The event commenced with Mr. David Wong, PIKOM Immediate Past Chairman and OM Chairman set the stage for the mission titled “Collaborative Partnerships for Value Creation” where he laid emphasis on the complexities of globalization, the need for going to market to leverage a host of opportunities in the presence of discerning customers [and their inherent choices], and the fact that developing nations have much to offer both in terms of opportunities, and customized solutions. He further emphasized the need for collaboration as the only way to create compelling solutions in today’s commoditized marketplace. David also stated OM’s goals surrounding globalization, discerning value-creation and the need to cater to Australian businesses by making Malaysia a gateway to the larger ASEAN region. He emphasized Malaysia’s strengths in specific industry verticals and its proximity to the growing Middle East marketplace, stating the concept of “strength in numbers” where Australian and Malaysian companies could go to market together. His thrust on Malaysia’s need to leverage Australia’s global brand, and Australia’s opportunity to leverage Malaysia’s global presence, esp. in developing markets was well received.

Bill Chin, MDeC - Head – Market Acquisition, Business and Market Development, Industry Development Division laid the foundation for the collaborative platform by emphasizing the positive experiences Malaysian businesses have had with Australia, and how his agency stands steadfast by the Malaysian companies in their endeavor to go global. He positioned MDeC’s key thrust areas under the aegis of the MSC Malaysia national ICT initiative positively, so as to entrust the audience to determine ways and means of further leveraging the facilities and incessant support Malaysian government has to offer.

Y. B. Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili stressed the need for innovation, services value creation and how collaboration – at both business and country levels – can result in compelling services where both global best practices and localization aspects can be complimentarily addressed. He stressed Malaysian government’s emphasis and importance on new age industries, esp. technology and technology-enabled services industries across a host of verticals [oil and gas, technology, logistics, supply chain, high-value BPO and new emerging industries like biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences etc], and stated that his Ministry and its nodal agencies [MDeC, MIMOS etc] stand by the thrust industry is placing on going global. His statements around value creation and the need to enable GDP accrual through transformation of local economies [for both Australia and Malaysia] were well received. Y.B Datuk Seri also emphasized the need for Malaysia and Australia to leverage their long-standing relationship [reflected in Malaysia-Australia partnerships surrounding accounting standards, education sector etc].

The Honourable Ms. Lylea McMahon reciprocated the commitment of Australian businesses and the governments [at both Federal and state level] to promoting partnerships with Malaysian companies, where the thrust was on going to market together, co-development of high-value services and localization of revenues so as to spur new-age industry development. She reiterated Australia’s commitment to Malaysian businesses and the unstinting support her Ministry provided to Australia and Malaysia. She also took the opportunity to announce the roll out of the National Broadband Network, a $43 billion national Fibre-to-the-Home broadband network to supply demand.

The event was reinforced by signing of an MoU between a Malaysian company Basis Bay Services, and an Australian company CSS Technologies Pty Ltd on collaborative development of technology solutions. The signing was witnessed by Y.B Datuk Seri, Ms. Lylea McMahon, David Wong and Bill Chin.

The morning session ended with Y.B Datuk Seri presenting a token of appreciation to Ms. McMahon for being a staunch support of the collaboration initiative. Lunch was served immediately after.