Amino CEO Bob Giddy says the Hong Kong office will serve the growing numbers of major customers in the Asia-Pacific

Hong Kong was "undoubtedly the first choice" for UK-based digital technology company Amino Communications Ltd when choosing a regional headquarters.

"Hong Kong is an excellent hub from which to reach the Asia-Pacific region," said company CEO Bob Giddy. "It has reasonable cost structures and the multicultural diversity makes for an easy, co-operative business environment.

"The city has a greater presence than its geographical size would suggest. It has every service and support that international business needs, all within an easily accessible area."  The excellent public transport, he added, makes travelling around Hong Kong easy and predictable.

Amino Communications is part of Amino Technologies plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange, which is based near Cambridge and has offices in Georgia, US. The Hong Kong team will be responsible for customer support and market penetration across the entire Asia-Pacific, including the key markets of Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Roll-out in full swing

Mr Giddy said Amino has already gained a number of important customers who are rolling out IPTV (internet protocol TV) services in this region. "IPTV is increasingly becoming the weapon of choice for telecos looking to expand or protect their customer base by adding value through video-on-demand or betting services via the television interface," he said.

Jeff Tan, head of operations in Hong Kong, added that the IPTV industry is no longer considered a niche technology in the Far East, with major players across the region offering truly interactive IPTV services like gambling on live television shows or racing.

"Amino's range of IPTV set-top boxes are small and well designed, which fits in with the modern, style-oriented living room," Mr Tan said. "The cost advantage and compatibility with system middleware also makes Amino a popular choice for telecos wishing to offer these services to existing customers without needing to change the network infrastructure."

Gateway to China

Mr Giddy describes the telecom market in Hong Kong as "vibrant", adding that this "is probably a reflection of the open business culture".  He said Hong Kong is Amino's gateway to China, but once it has penetrated the mainland market, an office will be opened there.

"This will not dilute the importance of our Hong Kong office," Mr Giddy stressed. "It is simply a recognition of the size and uniqueness of China. Hong Kong will always be a good hub for the Pacific rim."

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