News

Hong Kong joint venture to promote kiosk deployment

January 26, 2003

VANCOUVER --  J.I.C. Technology Company Limited, a Hong Kong-based LCD panels manufacturer and subsidiary of Nam Tai Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: NTE; CBOE: QNA), has formed a strategic partnership with iMagic Infomedia Technology Limited to jointly develop the public access solutions business.

According to a news release, privately-held iMagic is the parent company of PowerPhone Network Limited, a deployer of interactive multimedia voice and data terminals in Asia and the U.S. iMagic first received industry attention when it became the first company in the world to commercially launch a touch screen Web phone in 1996, according to the release.

Since then, iMagic has developed other front-end products such as the PowerPhone series and the new iMagic Kiosk, an interactive communications and transaction station. iMagic has also developed a back-end management system which enables operators to track usage, revenue, system status and content delivery.

iMagic's clients iinclude Beijing Capinfo, Beijing Telecom and Shanghai Telecom. It also provides the services to various departments of the HKSAR Government, such as Leisure & Cultural Services Department, Buildings Department, Cyberport, Hong Kong International Airport, and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation.

In addition, it provides products and services to major corporations such as Bank of East Asia, Motorola and Blue Cross. Blue Cross is utilizing the iMagic Kiosk to sell their PRC-related travel insurance at railway stations, according to the release.

"In view of a great potential growth of the advanced public access solutions business, we believe it presents a great opportunity for J.I.C. to make this investment," said Ivan Chui, managing director of J.I.C, in the release.

Peter Tsang, iMagic chief executive, said in the release, "Further to (J.I.C.'s) core electronics business, iMagic can also help expand their product line and markets in Greater China. With the respective strengths of J.I.C. and iMagic, and with our shared vision of Greater China and the global market, we shall be working hand in hand. I believe that the potential for this union can bring in enormous opportunities."