Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today visited the 1823 Centre to learn more about its daily operations and that of the Efficiency Office.

The visit started with an introduction on the Efficiency Office’s operation, including the co-ordination of the Government’s work on business facilitation and the various services run by the office.

Such services include 1823, the Youth Portal and the Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Fund.

Prof Sun learnt that the office has strived to promote the adoption of innovative technology by government departments in order to enhance operational efficiency and continue to improve public services.

By mid-2022, over 90% of 400 licence applications, more than 900 government services and all government forms could be submitted electronically. Members of the public can also settle the relevant fees by electronic means.

Prof Sun then visited the 1823 Centre to gain a better understanding of the hotline support service on the Government’s anti-epidemic work, and the manning of the hotlines on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the Return2hk and Come2hk schemes, as well as the Hong Kong Health Code.

He acknowledged 1823 colleagues' efforts in handling public enquiries and complaints about government services.

Prof Sun thanked them for serving the public at the forefront during the epidemic, providing a one-stop service and acting as a bridge between the Government and the public.

He also recognised the Efficiency Office’s work in promoting e-Government services.