A three-day International Symposium on Cyber Policing was launched today in Hong Kong, with Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki giving a speech at its opening ceremony.

Hosted by the Hong Kong Police Force, the symposium aims to explore the opportunities and challenges brought forward by the rapid development of technology to policing in the future.

In his speech, Mr Chan said that the international symposium comes at the right time.

“While enjoying the convenience brought about by technological advancement, we are faced with increasing cyber risks where cybersecurity threats and cybercrime have become the critical concerns to many people and businesses alike.

“As a result, for many law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong and beyond, it has become one of the top work priorities to step up cybersecurity.”

He added that cybersecurity and cybercrime are not confined to a particular place by nature, but go beyond geographical boundaries and that it is equally important for law enforcement agencies from around the world to join hands in combating cross-boundary cybercrime and fostering experience exchange.

Vice Minister of Public Security Chen Siyuan, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee also attended the symposium.

The event provided an opportunity for speakers and delegates from local, Mainland and international law enforcement agencies, academic and private sectors to share views on the latest development of technology and the associated implications on policing with an aim to fostering international collaboration.

The symposium will also focus on the need for co-operation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sectors both at international and local levels as well as the importance of intelligence and knowledge sharing at all times.

The event attracted more than 100 senior leaders of law enforcement agencies from around 40 countries and regions as well as academia and experts in the fields of digital communications, finance, innovation technology and cybersecurity.