A government initiative to identify vulnerable elderly individuals – and offer necessary assistance – through big data analysis could kick off with a district-based trial this year, according to labour and welfare chief Chris Sun.

It will be followed by a citywide launch after smoothing out potential glitches with the system, he added.

Sun emphasised that there's no time to waste as early intervention is essential to prevent tragedies.

The idea of establishing an "inter-disciplinary and inter-organisation" database was first mentioned in the chief executive’s Policy Address last year.

The system, designed by university teams, is aimed at detecting vulnerable individuals, such as senior citizens who are ill and live alone, as well as their carers.

Such cases will then be passed on to relevant authorities for follow-up.

In an interview with RTHK marking three years since the John Lee administration assumed office, Sun said the system will link databases from social welfare organisations, as well as public hospitals and the Housing Authority.

"Three in four senior citizens receive cash subsidies or some sort of service from the government, so authorities definitely have information about them, and where they live," he said.

"Once they are in hospital, then the case is recorded on the Hospital Authority’s database. But its database is not linked with ours. Once they are linked, we will know if they come from an elderly household, and if they are at risk. In this case we can send help immediately, either by instructing NGOs or community care teams."

Sun hopes to conduct trials on a smaller scale within this year to iron out technical issues.

Once this is done, he added, it could be expanded quickly to other districts.

On a separate note, the welfare minister revealed that a guide will be published in July to help professionals from specific industries determine if they have to report cases of suspected child abuse.

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, set to take effect in January, would compel social welfare, education and healthcare practitioners to alert authorities of incidents involving physical, psychological or sexual abuse against minors.

Those who fail to comply face up to a HK$50,000 fine and three months in prison.

The government is now formulating a Mandated Reporter Guide which Sun said will save time and effort for those bound by the new regulation.

"They can access a website and answer a questionnaire based on what they know about the case. Whether there were bodily injuries, et cetera, et cetera, the questions are not difficult," he explained.

"There are also guidelines to help them choose the correct answer. After answering all the questions the guide will tell you if the case meets the criteria for mandatory reporting."