Improving quality of life with technology

The Kowloon Motor Bus and Long Win Bus companies announced yesterday that their "Estimated Time of Arrival" smartphone app would be upgraded to cover more than 200 routes, with a number of new functions added to enable passengers to obtain route information and plan their journeys anytime and anywhere.

Mobile apps developed by local bus companies and the MTR are getting more sophisticated. Besides displaying estimated times of arrival, they also provide emergency information, alighting reminders, route tracking and other services. Welcomed by locals and tourists alike, these apps are concrete proof that technology can improve the quality of life.

The development of innovation and technology can add momentum to Hong Kong's economy, and even directly improve people's quality of life, making our lives safer and more comfortable and convenient.

Improving people's livelihood is a priority of the current-term Government. The successful implementation of livelihood initiatives hinges on the support and co-operation of the Legislative Council (LegCo).

LegCo's Finance Committee will meet again today for a total of six hours in three sessions to discuss a number of funding proposals relating to people's livelihood, including redevelopment of a hospital and a sheltered workshop, and construction of a residential care home for the elderly and the Kai Tak Multi-purpose Sports Complex. After deliberating on these items, the Committee will once again discuss the funding application for the establishment of an Innovation and Technology Bureau. This item has been postponed for quite some time although it involves a net annual expenditure of only $30 million or so.

I hope that LegCo Members will seize the time to approve as soon as possible various initiatives that will benefit the public so that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government can get on with its work to improve people's livelihood and boost the economy.

July 3, 2015