More than 451,000 throng PIKOM PC Fair 2009 in first two legs

A surge of visitors to PIKOM PC Fair 2009 in the past twoweek reflected strong interest among local enthusiasts forconsumer information communication and technology (ICT). Theyearâ?Ts first edition of the popular consumer ICT fairhas recorded more than 451,000 visitors in its first twoweeks.

According PIKOM PC Fair 2009 organising committee chairmanLow Wai Sun, the large turnout indicated a healthy local ICTappetite and continuing support for the local consumer ICTretail industry. The response is very encouraginggiven the current challenging economic environment.

The fair's second leg was held in Kuala Lumpur, JohorBahru, Tawau and Sg. Petani. It featured 360 exhibitors in481 booths and recorded a count of 310,000 visitors. Earlierat the fair's first leg, which was held in Ipoh,Kuantan, Kuching and Sandakan, saw a turnout of 141,000visitors.

"We had held our expectations given the current paceof economic development. We were pleasantly surprised,especially for PIKOM PC Fair 2009 Kuala Lumpur, whichrecorded 185,000 visitors, which is an increase of 5,000visitors from 180,000 last December," he said, addingthat this translated into a rate of more than 102 visitorsper minute or 6,167 visitors per hour entering the fair atKuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

"Even in smaller venue like Tawau, the fair's visitor growth was healthy, which is at 18.75 per cent to19,000 visitors from 16,000 visitors the previousround." Low emphasised the current economic climate has not deterredthe abundance of offers and value buys, which is thefair's prominent hallmark.

Low said, "Visitors to the fair are shopping for upgrades. They are looking fordevices and services that would enhance their digitallifestyle." Mobile broadband services, handheld andwireless devices were among the most sought after items atthe fair last week.

He said the popularity of mobile broadband services isincreasingly plain. "We are moving into a new phase.Mobile broadband is coming and is here to stay. Theaffordability factor, subscription rates or packages andservice quality now comes into play. It will be interestingto see how mobile broadband will evolve in the comingmonths," he said.

The fair's third leg took place17 - 19 April 2009 at Miri's Miri Indoor Stadium, Sibu's Sibu Trade & Exhibition Centre, Penang's Penang International Sports Arena and Melaka's Mahkota Parade Melaka. It continues its final leg next week 24 - 26 April 2009 atMuar's Dewan Jubli Intan.