Opening of IBM Cloud Computing Lab

Mr. John Tsang, Finance Secretary of HKSAR delivered his remarks. He expressed that "IBM has Cloud Labs in cities across five continents and we are delighted that Hong Kong has been added to this distinguished list. 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.

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.

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."

Full message of the Financial Secretary can be obtained from this link.

The Grand Opening of IBM Cloud Computing Laboratory at Cyberport Hong Kong Date: 10 December, 2009 Thursday Time : 11:30am - 12:45pm Venue: Foyer at Level 4, Cyberport 2, Hong Kong
Built upon the expertise and technology of Outblaze Limited, a Hong Kong-based company whose assets were acquired by IBM in April this year, the Laboratory serves as a global hub to foster Web 2.0 collaborations and help businesses jumpstart their cloud computing projects. It marks the strategic advantage of Hong Kong being the center of innovation, talents and development of top-notch information technology, and is one of the only ten such laboratories that IBM operates worldwide. Mr John Tsang, Financial Secretary, HKSAR Government, joined the ceremony and deliver a keynote to officially open the Laboratory with the IBM executives together. Honourable guests from IT industry share the excitement of the new opportunities brought to businesses and government organizations.


The Grand Opening was took place at Cyberport 2.


Active IT partners and friends were invited for this great event.



Officiating guest, Mr. John Tsang's arrival




The General Manager of IBM China Dominic Tong delivered the welcome address.	VIP guests pay attention to his speech.

Mr. John Tsang, Finance Secretary of HKSAR delivered his remarks. He expressed that "IBM has Cloud Labs in cities across five continents and we are delighted that Hong Kong has been added to this distinguished list. 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. 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. 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." Full message of the Financial Secretary can be obtained from this link.

Stephen Mak, Deputy GCIO and IT gurus attended the ceremony.	Dr. Matthew Wang , Vice President, China Development Lab, IBM






Lion dance at the Lab entrance.	Cutting roast pig denoted a prosperous business.



Dr. Matthew Wang elaborated how Cloud Computing can bring prosperity to Hong Kong.	Dr. Samson Tam photo with the Sally Lam who in charge of the Lab.

Senior government officials inspected the data centre of the Laboratory. Left to right: Hon. Dr. Samson Tam, Dominic Tong, Jeremy Godfrey, Duncan Pescod, Dr. Matthew Wang and Stephen Mak.



Guests enjoyed the delicious roast pork and refreshment.

Left to right: Robert Fong, Sally Lam and Alan Kan
	Photos & scripts by Alan Kan