Middle East a key area for growth for Malaysian tech firms as the region looks to spearhead economic development over the coming years

DUBAI- August 27, 2007 (Monday) - Malaysian technology companies, via MSC Malaysia, are signaling their intention to capture a larger share of the ICT market in the Middle East, with a strong showing at Gitex 2007, to be held from September 8 to 12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

MSC Malaysia, the Malaysian Government's ICT initiative has strengthened its position in the global arena especially in the Middle East by providing businesses with cost efficient cutting-edge world-class total solutions.

Underlining their international expertise and understanding of regional market conditions, a number of Malaysian technology companies have already succeeded in establishing themselves locally.

Over a dozen MSC Malaysia status companies have or are in the process of setting up local operations over the last twelve months including security solutions provider SCAN Associates, systems integrator MSC Management Services, independent healthcare software vendor GCI MSC, education services provider and developer Custommedia, wireless technology provider Green Packet Berhad, and virtual city developer Safa Rayaneh MSC.

"As a country that has undergone a rapid transformation to a knowledge-based economy, Malaysia understands the requirements of countries in the Middle East from experience," said Malaysian Development Corporation (MDeC) General Manager Fairuzzudin Nasron.

"One of our strategic objectives from the beginning of our inception has been to leverage on our expertise and human capital for the benefit of regions such as the Middle East, so that they can develop their own resources more effectively through the use of Malaysia's world class technology," he said.

Viewed favourably by multinational corporations for its competitiveness in the global arena, Malaysia was recently ranked in the top three of the services and outsourcing industry worldwide by a number of consultancy firms, including AT Kearney and Frost and Sullivan.

"Asia Pacific is a premier location for offshoring activities. Malaysia has and will continue to be a top choice for offshoring in the IT space to companies in the Middle East. Progressive government policies and efforts in offering a world-class environment and attractive incentives through special zones such as the MSc Malaysia will continue to attract business from around the globe," added Nasron.

"The Middle East in general and countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia in particular, have become centres of innovation and development in the technology space. Participation in Gitex 2007 will open the doors for greater opportunities, and enable our more MSC status companies to establish themselves in the Middle East region. We look forward to presenting potential partners and customers with the latest technology, services and products that Malaysia has to offer," he concluded.

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About MSC Malaysia (www.msc.com.my)
MSC Malaysia is a national initiative spearheaded by the Malaysian Government to promote both the national ICT industry and provide a test-bed for the global ICT industry.  MSC Malaysia provides a conducive enabling environment designed to facilitate companies to harness the full potential of ICT and multimedia technologies.  With its ideal business environment coupled with the availability of talent resources, the MSC Malaysia has attracted participation from major  global ICT companies to develop and host their leading-edge technologies in the designated  MSC Malaysia Cybercities. MSC Malaysia also provides the ideal growth environment for Malaysian ICT SMEs to transform themselves into world-class companies.

Come explore the unlimited opportunities of the ICT world by locating in MSC Malaysia and be part of our global network of businesses and connected communities.  

About Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC)
Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) is a unique high powered government-owned corporation, established to facilitate the development and promotion of MSC Malaysia, the premier Malaysian ICT initiative. MDeC is tasked to advise the Malaysian Government on ICT legislation and policies, develop MSC Malaysia as a key growth driver of the economy and set breakthrough standards for ICT and multimedia operations. MDeC also promotes MSC Malaysia locally and globally, as well as supports companies which are located within the MSC Malaysia designated areas.

MDeC works closely with various parties and government agencies to ensure that MSC Malaysia offers a conducive enabling environment for companies to harness the full potential of ICT and multimedia technologies.

© Press Release 2007