Hong Kong's quest to become a technology hub for Asia is evolving, but the government has to define its role in the process more clearly, according to Microsoft's Asia region vice-president.
Pieter Knook said Hong Kong had all the necessary ingredients to be an integral part of the information-technology revolution, listing impressive telecommunications infrastructure, rule of law, and a highly educated workforce renowned for an entrepreneurial spirit.
But the Government had to be aware of the fine line between creating or facilitating an environment, such as Cyber-Port, that nurtured and encouraged the development of new Internet-based businesses and industries and press-ganging companies into that community, warned Mr Knook.
In the end, an IT industry would develop in Hong Kong only partly because of what the Government had done, but mainly on companies' individual views and strategies, he said.
'There is benefit in creating the right environment even if people in that community compete vigorously,' he said.
'[But] I don't think you can just move Silicon Valley to Hong Kong.
