It's already the world's leading provider of software and internet technology for personal and business computers. Now Microsoft wants to expand its reach in Hong Kong. The software giant is increasing its headcount here by 50 per cent over the next five years.
Behind the push for more talent is the belief that Hong Kong is poised to become a hub for information technology. Herman Lam Heung-yeung, general manager of Microsoft Hong Kong, said the company wanted to help build the city's reputation as a 'world-class digital city and contribute to its long-term prosperity and competitiveness'.
'We are excited about Hong Kong's economic growth opportunities as a result of its closer collaboration within the Greater China region,' he said.
Mr Lam said that because Hong Kong was usually known as a financial or logistics hub, people might question the idea that it could also be an information technology centre. He cited strong economic growth here and on the mainland that businesses in Hong Kong could tap into.
'To facilitate global enterprises, they need to have good systems to enable information sharing, communication and enable compliance,' he said. 'All of that is pointing to Hong Kong stepping up in terms of being more competitive. To do that, businesses need to embrace a new way of adding value.
'Many traditional enterprises in Hong Kong aren't as prepared as they need to be,' he added.