Hong Kong Launches Forum on AI's Role in Transforming Public Services

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/).

Digital Policy Office holds "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series technology forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Digital Policy Office holds "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series technology forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Digital Policy Office holds "AI+ Civil Services: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series technology forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Home Affairs Department alerts public to attempted impersonations of Care Teams

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (June 18) alerted members of the public to beware of attempted impersonations of District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) for fraudulent purposes.

The HAD has recently been informed by an individual sub-district Care Team that some residents were visited by persons who claimed to be Care Team members, distributing blessing bags to an elderly person and requesting the elderly to sign unknown papers.

The spokesman reminded members of the public that they should remain vigilant when any request for visit by unknown persons, as well as unidentified calls or messages are received. If in doubt about the identity of the callers or visitors, please call 182 111 to verify the identity of Care Team members and volunteers, and obtain the Care Teams' contact information. In case of suspicious circumstances, please call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

Members and volunteers of Care Teams will wear Care Team uniforms and display Care Team member or volunteer Certificates of Identity for identification when providing caring services. Members of the public may visit the dedicated webpage on members of Sub-district Care Teams (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams/subdistrictcareteams.htm) for the information of Care Team members and the contact information of their operating organisations.

Source: AI-found images