Speech by CS at Opening Ceremony of International Symposium on Cyber Policing 2023 (13.9.2023)
13.9.2023

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of International Symposium on Cyber Policing 2023 today (September 13). 尊敬的公安部陳思源副部長 (Vice Minister of Public Security Mr Chen Siyuan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all at this International Symposium on Cyber Policing 2023 today. I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to those of you joining us virtually at this event. With the community's concerted effort, Hong Kong has resumed full normality after three years of the pandemic. As Hong Kong is back in business, international conferences and symposiums alike can be held again – one after another – to inject new impetus into our city as an events capital of Asia. The pandemic has made us rethink how technology has transformed the world in many ways. From digital finance to remote work and smart city innovation, adoption of digital technologies has become part and parcel of people's daily lives. This international symposium, therefore, comes at the right time. While enjoying the convenience brought about by technological advancement, we are faced with increasing cyber risks where cybersecurity threats and cybercrime have become the critical concerns to many people and businesses alike. As a result, for many law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong and beyond, it has become one of the top work priorities to step up cybersecurity. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as a whole, is committed to safeguarding the digital world so as to better protect the community. In particular, the Hong Kong Police Force spares no effort to combat technology crime and mitigate cybersecurity threats, as well as to seize the opportunities arising from technological advancement for better policing. Over the years, efforts have been stepped up on various fronts to cope with the fast-changing development of cybercrime. They include detection of organised and complex technology crime; conduct of proactive intelligence-led investigations; and provision of assistance to critical infrastructure in carrying out timely audits and analyses against cyber threats. No less important, strengthening public education is key to fostering a safe cyberspace. For example, the Hong Kong Police Force has set up a number of online platforms, under the banner called "Cyber Defender", to raise citizens' awareness of information security risks and online fraud alike. These platforms range from a one-stop cybersecurity information website to various social media channels. Timely professional security advice and safety tips are provided to citizens to boost their cybersecurity capability. As we all would agree, cybersecurity and cybercrime, by their very nature, are not confined to a particular place, but go beyond geographical boundaries. Therefore, it is equally important for law enforcement agencies, local and worldwide, to join hands in combating cross-border cybercrime and fostering experience exchanges. Your presence here, no matter in person or online, showcases the important role of this symposium to strengthen co-ordination of efforts, as well as sharing of expertise, in embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital future. In the coming three days, senior leaders of law enforcement agencies, experts of the innovation and technology industry, scholars and policymakers worldwide will exchange insights into how best to enhance cyber policing in both local and global contexts. Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that, together, we will build a more secure and stable cyberspace. On that note, I wish you all a rewarding symposium, and for our participants from around the world, an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:50 NNNN