Before the introduction of technology, Hong Kong was a much different place. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, Hong Kong was a small fishing village inhabited by indigenous people, known as the Tanka people, who lived on boats and made a living through fishing and trading.
In the mid-19th century, Hong Kong became a British colony and began to develop rapidly as a trading port. However, the city remained relatively underdeveloped compared to other major cities in the world until the mid-20th century.
Without technology, transportation and communication were much more difficult, and most people relied on boats or walking to get around. Goods were transported by hand or by animal-drawn carts, and communication was largely done through word of mouth or written letters.
In terms of infrastructure, the city lacked modern amenities such as electricity, running water, and sewage systems, which made living conditions difficult. However, over time, Hong Kong began to modernize and develop, and technology played a major role in this transformation.
Hong Kong Prior to Tech Boom
Hong Kong’s technological evolution can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s when the city started to develop its electronics industry. This industry helped to lay the foundation for Hong Kong’s later growth in the ICT sector.
In the 1990s, Hong Kong began to develop its IT infrastructure, with the government investing heavily in building up the city’s telecommunications and internet capabilities. This helped to establish Hong Kong as a leading hub for regional ICT development and innovation.
During the early 2000s, Hong Kong continued to focus on developing its ICT sector, with the government launching initiatives to promote the development of local IT companies and to attract foreign investment in the sector. This led to the establishment of Cyberport, a technology hub aimed at fostering the growth of local ICT companies and promoting innovation.
In recent years, Hong Kong has continued to evolve its technological capabilities, with a particular focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and cloud computing. The government has launched various initiatives to promote the development of these technologies and to attract foreign companies to set up research and development centers in Hong Kong.
Head of Research HK, Executive Director
Hong Kong’s technological evolution has been driven by a combination of government support, a strong electronics manufacturing industry, and a focus on innovation and collaboration between local and international companies.
According to Rosanna Tang, Head of Research HK, Executive Director in Cushman & Wakefield, Hong Kong was a dynamic, vibrant, and densely populated global business and logistics center, a city that was built on the foundation of hard work and determination.
“With the government vastly investing in technology in recent years, the city will continue to evolve and reinvent itself, integrating innovative technology with its rich cultural heritage to shape a brighter future for the city,“ said Tang.
Hong Kong’s Thriving ICT Sector
Hong Kong has a thriving information and communications technology (ICT) sector, which is a significant contributor to the city’s economy. And according to Rosanna Tang, in a fast-paced world of technology, Hong Kong’s ICT sector is a beacon of innovation and growth, fuelling the city’s economic success and bolstering its position as the I&T hub for GBA and the region.
Hong Kong consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for digital competitiveness and has a strong ICT infrastructure. Hong Kong was ranked first in Asia and second in the world in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2021 published by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, while Hong Kong was ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region and third in the world in the Digital Intelligence Index 2020 compiled by the Fletcher School at Tufts University in the US and Mastercard. These rankings show how well Hong Kong has embraced cutting-edge digital technologies.
Accordingly, the government has put in place a number of policies and initiatives to aid in the growth of the ICT sector, including funding assistance, infrastructure provision, international cooperation, and manpower development.
In order to make people’s life more convenient, over 130 initiatives are included in the Smart City Blueprint 2.0, which was unveiled in December 2020. The public will also benefit from the introduction of 100 digital government projects that will use technology.
Meanwhile, in terms of infrastructure, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, both of which are fully owned by the government, nurture technology companies by providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities including R&D offices, meeting venues and technical centers with professional support services.
According to the OGCIO, Hong Kong has some of the highest public Wi-Fi penetration rates in the world. By July 2022, both the public and private sectors had put in 86,003 wireless hotspots. In all 18 districts of the territory, there are more than 46,000 hotspots operating under the Wi-Fi.HK brand, offering free Wi-Fi. Users receive free WiFi for at least 30 minutes without needing to sign up.
Moreover, the government also plans to open up more suitable government properties, bus shelters and telephone kiosks for operators to set up 5G base stations. Furthermore, in 2023, the government will change the legislation to ensure that adequate room is made available in new structures for the installation of mobile communication facilities, which will help to grow the 5G network even further.
Future of Hong Kong’s Digital Economy
Hong Kong’s ICT sector is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and innovations constantly emerging. As the city continues to invest in technology and digital infrastructure, it is likely to remain a leading player in the global ICT industry.
It is estimated to be one of the emerging markets in the future, which requires hardware, software and other IT services. And since the ICT sector is an important contributor to the city’s economy, Hong Kong’s digital economy is expected to continue growing in the future, especially with continuous support from the government, increasing talented workforce, and its strategic location at the heart of Asia.
“Hong Kong is laying the groundwork for a promising tech future – investing in infrastructure, nurturing talent, and fostering a dynamic ecosystem that is driving progress and propelling the city toward a new era of digital transformation,” said Tang.