007/08 marked the second year of operation of the Electronics and Data Communication Division, which again yielded on-target business results. The Division undertook a wide variety of projects during the year, deploying state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions for a variety of clients.

We provided ICT support to the Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong in May 2008, such as Mobile CCTV, which captured the proceedings of torch bearers along the route, in the media car.

In a new agreement with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the Division is providing engineering services for installing Wi-Fi facilities at about 350 government venues which offer the public free wireless Internet access. The Division provides radio technology support, and handles site preparation, technical vetting, installation and testing. The project began in July 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by June 2009. Using HSDPA (3.5G) and HSUPA (3.75G) mobile networks, the Division is also providing wireless CCTV traffic surveillance services to clients during special events and after major traffic incidents. Other new business gained in 2007/08 included an upgrade to the Drainage Services Department's various Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems covering the sewage treatment facilities and systems in Hong Kong.

The Division has also begun implementing a central command system to facilitate the Versatile Maritime Policing Response strategy which aims to help the Marine Police detect suspicious activities at sea. At the same time, the replacement of the Traffic Control and Surveillance Systems (TCSS) at the Lion Rock Tunnel was completed during the year, while replacement of the toll system at the Cross Harbour Tunnel is underway. The Division also deployed various technologies, including CCTV and PA systems, at government facilities including the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, and provided TCSS consultancy services for Route 8.

During the year, the Division deployed a team of ICT specialists to assist in the preparation for the Olympic Equestrian Events held in Hong Kong this summer as part of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The Division also provided ICT support to the Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through Hong Kong in May 2008.

Staff testing a Wi-Fi installation in Kowloon Park, one of the some 350 government venues where the public can enjoy free Wi-Fi facilities. We provide engineering support including installation and testing services.

At its formation last year, the Division identified the retention of non-civil service IT staff as a continuing challenge in a thriving economy. This continued to be the case in 2007/08, although there has been no lack of suitable applicants for positions within the Division. Another challenge for a new Division is the need for business growth and expansion. One of the internal measures taken during the year was the creation of five new sub-divisions, each catering to the needs of a specific client department. With regard to energy management initiatives, the Division continues to use energy efficient equipment such as timers and low power consumption computers, and to encourage project design teams to adopt green practices.

Introducing suitable new technology to clients can add substantial value to the Division's services. The Division has thus been conducting pilot studies on technologies with the potential to be useful to certain clients. One such study is investigating facial recognition systems with search and match functionality.

The Division was honoured with Bronze Award in the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2007 – Best Public Service Application (Small Scale Project). Mr K F Fung of the Division was awarded the 2007 Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation.

Prospects for 2008/09 are generally positive and the Division expects growth in ICT and data communication services as well as TCSS work.