JCIHK & HKPC Launch “Entrepreneurs in Action” Program for Young Leaders of Local SMEs

Young local entrepreneurs who would like to enhance their creativity, brand building capability, leadership skills as well as other abilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century are urged to participate in a program launched today (17 February 2006) by the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong (JCIHK) and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

Entitled "Entrepreneurs in Action" Program for New Era Leader 2006, the project is co-organized by the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of the Trade and Industry Department, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Brand Development Council, The Outstanding Young Persons' Association and International Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Officiating guests at the launch ceremony included Mr Gordon Leung, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (Acting), HKSAR Government; Mr James Tsui, President, JCIHK; Dr Samson Tam, Deputy Chairman, HKPC and Ms Shirley Lai, Project Chairman, JCIHK.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr James Tsui said, "Creativity and innovation are the keys to success for today's entrepreneurs."

"The 'Entrepreneurs in Action' Program is indeed well timed to prepare young local entrepreneurs for the challenges of the new century. Through this Program, we hope to help new entrepreneurs learn from the valuable experiences of established innovative enterprises, broaden their horizon of vision, and hit the road to success in innovation and wealth creation," he said.

Dr Samson Tam said, "Creativity is the driver of today's knowledge-based economy. From 1990 to 2004, the number of patent applications in the world has increased by an annual rate of 20%. Apart from advanced manufacturing capabilities and low production costs, companies should continuously inject new ideas into their products and services in order to remain competitive."

"Today, Hong Kong industry is moving into high value-added production, namely original design manufacturing (ODM) and original brand manufacturing (OBM). Meanwhile, CEPA has created new opportunities for Hong Kong branded products in the Mainland market. Local industry's success in value creation hinges on the availability of new-generation entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, who can turn creativity into products and services, as well as establish their unique branding," Dr Tam said.

"Over the years, HKPC has been promoting enterprise innovation and providing one-stop IP management services to help enterprises protect and utilize the fruits of their innovation. This program is a timely initiative to nurture a new generation of creative industry leaders, " he added.

Targeting young leaders of local SMEs, the year-long program comprises a CEO seminar, training series on entrepreneurial creativity and branding, the Young Creative Entrepreneur Award, Best Business Plan Contest, business writing workshops, publications on entrepreneurial creativity and creative branding, as well as visits to innovative enterprises both in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

As the first event under this Program, a half-day seminar under the theme of "The Roadmap of Creativity Inspiration towards Business Success" was held after the launch ceremony. More than 200 representatives from the business community attended the Seminar.

Speakers at the Seminar included Dr Samson Tam, Deputy Chairman, HKPC and Chairman, Group Sense (International) Ltd; Mr Alan Cheung, Project and Creative Director, i character Ltd; Mr Vincent Ngan, Marketing Director, Success China Consultant Co.; Mr Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Worldwide Co., Ltd.; Mr Tony Cheng, Managing Director, Print 100.com; Mr Chan Chi Keung, Chief Executive Officer, Waheungai Co., Ltd. and Dr Joe Leung, Senior Consultant (Enterprise Value & Logistics Consultancy), HKPC.

For further details on the Program, please contact Ms Shirley Lai of JCIHK/ Ms Patricia Chun of HKPC at tel. (852) 9085 0555 / 2788 5535, or email to shirley.lai@jcihk.org / patricia@hkpc.org, or visit the Program website: www.eia-program.hk.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Junior Chamber International Hong Kong
Ms Shirley Lai
Project Chairman
Tel: (852) 9085 0555
Fax: (852) 2543 6271
Email: shirley.lai@jcihk.org

Hong Kong Productivity Council
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications and Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5036
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: emilyc@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

17 February 2006