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Central Government, Policy, Security

HK expands cyber centre network

By Robin Hicks | 29 July 2009

A pilot scheme to roll out District-Based Cyber Centres (DCCs) is to be expanded in Hong Kong as part of the government’s Digital 21 Strategy, which aims to give needy residents throughout the territory access to information and communications technology (ICT).

A public-private partnership known as the DCC Alliance will see cyber centres expanded across 25 districts in the territory, adding to the centres already set up in 14 districts, according to the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Duncan Pescod.

“It is the Government’s vision under the Digital 21 Strategy that everyone can take advantage of information and communications technology (ICT) for learning, entertainment, work and even just everyday living,” said Pescod.

In the 14 centres already up and running since February, there are 200 computers and related facilities, as well as training programmes to serve different needy communities. A library is established to provide about 190 laptop computers for loan to the public and a mobile van will parade across the territory to deliver training and mount community-based ICT themed activities.

The DCC Alliance was formed by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Internet Professional Association and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Under the tripartite partnership arrangement, the government has sponsored $14.4 million (US$1.9 million) to the scheme while the DCC Alliance has raised considerable commercial sponsorship including professional support, hardware, software, service donation, to kick-start the scheme.

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