沒有積極跟進。
香港目前仍有為數不少像華豐大廈這般的高樓齡、防火設備未完善的樓宇，「三無大廈」更是高危中之高危。民政及青年事務局局長麥美娟星期六(13日)在電台節目上表示，特區政府將會協助 「三無大廈」 成立法團，相信此舉將有助盡快處理長期的樓宇管理與維修問題，提升消防安全。
樓宇安全的管理不僅要加強，改善執法和監管機制亦需完善。樓宇安全的宣傳教育不但應提高居民對應急情況的意識和應對能力，更應提高全港各區業主立案法團對大廈的安全結構意識與責任，特區政府亦應加強監管力度。
火災無情，造成的人命傷亡及財物損失不可逆轉，一宗都嫌多。社會通常是在嚴重大火發生後，才關注怎樣提高公眾防火意識，怎樣加強樓宇的防火設施等等，今次華豐大廈三級火又一次敲響消防鐘，特區政府必須加快腳步，提升樓宇防火管理。
由於特朗普及拜登二人作為總統的表現未能讓選民滿意，呼籲票投第三方的呼聲在本屆總統選舉中尤為高漲。雖然多數獨立候選人在民調上的支持度都及不上特、拜二人，但外界普遍認為來自甘迺迪家族的小羅拔甘迺迪（Robert Kennedy Jr.）可能對選舉的最終結果產生重要影響。
甘迺迪家族在美國政壇名聲顯赫，多個家族成員都曾出任政府要職。小羅拔甘迺迪是已故總統甘迺迪的侄子，父親則是前司法部部長及前參議員，本應是競選總統的熱門人選。但民主黨希望將選票導向拜登，以抗衡特朗普，因此未有給予甘迺迪「祝福」。
但我認為，縱使甘迺迪出選挑戰拜登，亦未必會嚴重分割民主黨內的票源。皆因甘迺迪本人的政治主張十分激進，極左及極右的議題都有涉足，與民主黨中間偏左的立場相距甚遠，相信無法取得大部分民主黨人的支持。但甘迺迪的新競選搭檔或能協助爭取更多提名，提高他「入閘」的機會。
據美國政經網站Politico報道，甘迺迪早前宣布科技律師及企業家妮可沙娜罕（Nicole Shanahan）為他的競選搭檔。他稱讚對方為傑出的律師、科學家、技術專家及堅強的母親。
沙娜罕是中美混血兒及移民後代，亦是Google其中一名創辦人Sergey Brin的前妻。兩人於2022年離婚時，沙娜罕按照結婚時簽署的婚前協議，分得約10億美元財產。沙娜罕與甘迺迪同為律師，在環保政策及反疫苗陰謀論的立場相近，她亦主張利用創新科技去打擊政府機構的腐敗行為。
不難看出，甘迺迪和沙娜罕所代表的是民主黨內以「矽谷精英」為主的精英階層利益。雖然沙娜罕的雄厚財力或能協助甘迺迪取得更多提名，但相信無助他當選總統。不過，他們的部分激進主張或可吸引共和、民主兩黨的邊緣化選民支持，分割特、拜二人的票源。
What are Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s chances?
As the performances of both Trump and Biden as president have failed to satisfy voters, there are increasingly loud calls this election for voting third-party. While most independent candidates still lag Trump and Biden in polls, most observers believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from the famed Kennedy family, could significantly impact the final election result.
The Kennedy family has a prominent reputation in American politics, with many family members having held high government positions. RFK Jr. is the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, and his father was a former Attorney General and senator, making him a natural candidate for president. However, the Democratic Party hoped to direct votes toward Biden to counter Trump, so did not give RFK Jr. their "blessing."
However, I believe even if RFK Jr. challenged Biden, it would unlikely severely split the Democratic vote base. This is because RFK Jr.'s own political stances are quite radical, touching on both far-left and far-right issues, far from the Democratic Party's center-left position, and he likely cannot gain support from most Democrats. But RFK Jr.'s new running mate could help attract more nominations and increase his chances of "making the cut."
According to a report by the American political and economic website Politico, RFK Jr. recently announced technology lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. He praised her as an outstanding lawyer, scientist, tech expert and strong mother.
Shanahan is of Chinese-American descent and an immigrant offspring. She is also the former wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin. When they divorced in 2022, Shanahan got around $1 billion in assets according to their prenuptial agreement. Shanahan and RFK Jr. share a similar stance as lawyers on environmental policy and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. She also advocates using innovative technology to combat corruption in government agencies.
It's not difficult to see that RFK Jr. and Shanahan represent the interests of the elite class in the Democratic Party comprising mainly of "Silicon Valley elites." While Shanahan's formidable wealth could help RFK Jr. get more nominations, it's unlikely to help him win the presidency. However, some of their radical stances may attract support from marginalized voters of both Republican and Democratic parties, splitting votes from Trump and Biden.
The observance of National Security Education Day in Hong Kong has gained increased significance since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). This year, the day is particularly notable as it not only marks the fourth National Security Education Day since the introduction of the NSL but is also the first since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. National security is a pillar of the State, essential for maintaining societal stability and the prosperity that comes with it. Education about national security is crucial in fostering a widespread awareness among residents, ensuring a stable and prosperous society under "one country, two systems".
The importance of national security extends to every family and indeed to the future of the nation. Without national security, Hong Kong residents cannot enjoy a stable life. The riots in 2019-20 made residents aware of the importance of safeguarding national security. During that period, external anti-China forces and local disruptors nearly pushed Hong Kong into the abyss, paralyzing its business operations. In response, the central government enacted the NSL to rectify the chaotic situation, transitioning Hong Kong from turmoil to governance. Life has since returned to normal, and the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, along with the NSL, has effectively deterred external hostile and separatist forces, safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's well-being.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, which will work closely with related policy bureaus and departments to roll out a series of patriotism education activities, encouraging all sectors of society to organize relevant events voluntarily. Such collective efforts aimed at fostering a patriotic atmosphere throughout society is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The proactive promotion of patriotic education by the government represents a huge step forward from the past, when the focus was solely on providing facts about our nation without stressing the need to be patriotic. Undoubtedly, only through fostering a love for the country can residents naturally and conscientiously safeguard national security. Through education that instills a sense of national honor and identity among students, the government hopes to build a deeper national consciousness that inherently protects national security against disruptive forces from within and outside Hong Kong.
The annual National Security Education Day is a focal point of patriotism education. Every year, the HKSAR government organizes a series of promotional and educational activities to deepen understanding of national security across society. This year is no exception. Activities planned include flag-raising ceremonies, open days for disciplinary forces, demonstrations of the Chinese-style foot drill, tactical or rescue exercises, and displays of firearms and equipment. These activities are designed to educate the public about the efforts made by various disciplinary forces to prevent and counter national security risks. Additionally, carnivals focused on national security education are held across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
As we continue to observe National Security Education Day each year, it remains a pivotal component of our broader efforts to instill a deep sense of patriotism and awareness of national security among residents. Such initiatives are vital for nurturing a lasting commitment to national security and patriotism among all residents. As we move forward, these sustained educational efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring enduring stability, security and prosperity of Hong Kong, fostering a hopeful and resilient society ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
兒童是社會的未來和希望。保護兒童是當今社會極為關注的議題和共同願景。為此，特區政府和立法會正就《強制舉報虐待兒童條例》進行立法工作，冀與社會各界聯手加強保護兒童的力度。保護兒童不僅保護他們免受身心傷害，還包括確保他們擁有健康的成長環境和平等的機會，提供充足的教育和培訓，協助他們識別和應對各種形式的虐待和傷害，當中全面性教育尤其重要。
與此同時，《綱要》概述了8個關鍵概念，包括關係；價值觀、權利、文化與性；理解社會性別；暴力與安全保障；健康與福祉技能；人體與發育；性與性行為及性與生殖健康，並且針對四個年齡段及每個主題依照適齡原則推薦主題和學習目標。由此可見，全面性教育具有完整的課程框架、教學內容、教學目標、教學材料和教學評價。
多年來，本港多間大學和機構持續為有關本港青少年與性進行研究，各項調查皆顯示本港的性教育未如理想。其中，平等機會委員會在2022年的調查，指出本港在實施性教育遇到的問題，包括課時不足、師資培訓不足、指引不足及教材不足等多個情況。
目前，本港的性教育以價值觀教育為主軸，串連不同科目、全方位學習活動等，以跨課程方式推行。在這種方式下性教育內容呈現未免過於分散且不完整，成效亦難以評估。早前，筆者就有關方面於3月27日的立法會會議中向教育局作出書面質詢，可惜局方回覆表示性教育是價值觀教育的重要部分，並未有就發展全面性教育指出明確方向。
近年網絡罪行嚴重，與兒童網絡活動有關的性罪行案件持續增加。警方指去年涉及「裸聊勒索」和「援交騙案」的案件有超過900宗是針對學生，而年紀最小的受害者僅得9歲，情況令人擔憂。
兒童被侵害不單是當刻的傷害，伴隨而來的心理陰影可以影響一生。若特區政府有決心讓兒童得到最大程度的保護和關愛，應及早研設整全的性教育指引，為性教育在不同科目訂下建議授課時間，並向學校提供全面的性教育教材及資源，以加強家校合作，與家長一起培養兒童正確的認知和保護自身的能力，加強預防、辨識和應對相關危機的風險，進一步擴大保護兒童的安全網，才能讓我們的兒童健康安全地成長發展。
In the bustling heart of Asia, a new vision unfolds for Hong Kong, one that seeks to transform the city into a hub of technological innovation. The central government's national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) lends its unequivocal backing to this vision, heralding a fresh positioning and mission for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the robust support of both the central and the HKSAR governments, we have witnessed an acceleration in the city's developmental stride, particularly in the cultivation of the digital economy — a realm where Hong Kong's unique strengths are now meeting unprecedented opportunities.
The digital revolution is reshaping the way we produce, operate businesses, and conceive commercial models. It's an era in which efficiency and competitiveness are bolstered, and new business prospects are nurtured. In step with these transformative times, the HKSAR government has been vigorously championing the digital economy and the construction of a smart city. A recent policy declaration on data circulation and security has laid the groundwork for robust data governance. Beyond this, plans are afoot to establish a Digital Policy Office to fast-track the development of a digital government infrastructure.
In addition to local efforts, the central government's support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector has been overwhelming. Not only have Hong Kong residents been given the chance to participate in the country's manned space missions, but for the first time, payload specialists are being selected directly from Hong Kong. This is a resounding endorsement of the city's scientific community by the nation. Additionally, Hong Kong has inked pivotal agreements with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments to accelerate the establishment of an international innovation and technology center. These agreements, along with multiple cooperative accords with various provinces and cities, are propelling Hong Kong's integration into the nation's overall development strategy.
Positioned uniquely as a city that enjoys the motherland's consistent support while maintaining global connectivity, Hong Kong is primed to become a metropolis of innovation. This is exemplified by the Digital Economy Summit 2024, a hallmark event jointly hosted by the HKSAR government and Cyberport, scheduled for April 12-13 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. This summit will convene global leaders from technology, politics, business, and academia to discuss topics spanning smart cities, the digital economy, intelligent mobility, smart buildings, Web3, new energy and sustainable development. Over two days, extending into the weekend to engage the public, the event will also invite high school and university students on guided tours, instilling in our youth an early connection to the digital economy sector.
This year's summit, themed "Smarter Technovation for All: Forging a Sustainable Future", underscores how digital technology can be interwoven with sustainable development. By extending into the weekend, it hopes to involve residents directly, allowing them to grasp the applications of digital technology in both the economy and daily life, and to experience firsthand the benefits of the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, a focus of the summit, is expected to drive advanced production technologies and foster industry exchange, thus enhancing Hong Kong's productive capabilities.
It is also important to note that the digital economy is not just a trend but a driving force in the global economic narrative. Looking ahead, a collaborative synergy between government, industry, academia and research should be strengthened. By nurturing talent, advancing technology applications, and enhancing public awareness, we can propel the growth of the digital economy. These efforts will open new business and investment opportunities, positioning Hong Kong as a leading smart city and digital financial center, contributing to the nation's needs.
Hong Kong's journey toward this sustainable digital future is more than a strategic move; it is a commitment to innovation, a pledge to the city's youth, and a cornerstone for a thriving, tech-led economy. As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
垃圾徵費計劃一波三折，「先行先試」計劃傷痕累累。近期，不少風聲傳聞垃圾徵費計劃「泡湯」機率高，有聲音認為特區政府應再度押後計劃，更有指垃圾徵費是「當年的激進反對派提出，故屬一項不可能完成任務」；另一方面則有指垃圾徵費是早於20年前由特區政府倡導，獲大量民意支持，呼籲特區政府切勿輕易擱置。我不評論垃圾徵費應否擱置，既然「先行先試」計劃已開展，特區政府應先評估成效，按照結果，考慮穩妥的後續做法。
「先行先試」目前試著踏進第二周，成效強差人意，只錄得兩成至五成住戶參與。雖說十年磨一劍，惟目前進程未免太過緩慢。有試行大廈的居民接受電視節目訪問時反映，他是從社福機構口中得知自己居住的大廈是垃圾徵費試點，更說未曾收過特區政府派發的綠色指定膠袋。他認為特區政府未有認真履行試驗計劃。
垃圾徵費計劃已討論多時，亦已兩次延期推行，按理特區政府應有萬全準備，為何至今連推行規模細小的試驗計劃，仍未如人意？香港回收配套設施一向不足，縱使目前有「綠在區區」、「公共屋邨廚餘收集試驗計劃」，惟垃圾徵費仍然是「一夕平靜一夕亂」，未能一股作氣落地實施。
之前特區政府宣布把垃圾徵費計劃押後至8月1日實施，是反映特區政府有聽取民意，了解市民尚未準備好。現在「先行先試」，特區政府本應全方位做好宣傳教育、物資發放、物流安排等配套，以便「試」出真正成效。但現在看來，倒是「試」出原來是特區政府未準備好，連派發綠色指定膠袋予試點大廈的住戶都未做好，哪又怎樣收集真實有用的數據？
減廢是很多國家地區的目標，順利執行並獲取成功需要長時間教育和適應。改善配套、提高公眾意識、教育公眾不可缺少。踏平崎嶇，香港正從夏寶龍主任提到的「零起點」上出發，特區政府上上下下應一改以往的處事方式，穩馬紮實地將政策「放落地」，將特區的執行力「推滿」。
香港近期的店舖結業潮引起社會各界廣泛關注。社交媒體上，有關閉店潮的討論迅速吸引大量關注，反映公眾對這一現象的擔憂。儘管有人將零售業的困境歸咎於經濟衰退，但是，從某些經濟指標來看，例如香港去年第四季度GDP增長連續第四個季度上揚，且升幅達到八個季度以來的最高點，顯示香港經濟正在穩步復甦之中。此外，香港的最新失業率維持在2.9%，就業不足率亦維持在1%的低水平，相對全球而言，香港的經濟表現仍然相對正面。這種情況下，更深入的分析揭示出結構性轉變才是零售業面臨挑戰的主要原因。
以生活的基本需求——衣食住行為例，我們可以看到明顯的變化。「衣」的部分，網購的興起導致實體店面客流量減少。「食」方面，在疫情期間，市民的消費行為發生了轉變，越來越多人選擇外賣，減少在餐廳堂食的次數。「住」方面，香港高昂的租金使得零售商越來越難以維持運營。「行」方面，疫情導致的居家辦公趨勢降低了通勤需求，影響了交通和移動模式。這些結構性的轉變對零售業造成根本性的挑戰，業內需進行改革，以適應消費者新的需求和市場趨勢。
零售業正面臨前所未有的挑戰，但也蘊藏著巨大的機遇。香港擁有先進的IT基礎設施，為零售業的數位轉型提供了堅實的基礎。高普及率的移動設備和快速的互聯網連接為電子商務和在線服務創造了良好的條件。隨著電子商務的增長、在線平台和社交媒體的有效利用，以及5G和人工智能等技術創新的出現，為零售業帶來新的機遇。這些技術幫助零售商更好地理解消費者需求，提供個性化服務，並改善運營效率。
通過數位轉型和創新思維，零售商可以重新定位自己，滿足不斷變化的消費者需求，並實現可持續的業務增長。零售業正處於關鍵轉折點，面臨結業潮的同時，也迎來數碼轉型的重要機遇。預計未來，隨著更多企業實施數碼轉型策略，特別是通過科技創新，如人工智能和大數據的應用，香港零售業將變得更加多元和動態來提升效率和顧客體驗。