$17 million programme to help small companies jumpstart IT

The Government and the information technology (IT) industry will join hands to launch a $17 million programme to help local small enterprises adopt IT for enhancing business continuity and efficiency.

Under this "DO IT! Small Enterprises Support Scheme", 2,000 eligible small local businesses will each be able to acquire a brand new Hewlett-Packard or IBM personal computer with Microsoft Windows XP Home and Office XP at a minimal price of $888.

The scheme is part of the initiatives of the "DO IT!" (Discover Opportunities with IT) campaign initiated by the Hong Kong IT industry in response to the SARS incident, which has a serious impact on business operation. The campaign's objectives are to introduce to the business sector opportunities of using IT to ensure business continuity in crisis situations, and to enhance efficiency and productivity as well as to expand markets in the longer run.

The scheme, organised by the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, is made possible with a $5 million contribution from the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (CITB), and a total commercial sponsorship of $12 million from Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Limited, IBM China/Hong Kong Ltd., Microsoft Hong Kong Limited and PCCW. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is the executive agent of this scheme and Hong Kong Cable Television Limited is the media sponsor.

Speaking during the launching ceremony of the "DO IT!" campaign in the Cyberport today (May 21), the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, said that the Support Scheme was aimed at lowering the entry barrier and initial capital outlay of small enterprises currently not adopting IT, and for them to embark on the use of IT in their business operation.

"I am delighted to see that the local IT community has come together, swiftly and on its own initiative, to launch the "DO IT!" campaign and help encourage local businesses to use IT.

"This campaign has the full support from the Hong Kong Government. My Bureau has participated actively in its organisation, as well as the promotion and implementation of the various initiatives under it," Mr Tang said.

Another initiative of the DO IT! campaign, the DO IT! Value Scheme, was also launched today. Under this scheme, IT vendors will offer IT and telecom products and services at very low prices to the business and industry sectors to help them carry out promotion and marketing online, and jumpstart their IT infrastructure to improve productivity and efficiency.

All small and medium enterprises would be able to benefit from the DO IT! Value Scheme and make use of this opportunity to acquire IT and telecom products and services at discounted prices. Free seminars on the use of IT for SMEs will also be organised.

Small enterprises registered under the Business Registration Ordinance, employing less than ten full time staff in Hong Kong, and which do not own or use any personal computer at the moment in their business operation are eligible to apply for the low-priced PC under the DO IT! Small Enterprises Support Scheme. If the number of applications received exceeds 2 000, successful applicants will be selected by drawing lots.

Application guide and form can be obtained at the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs on the mezzanine floor of Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Kowloon; the Public Enquiry Service Centres of all District Offices; HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon ; the website of the DO IT! Campaign (www.hkdoit.com.hk); or by calling the hotline 3164 2660.

Completed application forms, together with supporting documents, should be returned by mail to Tsimshatsui Post Office Box 99027 on or before June 7, 2003 (Saturday).

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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