|
Science and technology has brought about a lot of changes to the human world. The mode of living, transport, habits, entertainment and even the life span of human beings have all been changed by the scientific and technological improvements. The government, as a leading organization in society, has taken the lead to make good use of science and technology to improve the lives and well-being of the public through their ever-advancing service.
The government has pioneered to build a better society through appropriate application of science. Quite a lot of service enhancements have been achieved through wider application of science and technology in our daily lives. Departments like the Hong Kong Observatory, Environmental Protection Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Planning Department, the Government Laboratory and a lot more have all taken steps to apply latest technologies to improve their services to the public. Their efforts have worked to provide us with comfort, convenience and greater protection to our lives.
Starting from March 1996, the Hong Kong Observatory has begun to make available real-time weather information to the public through the Internet. The real-time information, warnings and forecasts are useful and informative to the public. Without the timely information, many human lives will be at stake.
The department has also used very advanced radar-based technology to make accurate predictions of imminent rainfall distribution (just 3 hours ahead) over Hong Kong. These accurate and reliable predictions are very helpful information for the public, especially the school children, who otherwise may be caught by the heavy rain or may even get involved in accidents.
Just on 9 June, the Hong Kong Observatory has issued a timely and accurate Black Rainstorm Warning around 11 am to help parents decide not to take their children to schools (PM session). We have to thank the department for using the most advanced technology to track the weather changes and provide us with their timely and professional information so that we are protected from any possible damage or injuries caused by typhoons or thunderstorms.
Besides, in May 2006, the Hong Kong Observatory has commenced the Ultraviolet (UV) Index forecast with the use of latest technologies. The service will enable members of the public, when planning outdoor activities, to adopt appropriate protective measures against possible harm from UV radiation. As we all know that moderate exposure to the sun is good to our health, but overexposure to UV can cause skin and eye injury, or even skin cancer. We have to appreciate the department for this improved service as it does help to protect our health.
The Environmental Protection Department has also employed latest technology to improve the air quality in the territory. The department has set up a computer modeling system to get a more accurate picture of the air quality in Hong Kong. With the information, remedial action can be devised and taken promptly to prevent the situation from getting worse and affecting the health of the public.
This department has also deployed numerical modeling in managing our water environment. With rapid advances in computer technology, the numerical models can be a more reliable tool to help the department to accurately assess the environmental impact before damage is done to the public and the environment.
The application of technological advancement in Civil Engineering and Development Department has started since 1960. It has been using geographic information system to assess landslide risks in Hong Kong. They produce maps and data and guides on emergency preparedness. In recent years, they make use of information technology to manage landslide risks. These include a positioning system, remote sensing techniques and three-dimensional virtual reality simulation. They want to reduce the occurrences of landslides, which will bring severe damage and injuries to the public. Their work can protect a lot of human lives and property.
The application of technology has also helped Planning Department to predict the cross-boundary traffic. They have built a dynamic database system to keep track of the development in the Mainland. Traffic forecasts by control point and by transport mode can be produced for various planning work, especially on manpower deployment at various control points during different festive occasions. This will improve the overcrowded situations and shorten the waiting time of the public in crossing the border.
Technology has brought us advantages in all aspects. Another innovative application - fingerprint verification technology - has been adopted by the Immigration Department in opening the E-Channels at major control points. This new service has provided great convenience for travellers and help to ease the busy human traffic during peak travelling periods.
To enter the e-channel is simple. People just need to insert their smart identity cards into the card reader and place their thumb flat on the centre of a scanner upon entering the e-channel. Then the fingerprint verification will be activated automatically to authenticate a person's identity. This improved service is welcome by most members of the public, especially those frequent travellers.
Hong Kong is a highly complex society in which more and more cases related to forged documents have occurred. In this respect, the Government Laboratory has also used new technology to track down on these illegal gangsters. Such new technology has been proved useful in the investigation of cases involving fraudulent documents and infringement of intellectual properties.
The application of new technology has also brought about remarkable advance in the Forensic Science Division of the Government Laboratory. The technology has contributed to the more effective investigation of crime-scene biological evidence. The Laboratory also provides examination services for bloodstain pattern analysis. The results may help to investigate the hidden causes of crimes.
The enhanced services in the Government Laboratory have assisted the Hong Kong Police to obtain more reliable clues to speed up their investigation and uncover the evil acts of the offenders. On many occasions, the court will call investigation and analysis reports from this department in order to ascertain the root causes of cases. The technology employed plays a major role to help establish justice in our society.
As a Hong Kong citizen, I am very proud of the innovative steps taken by the various departments in using the latest technologies to improve their services and efficiency. I just hope that the government can continue to take the lead to ensure that Hong Kong will not lag behind our neighboring competing countries. We live in Hong Kong and we want our homeland to excel in the application of science and technology in our daily lives.
|
