Lai See likes to track the downfall of the technology sector. We always knew the tech boom was maniacal and concept.com was never worth the combined market capitalisation of General Motors, Xerox and our favourite, McDonald's. So we giggled when tech stocks collapsed and smirked as investors rediscovered fundamental analysis.
We reckon the best indicator of the mood of the technology sector in Hong Kong is the price and location of IandI Hong Kong meetings.
IandI is pretty well-known as a networking group of tech-heads, entrepreneurs and investors. During the tech boom, it used to hold lavish meetings at the Furama Hotel, and the HK$100 entry price included a couple of drinks.
This was seen as a good deal; venture capitalists were keen to fund any Net-related business sketched out on the back of a matchbox in those days.
How things have changed. Now an e-mail has gone out announcing a monthly happy hour at a Wan Chai pub: no cover charge and HK$20-HK$30 for a drink. So, as IandI suggests, please tell your friends and bring anyone along that has a keen interest in technology.
'We need your help to make this the premier IT event in Hong Kong.'