PIKOM SETS THE STAGE FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Local ICT companies gain from PIKOM’s activities during WCIT

The Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia, PIKOM, the umbrella body for the local information and communications industry, has played a vital role in setting the stage for local companies to tap into the global market during the 16th World Congress on Information Technology 2008

The activities organised by PIKOM during WCIT 2008 has proven to be successful in enabling local ICT players to not only sign deals with foreign companies but also build bridges of opportunities for future alliances. Among these activities include PIKOM PS3 (pronounced as PS cube), PIKOM PC Fair International, several dialogue sessions with major economies and networking sessions.

These events have helped further promote the local ICT industry and provide opportunities for local businesses to network with global players.

PIKOM undertook the initiative to organise these events to propel Malaysian trade competitiveness to a global level and impart valuable knowledge to local companies. The objective was to create business opportunities that can help local companies advance and strengthen our economy.

This is part of a larger plan to create a sustainable pool of globally recognised professionals, create thousands of new jobs and increase revenues from ICT service exports.

PIKOM believes its activities during WCIT will go a long way in assisting the ICT industry to make a more significant contribution to the country’s growth.

In spite of the impending global economic crisis, PIKOM remains optimistic that the ICT industry will continue to be an engine of growth for the nation. And PIKOM will continue to play a pivotal role to stimulate business opportunities for local ICT companies, as well as enrich the society at large. PIKOM expects that the ICT industry will contribute up to 15 per cent of the country's GDP by 2012, amounting to RM80 billion. Currently, the industry contributes about 7 per cent.

The local ICT spending in 2007 was worth about RM40 billion and is forecasted to grow by 12 per cent to reach RM44.5 billion in 2008.

PIKOM estimates WCIT 2008 to generate more than US$100mil (RM330mil) worth of foreign direct investments to the country.