Seminar Explores AI's Role in Enhancing Public Service Innovation for Civil Servants

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Civil Service College (CSC) jointly held the third Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar today (January 23). Under the theme "Harnessing AI for Leading Public Service Innovation", the seminar was attended by about 100 directorate and senior-level civil servants from various bureaux/departments (B/Ds).

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, were invited to share at the seminar how their departments use AI to drive innovation and enhancement of public services. Dr Chui remarked that the Environmental Protection Department has been systematically modernising Hong Kong's environmental impact assessment (EIA) process through AI. He showcased at the seminar a number of innovative applications including big data platforms and smart tools deployed across the entire EIA process, and introduced the department's integrated system for real-time environmental monitoring and audit which leverages AI and the Internet of Things to ensure continuous compliance of works projects. Mr Yu highlighted that the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has been actively advancing its digital transformation in recent years. He shared the C&SD's practical experience and strategic approaches to leveraging data science and AI techniques to enhance its official statistical work, challenges encountered in the process and their solutions, as well as the exploration of fostering a data-driven culture.

At the seminar, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, shared the Government's latest developments in promoting and expanding AI applications in government services. In particular, he introduced the AI + Civil Services Campaign initiated by the DPO to drive broader AI adoption in government departments. This includes the launching of the AI+ Solution Catalogue which features a wide range of AI solutions for meeting the daily operational needs of government departments. Moreover, thematic technology forums, seminars and matching workshops are organised to foster exchanges and collaboration between government departments and the industry, enhance government staff's understanding and application of AI technologies, and empower government departments to leverage AI for more efficient and intelligent public services delivery.

As one of the strategies to accelerate the development of digital government and lead public service innovation, the DPO and the CSC regularly co-organise thematic seminars and trainings to enhance the core skills of the Government's senior management in using digital technology, with a view to promoting more effective use of technology by B/Ds in driving digital transformation to improve the efficacy and quality of public services.

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Innovation and Technology leadership series thematic seminar held to promote AI-led public service innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Steering Committee on APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 preparatory work convenes first meeting

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 will be held in Hong Kong in October 2026. The Steering Committee on the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 preparatory work, chaired by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, convened its first meeting today (January 23). The Committee reviewed the preliminary preparatory work and discussed key follow-up tasks for the FMM with relevant policy bureaux, departments, and organisations.

Mr Hui said, "The year 2026 marks the APEC 'China Year', with the theme of 'Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together'. Hong Kong's inaugural hosting of the FMM signifies our country's recognition of Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Leveraging Hong Kong's strengths in internationalisation and financial development, while being guided by the three priorities - openness, innovation, cooperation - of the 'China Year', the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will spare no effort in focusing on the new opportunities and challenges facing Asia-Pacific development, integrating the building of an Asia-Pacific community into concrete actions for regional co-operation.

"The Steering Committee comprises senior representatives from 20 policy bureaux, departments, and organisations. It will make every effort to co-ordinate interdepartmental collaboration in preparing for the FMM and provide advice on its preparatory work to assist our country in organising a well-executed and smoothly run FMM. I am confident that through collective wisdom and close collaboration, the members of the Steering Committee will offer invaluable insights and robust support for the preparatory work. This will ensure the successful organisation of the FMM while showcasing to the international community the unique appeal and boundless opportunities of Hong Kong as an international financial centre."

In addition to reviewing preliminary preparatory work, members of the Steering Committee also discussed multiple follow-up tasks for the FMM during the meeting today, including the meeting venue, accommodation and security arrangements, and publicity.

China, as the host of APEC 2026, is responsible for preparing for and chairing the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, as well as a series of ministerial and other meetings. The Central People's Government announced earlier that the FMM will be hosted by the Ministry of Finance and will be held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government.

Steering Committee on APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 preparatory work convenes first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Steering Committee on APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 preparatory work convenes first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases