(January 23, 2002, Hong Kong) - Thiz Technology Group Limited ("Thiz" or the "Group"; stock code: 8119) is pleased to announce that Thiz Linux 5.0 Simplified Chinese Desktop Version passed the testing of GB 18030 by PRC's Standardization of Information Technology Committee and can be officially launched in the PRC. Thiz Linux 5.0 Simplified Chinese Desktop Version was also awarded an A+ grade, demonstrating the superior quality of Thiz's products and its achievement to reach the highest grade in the PRC standard.

GB(國標碼)18030 was originated from GB2312's 6,763 Chinese characters, drafted in 1980 and expanded to over 27,000 characters. It is a standard Chinese code set by PRC's Standardization of Information Technology Committee on March 2000. GB18030 includes characters from four minority languages, namely Tibetan, Yi language, Mongolian and Uigur and supported over 30 thousand characters. GB18030 is compatible with the existing standard coding of GB2312 and GBK. The new standard is a step towards international integration, developing an ultimate coding standard to include ancient language, names and locations from all languages of the world.

Commenting on the new product, Mr. Albert Li said, "Thiz Linux 5.0 Simplified Chinese Desktop Version passed the certification of GB18030 proved its ability of showing, inputting and printing all GB18030 standard coding words. The highest grade, A+ grade, means that Thiz Linux 5.0 Simplified Chinese Desktop Version also has support for minority languages and it is the most suitable software for modern Chinese computing system. The certification not only further enhances the Group's leading position in Linux software development but also proves our R&D capability in Hong Kong."

Mr Li is very confident of Thiz's future development. He said, "The strong support from Chinese government encourage all levels of government offices to switch to Linux operating platform. Commercial sector is experiencing a similar trend. In order to capture the growing demand of the market in the PRC, we set up an office in Beijing and strengthen our sales and marketing team. Our next target is to capture government orders and launched Thiz's products nationwide."