Meeting not short on information technology
THE Hongkong Computer Conference (HKCC) has become the premier annual event of the Hongkong Computer Society.
As one of the founding members of the Southeast Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC), it will play host to the 12th SEARCC Conference and will incorporate the HKCC into the SEARCC '93 Conference from October 5-8 at the Hongkong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The SEARCC was founded in 1978. Its annual activities include a regional computer conference, an exhibition, a software competition for young people and an executive committee meeting in one of its founding member countries.
It is the second time that the Hongkong Computer Society is to host the SEARCC in the territory, the last time being in 1984.
The major event of the SEARCC is a regional computer conference for information technology (IT) professionals and executives from computer vendors and users.
Taking the theme IT - the Gateway to Quality and Regional Prosperity - the conference organisers expect about 1,000 delegates from countries in the Asia/ Pacific to attend.
The organising committee is inviting more than 80 influential IT leaders to deliver substantial presentations in three parallel streams on technology, applications and management, with a regional focus.
Delegates can also participate in an optional IT site visit programme on the final day of the conference. This will enable them to examine the strategic applications of IT in Hongkong.
Destinations include leading establishments such as government departments, educational institutions and large corporations in banking, transportation, servicing and public sectors.
A gala dinner, with the theme ''As time goes by'', will feature the development of computer technology from its invention.
The SEARCC '93 Exhibition (formerly known as CENIT ASIA), to be held at the the same time as the conference, is co-organised by the Adsale Exhibition Services and Hannover-Messe International.
To reflect the integrative trend in different areas of information technology, computer manufacturers and suppliers will showcase their computer products and technologies.
Special theme pavilions and country pavilions will also be on show.
To foster the development of computer competence among youth and to encourage cultural exchanges between the young IT enthusiasts of the region, the SEARCC International Software Competition (SSC '93) is open to students aged under 17 from the 12 SEARCC member countries.
The local selection round took place on March 13 and the results will be available in July.
Winners of the local team event will be in the final contest from October 3-6, competing with selected winning teams from other regional countries.
SSC '93 is co-organised by the Hongkong Computer Society, the Education Department and the Hongkong Association for Computer Education.
In July, executive committee members of the SEARCC will gather in Hongkong to share their visions of future directions and trends of IT in the region.
It is expected SEARCC '93 will be the IT industry's largest regional event this year.
The conference is offering a discount of more than 10 per cent for registration before July 31.
Interested parties should contact SEARCC '93 Conference Secretariat on 528-6136 for more details.
