FS speaks at Opening Ceremony of IBM HK Cloud Computing Laboratory (with video)

FS speaks at Opening Ceremony of IBM HK Cloud Computing Laboratory (with video)
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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C. Tsang, at the opening ceremony of IBM Hong Kong Cloud Computing Laboratory at Cyberport today (December 10):

Dr Wang, Mr Tong, Samson, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

I am truly delighted to join you for the opening of IBM's first Cloud Computing Laboratory in Hong Kong.

IBM has Cloud Labs in cities across five continents and we are delighted that Hong Kong has been added to this distinguished list. This marks a new milestone for the development of R&D and information and communications technology (ICT) in our city. It is also testimony to our strength as a centre for ICT innovation and our strong fundamentals, including a sound legal system, vigorous regime for protecting intellectual property rights and world-class ICT infrastructure.

I am pleased that this Laboratory is building on the success of a Hong Kong company at Cyberport acquired by IBM. Hong Kong's IT talents will, I'm sure, continue to be at the leading edge of our ICT advances. The strategic clustering here at Cyberport also provides an ideal platform to unleash new cloud computing technology.

Cloud computing appears set to become one of the major trends in IT over the next few years. It can lower costs, improve efficiency and transform the way companies do business. I also see great benefits of cloud computing in Government where we are constantly striving to improve our services and save taxpayers' money.

We are currently mapping out our strategies for enhancing IT services. This includes looking at how cloud computing can help to develop certain areas of our digital services.

Some analysts predict that over the next few years, a substantial number of small businesses will get most of their computing resources from external or public cloud providers. Larger enterprises may even adopt their own private cloud approach.

The Government is encouraging all companies to be alert to the latest cloud computing developments through seminars and conferences on the subject. IBM's new Laboratory will help to raise awareness about the latest developments and promote the adoption of cloud computing in Hong Kong.

As more information and services are provided online, people will inevitably have higher expectations. At the same time, the fast changing ICT environment raises new challenges in terms of innovation as well as cyber security. The Government is well prepared to embrace these challenges.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this IBM Cloud Computing Laboratory opens a new chapter in the development of the ICT industry in Hong Kong.

It will support the dramatic growth in Web 2.0 collaboration, and help our local businesses jump-start their cloud computing projects and gain access to new clients. This is essential for companies to stay ahead of the curve in terms of global competitiveness.

Once again, congratulations on opening the IBM Cloud Computing Laboratory at Cyberport, and I wish you every success in Hong Kong.

Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, December 10, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:55

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