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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) announced a comprehensive set of new measures aimed at bolstering the management of large-scale and high-risk information technology (IT) projects across various stages of the project development cycle within government bureaus and departments.
With a commitment to advancing the digital transformation of government services, bureaus and departments are actively leveraging IT to deliver more accessible e-government services to citizens and businesses. To foster public trust in the government’s digital initiatives and ensure the smooth implementation and operation of government IT systems, the OGCIO has introduced a series of initiatives.
These measures encompass project initiation, procurement, system development, pre-launch cybersecurity, and stress testing.
At the project initiation phase, bureaus and departments are tasked with evaluating whether their IT projects qualify as large-scale or high-risk endeavours. In the procurement process for relevant system development services, the emphasis on technical assessments in tender evaluations is raised to 70%.
During the system development stage, the OGCIO collaborates with bureaus and departments to engage independent consultants possessing relevant expertise and experience. These consultants conduct regular third-party reviews and assessments of system design and development progress.
Moreover, bureaus and departments must subject their respective systems to additional tests arranged by the OGCIO before system rollout. These tests aim to evaluate the system’s resilience to abnormal or extreme loads, as well as potential cyberattacks.
The OGCIO reaffirms its commitment to closely collaborating with all bureaus and departments to ensure that the preparation for the rollout of large-scale digital services aligns with the service needs of the general public. By implementing these measures, the government aims to enhance its capacity to deliver robust and secure IT solutions that meet the evolving demands of the digital landscape.
Furthermore, these initiatives underscore the government’s proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with IT projects, ensuring accountability, and promoting transparency throughout the development and implementation phases.
Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government is committed to leveraging information technology (IT) to enhance the welfare of the community and solidify Hong Kong’s standing as a premier digital city. The Government has outlined its strategy and initiatives aimed at fostering the adoption of IT in both public and private sectors, with potential benefits for stakeholders.
An extensive IT infrastructure has been established, interconnecting all bureaux and departments through the core Government Backbone Network. This infrastructure aims to promote the use of common applications and services such as the Government Communication Network, the Central Cyber Government Office, and central Internet services, all designed with significant enhancements to improve government services for the public.
Additionally, the Government has introduced methodologies, standards, and guidelines to facilitate the implementation of integrated e-government services. These efforts are geared towards enhancing productivity and elevating the quality of products and services provided to the public.
The series of new measures announced by the Government to strengthen the management of large-scale and high-risk IT projects by government bureaus and departments is part of a broader effort to leverage information technology for the benefit of the community and enhance Hong Kong’s digital infrastructure. These measures, including rigorous assessment during project initiation, enhanced procurement processes, and regular third-party reviews during system development, reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the reliability, security, and quality of government IT systems.
By emphasising pre-launch cybersecurity and stress testing, as well as implementing methodologies and standards for e-government services, the Government aims to improve service delivery, streamline operations, and enhance cybersecurity measures. These initiatives underscore the Government’s commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s position as a leading digital city and demonstrate its dedication to harnessing IT for the betterment of society.