各位IT界朋友：
2014年施政報告號外：政府重推科技局
去年施政報告梁振英將業界爭取已久的科技局束之高閣。不過，我和業界朋友一直沒有放棄，過去一年繼續遊說政府，包括向特首、特首辦和行政會議成員的多次爭取、在立法會提出質詢、通過聯署等方法不斷繼續向社會和各黨派解釋設立科技局對香港社會的重要性。今年整份施政報告『冷飯』不少，又輕輕帶過政改問題，但總算為科技界帶來數個好消息：
焦點 1：創新及科技局終上馬
政府終於承諾成立創新及科技局，實有賴大家團結爭取。不過，這只是漫長工作的第一步。未來數月，政府將推動有關新政策局的討論、諮詢及立法等，我會繼續和大家緊密溝通，使新政策局的目標和政策反映業界的期望。我期望創新及科技局切實發展科技產業，制訂長遠的產業政策，落實為科技界開拓本地及國際市場，統籌各政府部門資源為科技及創新產業創造機會和培育人才，從而提升業界的形象及國際地位。
焦點 2：教育及人才培訓
政府宣佈會在今年內推出第四個資訊科技教育策略，主要措施包括由2014/15學年起，分階段向所有公營學校提供Wi-Fi及配套設施。這是業界和教育界一直爭取的最基本升級，雖然未有具體資料，但有利學生使用流動裝置進行電子教學，希望政府在三年內落實。此外，政府在施政綱領中承諾為本地ICT專業人員設立專業認可制度，從而提升專業形象，值得支持。
焦點 3：科研和創業支援
科研產業支援方面，創新科技署已著手檢討創新及科技基金運作，我期望當局能更具彈性地審批計劃，令更多有潛質的科研項目獲取充足的資金，將研究成果商品化。另外，政府承諾成立5億元「社會創新及創業發展基金」，基金預計可於本年中開始接受申請，鼓勵以創新意念解決社會問題，希望各位朋友把握機會以資訊科技發揮創意。
其他政策範疇亦有不少措施值得留意，我已將一些要點製作成摘要供各位參考，請按此連結。
千里之行始於足下，科技局未成立之前，我會繼續努力推動科技業發展，希望大家提出建議。
莫乃光
發言片段
2014.01.08：就根據《立法會行政管理委員會條例》動議的擬議決議案的發言
2014.01.07：就《跟進終審法院就司法覆核案W訴婚姻登記官所作的命令》事項發言
議案修正案
2014.01.08：“推動落馬洲及大嶼山的經濟發展”議案 (修正案獲通過)
資本壹週專欄—立會珠璣
2014.01.09：業界聯署支持科技局 政府應正視訴求
Dear IT friends,
2014 Policy Address Special:
Innovation and Technology Bureau, finally
CY Leung shelved the proposal for Technology Bureau in his Policy Address last year, yet we did not give up. We continued to advocate for a Technology Bureau through lobbying the CE and ExCo members, raising council questions in LegCo, and even starting a petition campaign to emphasize the importance of a technology-minded bureau towards society. Though the Policy Address this year is not exactly ground-breaking and shed little light on the constitutional reform issue, there are a few highlights for us in the ICT sector:
Focus 1: Government to re-initiate an ‘Innovation and Technology Bureau’
Thanks to all of you who voiced support, the government has finally pledged to kick-start the preparation for an Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB). This is merely the start as the consultation and legislation work on the objectives and work of the new bureau will be intense in the coming months. I will follow these processes closely to ensure the goals and policies of the new bureau matches our expectations. I anticipate the new ITB to approach technology industry development with vision and strategy, improve market development locally and globally, coordinate different departments’ efforts to create opportunities and nurture talents so that the innovation and technology sector will benefit.
Focus 2: Education and Nurturing Talent
The government will launch the Fourth Strategy on Information Technology in Education this year. Major initiatives include the phased provision of Wi-Fi services and other supporting facilities for all public sector schools from the 2014/15 school year. This is the most basic upgrade that we in the ICT and education sectors have asked for. Though details are not yet available, at least it will help schools and students use mobile devices in learning and teaching, and I hope this can be achieved within three years. Besides, the government has pledged to establish a framework for ICT professional recognition to raise the professional profile of local ICT professionals, which I fully support.
Focus 3: R&D and Entrepreneur Support
The Innovation and Technology Commission started a comprehensive review of the Innovation and Technology Fund operation. I hope the vetting and approval process can be less rigid so that R&D projects with potential can obtain sufficient funds to commercialise their research results. The government has established a $500 million Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, which will be open for applications through intermediaries starting from mid-2014. I encourage everyone with an idea to tackle social problem through the use of technology to show your creativity.
There are other initiatives worth keeping an eye on. I have prepared a summary for your easy reference, please click here.
All important work has to start somewhere. Before the ITB, I will continue striving for technology industry development and welcome all your comments.
Charles Mok
Council Question
2014.01.08：Motion on “Promoting the economic development of Lok Ma Chau and Lantau Island” (Amendment passed)
