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COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Speedpost
A number of enhancements were added to Speedpost-Hongkong Post's international courier service throughout the year. In January, the network was extended to Iran, Kenya, Mozambique and Myanmar, bringing the total number of destinations served to 96. A number of incentives were introduced to expand the account customer base. These included rebates and supermarket gift coupons for sending Speedpost items to the Republic of Korea. Under the bonus point scheme introduced in March, Speedpost account customers redeemed accumulated points for a wide range of items including PostShop souvenirs, supermarket, clothing chain and restaurant coupons as well as electrical and electronic appliances.
Collection and Delivery Management System
Hong Kong's role as a leading digital city was further affirmed at the launch in March of Hong Kong's first collection and delivery management system (CDMS) in a Hongkong Post-Hutchison Telecom cooperation. This advanced infrastructural system thrusts Hongkong Post to the forefront in courier service for its use of innovative resource allocation technology. The system was successfully tried out during the year and utilises Hutchison's advanced GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and personal digital assistants equipped with a barcode scanning function to track package deliveries. It is expected to be fully implemented in April 2004.
Special Stamp Issues
Eleven sets of special stamps were issued in 2003, and comprised Hong Kong Disneyland; Year of the Ram; Traditional Trades and Handicrafts; Miniature Landscapes; Pet Fish; Heartwarming; Waterbirds a joint issue by Hong Kong, China and Sweden; the successful flight of China's first manned spacecraft; Chinese Percussion Instruments; World Heritage in China; and Development of Public Housing in Hong Kong.
The special stamps featured a range of designs, exquisitely rendered and reflecting a variety of cultural, nostalgic and contemporary themes. Hongkong Post became the first postal administration in the world to print on flock paper, making its "Year of the Ram' series a historic first. The 'Pet Fish' stamps incorporated a fish-shaped die-cut. The issue of the pentagonal 'Development of Public Housing' series was Hong Kong's first tête-bêche issue meaning the stamps were printed with an upright image attached to an inverted image. The 'Heartwarming' stamp was the first set of Hong Kong stamps without a value indicator and printed with ‘Local Mail Postage' or 'Air Mail Postage'. The stamp tabs next to the stamps allow senders to add a warm and unique touch by printing a photographic portrait.
Philately Promotions
Philatelists of all ages continued to benefit from the Local Standing Order service which in 2003 introduced a customer loyalty programme for customers to enjoy various incentive schemes with attractive souvenir items. In March, a children's stamp design competition with the theme of 'My Favourite Toys and Games' attracted entries from hundreds of children. To reinforce young collectors' interest in producing stamp exhibits and to promote philately among students, Hongkong Post organised