The Fourth General Conference of the East Asian Regional Branch of International Council on Archives (EASTICA) opened on November 9 in Hong Kong.

Under the theme of "Records Appraisal and the Preservation of Electronic Information," the biennial conference draws participation of about 100 archivists, information and records management professionals from China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Macao and Hong Kong.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Carrie Yau, director of administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said archival appraisal has become more complicated with the advent of the electronic age and the increasing application of information technologies in records and information processing.

"The fragility of the electronic medium and the rapid cycle of technological obsolescence make the long-term preservation of archival records created in electronic systems seem even more formidable," she said.

Therefore, four international renowned specialists are invited to deliver lectures on the records appraisal and present reports on the latest world research endeavor in tackling problems of electronic records.

An exhibition on Archival Equipment and Supplies will also be held concurrently with the conference, which will run through November 12.

Moreover, some 200 local participants from senior management of government agencies, universities and private sectors will attend the lectures and special sessions.

EASTICA was established in August 1993 in Beijing, with its members increasing to 27 from 12 at the beginning.