The significance of IT application to different industries is inevitable. IT not only helps promote economic development, but also helps implement E-Engagement so that our social governance can better meet public requirements and expectations. I think, in that respect, we are all very concerned about: What difficulties and challenges the IT industry is facing now? What can the industry contribute to our society?

Not long ago, my motion of “Utilizing Young People's Power of Civic Participation” was passed at the LegCo meeting. The motive behind introducing this motion was that the Government could be made aware of the fact that in the Web 2.0 age, the young people will become more and more actively involved in social issues. “Online government” has already become a trend internationally. I hope that our Government will give the young people more room, justice, hope and love, by accepting their different voices to foster social wisdom. Jointly with the young people, the Government should promote social reform, so as to create a future society for the young people.

I believe that the IT industry can definitely play a facilitator’s role, not only because IT people master many techniques. More importantly, as far as I can see, IT professionals care about the overall development of our society. I have said before, one of my missions as a LegCo member is “to urge the Government to increase its transparency in governance, and to improve people’s livelihood through the use of technologies, such as Web 2.0”. I am convinced that the community will realize the IT industry can play an important role in the implementation of E-Engagement and the promotion of social reform.

I find the theme of the Hong Kong International Computer Conference (HKICC) this year: “IT Challenges in a Caring and Digitally Connected Society” very meaningful. Indeed, the HKICC provides a platform for IT professionals and social governance experts from all over the world to exchange experiences and explore future development direction, thus leading our society to greater fairness, openness and dynamics.

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the HKICC 2010 and wish it every success!