IBM Holds Business Reality Summit

Aimed to Help SMBs in Malaysia and the ASEAN Region to build Smarter Businesses

KUALA LUMPUR – May 11 2009: IBM will be organizing a Business Reality Summit in three cities in Malaysia from 26 May to 3 June 2009, targeting Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in the country, as well as delegates from across industries locally and from the region.

With the theme “Building Strategies for a Smarter Business”, the event series will kick-off in Kuala Lumpur on May 26 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, then in Penang at Equatorial Hotel, May 28 and Johor Baharu at Persada International Convention Centre, June 3 2009.

The IBM Business Reality Summit will offer a strategic focus for the SMBs, helping them turn adversities into opportunities amidst the economic downturn through adoption and deployment of advanced technology, services and solutions. One of the highlights of the Summit is the make-over contest, where IBM will be giving away products and solutions worth USD30,000 (RM100, 000) to one SMB.

“In light of the gloomy and challenging market conditions, we wanted to share with Malaysian SMBs a new lease of smarter opportunities to help them stay afloat and progress in these lean times. By infusing intelligence into business process, workflow and service delivery, companies can optimize spending for greater profitability while increasing performance,” said Chiam Yat Seng, general manager, general business IBM Malaysia.

The event is aimed at helping business owners, and industry professionals understand the impact of technology on businesses as they ride out the economic storm and prepare for new horizons with a competitive positioning.

Targeting more than 1000 participants from manufacturing, logistics and distribution, banking, telecommunication, electronics, retail and insurance among others, attendees will also get an opportunity to listen to trade associations and government bodies on available business and financial support for SMBs.

IBM ICT make-over contest worth USD30k
Attendees stand a chance to win an ICT make-over worth USD30, 000 (RM100, 000) of IBM products and solutions during the event. Companies which submit the toughest business challenge will be in the running for the grand prize. The contest is open to all registered Malaysian SMBs.

Interested participants are encouraged to visit www.ibm.com/my/smarterbusiness for more information on the event and contest details.