HK smart cards in spotlight at Shanghai creative industries forum (with photo)

Hong Kong's wide use of smart card technology was in the spotlight today (October 16) at the 2009 Shanghai International Forum of Creative Industries.

The Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Alan Siu, told forum participants that smart cards had enhanced the efficiency and convenience of daily life in Hong Kong.

"Creativity is vital for sustainable urban construction and development," Mr Siu told forum delegates.  

Hong Kong, a city with fast-paced technological advancement, will showcase its extensive and creative use of smart card technology at the UBPA Exhibition of the World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).

At the highly interactive exhibition, visitors will learn about how these creative smart card applications have brought convenience and efficiency to people from all walks of life in Hong Kong.

"The design of the Hong Kong UBPA Exhibition will be innovative, highly interactive and forward-looking. Simulation devices, multi-media technology, animation and videos will be used to enhance the visitor experience," he said.

The forum, organised by the Bureau of Shanghai Expo Co-ordination under the theme "Creativity and Future of Cities", is part of the 2009 Shanghai International Creative Week (SICW). Hong Kong was the only Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) participant invited to make a presentation at the forum and share experience about the successful and creative uses of smart card technology.  
  
The SICW is an annual event jointly organised by the Shanghai Creative Industry Centre, the Shanghai Creative Industry Association and the Shanghai Industrial Design Association. It is being held from October 15 to 21 this year.

The UBPA concept is a new addition to the World Expo, and will underscore the Expo 2010 theme of "Better City, Better Life". UBPA exhibits have been chosen on a competitive basis, with applications screened by a committee that included members from United Nations agencies, international organisations and Mainland authorities. Of 108 applications, 59 were approved including Hong Kong's proposal to highlight the extensive use of smart card technology in the city. The 530-square metre Hong Kong UBPA Exhibition will be located at the UBPA site in Expo Zone E on the Puxi side of Expo Park.

Shanghai Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010, on the waterfront of the Huangpu River between Nanpu Bridge and Lupu Bridge. Some 242 countries and international organisations will take part in the Expo, which is expected to attract more than 70 million visitors.

Besides taking part in the UBPA Exhibition, the HKSAR Government will build a stand-alone Hong Kong Pavilion near the China Pavilion, and organise a series of events, activities and promotions before and during the Expo period.

Hong Kong will also construct a "virtual" pavilion, and a "virtual" UBPA exhibition as part of the Expo Online project.

The Government has launched an official website - www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk - which will be the main online communications platform for Hong Kong's presence at the Expo.

Ends/Friday, October 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:21