Lui's hi-tech plan keeps mainland in the picture

HONG KONG-based American Pacific Technology Group (APTG), headed by Legend Group co-founder Danny Lui Tam-ping, has invested millions of dollars in Silicon Valley ventures, in the hope of introducing fledgling technologies to the mainland.

Mr Liu, who left Legend Group last year, said APTG invested between US$250,000 and $500,000 each in 10 Silicon Valley ventures engaged in developing a broad scope of technology products.

The company is focusing on the three main areas of venture investing, technology distribution and joint-venture negotiation.

'In Silicon Valley, there is talent from all over the world,' Mr Lui said.

'There are opportunities to keep in touch with different technologies. Every technology firm has a representative office there so we started up to invest in start-ups and pre-IPOs [initial public offerings].' Mr Lui said that investment has so far been directed towards companies developing Internet technologies, Digital Video Disc, microchips, semiconductors, software and hard drive components. Some of the companies were already delivering products and were planning to tap the stock market next year.

'I would like to take those technologies into China and also help Hong Kong to further develop more value-added items. I want to contribute to that,' Mr Lui said.