In the past few months, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), with the assistance of the Digital Policy Office (DPO), has launched a series of initiatives to encourage bureaux and departments (B/Ds) to optimise the use of civil service manpower resources through technology solutions. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to build a smart government and promote Hong Kong as a centre of excellence in applying technology in public service.

To complement these online resources and deepen civil servants’ understanding of AI’s potential, CSB, in collaboration with DPO, organised the Seminar on “Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Civil Service” on 24 June this year, which attracted the participation of about 120 directorate officers from various B/Ds. At the seminar, the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart LAB) of DPO introduced a wide range of ready-to-use AI application solutions from the I&T industry in the “AI+ Tool and Solution Catalogue” launched by the Smart LAB. These solutions suit the needs of the Government, and are conducive to enhancing the work efficiency and optimising human resources. In addition, the Census and Statistics Department, the 1823 service hotline under the management of DPO, and the General Grades Office also shared their successful experience in adoption of digitalisation solutions and AI in their operations.

Separately, CSB launched a thematic website on Manpower Optimisation (https://mp.host.ccgo.hksarg/en/home/index.html) on the Central Cyber Government Office on 24 June this year. This website is designed to share success stories of various B/Ds in streamlining workflow, enhancing productivity and optimising manpower resources through adopting technology solutions and management measures; showcase AI tools and technology solutions to facilitate B/Ds’ adoption; and provide useful resources such as presentation materials of seminars.

Building on these knowledge-sharing efforts, the first forum of the “AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Series” themed on “Smart Governance Era – Digital Agents & Smart Meetings for Efficiency” was co-organised by DPO, Hong Kong Cyberport, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) on 8 August this year. Two main themes, namely“AI-driven Digital Human Customer Service” and “AI Meeting Minutes Summaries and Communication Collaboration”, were explored at the forum. Speakers from the industry offered insights into the latest advancements and real-world application of these AI solutions, and the Judiciary also shared its successful experience in using voice-to-text technology in court environment. The forum provided a dynamic platform for interactions and exchanges among the participants, enabling them to explore the use of AI technology to optimise day-to-day operations in the civil service.

By integrating AI and big data into its daily operations, the Government is creating a more flexible, responsive and efficient civil service. CSB, together with DPO, will continue to encourage B/Ds to explore technology solutions and management measures. Also, B/Ds will be briefed on these solutions through reports, briefing sessions, thematic technology forums, seminars and departmental visits for promoting wider application of I&T in the civil service. B/Ds are welcome to seek technical advice from DPO on the adoption of AI or other digitalisation solutions in their daily operations.