Rocky (Dr Rocky CHENG, President, Hong Kong Computer Society), Dave (Mr Dave CHEN, Organising Committee Chairperson of the Gala Dinner), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great honour to join this anniversary gala dinner, celebrating the birthday of the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) as well as the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR.

On this momentous occasion of the 55th anniversary of the HKCS, I wish to congratulate HKCS on its remarkable journey in shaping Hong Kong’s IT landscape and contributing to our nation’s innovation and technology development.

For over five decades, the HKCS has been at the forefront of Hong Kong’s digital transformation, navigating through waves of innovation – from the early days of computing to the dot-com boom, then the rise of emerging technologies such as Big Data and Internet of Things, and now the revolutionary AI (artificial intelligence) era.

Capturing opportunities and conquering challenges along the way, the HKCS has demonstrated resilience, vision and an unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity and raising standards of the IT profession and industry at all times, helping to groom local IT talents, generations after generations.

Beyond Hong Kong, the HKCS has also contributed to the technological development of our motherland, even before China resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong. In 1994, the HKCS held its annual flagship event, the Hong Kong International Computer Conference (HKICC), for the first time in two cities, namely Hong Kong and Guangzhou. From then, the HKCS has continued to foster IT professional and industry development and collaboration with Mainland China, including the hosting of the first China IT Forum in Beijing in 2001, the organising of the first annually held “IT Summer Youth Camp” in Shanghai in the same year, the signing of an MoU with the China Computer Federation in Beijing in 2018 to create potential collaborative opportunities with IT professionals and enterprises in the Mainland, as well as the organising of the first Hong Kong-Mainland University Summer Camp in 2019.

The HKCS has also extended its reach to the international IT arena. One excellent example is the HKCS’s membership in the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA), representing Hong Kong as an APICTA’s member economy. With its remarkable leadership, the HKCS has led the Hong Kong SAR delegation to win numerous awards and earn recognition in the past APICTA Awards.

Tonight’s gala dinner multiplies the joy by celebrating also the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. Since 1997, we have witnessed the gigantic tides and immense power that IT brought to Hong Kong’s transformation into a smart city and a hub for digital innovation. These achievements are the result of collaboration – the Government working with visionary partners like the HKCS and counting on the dedication of all of you here tonight.

As we move towards advancing Hong Kong as a leading international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, we look forward to the HKCS’s continued partnership. Your expertise, trust, and unwavering support have been most invaluable, and we are confident that together, we will reach even greater heights.

Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to the HKCS on its 55 years of excellence. Many happy returns! Thank you.

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