Hong Kong aims to launch cross-department data system by mid-2027
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan says a cross-department central data system will launch in May or June 2027. The system will consolidate building safety, fire safety and maintenance records across agencies and use AI to flag problems.
Hong Kong's Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on 30 October that the government aims to launch the first phase of a cross-department central data system in May or June next year. The system is designed to improve co-ordination and information sharing among agencies responsible for building safety, fire safety and building maintenance works.
Speaking on RTHK's Millennium programme, Chan said various departments currently maintain their own databases. The new system will combine their records into one central database covering inspection records, disciplinary records, violation records and conviction records. Artificial intelligence will be used to proactively analyse the data to identify problems, with the aim of prevention and improvement.
The system will include a notification mechanism, Chan said. Different departments will be able to see in real time when a contractor is rated as unsatisfactory and issue warnings. He said this would be very helpful when assessing contractors for future projects, and that contractors seeking government work would need to perform properly and avoid shoddy work or fraud.
Chan emphasised that the data would be for internal government use only. He gave the example of an owners' corporation planning maintenance works, which could use a government-analysed tender list rather than having to search records themselves.
The Chief Secretary said the independent committee's concept of 'people-first, go the extra mile' was very important. He said the government would strengthen related training for civil servants, encouraging them to be hardworking, innovative and collaborative across departments, and to avoid working in silos.
