As part of ongoing discussions on enhancing public services, there’s a growing suggestion within the Hong Kong government to explore the integration of blockchain technology into its public transportation subsidy system. This suggestion comes amidst rising costs in the current subsidy program, which provides eligible individuals, including senior citizens, with discounted travel fares at 2 Hong Kong dollars. With costs escalating to 60 billion Hong Kong dollars this year, there’s a recognized need to evaluate the sustainability and efficiency of the subsidy scheme.
Proponents of blockchain integration argue that the technology’s decentralized, transparent, and immutable nature could offer potential solutions to streamline financial transactions within the subsidy system. By leveraging blockchain, there’s a possibility to enhance transaction tracking, mitigate fraud risks, and ensure more accurate and secure subsidy allocations. These suggestions aim to address concerns regarding financial management and improve the overall integrity of the subsidy program.
Under the leadership of Sun Yuk Han, the Labour and Welfare Bureau is considering various policy amendments to potentially incorporate blockchain technology, among other solutions, into the subsidy system. Proposed amendments may include revising fare adjustment mechanisms and setting subsidy limits, with the aim of better managing subsidy distribution and reducing administrative overhead.
Furthermore, integrating blockchain technology could potentially enhance identity verification processes for subsidy beneficiaries, ensuring secure and reliable authentication. Additionally, it could facilitate improved data collection for policy evaluation, allowing for more informed decision-making and responsive adjustments to subsidy programs.
While these suggestions are still in the exploratory phase and no concrete plans have been made, the consideration of blockchain technology underscores a commitment to exploring innovative solutions to improve public services and address fiscal challenges. The potential benefits of blockchain integration in public subsidy management highlight a forward-thinking approach to governance and technology adoption, signaling Hong Kong’s readiness to embrace advancements in public administration practices.
