Moves to hold 2005 global ICT summit in HK

The Internet Professionals Association of Hong Kong is studying the possibility of hosting the 2005 Global ICT Summit following the success of the 2004 event held in Hong Kong last month.

Almost 1,200 professionals and government officials in information and communication technologies (ICT) from nine countries, and 70 speakers from 22 countries, were involved in the five-day summit.

"They shared their views and experiences on best practices in e-content and e-creativity that will help shape the future of global ICT development," the association's founder and president, Dr. Elizabeth Quat, said today (June 3).

"Discussions on subjects including 'Corporate social responsibility and the digital divide' have broadened the spectrum of building a truly information society. And opportunities are opening up to forge global partnerships for development between governments, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations," she said.

Dr Quat said the Global Alliance for Bridging the Digital Divide had launched a global promotion programme designed to help members improve web accessibility in their respective countries.

In addition, the Euro-Asia e-Entertainment Alliance was formed to stimulate cross-continental collaboration in research and development in 'smart media', mobile entertainment, digital contents, and games.

The Mainland-Hong Kong ICT Business Development Centre was also successful in forming bilateral partnerships with 12 countries, which would lay the foundation for matching business opportunities in these countries.

Dr Quat said the achievements from the summit were expected to add momentum in e-content development in Hong Kong, which would benefit the general public as well as the local ICT and creative industries.

"Now, we are studying the possibility of hosting the Global ICT Summit 2005 in Hong Kong. We want to work together again in creating another successful event for the city," said Dr Quat.

The Internet Professionals Association - iProA (www.iproa.org) is a non-profit making professional organization founded in 1999. It represents over 700 professionals from Internet related industries, including CEOs and senior executives from leading information technology enterprises. Members of iProA come from different professional areas, with the common goal of promoting the correct application of Internet technology and enhancing the competitiveness of the IT industry. The Association works towards improvement of professionalism of information technology practitioners, encouraging IT professionals in sharing social responsibility, as well as to bridge the digital divide in Hong Kong.

Ends/Thursday, June 3, 2004