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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is advancing its digital transformation agenda by rolling out innovative public service initiatives that leverage technology to improve accessibility and convenience for citizens and enterprises. As part of this effort, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) has launched a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhuhai, a strategic move that aligns with the Chief Executive’s commitment to developing a digital government.
This initiative, a collaboration with Guangdong Province, is designed to enhance access to Hong Kong’s public services for residents and businesses in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), eliminating the need for them to physically travel to Hong Kong.
The new self-service kiosk, located in the Comprehensive Government Service Hall at the Zhuhai Citizen Service Center, represents a significant technological advancement in public service delivery. The kiosk offers a robust digital platform that integrates approximately 70 public services provided by 11 government bureaus, departments, and related organisations.
These services include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle inquiries, personal IDs, talent entry, welfare, education, healthcare, immigration, and tourism. The kiosk offers a seamless experience, allowing users to perform tasks like data entry, document scanning, and printing – all in one interface.
This initiative is part of the HKSAR Government’s effort to use digital technology to streamline public service access and boost citizen satisfaction. Operating during regular hours, the kiosk offers convenient service access, saving users time and resources while enhancing cross-boundary connectivity within the GBA.
In addition to the primary services offered, the kiosk also features an “iAM Smart” self-registration module. This advanced digital identity platform allows Hong Kong residents living or working on the Mainland to register or upgrade to “iAM Smart+”, which provides access to a wide range of online public services.
This feature underscores the government’s commitment to expanding digital access and promoting the adoption of secure, user-friendly technology in public service delivery. The integration of “iAM Smart” within the self-service kiosk represents a significant step forward in the government’s digital transformation strategy, making it easier for residents to engage with public services regardless of their location.
The successful deployment of these kiosks is the result of a strong partnership between the DPO and the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data. This collaboration has been crucial in ensuring that the technology meets the needs of users and that the kiosks are strategically located to maximise their impact.
The DPO has expressed its gratitude for the support and cooperation received from the Guangdong authorities, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing digital government initiatives.
As the HKSAR Government continues to expand this initiative, plans are underway to establish additional self-service kiosks in other Mainland cities within the GBA. This expansion will cater to the growing demand for cross-boundary public services, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are widely accessible across the region. By leveraging technology, the HKSAR Government is not only improving the efficiency of public service delivery but also fostering greater economic integration and connectivity within the GBA.
The Cross-boundary Public Services initiative aligns with the broader goals of the State Council’s Guiding Opinions on Cross-provincial Public Services, which aim to simplify and streamline public service access across regions. By embracing digital transformation, the HKSAR Government is setting a benchmark for innovative public service delivery, enhancing the user experience, and ensuring that citizens and enterprises in the GBA can access the services they need quickly and efficiently.
This initiative is a clear demonstration of how technology can be harnessed to bridge geographical boundaries, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents across the region.
