The application of digital technologies in content creation has not only opened up new business opportunities, it is also a driving force for economic and cultural development, Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Communications & Technology) Duncan Pescod says.

Speaking at the seventh Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum today, Mr Pescod said new techniques are cropping up in almost all areas of the creative industries.

"We firmly believe Government collaboration with industry stakeholders and the community is the best way to maximise our efforts to drive the industries," he added.

The forum, hosted by Cyberport Management Company with the theme of 'Seeing 2020: The Next Wave of Digital Creativity', has invited globally acclaimed experts of the digital media industry to share and explore the future trends in digital entertainment, and the dynamics that will influence the future of digital and media entertainment in the decade to come.

It was fully supported by Create Hong Kong and 36 major industry associations, educational institutions and semi-government organisations. It is one of the nine core events of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.

Digital Entertainment Showcases launched

During the forum luncheon, Cyberport and CineGrid signed a memorandum of understanding, under which both firms will build a new user community for very high quality media applications on very high speed networks.

CineGrid is a non-profit making international research and educational organisation pioneering the production, use, preservation and exchange of very high-quality digital media over fiber optic networks.

Cyberport, Hong Kong Maya User Group, Hong Kong Digital Game-based Learning Association and Internet Professional Association also launched the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Showcases - a programme for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai showcasing local creative talent to the international audience.

A digital game development competition and amazing cities animation competitions will be organised. Finalists of the two competitions will win a trip to Shanghai in September to exchange with Chinese and international creative talents at the finale parties.