CY to revitalize Innovation and Technology Bureau establishment

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung is bound to bring back the idea of setting up the Innovation and Technology Bureau in his policy address, which was part of his commitment as a Chief Executive candidate.

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong government started a comprehensive review of the Innovative and Technology Fund operation last year.

Leung said the government did devote time and money into science and technology development, but the efforts had been to scattered.

He hopes the bureau will, on behalf of the government, centralize the resources available on specific projects only, and make new technology not only as an engine of economic growth, but also tools of convenience.

The territory's top leader took the increasing popularity of the Octopus Card, which has been launched to the public in 1998, as an example.

"Over15 years of development, the Octopus Card is acceptable not only in the MTR, but also all other vehicles of transport," Leung said, "Now its usage expands to retailing payment, and serving as keys for residents to enter housing estates."

He said he would garner the power of the Innovation and Technology Commission, and other departments and higher institutions to work on the research and development projects. He urged the Legislative Council to back his initiation.