The establishment of a Digital Entertainment Industry Support Centre in Cyberport will be sponsored by the Government to provide one-stop services to the industry.

Speaking at the opening of the Cyberport Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2005 today, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Francis Ho said the Government was committed to spearheading the development of the rapid-growing digital entertainment industry.

It has launched a wide range of initiatives including the setting up of the Digital Media Centre, iResource Centre and Wireless Development Centre.

"Building on these existing infrastructure facilities, the Government will sponsor the establishment of a Digital Entertainment Industry Support Centre in Cyberport by the end April to provide one-stop services to the industry."

Nurturing local talent

Mr Ho said more emphasis will be placed on nurturing promising companies and local talent in the coming year.

"A Digital Entertainment Incubation-cum-Training Centre will be set up in Cyberport towards the end of this year. In the first three years the centre plans to nurture 20 to 30 companies with good potential for success, focusing on innovative applications, product, services and platforms with sustainable business models.

The annual Cyberport Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2005 attracted professionals from digital entertainment industries around the world to share their vision and experience on Creative Collaboration in the Digital Entertainment Value Chain.

As a continuation of the forum, the Cyberport Digital Entertainment Consumer Extravaganza will be held from March 23 to 28. The event will take advantage of Cyberport's unique connected environment to showcase digital entertainment technologies from around the world.