Civil Service Newsletter Issue 113

Explanation of WCAG 2.0 Level Double-A Conformance

FSTB organises exhibition to promote digitalisation of public service among departments through procurement

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau
Government Logistics Department

Around 600 officers from more than 60 bureaux and departments and over 20 Heads of Departments attended the event. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan Mo-po (front row, centre); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui Ching-yu (front row, third right); the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Miss Cathy Chu Man-ling (front row, second right); the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim (front row, first right); the Acting Director of Government Logistics, Ms Tina Leung (front row, second left); the Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Sunny Tan (front row, third left); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Mohamed Butt (front row, first left); and over 20 Heads of Departments participated in the opening ceremony.

ON 9 August 2022, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) organised an exhibition and sharing session entitled "Seizing the Opportunities: Digitalisation of Work Process and Data Management - Matching Your Needs through Procurement". The event provided a one-stop comprehensive platform for various government departments to learn more about the latest digital technology solutions and trends, as well as encouraging them to accelerate public service reform and enhance service quality and convenience through open procurement of suitable solutions in the future. The event was co-organised with the Government Logistics Department (GLD) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the epidemic has highlighted the importance of digitalisation of public services. The Government must set a good example and play the role of an advocate and pioneer, and help government departments to improve the efficiency of public services through innovation and technology (I&T) solutions.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (centre), the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first right) and the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Miss Cathy Chu (second right) learnt about the latest innovative technology solutions in the market from one of the exhibitors.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, expressed his hope that the event can encourage government departments to act promptly to adopt digitalisation through procuring appropriate solutions. In fact, FSTB has been enhancing the awareness and applications of digitalisation and innovative technologies in government departments by formulating a government procurement policy that keeps abreast of the times. For example, FSTB introduced a pro-innovation government procurement policy in 2019. Under the policy, the maximum technical weighting in the marking scheme has been increased from 40 to 70 per cent, with about 20 per cent of the technical marks reserved for innovative proposals, indicating that the policy is not solely based on the "lowest bid wins" principle.

The exhibition attracted about 600 officers from more than 60 bureaux and departments and over 20 Heads of Department to visit, fully demonstrating the departments’ collaboration, common goal and determination in promoting digital transformation of public services. A number of departments have followed up with the exhibitors after the event to explore how to improve their department’s public service through technology solutions.

To prepare for the event, staff from FSTB and GLD touched base with different government departments to learn about the difficulties encountered in their workflow and data processing when delivering public services. A variety of digital technology solutions were sourced from the market together with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (tenth left) and the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Miss Cathy Chu (ninth left) thanked colleagues from the Treasury Branch and GLD for their organising efforts.

I&T applications showcased included artificial intelligence, process automation, the Internet of Things, big data analysis as well as network security, facilitating a one-stop access for departments to gain first-hand information on innovative technology solutions in the market that are up-to-date and tailored to their needs.

Responses from the exhibitors of I&T companies were enthusiastic. They all welcomed the event as it enabled them to showcase the latest digital solutions in different areas to various departments. They were also impressed that participants from different departments were eager and proactive to learn about their solutions.

Four in-depth seminars were also held during the event. Industry experts shared the latest trends in digital technology solutions, including robotic process automation, digital transformation and application of smart technology in public services.

Sharing from colleagues who helped organising the event

Mr Patrick Chong, Assistant Secretary (Treasury) (E)3, FSTB

“In an era of technological advancement, there is surging public aspiration for wider and more in-depth application of innovative technology solutions by government departments. In order to respond to public aspirations, FSTB has been assisting government departments to procure goods and services (including digital technology solutions) that most suit their operation by formulating an appropriate government procurement policy. It is hoped that this exhibition could provide an effective platform where government departments would be connected with suitable providers of technology solutions in the market, hence further promoting the development of digitalisation of public services.”

Ms Mavis Man, Senior Supplies Officer (Procurement Administration), GLD

“I am really happy to see the enthusiastic participation of colleagues from different departments. Exhibitors showcasing the latest technology trends and solutions allowed us to know a lot more about I&T applications. I am sure that through the event, government departments could make better use of digital technology to further improve the efficiency of public services.”