THE RAPID PENETRATION and multiplying functions of mobile phones and the widespread adoption of wireless networks are helping us stay in contact with loved ones and colleagues, no matter where we are. These technological advances have revolutionised the way we live and work.
Hong Kong consumers and companies have been keen to adopt wireless communications devices. Enterprises here are moving to the forefront of research, providing opportunities for engineers to get leading-edge opportunities.
'Wireless technology is important in Hong Kong. There are about 300 companies involved in wireless communications, 35 of these in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks [HKSTP] alone,' said SW Cheung, vice-president of business development and technology support at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp.
'The market for advanced technology in China is huge, and it is important for Hong Kong to be a part of this trend.'
The government-funded Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (Astri) has a mission to develop and transfer leading-edge technology to industry. Communications research is an important focus for Astri.
'Emerging wireless multimedia technologies such as WiMAX [worldwide interoperability of microwave access], UWB [ultra wideband for wireless consumer and network devices] and future versions of Wi-fi promise to lead to a new wave of devices whose marketing potential is immense,' said Chih-Lin I, vice-president and R&D director, communications technologies group, Astri.