-
Advertisement
Hong Kong economy
OpinionLetters

Letters | Hong Kong’s low opinion of IT jobs is tripping up its tech ambitions

  • Readers discuss the impediment to nurturing IT professionals who drive innovation, progress on an MTR station near the expanding Science Park, and the expected redevelopment of Choi Hung Estate

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
A demonstration shows how the SmartPLAY venue booking system works at a press conference in June. The launch of the system in November was met with login and payment issues. Hong Kong must prioritise the development of a strong foundation in software engineering methodologies, which are essential for designing, building and maintaining robust systems. Photo: May Tse
Letters
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.
Hong Kong, a global financial hub, has long aspired to be a smart city, leveraging technology to enhance its urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. However, recent system failures – such as the hiccups during the launch of the SmartPLAY sports venue booking system earlier this month, the cyberattack against the Consumer Council in September that led to a data leak, and the Hong Kong International Airport computer system breakdown in March – have cast a shadow over the city’s IT capabilities.

These incidents raise questions about Hong Kong’s IT development and bring attention to the factors hindering the city’s progress towards its smart-city goals.

Advertisement

One issue is the low prestige of IT professionals in Hong Kong, compared to professionals in sectors such as finance and law. The disparity in compensation and social status is rooted in the city’s sales-oriented IT culture, where revenue generation takes precedence over technological expertise. This mindset has led to a system where IT professionals are often relegated to a supporting role, tasked with firefighting when systems fail rather than proactively designing resilient and secure systems.

To truly embrace its smart-city aspirations, Hong Kong must undergo a paradigm shift in its approach to IT development. The city needs to elevate the status of IT professionals, recognising their importance in driving innovation and ensuring the seamless operation of critical infrastructure. This requires increasing their compensation to reflect their expertise and contribution, while also fostering a culture that values technological know-how and problem-solving abilities.

Advertisement
Moreover, Hong Kong must prioritise the development of a strong foundation in software engineering methodologies. While large language models like ChatGPT may introduce new possibilities, the fundamentals of software engineering remain essential for designing, building and maintaining robust and scalable systems. A focus on requirement gathering, design, debugging and testing will ensure that the city’s IT infrastructure is not only cutting-edge but also reliable and secure.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x