Digital Policy Office Holds "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series Technology Forum

Digital Policy Office holds "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series technology forum

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held the first technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series today (June 18) at the Hong Kong Science Park, officially starting a series of activities focused on exploring how AI tools can reshape public services. Themed "Smart Applications and Knowledge Support", the forum was held in a hybrid format and attracted over 1 000 professionals from nearly 100 government departments, as well as public and private organisations, to jointly explore the practical application of AI in transforming public services.

The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, said in his opening address that AI is reshaping the global technology and economic landscape at an unprecedented pace. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is proactively aligning with the strategic deployment under the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the national "AI+" initiative, continuously promoting AI adoption in public services to drive economic and social transformation and upgrading. He also appealed to government departments and the industry to continue working together to promote the practical applications of AI for the benefit of the public.

The forum invited multiple government departments, public organisations and technology companies to share specific applications and practical experiences on how they leverage AI tools to enhance the effectiveness of public services, engaging in in-depth exchanges and discussions. Among them, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Water Supplies Department shared their successful experiences in applying AI tools. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) also introduced the latest developments in AI technology and related solutions. The forum also featured a number of exhibition booths showcasing the industry's latest real-world applications of AI, enabling government colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of how to innovate public services through AI.

The forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO in collaboration with the HKSTP, the HKPC and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited. The Smart Lab has been committed to connecting the Government with the innovation and technology sector, actively fostering close partnerships between local start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and government departments. Through regularly organising promotional activities and technology exchange workshops, the Smart Lab supports and assists government departments in accelerating the introduction of local advanced innovative technology products and solutions to facilitate business matching and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

To promote the wider adoption of AI across government departments, the DPO will continue to launch various promotional activities and technology forums. Interested parties are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in the upcoming events. For more details, please visit the Smart Lab website (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/).

The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, attended the first technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series today (June 18). Photo shows Mr Cheung (second right) and the guests interacting with an industry representative. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The first technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series was held today (June 18). Photo shows the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung (front row, centre), with guests at the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, speaks at the first technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series today (June 18). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA sponsors industry to participate in 22nd China International Cartoon and Animation Festival

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association organised the industry to participate in the 22nd China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) held in Hangzhou from June 15 to 19. To promote Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries, the Hong Kong Pavilion themed "Designer Toy, Game, Animation and Comics" was set up to showcase art toys, games, animations, comics, virtual idols, and merchandise and spin-offs derived from cultural intellectual properties (IPs). The Hong Kong Pavilion was well received during the five-day festival period, demonstrating the keen interest in Hong Kong's dynamic and vibrant digital entertainment industry.

CCIDA sponsored the Hong Kong Pavilion at the CICAF for the third consecutive year. A total of 16 Hong Kong enterprises were invited to participate this year, showcasing nearly 20 IPs of a diverse range and their creative products. The pavilion presented not only art toys, games, animations, and comics that blend authentic Hong Kong characteristics with trendy elements, but also interactive creative products integrating augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. The exhibits demonstrated integration of technology and culture while offering visitors an immersive experience at the exhibition. The participation at the CICAF not only highlighted Hong Kong's unique strengths in the digital entertainment sector, but also promoted the local industry's outstanding creativity and capabilities to the Chinese Mainland market, deepened exchanges and co-operation in the cartoon and animation industry in the two places, and helped the industry expand its commercial and trade networks.

Hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, China Media Group, and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, the CICAF is one of the largest high-profile and highly influential cartoon and animation festivals on the Chinese Mainland. For more information on the CICAF and the Hong Kong Pavilion, please visit cicaf.hzxcw.gov.cnand www.hkdea.org.

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sponsored the industry to participate in the 22nd China International Cartoon and Animation Festival held in Hangzhou from June 15 to 19 and set up the Hong Kong Pavilion, showcasing nearly 20 cultural intellectual properties and their creative products. Photo shows participating companies interacting with visitors. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sponsored the industry to participate in the 22nd China International Cartoon and Animation Festival held in Hangzhou from June 15 to 19 and set up the Hong Kong Pavilion, showcasing nearly 20 cultural intellectual properties and their creative products. Photo shows the Hong Kong Pavilion attracting an enthusiastic response from visitors, demonstrating a keen interest in Hong Kong's dynamic and vibrant digital entertainment industry. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sponsored the industry to participate in the 22nd China International Cartoon and Animation Festival held in Hangzhou from June 15 to 19 and set up the Hong Kong Pavilion, showcasing nearly 20 cultural intellectual properties and their creative products. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases