Asian ICT drivers seek links to NZ innovators

24 November, 2005 NEWS RELEASE

Asian ICT drivers seek links to NZ technological innovators

Drivers of the spectacular ICT industry growth in Asia’s economic tigers will seek links into New Zealand’s IT innovation at a two day conference in Auckland tomorrow and Saturday.

The two-day meeting of the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO) represents the largest ever international ICT industry meeting held in New Zealand.

ITANZ Executive Director Jim O’Neill says delegates of 18 Asian industry associations accompanied by their country’s ICT business leaders will attend along with New Zealand company representatives

“This is a unique chance for Kiwi ICT people to make regional marketing contacts. They’re coming to us. Our aim is to provide through the conference opportunities for our people to get to know the industry leaders in Asia who can help them through to market opportunities in their countries.

“Each overseas delegation represents the industry trade group of their country. India is represented by NASCOM which was responsible for turning that country into a powerhouse of ICT expertise and manufacturing capability. Taiwan, Singapore and Japan followed similar techniques to grow their ICT industries.

“The secret of growth they share is a technique of Government harnessing the power of industry in a partnership under which industry itself drives growth with programmes and policies accepted and backed by government. The result has been an unending stream of innovation and business growth that most of us can only envy.

“These industry leaders seek better access to New Zealand innovation. We’re seen internationally as a small but clever country. They recognise our independent spirit that celebrates fresh, creative and often unconventional thinking. They accept opportunities exist to better utilise the advantages our time zone offers for outsourcing, as well as advantages of harnessing our innovation to their expertise and huge financial and skill resources.”

The conference programme follows a theme of Partnership and Innovation. Guest speakers embrace a “who’s who” of New Zealand ICT innovators including Scott Houston, Weta Digital representative at the New Zealand Supercomputer Centre, Peter Maire, Chairman of Navman NZ, and Paul Weatherley, a Director of Software of Excellence. International speakers include the President of ASOCIO, Wilson Tan, President of Mercury Interactive for Asia Pacific/Japan, Harald Horgan, President and Founder of The York Group International, a global marketing consultancy, Phil Hassey, Associate Director Asia Pacific Services of IDC.

“The industry is globalising faster than ever before,” says Jim O’Neill. “This conference provides our companies with a unique chance to better link in to the tigers who are driving its expansion.”

ENDS

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