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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited:
Hong Kong and New Zealand today (March 23) sealed closer ties in creative digital entertainment business development at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Digital Entertainment Creative Business Collaboration Signing Ceremony, witnessed by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Duncan Pescod. The parties entering into this MOU are Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Internet Professional Association Limited, Wellington City Council, and New Zealand Institute of Screen Innovation Limited.
New Zealand has built and continues to grow viable and successful digital media businesses that made it to the global stage. Hong Kong has been transforming to become a creative economy, including promoting digital entertainment, with solid government support and a growing cluster of innovative industry players. The MOU opens up room for future collaboration and opportunities in digital entertainment-related creations and businesses between New Zealand and Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Nicholas Yang, said during the ceremony, "The fact that New Zealand's home grown digital entertainment industry managed to achieve the global best status and earn substantial international acclaims is a role model for Hong Kong to pursue. As Hong Kongˇ¦s unique Creative Digital Community, Cyberport is pleased to be part of this alliance, which will certainly benefit the growth of our local media and digital entertainment industries."
The President of Internet Professional Association (iProA), Dr Winnie Tang remarked favorably on this joint collaboration. "For years, iProA has been active in promoting cross-industry and cross-border collaboration opportunity for members and local IT veterans to enhance our professional savvy. Digital entertainment is a growing business worldwide and I believe local IT talents would greatly appreciate and benefit from hearing the success stories of their New Zealand counterparts."
It is believed that the MOU will lead to stronger connectivity in areas such as film, television, games, mobile and other digital content. Specifically, after the signing of the MOU, there will be more participation by practitioners in future industry events, including Hong Kong's Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) and AnimFx Symposia of Wellington. More business-to-business contacts will be generated; exchange and transfer of technical skills and ideas encouraged; collaboration on and co-investment in innovative film and digital entertainment content facilitated; and development of joint projects resulted.
"As mayor of a creative city I am delighted to be able to sign this MOU, Mayor of Wellington, NZ, Mr Kerry Prendergast, said. "Wellington has carved itself a world-leading position in the digital arts through the vision and talent of its creative community, with the whole-hearted backing of the City Council. Wellington and Hong Kong are both vibrant, exciting cities whose positions in the world belie their small size. The co-operation and exchange of ideas enshrined in this MOU will enhance the reputations of both and create partnerships which will ultimately benefit digital industries worldwide."
"While we have a unique place in the world of film and game development, Wellington must collaborate with other centres of excellence in digital creativity to fully realise a joint potential. Education, research and ultimately joint co-production collaborations are the way to accelerate both of our standings in this exciting area for future business", the Director of the NZISIL, Mr Laurence Greig said.
The signing parties of the MOU will work together and support their respective governments to conclude a film co-production treaty as well as the current negotiations between Hong Kong and New Zealand for a Closer Economic Partnership. The agreement will encompass a wide-ranging scope with emphasis on trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.
Information of the MOU signing parties:
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Cyberport is a US$2 billion (HK$15.8 billion) landmark project managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Focusing on enterprise and professional development, Cyberport helps commercialise creative ideas and incubate start-ups. We have an energetic cluster of creative ICT and digital content tenants who enjoy synergies from co-locating with each other, and we are Hong Kong's unique Creative Digital Community. Interconnected by a state-of-the-art broadband network, the Cyberport community is home to four Grade-A intelligent office buildings, a five-star hotel, a retail entertainment complex and about 2,800 deluxe residences.
iProA is a non-profit making professional organisation founded in December 1999. It represents more than 2,300 professionals from Internet related industries, including CEOs and senior executives from leading information technology enterprises. Its members have made contributions in areas like innovative design, sales, marketing, infrastructure, e-commerce, consultancy, investment and other Internet related professional services, aiming to further develop the Internet industry in Hong Kong. The association is devoted to exploring and creating the co-operation opportunities in different industries through our networks with leading international ICT organisations. From regional to global networks, they share the common goal of promoting proper application of Internet technology and strive to strengthen the competitiveness of the ICT industry of Hong Kong. They work towards improving professionalism of information technology practitioners, encouraging IT professionals to share social responsibilities, as well as striving to bridge the digital divide in Hong Kong.
Wellington City Council is the local government authority covering Wellington City, the capital of New Zealand and the most southerly capital city in the world. Wellington is renowned for being a vibrant city that combines the ease of a compact, walkable city centre with all that bigger cities offer. It is known for its affordability, its talented people and its stunning natural beauty. It is the arts and events capital of New Zealand, and provides world-class recreation and leisure opportunities. The council is responsible for a wide variety of activities and services including delivering high-quality infrastructure, community services, libraries, recreation and arts facilities, maintaining the city's parks and reserves and ensuring Wellington has a year-round programme of exciting entertainment and events. It also works to attract skilled, innovative people and businesses to the city in order to maintain Wellington's international competitiveness.
The NZISIL was formed by representatives of leading New Zealand digital entertainment businesses to be a representative body that will engage in local and international relationships for the advancement of the digital content sector specifically related to entertainment and edutainment screen delivery. The institute develops strategies and programmes at both a micro and macro level, including communicating a vision, engaging in infrastructure development, establishing global alliance and partnerships, encouraging skills development and generally supporting the position of New Zealand as a world wide centre for screen innovation. It sources funding support from public and private parties to allow the Institute to sponsor, support or otherwise invest in projects which it considers will advice the standing and status of New Zealand as a pre-eminent screen innovation partner nation in the areas of interest (film, music, visual effects, games, entertainment businesses, tools and content).
Ends/Monday, March 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:33
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