Information Technology will undoubtedly continue to play significant roles contributing to global macroeconomics as well as the betterment of life quality at the individual level. However, with the sweeping changes in modern living brought about by the digital era, there are increasing concerns over possible marginalisation of part of the population, especially the aged and the underprivileged.

It is therefore timely and relevant for the Hong Kong International Computer Conference 2010 (HKICC2010) to focus on the “IT Challenges in a Caring and Digitally Connected Society”, with the view that the issues and ideas discussed during the conference can help cultivate a digitally enabled society that is lively, sustaining and caring.

We fully understand the importance of joint efforts from various parts of the society to make this a reality. I trust that your participation will make a difference to the HKICC2010, which celebrates its thirty-third anniversary this year.

On behalf of the Hong Kong Computer Society, I would like to extend my heartiest gratitude to you all, our honoured guests and sponsors, speakers and delegates, and members of our Organising and Programme Committees who together ensure that HKICC2010 is successful and memorable.

Thank you.

In the 33 years since the first Hong Kong International Computer Conference (HKICC), the world has seen the greatest ever improvement in living standards for the largest number of people. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has been at the heart of this development, driving enhancements in productivity across the global economy, creating new industries and enabling many-fold growth in global trade.

ICT has also enhanced quality of life, for instance by improving healthcare and by creating new options for the way people spend their leisure time.

Today the most important question facing the ICT industry and ICT professionals is how we can use ICT to address the world’s biggest problems, such as climate change, aging populations, social exclusion, and global security.

So this year, the HKICC will focus on the role of ICT in a caring and digitally connected society. This echoes the Hong Kong Government’s efforts to use ICT to deliver social as well as economic objectives. We see the role of ICT in improving healthcare and education and in reducing the impact we have on the environment. And we are particularly focused on creating an inclusive, knowledge-based, society in which every individual has the opportunity and the knowledge to use ICT to realize their full potential.

It gives me great pleasure to serve as a member of the HKICC2010 Organising Committee. The HKICC is truly a team effort by ICT professionals from the private and public sectors. I am confident that the HKICC2010 will be another success and hope that all participants come away with constructive and innovative insights from the conference.

Thank you.

To successfully establish a digitally connected and caring society, we no doubt need to tackle and overcome many challenges. Therefore, in designing the programme for HKICC 2010, special attention has been paid by the Committee in selecting topics that will truly reflect our present situation and at the same time facilitate exchange, brainstorming and discussion.

While part technology innovation and regional collaboration remained an integral of the programme, the Committee has incorporated relevant and engaging topics such as e-Learning, e-Health, Environment, Green ICT and Security, Privacy and Trust. The series of talks will be presented by highly acclaimed academics, technologists and environmentalists.

HKICC has a fine tradition of bringing together government officials, opinion leaders, IT luminaries and industry representatives. It is through plenary sessions, panel discussions and informal gatherings that participants are connected and new ideas inspired. If you are a visionary who shares the commitment in building a connected society that is caring and sustaining, I cordially invite you to join many others from different parts of the world and actively participate in an unique experience of soul searching, exchange and sharing.

I look forward to welcoming you at HKICC2010.