he past year saw substantial business growth in the Transport, Security and Central Services Division mainly because of an increase in its portfolio of new facilities, such as sports grounds, swimming pools, communication systems, energy management equipment, transport interchanges and traffic control systems throughout the territory. The upgrading of general electronic equipment in connection with the roll-over to Y2K also contributed significantly to the division's business in the past year.

New business secured during the year includes the Disciplined Services Staff Sports and Recreation Club, Correctional Services Department's Stanley Prison Hospital Block and Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institute, Fire Services Department's trunk radio system, Shing Mun Valley Sports Ground, and various public transport terminals.

The division has a two-pronged development strategy of expanding its traditional business while venturing into new areas. Working with the Highways Department, it has also completed the installation of remote auto-dialling flood warning systems in major subways and underpasses.

Among its many new ventures, the division began the setting up of its Geographic Information System (GIS) initiative. When the system is completed, the location of any traffic light, street light, gantry sign, traffic bollard, footbridge/subway and high mast light on an electronic territory map will be immediately identified upon the entry of a number. The system will help handle faults and complaints much faster, and benefits both the client and the public - a major efficiency booster all round.

Another new area is IT software maintenance, such as those related to traffic management systems and toll collection systems. Other possibilities, such as the design, operation and maintenance of professional sound systems, are also being explored.

During the year, six mobile workshop vans were introduced to further reduce equipment downtime for clients, and to improve response time to fault calls. Condition-based maintenance has been applied to major client venues, using the latest techniques such as vibration monitoring and oil debris analysis, which can flag problems in major chiller plants.

Looking ahead, the division has plans to focus on services that require a higher level of technology, while contracting out low-tech work, in order to optimise its value for customers. The business growth rate is expected to steady in 2000/01, but with a greater variety of services, more sophisticated technology and a focus on continuous improvement and more value added services to clients.