Hong Kong’s two flagship technology projects, Cyberport and the Hong Kong Science Park, continue to attract multinational and international companies in further consolidation of the SAR’s position as the premier information technology (IT) hub in Asia.

Dutch Electronics giant Philips is setting up its research and development, consumer electronics, mobile display system and optical storage business units in Hong Kong Science Park. This follows the move by other multinational companies such as Silicon Valley companies Advanced Analogic Technologies Inc., Pericom Semiconductor Corporation and REnex Technology Ltd, and Arizona-based Nasdaq-listed ON Semiconductor.

Michael Rawding, president of Microsoft Asia and vice-president Microsoft Corporation, said the Cyberport facilities would be a showcase for Microsoft’s unique creative and innovative culture. “We will continue to work to make Hong Kong a leading digital city in a globally connected world by developing leading-edge software and building the IT skills of Hong Kong people.”

California-based software developer and integration company Sybase recently announced its move to Cyberport, with company chairman and CEO John Chen saying Hong Kong has potential to be the regional IT hub. “With Hong Kong’s availability of management and language skills, its rule of law and state-of-art IT infrastructure, Cyberport provides an excellent facility for IT vendors and professionals.”

Sybase says the move demonstrates the company’s commitment to Hong Kong and its support of Hong Kong’s IT initiatives.

Henry Leung, president of Asia-Pacific operations at ON Semiconductor, which has just opened its eighth global chip design centre and Asia-Pacific headquarters at the Science Park, said the park’s “clustering” design would encourage interaction with other companies in technology alliance.

“Co-operating with other companies and engaging in technology alliance is normal conduct for our business, and protected by confidentiality agreements. These intellectual properties are protected by well-developed legislation in Hong Kong.”

The chief executive officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, C.D Tam, said the park’s tenant list was expanding monthly and in line with its construction progress.