Hong Kong will continue to be at the forefront of business and technological developments worldwide as overseas technology companies base their regional headquarters in the SAR, according to US technology leader Microsoft Corp, which has had its regional headquarters in Hong Kong for the past 10 years.

Chief marketing director at Microsoft Hong Kong Yolanda Chan said Hong Kong has favourable factors in attracting foreign companies. “Hong Kong's sophisticated infrastructure including broadband, Internet communications tools and up-to-date technology know-how has contributed to the SAR being a favourable place to become regional headquarters for many overseas IT companies,” she said. “The characteristic of integrating both Western and Eastern cultures has drawn many investors' attention from all over the world to come to Hong Kong.”

Microsoft recently launched its XP windows operating system working with 12 international partners. They include Intel, AMD, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, IBM, Network Associates, Infocan, Software Collection, Epson, Kenfil and JOS. With the Microsoft’s XP launch in Hong Kong, the city is now better positioned to take advantage of a truly wired business platform for companies calling Hong Kong headquarters, Ms Chan said.

MSN, Microsoft’s content and web services arm, has already taken steps to provide more east-west integration through localised content in Chinese and marketing services to better serve the Hong Kong community. Earlier this year, Microsoft Corp CEO Steve Ballmer pledged HK$20 million (US$2.57 million) in a range of initiatives supporting the SAR Government’s goals to develop Hong Kong as a centre for technology.

The programmes comprise both educational and social projects, including the setting up of new training laboratories at universities, expansion of training programmes for academics and teachers, further support for the local software developer community and projects designed to provide access to IT benefits for groups such as seniors and underprivileged young people.