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Microsoft, one of the world's leading software companies, today (June 18) announced its decision to become a tenant of Cyberport which is Hong Kong's IT flagship project.
Microsoft will move into Cyberport in October this year. It will take up two floors of Cyberport's phase I building, totalling some 4,000 square metres (40,000 square feet) of office space.
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee-Hwa, met the Managing Director of Microsoft Hong Kong, Mr Mark Phibbs earlier on and welcomed the company's decision.
Mr Tung said: "We are delighted to see this major development in our strategic partnership with Microsoft, whose advanced technology contributes to building Hong Kong as a leading digital city. The presence of such an international software leader at Cyberport will draw other companies to come to work with us as Hong Kong is developing a knowledge-based economy."
Mr Tung also reaffirmed his determination to build up Hong Kong as a leading digital city in the region. "The Cyberport is an important infrastructure to support the Government's Digital 21 Strategy. Our aim is to position Hong Kong as a leading digital city and e-business community, connecting the world," Mr Tung added.
Speaking at the news conference to announce Microsoft's decision, the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau, whose bureau spearheads the Cyberport project, said: "We understand that moving into Cyberport Phase I building, which was just practically completed by end of March this year, is a strategic company decision on the part of Microsoft. Microsoft is confident that the Cyberport will meet its business needs. It is a vote of confidence in Cyberport by a global software icon."
Mrs Yau said Microsoft is a key partner in the Government's Digital 21 Strategy.
Microsoft is a key contributor to the development of Hong Kong through its leading edge desktop software and advanced enterprise solutions. Its technology combined with a commitment to help bridge digital divide in Hong Kong show the significant position Microsoft holds in the IT industry.
"I am pleased to see Microsoft has made good on its commitment to move into the Cyberport as an anchor tenant," said Mrs Yau. Microsoft is the 7th company which has signed up tenancy agreement at Cyberport Phase I building. Microsoft, together with the other six (6) signed up tenants, take up about 80 per cent of office space in the Cyberport's first phase building.
"We are fully committed to building up at Cyberport a new professional community for like-minded people to create synergy and nurture innovation," Mrs Yau said.
The Cyberport is a comprehensive development which will help companies of different sizes and at different stages of development to flourish. The professional community will enjoy intelligent offices, enormous bandwidth, a wide range of shared IT facilities, a cybercentre providing retail and entertainment facilities and a 5-star deluxe hotel managed by Le Meridien, all set in a campus-like environment.
End/Tuesday, June 18, 2002
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