For immediate release

(Hong Kong, 27 July 1999) Shui On Construction and Materials Limited (SOCAM) is implementing a "Smart Card System" for construction workers at a Housing Authority site at Yau Tong. The trial period lasts for one year. A working pass in the form of a smart card was issued to every site worker to enable them to gain access to the site.

"In view of the complex subcontracting system of the local construction industry, the lack of a comprehensive record of the construction site workers and problems encountered in controlling their access to construction sites, Shui On commissioned a consultant to conduct a research on the development of Smart Card System last year aiming to further enhance the standard of site management," said Mr Louis Wong, Executive Director of SOCAM, who is also the Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Construction Association. Each smart card is assigned a specific code. When a worker uses his card to gain access to the site, personal details such as his photo, name and sub-contractor's name will be shown on the security guard's computer terminal. Since personal details are unlikely to be faked, implementation of the Smart Card system helps strengthen site security, combat illegal workers and pave the way for introducing long-term employment of construction workers in the industry in future.

Mr Louis Wong hoped that the Smart Card system could be developed into an identity card for Shui On construction workers in future. Information stored may include whether a worker has been issued a Safety Training Green Card or a Trade Test Certificate by the Construction Industry Training Authority. If the trial run is successful, the Smart Card system will be applied to other construction sites of Shui On.

SOCAM has always been an active player in enhancing quality within the construction industry, striving for the best in different aspects like site management, construction methods, and training for workers. The continuous effort brings Shui On numerous awards on safety and quality. For example, SOCAM was awarded the "Best Building Works Contractor" award for seven consecutive years and the "Safety Training Award" for five years by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, and the "Considerate Contractors Site Award" by the Works Bureau.

Shui On Construction and Materials Limited was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1997. Apart from SOCAM, the Shui On Group has a separate, non-listed property arm with investments in Hong Kong, the United States, Beijing, Guangzhou and, in particular, Shanghai where it has a land bank of 3.5 million square metres of buildable space in very centrally located sites.

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Ronny Pang	2879 1860
Corporate Communications Department