Business

Wednesday September 16, 2009

Bumis urged to explore opportunities abroad


KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputra technopreneurs are encouraged to explore business opportunities abroad, particularly in emerging markets due to the limited opportunities in the local information and communications technology (ICT) market.

Persatuan Forum Usahawan ICT Bumiputra Malaysia (NEF) president Ashran Ghazi said the ICT industry recognised the need to venture abroad for further growth.

“About 10% of our members are currently exploring business opportunities overseas but the number of bumiputra ICT companies with business overseas is still insignificant,” he told a press conference after the launch of the 5th MSC Malaysia – NEF Bumiputra Technopreneurs Dialogue 2009 and Globalising Bumiputra Technopreneur Programme (GBT Programme) yesterday.

He said the United States, Middle East, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were potential markets for ICT products.

»... the number of bumiputra ICT companies with business overseas is still insignificant«ASHRAN GHAZI

“We will be more aggressive in encouraging companies to go overseas and assist them in getting connected with the local companies in a particular market,” he said.

He said NEF would continue to establish relationships with organisations abroad so that its members would have a platform from which they could secure new business.

“Bumiputra technopreneurs could look for local partners in the target country or share resources with other bumiputra technopreneurs in their overseas venture,” he said.

He added that financial ability was vital for companies to sustain their overseas business.

“Companies should tap into the fund available under Malaysia External Trade Development Corp for their business expansion overseas,” he added.

NEF, formerly known as New Entrepreneur Forum, is an association representing bumiputra technopreneurs and ICT industry with its main focus on market access and technopreneur development, funding and creativity and innovation.

It currently has 650 members involved in a range of activities ranging from system integrators, creative multimedia, software development, e-business and shared services outsourcing.

The GBT programme comprises eight key elements that include training, international marketing, international associate network and funding facilitation, and is an integrated programme organised by NEF with MSC support that enables members to venture abroad.

The training component will start next month.

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