Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, at the APAC Innovation Summit 2016 Series - Smart City Main Conference today (September 22):
 
Fanny (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), Mrs Fanny Law), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTPC, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. Welcome to the Smart City Main Conference under the APAC Innovation Summit 2016 Series. Distinguished speakers from the academia, research sector, businesses, investment community as well as the public sector from around the world are here today to exchange views on the latest developments on smart city.
 
     "Smart city" is commonly used by governments and planners to describe the vision and plan for the development of advanced cities nowadays. But what exactly is a smart city? It is an evolving concept which encompasses ICT technologies, big data, open data as well as green and sustainable development. Smart city technologies will transform the way cities are run. Citizens can enjoy greater efficiency and new services. Major cities around the world are pursuing smart city development consistent with their local characteristics and priorities. One common objective is to enhance city management and the livelihood of the residents, through sustainable and environmentally responsible developments.
 
     For example, Copenhagen is committed to building a green city and becoming a technology solutions leader and exporter in areas relevant to a green city. In the case of Vienna, its government seeks to sustain growth while reducing resource consumption through innovations. Barcelona, which is recognised as a leader in leisure smart city development, integrates town planning with extensive use of information and green technologies.
 
     As Asia's world city, Hong Kong is at the forefront of ICT infrastructure as well as applications. Hong Kong's household broadband Internet penetration rate is 85 per cent, whereas our mobile penetration rate is an astounding 230 per cent. With our excellent city management experience and track record, Hong Kong is well positioned to pursue smart city development. In fact, we are an early adopter of Internet of Things technologies among government departments and public organisations. For instance, the Transport Department deploys sensors to collect of real-time transport data at busy roads, and the Drainage Services Department uses intelligent ultrasonic sensors to detect water levels in manholes for prioritising maintenance work to manage flooding risks. Sensors and real-time monitoring help make Hong Kong a better and safer place to live in.
 
     We have just engaged a consultant in September to develop a smart city blueprint for Hong Kong up to 2030. The blueprint will cover policy objectives and strategy, development plans, governance arrangements, digital infrastructure, legal frameworks, and public-private collaboration. The consultancy study is expected to be completed in 10 months. The blueprint will be people-centered, and make use of technology and open data to address urban challenges faced uniquely by Hong Kong. We will then draw up a package of smart city pilot proposals, and conduct trials at selected locations, including the new Kowloon East development.
 
     Investment in smart city development is part of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government's efforts to make Hong Kong a hub for innovation and technology. The development of a smart city requires the collaboration of the whole community. As part of the consultancy study, we will set up a portal to crowd-source ideas from the community. You are all invited to contribute your ideas. In addition, we will explore using public-private collaboration to facilitate the development of innovative smart city initiatives and solutions. 
 
     In addition to bringing benefits to local residents, the development of smart cities also generates new global business opportunities. The market size of smart city-related industries, according to reports from various research groups, will increase to tens of billions of US dollars in the foreseeable future. In the Mainland China market alone, the market size is anticipated to increase from US$1 billion in 2014 to over US$5 billion in 2023. 
 
     The Government will render full support to drive smart city development through financial support programmes under the Innovation and Technology Fund, and through technological support infrastructure such as Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport. Stakeholder engagement is no doubt also very important. In this regard, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation for developing a smart city platform to connect the stakeholders and for launching a number of new projects. For example, the setup of a data studio at Hong Kong Science Park will help nurture the next generation of innovators in the knowledge-based economy and contribute to the smart city ecosystem. A territory-wide competition, namely, "City Challenge - Bridge to a Smarter City" was held earlier this year, inviting Hong Kong residents and students to come up with innovative ideas to turn our city into a smarter, better and safer place to live. 

     I would also encourage our business sector and researchers to participate in transforming Hong Kong into a smart city. In the long run, smart city development can spawn a new generation of industries and enterprises, which will enrich our innovation and technology ecosystem. 
 
     Last but not least, I wish the Conference every success and fruitful sharing. I also wish all overseas visitors an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. 
 
     Let's us all work together for the bright future of smart city development. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, September 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:58

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