KW: The ICT industry unanimously believes that it needs the TCB because technology is never the focus of the under the current government structure.

To develop Hong Kong's ICT industry, we need both the TCB and a bureau chief who understands technology and has a vision on how tech can contribute to the local economy. Previously senior officials in the government mainly came from a legal or economics background, without technology knowledge or insights. As a result, the implementation of ICT related policies were always delayed. The government has wasted so much time and missed lots of opportunities to create a stronger local tech industry.

What do you expect the TCB to achieve within the first 12-18 months?

SL: It must come up with policies and a master implementation plan for the tech and innovation sector development. The bureau must also have tech priorities and allocate funds to projects according to those priorities. While some people might argue the government shouldn't specify tech priorities, we must focus limited resources on the most valuable projects.

It takes talent to keep tech and innovation going, thus the bureau must have a policy to create a healthy supply. Last but not least, the bureau must work out a policy to allow the local tech sector to complement the development of its mainland counterpart.