INTERNET: Successful response to 'Net research initiative in HK

<p>The Internet Advertising Benchmarking Programme, organised by HKPC, </p><p>APL Digital and the HK2As, saw positive response from leading local </p><p>advertisers - within a week of the announcement of the programme, more </p><p>than 12 blue chip clients signed up. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The participating advertisers include HSBC, Hang Sang Bank, Standard </p><p>Chartered Bank, Cathay Pacific, Vitasoy, Procter & Gamble, Audi, Eagle </p><p>Star Insurance, Motorola, Nokia, Red Dots and 4376 Jewelry. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"I am extremely pleased with the tremendous response from the </p><p>marketplace," said APL Digital managing director Wilson Chan. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"I hope it serves our purpose of promoting and enriching the skill base </p><p>of Internet advertising in Hong Kong, as well as proving what we have </p><p>been saying - that the Internet as a marketing and communications medium </p><p>is here to stay." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>HKPC senior consultant Kevin Kwan said that in view of this initial </p><p>success, HKPC would consider expanding the programme and is at present </p><p>reviewing with APL Digital the possibility of including ecommerce </p><p>elements for the planned second phase of the programme later this </p><p>year. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"This programme is a good start for us to gauge initial response," he </p><p>said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"The next step, which is in line with the HKPC ecommerce initiative, is </p><p>to look at the actual transaction pattern of the ecommerce situation </p><p>here." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The programme results are expected by early May. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>