The event started with the MC initiating the discussion by explaining the structure of both OM and MDeC, with emphasis on how both work in collaboration to create industry value. Subsequently David Wong, 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.

The MC then invited Bruce Coombes from AR Group to present his company’s experience in working with Malaysia. Bruce presented the case for choosing Malaysia as the location of choice for his company in leveraging CPA certified accountants from Malaysia, and how that decision has helped his firm in both reducing turnaround times for accounting processing, as also how it assisted his firm in getting more competitive. He stressed his positive experience in dealing with MSC Malaysia and how the bill of guarantees acts positively for his endeavors consistently. He also provided some pointers to Australian businesses on how best they could leverage both Malaysian govt. support and the larger marketplace to grow their businesses and penetrate the larger ASEAN marketplace.

Subsequently, Roy Prasad, CEO of Skills Connect presented their company’s perspectives on why they chose Malaysia as the base to expand their APAC operations. Roy emphasized his company’s long-term view to market penetration, and the reasons why they thought it pertinent to set up a joint venture in collaboration with the Raja Permaisuri of Perlis to make the JV work for the purposes of penetrating the APAC marketplace for their highly valued skills solution. He also emphasized the benefits they are reaping from working with MSC Malaysia, and their positive experience in dealing with the country in general.

The two case studies set the stage for an excellent proposition within which more intrinsic conversations could be undertaken by businesses from both countries. Following a quick coffee break, over 75 business leaders gathered together for an engaging round table conversation.

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 Honorable Ms. Jaala Pulford, Member, Western Victoria region and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional & Rural development, Industry and Trade of Victoria set the stage for enhanced collaboration between Malaysian and Australian businesses by exemplifying aspects relating to the long-standing relationship between the two countries in the education sector. She also placed special importance on the need for co-creation of services and solutions that could be accepted by the larger global marketplace amid a host of options available. She encouraged companies from both nations to delve into their business competencies in greater detail and develop “entrenched” partnerships so as to provide compelling value to end customers. She also reinforced Victorian government’s commitment to supporting export-oriented businesses in Australia, while welcoming Malaysian companies to leverage what Victoria has to offer.

Bobby Varanasi, OM Head, M&B set the stage for the roundtable discussion by asking Ms. Jaala Pulford her thoughts on the nature of collaboration and why such an emphasis is needed in the first place. Ms. Jaala reiterated the fact that “going global” needs more minds than one, hence the need to collaborate. YAB responded likewise, while emphasizing Malaysia’s endeavor at transforming the national economy in a manner that a developed nation status can be achieved without disruptions to the fabric of the thriving business environment. He stressed the need for private sector to take a leading role in not only creating value for respective economies, but to replicate the successes with other economies. Ms. Jaala and YAB both opined that the globally respected brand of Australia and the trust placed by developing regions in Malaysia are an excellent combination to leverage.

Immediately after, the YAB presented a token of appreciation to Ms. Jaala for her incessant support and encouragement. Bobby continued with leading the roundtable discussion following the exit of the honorable dignitaries. Emphasis of the roundtable lay in four key thrust areas:

1) Creating Compelling Industry Solutions by Leveraging ICT

2) Collaborative Partnerships: The How & Why

3) Malaysia’s Success Stories with ICT

4) Where To From Here?

The roundtable discussion comprised leaders from 10 OM member companies, MDeC and 4 Australian businesses including representatives from the MultiMedia Victoria (MMV) and the Australia-Malaysia Business Council (AMBC). Some key points discussed reflected the positive experience Australian companies have had in dealing with Malaysia. The emphasis of the roundtable was only how best to create value, what “value” meant for various leaders, how collaboration works, and how partnerships [with a short-term view] can be damaging if not addressed with a view to “mutual benefits”. Aspects surrounding the complexities of a global marketplace, the dearth of “solutions” and the plethora of choices, more often than not technology quick-fixes were dealt with. The audience joined in the discussion with perspectives and experiences garnered in their own varied businesses, ranging from technology to industry solutions to the new-age technology models like cloud computing etc. In general the entire industry did determine that it is their sole responsibility to “clarify” what value meant for providers, and what it meant for end-users. Bobby’s questions surrounding the “irrelevance of technology” in the context of “business and customer value” was taken up by a host of leaders, with everyone emphasizing that technology was not the prime goal, rather business impact was. However the issue surrounding creating a compelling story where technology as an enabler helping create positive business outcomes took the conversation into an invigorating discussion where the dichotomy between the two was revealed. Questions and perspectives surrounding brand recognition of Australia, transparency with businesses etc and the potential lack of the same in developing regions led to a very exciting set of debates between Australian and Malaysian leaders, with the former insisting the need for more transparency and respect, while the latter emphasized the dire need to engage more rigorously to see such benefits accrue on businesses and clients at large. Perspectives surrounding the lack of leadership and competitiveness in Malaysia was taken up with a two-fold view – (a) government’s enabler role where responsibility for outcomes was the private sector’s core responsibility, and (b) private sector’s role in not just marketing but creating “capabilities” that were acceptable and globally benchmarked as the most appropriate so as to guarantee positive business outcomes.

In all the roundtable discussion lasted 2 hours and ended with a positive summary view that “entrenched” collaboration between Australia and Malaysia was the best way forward. David Wong summarized the conversation and thrust areas and hoped this would be the first of many events where value creation could be crystallized for long-term business enhancements. He thanked the participants for a lively conversation and invited Australian leaders to visit Malaysia and see for themselves what Malaysia has to offer. He then invited the speakers and participants for lunch.