CE vows to boost innovation

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuetngor revealed on Sunday that her first-ever Policy Address, which will be delivered next Wednesday, will attach special importance to innovation development.

She said in a Facebook post she will outline a series of policies to lead Hong Kong “catching up with competitors in innovation”.

Lam said although she has kept talking about education and housing, innovation is actually what she has learnt the most.

“Technology can not only power the economy, but also help solve social problems,” Lam said. It will create quality employment and offer opportunities to young entrepreneurs, she said.

She believed that Hong Kong has its own advantages, but requires government facilitation.

Lam, who assumed office on July 1 this year, has changed the date for delivering her Policy Address in the Legislative Council back to the first session in the coming legislative year. Previously, former CE Leung Chun-ying used to deliver the address in January.

During her election campaign, Lam stressed innovation as the one of her administration’s priorities, saying the government will take on more proactive roles, as a facilitator and promoter.

She had also attached great importance to young people, adding that she understood why the city’s young people felt anxious and were uncertain about the future.

Netizens generally felt that Lam has chosen the right direction and hoped she can lead Hong Kong to a new success.

Lam’s vision was echoed by other senior government officials. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his online blog he hoped that young people facing difficulties can work hard to improve their lives. The government will also work hard to provide platforms for young people to realize their dreams.

Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung talked about education in his online blog. He vowed that the government will offer equal opportunities to all young students in the city.