The Hong Kong government has chosen three major sectors to bring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to court to improve efficiency without incurring additional costs, and the innovation chief urged its public not to make the use of technology comparable to recruitment.
Secretary Sandon of Innovation, Technology and Industry made the announcement on Saturday as he revealed that the Corporate Registration, Transportation and Buildings departments will become three pilot divisions tasked with applying AI to the management procedures.
In his policy speech last week, CEO John Lee Kaiu announced that a high-level AI effectiveness enhancement team will be established to guide citywide digital transformation, including senior officials, including private sector experts, and provide advice and solutions to a variety of government sectors.
Under the drastic plan, at least 200 management procedures will incorporate AI by the end of 2027 to create an efficient and more responsive, technology-driven bureaucracy. AI tools will be deployed over 100 steps in 2026 alone, addressing the realms from data analysis and customer service to speeding up license and permit approvals.
As a deputy leader of the team, Sun said he conducted the initial review of AI applications in various government sectors.
“We essentially signed contracts with these three departments. For example, the company's registry spends a lot of time each year processing new company registration applications and annual review reports. We hope to use AI to increase efficiency and reduce processing time,” he said.
“These three sectors represent the future development direction of government that will promote public convenience and boost business. This is a major governance goal.”
