HKMA launches API to highlight Year 2000 preparedness of banks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today launched a TV announcement of public interest, in English and Chinese, to highlight the Year 2000 preparedness of banks in Hong Kong.

This announcement is part of the HKMA's efforts to remind the general public of the Year 2000 preparedness of banks in Hong Kong. In July, the HKMA jointly published a leaflet on Hong Kong's banking system and the Year 2000 with the Hong Kong Association of Banks.

The TV announcement, which is the first of its kind to be produced by the HKMA, is entitled "Crossing the New Millennium with Confidence". It features a walking race, taking place early in the morning in Central. Participants in the race, dressed in suits, represent the banks in Hong Kong, who are shown to be well prepared for the challenge ahead. The TV API concludes with all the walkers breaking the "Year 2000" finishing ribbon.

Beginning 6 December 1999, this TV announcement will be screened on both the Chinese and English channels of TVB and ATV and on all Cable TV channels.

"Through this TV announcement, we hope to increase public awareness that the banking sector of Hong Kong is ready to meet the new millennium with confidence," said Mr David Carse, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA.

Mr Carse added that in parallel with the HKMA's own efforts, individual banks are themselves implementing public awareness programmes on the Year 2000.

For further details, please contact the Resource Centre of the HKMA at 28788222.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

6 December 1999