Hong Kong strives to be ‘fortress’ that safeguards digital security, I&T minister says

Hong Kong is striving to become a “fortress” that safeguards digital security, the city’s innovation and technology (I&T) minister has said, noting that cyber warfare is not just a confrontation of technologies but a “full-spectrum contest” that transcends geographical boundaries and integrates artificial intelligence (AI).Speaking at a conference organised by the Digital Policy Office at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Tuesday, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong also said the city would actively respond to national initiatives.Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks during the Apec summit in November, Sun said that the development of technology and security protections must progress simultaneously.“Hong Kong is determined to develop into an international centre for innovation and technology. It will actively respond to the country’s initiatives, where it will leverage its institutional strengths and professional expertise to become a robust fortress that safeguards digital security,” Sun said.To achieve this goal, the government was actively working with different stakeholders, and had launched several initiatives, including forums for professional exchange, public education and training courses.The Digital Policy Office had also continued to improve the governance of its information systems, strengthened inter-department collaboration, held drills and enhanced digital protection measures, Sun said.“This will further strengthen the government’s cybersecurity capabilities to ensure the security and reliability of government information systems,” he explained.