HONG KONG, September 10, 2008 - Themed "Experience the City Transformation", Cisco® Macau Showcase 2008 is poised to shed light on how network-based technologies promote the social and economic development of the city of Macau. Held today at the MGM GRAND Macau, the event highlighted the importance of the latest technologies and applications in transforming the way people work, live, play and learn. One of the largest of its kind in the city, the showcase attracted government officials, business leaders, senior decision makers, industry associates and technology professionals.
Attendance at the full-day event numbered around 400 participants for its keynote session, panel discussion, technology and application exhibition and series of breakout tracks.
Addressing the core issue of how technologies play a major role in the key facets of Macau's development, including integrated tourism, transport, manufacturing and small and medium businesses, the Cisco Showcase kicked off with a keynote speech from Mr. Howard Charney, senior vice president, Office of the President, from Cisco. Mr. Charney spoke on the theme of "Innovation", shedding light on how the three aspects of innovation - talent, investment and infrastructure - are supporting the transformation of Macau. He also explored the vital role that technology and the network play in employment, societal benefits and the broadening of the city's economic base.
In a panel discussion, leading figures from government, business and the public sector shared their unique insights into the way technology in transforming the city. Participants included Mr. Lawrence Tou, director of Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation, Macau SAR; Dr. Zhang Xuming, director of Kiang Wu Hospital; Ms. Sharon Cheung, senior vice president of eSun Holdings Limited; and Ms. Barbara Chiu, general manager, Cisco Hong Kong and Macau. Cisco also exhibited a wide array of the latest network-based technologies featuring network security, wireless mobility, Cisco Unified Communications, the Cisco Digital Media System and industry-specific solutions.
"This industry-leading event is another initiative that underscores our ongoing commitment to help foster economic development and improving people's lives in Macau. Cisco has long been dedicated to delivering innovative communications and collaboration technologies to enhance the way people work, live, play and learn, enabling us all to enjoy the benefits brought by the human network," said Chiu.
"With the theme of 'Experience the City Transformation', the event demonstrated how the network is becoming the platform to bring about innovation in Macau's main development areas, improving the city's competitiveness and augmenting its international image and status. We are hopeful that our endeavors and contributions to Macau over the years will help facilitate the diversification of Macau's economy and the overall transformation of this unique city," Chiu added.
