BUDGET 2009 STATEMENT: Hitachi Data Systems Lauds Focus on Human Capital Development

Johnson Khoo, Managing Director, Hitachi Data Systems Sdn Bhd

Given that Malaysia aspires to be a major participant in the knowledge-based economy, we are therefore disappointed that Budget 2009 did not place more emphasis on ICT as a driver for the country’s economic growth.

There is a critical need for the Government to redouble its efforts and incentives to attract more ICT investments -- especially in the relocation of shared services outsourcing operations and data centre farms to Malaysia.

This type of large capital, long term projects are essential to maintain Malaysia’s ICT growth. And Hitachi Data Systems is already contributing towards this growth area by setting up its Asia Pacific Deal Operations Centre (DOC) in Kuala Lumpur. The Asia Pacific DOC currently supports HDS’ channel partners and sales force in 12 Asia-Pacific countries, and we are now moving towards supporting our partners in EMEA – a strategy which clearly underlines our commitment to continue investing in Malaysia.

Having said that, we laud the Government’s continued emphasis on quality human capital development with the allocation of RM 47.7 billion towards education and training. This allocation will enhance the supply of a skilled and professional workforce, particularly for the ICT industry where Malaysia is globally recognised as a profitable regional hub for both manufacturing and services activities.

Hence, we expect Hitachi Data Systems’ Asia Pacific DOC, which is based in Kuala Lumpur, to benefit from this incentive as it will enable us to recruit the necessary people with appropriate skill sets. Similarly, we appreciate the Government’s proposal to extend a double deduction to employers for sponsoring their employees to pursue postgraduate studies in ICT, as this is a step in the right direction in encouraging workers to further augment their skills.