Digital Government

The Government is committed to improving management efficiency and optimising city management through leveraging technology with a view to bringing convenience to the public and enterprises, improving people’s livelihood and quality of life, and strengthening people’s sense of fulfillment, happiness and belonging.

Background

As part of the Government’s efforts to develop Hong Kong into a smart city, a number of digital government measures were announced by the Chief Executive in the 2022 and 2023 Policy Addresses (PA). These measures aim to expedite the provision and enhance convenience of e-services provided by bureaux / departments (B/Ds) to facilitate the public and enterprises in accessing government services. We have been working closely with B/Ds and providing them with necessary support in meeting the relevant PA targets.

PA Targets

2022 PA – Full digitalisation of licences and government services

Digitalise all licensing and government services involving application and approval by mid-2024. For those with legislative requirements or international conventions/practices, applicants to visit relevant government offices once only.

Achievements

2022 PA – Promote the usage of iAM Smart and facilitate citizens’ use of one-stop electronic government services

Double the annual usage of iAM Smart (total transactions) from 5 million in 2021 to 10 million in 2023, and further to 17.5 million in 2025.

Drive all government departments to use iAM Smart to provide convenient and one‑stop electronic services to citizens by 2025.

Achievements

2023 PA – Provide e-payment options and support Mainland e-wallets

Fully implement the provision of electronic payment option for all government fees by Q3 2024 to provide the public with a choice to settle service payments through the Faster Payment System (FPS), and support payment with Mainland e-wallets for government services commonly used by Mainland visitors for their convenience.

Achievements

2023 PA – Implement new digital government and smart city initiatives

Launch 110 new digital government and smart city initiatives from 2024 to 2025, including using blockchain technology for electronic issuance and verification of certain licences and certificates, and employing artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics to improve security of public cargo working areas.

Success Stories

Transformation of Building Plans Submission

The Buildings Department launched Stages 1 and 2 of the Electronic Submission Hub (ESH) in June 2022 and March 2023 respectively to provide a one-stop e-platform, operating 24x7, for receiving and processing building plans, documents and applications submitted under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123).

Application for Financial Assistance Schemes

The Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA) has launched a number of new initiatives and streamlining measures in recent years.

Digital Log-books System for Lifts and Escalators

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has developed the Digital Log-books System for Lifts and Escalators to enable Responsible Persons, the trade and EMSD to ubiquitously record, manage and analyse lift/escalator data. Analysis of collected data supports formulation of safety measures and policies by EMSD.

Enhancement of Online Licensing Services for Liquor Licences

With the launch of the one-stop personalised digital services platform “iAM Smart”, the Liquor Licensing Board has further enhanced the electronic licensing services for liquor licences.

Streamline the application for Places of Amusement Licences

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has streamlined and standardised the application forms and documentation requirements for Places of Amusement Licences (applicable to Billiard Establishments, Public Bowling-alleys and Public Skating Rinks) in 2020 and 2021, which includes the merging of application forms, providing an e-submission option and a checklist on the supporting documents required,

Application for Temporary Storage Service for Cremains

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has simplified the application procedures for the initial application, extending the period of temporary storage and retrieval of cremains. Applicants are no longer required to make payments in person at Cemeteries and Crematoria (C&C) Offices and submit application forms for the latter two steps.