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SCED's speech at Smart-Space 3F opening ceremony (English only)
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     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the opening ceremony of Smart-Space 3F today (September 15):

Good evening, Alfred (Director of Cyberport, Mr Alfred Wong), Herman (Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, Mr Herman Lam), ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my pleasure to join you today at the opening of Smart-Space 3F, the fifth and the largest Smart-Space in Cyberport. The fact that this one is the fifth Smart-Space testifies to its success and popularity.

     Before I go any further, may I invite you to turn around and look at the sea for five seconds?

     Smart-Space is very much like the sea in many aspects, and it is a wonderful thing to have Smart-Space 3F located here in Cyberport, endowed with the view of such a lovely sea. The sea is home to a rich and diversified ecosystem, and so is Smart-Space, which nurtures a diversified pool of talents and is part of Hong Kong's vibrant start-up ecosystem. The sea can be disruptive at times; so are our creative start-ups, which so often come up with game-changing products. Smart-Space by the sea can also be an inspirational source. In the start-up world, there is the "blue ocean strategy" which calls for entrepreneurs to create uncontested markets through innovation instead of battling competitors in the known market where incumbents dominate. If you are an early stage entrepreneur struggling to develop a new product, by staying in Smart-Space, the sea will constantly remind you that your trump card, or in fact your key to survival, is your innovation. If you are a start-up having achieved initial market success, the sea will urge you on to set sail overseas. The sea may mean different things to you, the important thing is that you keep being inspired.

     While the proximity to the sea is a unique attraction for Smart-Space, there are also many smart features that make it popular among start-ups.

     First, Smart-Space has a cool design. There is no place like home, and Smart-Space is designed to be like your home. Unlike a traditional office setting, you can see that Smart-Space is spacious, cosy and cheerful. It is indeed what our aspiring start-ups need to keep their creative juice flowing. Here, easy access to state-of-the-art IT infrastructure is not a luxury but a basic facility. Being a start-up is a serious business but right here in Smart-Space, you can do it in a more relaxed and comfortable way.

     Second, Smart-Space is an ideal co-working space for start-ups to mix, match and mingle. In Smart-Space, every time is a good time to chit-chat and clash your ideas with your next-door partners and friends. There is no lack of pitching contests, seminars and meeting opportunities with angel investors.

     Third, the leasing arrangement of Smart-Space is flexible and tailor-made for users. They can rent a table or two as a start and expand to rent a room as the business scales up. The price is very affordable and ranges from $800 to $25,000 per month. The lease period can last from one to 12 months. The point is, there is no one size fits all, and Cyberport is committed to catering to your individual needs.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate Cyberport on the opening of their fifth Smart-Space. Please enjoy the evening. Thank you.

Ends/Monday, September 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:26

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