Nokia, Lam Soon (Hong Kong) Limited and New World Mobility today joined forces for the launch of 'Call828', the first mobile B2B e-commerce initiative across Hong Kong and China. Using WAP technology, 'Call828' enables Lam Soon to communicate and exchange marketing, promotion, product, service, payment and other account information through mobile phones with their customers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and business partners for the first time.
" 'Call828' is a very exciting initiative for Lam Soon and really revolutionizes our supply chain management process. Lam Soon is a brand name that is synonymous with superior quality consumer products and as a leading company, has been serving the retail and food servicing industry in Hong Kong for more than 40 years. Using the latest technology, we are moving our focus away from the more traditional forms of distribution and harnessing the power e-commerce to provide our customers with additional convenience,' said Mr. James Tsao, Group Managing Director of Lam Soon Hong Kong.
"The establishment of 'Call828' enables Lam Soon to provide our customers with the highest service standards, offering our customers the ease of using a mobile handset to place orders directly with us. As an industry leader, Lam Soon already enjoys a high market share in both these markets, and in China where our end customers have a much wider geographical spread, 'Call828' will enable us to penetrate the China market at a much faster rate.' Mr. Tsao added.
The development of 'Call828' was made possible by the joint effort of Lam Soon and New World Mobility, one of the largest and most dynamic mobile operators in Hong Kong. Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Managing Director of New World Mobility said, "We are very excited to join hands with Lam Soon in developing this pioneering mobile B2B e-Commerce initiative. With the ever-increasing mobile usage in Hong Kong and China, we have strong confidence in the demand of B2B e-Commerce applications, which is deemed to grow rapidly in the years ahead.'
Apart from their involvement in designing the program flow, New World Mobility is providing technical advice and consultation, as well as the wireless infrastructure to facilitate the program development of 'Call828'.
" The development of 'Call828' marks not only a new age for B2B e-Commerce, but also a new chapter of New World Mobility's commitment in the new economy,' added Mr. Fitzgibbon.
Providing technological support for 'Call828' is Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications and the leading supplier of mobile phones. "As a technology leader of innovative telecommunications products and solutions, we are providing the best-in-class technology and expertise to support the launch of this new system,' adds Mr. Jonathon Yip, General Manger of Nokia Networks, in Hong Kong. "We are happy to team up with Lam Soon and New World Mobility to drive mobile data services in Hong Kong by providing enabling platforms, technical advice, consultation and strong local support for our customers.'
Commenting specifically on the future of mobile B2B e-Commerce in Hong Kong, Mr. Yip added, "Nokia anticipates continued high growth in mobile data services in Hong Kong, as there are many possible applications which range from information services through to interactive services. Hong Kong is at the forefront of mobile communications and the outlook is very positive with many business opportunities across all sectors of the community."
Call828' will be available from June 18 in Hong Kong and in China. In Hong Kong, New World Mobile is the strategic mobile operator through which customers can access the 'Call828' service. In China, the 'Call828' service can be accessed through existing mobile operators
About Lam Soon
Lam Soon (HK) Ltd. was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972, and the Group's subsidiary, Lam Soon Food Industries Ltd. was subsequently listed in 1991. The Group's main business operations include flour, edible oil, canned products, detergent products and frozen food. It is also actively developing the vast potentials of the China market. The Lam Soon Group is financially strong with total assets over HK$2 billion. The Group continues to expand its product range and product features by adding new products and developing innovative formula in its product categories. Lam Soon's major brands continue to win industry and market recognition, with "Knife' cooking oil, "AXE' dishwashing detergent, "Golden Statue' and "American Roses' flour being the highest selling brands in Hong Kong in their respective categories this year.
About New World Mobility
New World Mobility is one of the largest and most dynamic mobile operators in Hong Kong since its launch in August 1997. Offering a wide range of quality communication services including voice service, customized value-added services like "Financial Centre', "World Wide Mobility' WAP Service, and Mobile Fax and Data, NWM plans to introduce a series of advanced mobile multi-media solutions, as well as meet the requirements of 3G mobile communications spectrum. Serving over 620,000 subscribers as of February 2001, NWM leads the PCS market by over one-third of the total market.
New World Mobility's quality mobile services are provided by New World PCS Ltd., which is supported by the financial strength and depth of resources of its parent company New World Development.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Issued by Edelman PR on behalf of Lam Soon, New World Mobility and Nokia.
Further information:
Sophia Tso, Josephine Chan at Edelman PR
Tel. + 852 2804 1338
Fax + 852 2804 1303
Email sophia_tso@edelman.com.hk, josephine_chan@edelman.com.hk
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com