The following is a speech by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Elizabeth Tse, at opening ceremony of SIGGRAPH Asia 2011 today (December 13):
Prof Liu (Zhi-qiang) [Conference Chair of SIGGRAPH Asia 2011], Mr (Jeff) Jortner [President of ACM SIGGRAPH], Mr (Alain) Chesnais [President of ACM], Dr (Eric) Liu [Chair of Hong Kong ACM SIGGRAPH Professional Chapter], distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you all at the SIGGRAPH Asia 2011.
This is the first time Hong Kong plays host to SIGGRAPH Asia. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, may I extend a warm welcome to all our visitors from near and afar.
SIGGRAPH Asia is the region’s premier event for the computer graphics and interactive techniques industry. It brings together the best minds of digital innovation from around the world. We are most honoured in particular to welcome the many distinguished speakers of this event.
In this four-day conference and exhibition, we are going to have over 7 000 participants from nearly 50 countries, as well as over 100 exhibitors, including some well-known companies in the trade. A Hong Kong pavilion has been set up in the exhibition to showcase the works of the local industry players and tertiary students. This is not just an event for the trade, but an opportunity to engage the community in appreciating the opportunities of the digital entertainment industry. We have therefore sponsored over 3 000 tertiary and senior secondary students to attend the conference. They will have a unique opportunity to share a glimpse of world-class works as well as get inspired through knowledge-sharing and thought-provoking discussion.
Hong Kong is an entertainment hub. Our film and television sectors have been a forerunner of the region in the adoption of advanced technologies in creating compelling contents for audience. We also have a vibrant creative industry which thrives on intensive use of computer graphics to work magic in productions.
The digital entertainment sector depends on creative talents. The Government has spared no effort in nurturing talent, incubating start-ups, and enhancing the proficiency of digital entertainment ventures in harnessing the latest technologies and tools. We have built up a home for the creative digital community at the Cyberport. A 24-month incubation programme is run to provide incubated companies with access to advanced facilities and resources, support in business development, training and, above all, financial assistance. Some 60 companies have already undergone incubation while about 40 are being incubated. Local digital entertainment ventures can also enjoy access to high-end production equipment, as well as support for production of digital contents for videos, films, animations and online games.
I hope you will all make best use of the time here, cherish the networking and sharing experiences with other industry players, and enjoy discovering the latest technologies of digital media. I wish you all a most rewarding experience at SIGGRAPH Asia 2011.
In closing, I would like to thank the Hong Kong ACM SIGGRAPH for bringing this event to Hong Kong. I wish SIGGRAPH Asia 2011 a great success.
Thank you.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011