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| Similar to other cities in the world, Hong Kong has been confronting the challenges brought by rapid climatic change in recent years. Four tropical cyclone warning signals number 8 or above were issued in Hong Kong last year, a record since 1999. The rainstorm and typhoon season is now approaching. The public often expresses concerns around this time of the year over the difficulties in getting timely updates on weather information. This is more a matter of personal safety than just convenience. During emergency, respective organizations usually broadcast information to the public via television, radio or their websites. This one-way communication model is not an effective and efficient way of message delivery because the recipient needs to know where to look for the information in the first place. Moreover, nowadays most people communicate using their mobile phones upon emergency; causing congestion of the mobile phone networks. The situation can be much better if there are one or more interactive communication channels between the locals and the respective organizations. Instant notification during emergency To effectively improve communications, related authorities should consider implementing an initiative which might be called“ '.hk' for Everyone”. Every Hong Kong people will be given an online identifier just like their ID cards or birth certificates. The online identifier comes with a virtual file folder and a personal email address ended with the Hong Kong top level country code domain (.hk), e.g.me@.... One of the benefits of this approach is that a citywide communications network could be implemented instantly and effectively, without extra efforts in collecting personal data or email addresses. Whenever an incident occurs, all government departments, public or private organizations or institutions, and schools, could send their messages to everybody's virtual file folders. Messages would then be instantly broadcasted via mobile phone text message reminders. Since messages could be deposited directly to these personal folders and retrieved by numerous means, even during mobile phone network congestions, people could access the information via various mobile communications devices, e.g. laptop computers, PDAs, mobile phones, etc. They could know the latest situations by checking their personal folders and give a good assessment on the way forward. Some US websites now offer free warnings and announcements broadcasts through wireless and email for the locals. The free broadcast minimizes the damages brought to human lives and the economy. Furthermore, we can store our information and documents (such as passports) in the folder, and instantly submit the documents to related departments and authorities when needed. It saves time and resources on photocopying. At a broader level, this initiative will consolidate Hong Kong's position as a leading international digital city, and foster a new generation of digital public services for our people. Application of Information and communications technology in Hong Kong should be able to advance to the next level in view of the high penetration rate of Internet, our extensive and mature network infrastructure and the lifestyle of Hong Kong people who are ready to embrace new gadgets and ideas. According to the government statistics, there are more than 7,800 Wi-Fi hotspots in Hong Kong as of February and the number is increasing. Hong Kong has the highest rate of mobile phone usage in the world with a penetration rate as high as 154%. Moreover, according to Census and Statistics Department, only 30% of the population used the Internet in 2000; but the percentage rose to above 65% in last year. It can be seen that Internet usage has become more and more popular, and that Hong Kong people are ready for the new digital age. Strengthened security needed to protect privacy There are a number of considerations for the success of“ '.hk' for Everyone”, e.g. how personal privacy should be protected and how to combat phishing and spamvertising sites, so that personal information will not be unduly obtained for promotional purposes. Also, the “law and order” in the Internet world need to be maintained and the security be improved, so that hackers find no way to steal others' fidentity. As an initiative for the benefit of the public, necessary measures should be implemented and managed by a neutral organization which looks after public interests. If Hong Kong is determined to become a digital city, we should consider how to integrate advanced communication technologies with our public services. The said“ '.hk' for Everyone ”initiative with personal email and virtual file folder can then be provided. This will not only utilize more effectively our edge as a wireless city; but also promote the notion of personal information platform as a key component of an e-society. The notification mechanism mentioned earlier is just a starting point. Only with a sustainable development which leverages on the different communication channels and optimizes the whole communication network can the ever-changing demands of the society be met and people's livelihood be improved. Mr Jonathan Shea is currently the CEO of Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC). He has profound experience in the telecommunication and Internet services industry, and has held senior positions in Henderson Cyber Limited, New World Telecom and Telstra (Australia) before joining HKIRC.  |
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Posted By PeaceNic to PeaceNic Names Registry System | Domain Name Registration | Protecting Your Brand Names at 4/22/2009 06:42:00 PM
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