With the current financial crisis spreading across the globe, we are seeing the world's nations acting fast with their concerted efforts to halt the devastating rippling effects. However, it is without doubt that the world's economy is going to go through a period of slow down and nations will need to be vigilant in this time of turbulence. Hong Kong people without exception, are keen to re-examine our capability to maintain our competitive edges as the world's key financial hub and continue to rest our strengths on our economic pillars to ensure our prosperity in the long run.
The Policy Address of HKSAR Chief Executive came in at a time when Hong Kong is under much uncertainty posted by the external challenges. Nonetheless, while setting measures to address the major financial issues at stake, the new policy address has rolled out a number of initiatives that recognize the position of ICT in sustaining the competitiveness of Hong Kong, especially in the areas of R&D, talent development, and strategic development of creative industries. As a practitioner of the ICT sector, I'm glad that many of our recommendations are adopted in the government's policy agenda.(see "ICT Industry Response")
Being part of the Greater Pearl River Delta economic region of China, Hong Kong's ties with our motherland have become closer each day. Most people share the view that this is to our mutual benefits adding to our strengths in our strategic roles in the evolving global economy. To this, I'm happy that Mrs. Rita Fan, a dear friend of mine, has decided to spend more of her time in her role as Deputy of NPC. She has recently revamped and enriched her website where we will be more informed than before on the NPC's work and we can also ride on this open platform to enhance our understanding of the mainland's policy framework.
Talking about a stronger tie with China, I've found myself spending quite a bit of time there in recent months. The China Internet Conference I attended this year has once again got many delegates excited about the rapid growth of the technology trend in China. While using IT as an engine for economic growth, we are also seeing increasing trends in conserving the environment. During my recent visits to Beijing and Fuzhou I'm grateful to have seen the hi-tech infrastructure, such as the Beijing Olympic constructions, and have dialogues with experts on the smart application of IT to address environmental issues. It will be encouraging to see more public-private partnerships formed in the mainland and Hong Kong in our pursuit of Green IT. (see how CIO may contribute to the ecology).
Against the backdrop of the present volatile economy, I believe we all feel the impact of different degree. However, let's put our lives in perspective so that we can appreciate what we have and continue to lend help to the less fortunate ones in the society. I strongly encourage you to join me to take part in the upcoming CyberRun for Rehab on November 23. The fund raised will be used to make the on-going rehabilitation work for Sichuan Earthquake victims possible as well as helping the needy ones in Hong Kong.