SecureNet Asia eyes ID tender

Pacific Century CyberWorks subsidiary SecureNet Asia plans to submit a tender for a HK$3 billion contract to renovate Hong Kong's identity cards, according to chief executive Geoffrey Ross.

The company, which provides security solutions, said replacing the cards with smart cards would be a major project.

'We hope to be involved in the re-engineering of the back office of the Immigration Department,' Mr Ross said.

Project details will be released in June, and the tender is expected early next year.

Actual work is expected to begin in 2003.

Chief operating officer Greg O'Hare said the company would design the system that aims to replace 550,000 cards annually for the seven million identity cards in Hong Kong.