Hong Kong Cyberport and WTEC Collaborate

MEDIA RELEASE

Hong Kong Cyberport and Wellington Institute of Technology to Collaborate in Creative Technology Education

Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Ltd (Hong Kong Cyberport) and Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the field of creative technologies.

Hong Kong Cyberport, wholly owned by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, takes on a new vision to establish itself as a leading ICT hub in the Asia-Pacific region, announcing a HK$100 million funding of the ICT industry over the next three years. The new funding aims to facilitate the growth of the industry by nurturing ICT industry start-ups and entrepreneurs to foster local talent in Hong Kong, driving collaboration to pool resources and create business opportunities, as well as narrowing the digital divide in the community through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

The first step in collaboration will be delivery of short courses in Hong Kong by WelTec's School of Creative Technologies, scheduled for mid-2011. Students will include staff of companies involved in Hong Kong Cyberport IncuTrain centre, which incubates Hong Kong companies in the digital entertainment and creative digital media industries.

Further collaboration is envisaged around the development of training and facilities at WelTec, staff and student exchanges, and further training and development in Hong Kong.

The signing of the Memorandum was the highlight of a delegation by senior WelTec staff to Hong Kong Cyberport, which followed up a visit by Hong Kong Cyberport to Wellington in November 2009. The delegation also included a senior official from Wellington City Council, reflecting the City's strong support for Wellington's creative sector.

Mr Herman Lam, CEO of Hong Kong Cyberport, was very pleased to formalise the relationship with WelTec. "Wellington Institute of Technology is a leading provider of skilled graduates to the creative industry and works very closely with the sector. Our link with them enables Hong Kong Cyberport to tap into the richness and vibrancy of the Wellington creative industry, which has a worldwide reputation".

Linda Sissons, Chief Executive of Wellington Institute of Technology, agreed. "We are delighted to link with such a major player in Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry. This agreement complements their strengths with ours and is an exciting opportunity for mutual growth".

Wellington Mayor Celia-Wade Brown says the agreement both underlines and provides a huge boost to Wellington’s reputation as a centre of excellence in creative technologies.

“Wellington and Cyberport businesses will benefit hugely from the exchange of ideas. I look forward to this relationship developing," Mayor Wade-Brown said.

Wellington City Council’s Economic Portfolio Leader, Cr Jo Coughlan, says the MOU entrenches Wellington's reputation as an innovative, educated and creative city that offers world class jobs.

“Investors are attracted to Wellington because they know it is an ideal place to locate and to do business," Cr Coughlan said.

ENDS