The Hong Kong International Computer Conference 2009 (HKICC2009) themed “IT Innovation – Value Creation & Economic Transformation” was successfully held on 5-6 November 2009 in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was our greatest honor to have Mrs. Rita Lau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, The Government of the HKSAR, together with Mr. Sunny Lee, President of Hong Kong Computer Society, Dr. Kennedy Wong, BBS, DCL, JP, Chairperson of HKICC2009 Organising Committee, and Professor Paul Cheung, Chairperson of the HKICC2009 Programme Committee officiated at the Conference Opening Ceremony in the morning of 5 November.

(From Left to Right) Dr Kennedy Wong, Mrs Rita Lau, Mr Sunny Lee and Prof Paul Cheung officiated at the HKICC2009 Opening Ceremony.

HKICC2009 had been designed to look at IT from the perspective of creating economic value, bringing together local and international experts to share the latest trends and IT developments.

"It was clear that using technology to create a solid economic return was now embedded deeply in the fabric of Hong Kong’s businesses. Technology lies at the core of the city’s competitiveness and exploiting it in new and innovative ways was one of the keys to Hong Kong’s long term economic success," said HKCS President Mr. Sunny Lee.

"The HKICC2009 recognised this synergy – the link between technology and economic performance – and takes it a step further. However, as local and regional experts examine the latest trends and IT developments, I was certain of one thing; Hong Kong would continue to embrace technology to create value and fuel economic transformation."

Guest of Honor Mrs Rita Lau delivered an insightful speech on economic dimension during the Conference Opening Ceremony.

Technological innovation had also linked Hong Kong ever more comprehensively to businesses and the economy of China, delivering tangible efficiencies and commercial benefits to both sides.

“From the first plenary session on How Cloud Computing Transforms IT and Creates New Value for Enterprises, through to parallel tracks, and the closing plenary sessions on Green Computing and Sustainable Development, the programme of HKICC2009 was firmly grounded in today’s economic landscape,” said HKICC2009 Conference Chairman Dr. Kennedy Wong.

“In addition to plenary addresses on landmark topics, the eminent speakers from Hong Kong and Worldwide had taken delegates on a journey down a variety of parallel tracks tackling the impact of innovative use of IT on business and society during the two-day conference. The hottest topics included the Digital Creative Industry, IT in a Virtual World, Web x.0 , Social Media and eHealth, were also on the cards, as three discussion panels – Regional Collaboration in R&D, e-Crime, Fraud & Security and Entrepreneurship in the IT Industry," said HKICC2009 Programme Chairperson, Professor Paul Cheung.

“The Social dimensions was not be neglected at the HKICC2009. The ambitious One Laptop Per Child initiative, Marine Conservation and Education, and Green Computing and Sustainable Development had also been showcased,” Professor Cheung added.

Hong Kong, as the Asian’s World City and one of the major financial centres in the world, tackles challenges by the innovative use of IT. The financial crisis of the last 12 months had proven that the global economic structure was actually quite fragile. It was fortunate that the dire predictions of a crisis on the scale of the “Great Depression” did not eventuate.

“While the crisis was still not completely over, it had taught us some valuable lessons. HKICC2009 had provided a platform for our industry players to discuss how technology could create a brighter future that was less susceptible to such violent corrections,” said HKICC2009 Conference Chairperson Dr. Kennedy Wong.

With a packed programme and an ever expanding list of speakers, this year's conference attracted record numbers of delegates. The Chairperson Dr Kennedy Wong, BBS, DCL, JP expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the members of the HKICC2009 Organising and Programme Committees as well as the staff members of the HKCS for their dedication and enthusiasm. Heartfelt thanks also go to the distinguished speakers, panelists, moderators, session chairpersons and sponsors for their unfailing contribution and support which have made this conference a roaring success.

Over 500 IT professionals participated in two-day conference

The HKICC2010 will be held in September 2010 in Hong Kong. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

For more information about the HKICC, please visit the conference official website at: http://www.hkcs.org.hk/hkicc/2009 or contact HKICC Secretariat at +852 28342228 or email to [email protected].