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Seminar Helps Local SMEs Improve Productivity Through Effective Use of IT Tools

Over 150 representatives from local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) attended a seminar organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and Microsoft Hong Kong Limited (Microsoft) today (24 February 2006) to obtain the latest updates on the effective use of information technology (IT) tools.

Under the theme of "Productivity Improvement Through Effective Use of IT Tools", the seminar was the first event under the "Productivity Plus Initiative" launched by HKPC and Microsoft to help local companies meet new business imperatives, such as regulatory compliance, as well as capitalize on new technologies and tools to gain greater agility and efficiency, increasing competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Mr Frank Leung, General Manager (Electronics Product Innovation) of HKPC, said, "For companies to capitalize on the changing economic environment in the Mainland and maintain their competitiveness in the global market, the effective application of IT is the key to product enhancement, quality improvement and quick response to market change."

"Today's seminar aims to help local SMEs increase productivity by providing them with access to Microsoft technologies and partner ecosystem, addressing the historical barriers of bulky and cost-prohibitive customized technology solutions," he said

"At the seminar, participants will learn how to effectively use IT tools to enhance their capabilities and operational efficiency, which will in turn reduce costs and improve the overall performance of their companies," Mr Leung said.

"In addition, to encourage the adoption of IT by SMEs, a programme on the trial use of Microsoft SME Suite for Free will also be launched to help them better understand and experience the benefits of IT tools," he added.

According to Mr Leung, in December 2005, Microsoft and HKPC unveiled a new initiative dubbed Productivity Plus during a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, reinforcing their joint commitment to the growth of the local manufacturing sector. The MOU signed between the two parties focused on five key areas – accelerating industry competitiveness, joint development of the local IT industry, improved SME productivity through better IT deployment and awareness, Pan-Pearl River Delta business expansion for customers and ISVs, as well as intellectual property rights management.

"A series of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) training and seminar programmes addressing topics of IT application in industry will be held in the coming months, including 'Business Intelligence: Performance Measurement Toolkit for Executives' and 'Information Portal DIY'," Mr Leung said.

For further information about the "Productivity Plus Initiative", please contact HKPC's Ms Annie Kong at (852) 2788 5564, or e-mail to kong@hkpc.org.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications & Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5036
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: emilyc@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

HKPC
24 February 2006