Trek 2000 Receives Second Patent Approval for its Thumbdrive Solutions

Main board listed Trek 2000 International Ltd ("Trek 2000" or "the Group") today announced that The Registry of Patents Singapore (IPOS) has granted the patent for its Biometrics ThumbDrive, a portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities. Additionally, one of the African countries, Namibia, has also granted the patent to Trek 2000 for this same solution.

The Biometrics ThumbDrive, a portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities was developed by Trek 2000 and is an enhanced version of its basic ThumbDrive solution. Termed the ThumbDrive Touch, this device is driverless incorporating the "plug and play" feature. However, unlike its basic ThumbDrive solutions, the Touch is enhanced with biometric or finger print authentication feature providing additional security for data protection. Access to information stored within the Touch can only be through finger print recognition of an authorised user. The Touch ThumbDrive allows registration by 4 users comprising one master and three users approved by the master user. In addition, access control can be further stepped up with the use of more than two additional passwords for each application. The enhanced security features that have been incorporated in the Touch makes it a powerful data storage solution that can be applied for vertical application to lock other applications in personal computers, VPNs and many other technical systems that requires high levels of data protection and security. A highly portable and convenient device, the Touch weighs less than 30 gm and is no larger than the size of a thumb. Power packed with data storage and security protection features; this solution can be adapted for security and access control applications in environments where security and access control to data information are of ultimate importance. Presently sold under the "Trek" brand name, the ThumbDrive Touch is distributed across many countries around the world especially in the U.S. and Europe. The solution is available in different memory sizes ranging from 8 megabytes to 1 gigabyte.

"We are very happy to receive the second patent for our ThumbDrive solutions. This will enable us to move forward and further expand the capabilities of this solution to meet a broad range of needs in the market in the security and encryption areas. The biometric or finger print authentication solution will become the new trend in the IT world as both consumers and businesses become increasingly aware of the importance of data protection and access control." Said Mr Henn Tan, Chairman and CEO of Trek 2000.

The patent for its biometrics solution is the second patent to be received by the Group. The first patent for its basic ThumbDrive solution was granted by IPOS on 16 April 2002. Following the approval of this patent, Trek's ThumbDrive solution received strong response from consumers and leading IT product manufacturers in the US and Europe. Its ThumbDrives are now retailed through major IT products retail chain outlets in the US as well as Hewlett Packard's internet shopping outlet, HP Shopping.com

The power of Trek's solutions is further evidenced by the adaptation of the biometric solution in the Thermal Imaging Scanners System that Singapore has developed in response to the need for a temperature detector to help control the outbreak of the SARS virus. The use of Trek's solutions will help enhance the security protection features in the system thereby expediting its adaptation for commercial use.

"We are very proud to be associated with the Thermal Imaging Scanners System and most importantly it demonstrates the power and the adaptability of Trek's solutions to many aspects of our daily lives." Said Mr Henn Tan.

Trek 2000 has filed patent registration for this biometrics ThumbDrive across selected PCT countries and is currently waiting for the approvals from the different respective legislations.

The patent approval is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's results for the current financial year.

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