Policy Address

Set up an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team

40. The application of AI in the work of the Government can effectively enhance efficiency. The Census and Statistics Department, for example, has applied AI technology to examine trade data and retrieve financial information from the financial statements and announcements of thousands of listed companies for statistical compilation. This has resulted in an exponential surge in efficiency. The 1823 services also use AI technology to recognise automatically voice enquiries from members of the public, and help draft written responses, reducing about 30% of the processing time.

41. To further enhance the efficacy of the Government, I will set up an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to co-ordinate and steer government departments to:

  1. Apply AI technology effectively to their work.

  2. Explore process re-engineering to keep pace with the times.

  3. Promote technological reform in departments to improve efficacy.

42. The team will be led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, with the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry and the Commissioner for Digital Policy serving as the Deputy Leader and Secretary General respectively. The team will also invite a representative from the private sector to serve as another Deputy Leader, to bring in new perspectives and front-line market experience. The team will examine with government departments their need for reform, with priority given to departments with greater interface with the public. Departments may also initiate request to the team for prioritised assistance in enhancing their efficiency.