SiTF 2008 ICT Business Outlook Forum – 19 Feb 08

Having breakfast with RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay

SiTF organises the annual ICT Business Outlook Forum on 19 February 2008 from 8.00am to 2.00pm at The Grand Ballroom, Ritz Carlton Millenia. The objective of the forum was to provide valuables insights of emerging ICT trends, market and technology development for the ICT industry by inviting distinguished speakers to share their views. A panel discussion was also set up to discuss any issues raised by the audience.

The day’s programme kicked off with an exclusive breakfast meeting with RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, CEO of IDA. Only speakers, panelists and sponsors were invited for the session, giving them an opportunity to interact closely with RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay.

Mr Frank Koo, Organising Chairman, giving the introductory speech

Soon, the ballroom was packed with delegates and the forum was all ready to begin. At 9am, Mr Frank Koo, Organising Chairman, Managing Director of Oracle Corporation Singapore, gave an introductory speech. He welcomed all delegates and touched briefly on the topics that would be talked about after his speech.

RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, CEO of IDA

Next up, RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, CEO of IDA, gave his presentation on the plans of IDA with regards to Singapore’s ICT masterplan, iN2015. His presentation gave delegates information on IDA’s efforts to groom talent for the industry, as well as plans to enable innovation and develop partnership. With this knowledge, companies will be able to better align their plans so as to best utilize the resources available.

Mr Raphael Phang, Research Director, Government Insights Asia/Pacific

After RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, Mr Raphael Phang, Government Insights Asia/Pacific, IDC, talked about the top 10 trends in the industry according to IDC. These trends include Asia/Pacific growth to be driven by India and China, product vendors driving up the value chain and the digital marketplace accelerating the uptake of enterprise collaboration. This valuable insight would have given the delegates some idea on which area they might want to focus on for the year.

Delegates would then adjourn for a short morning break. This was also an opportunity for the delegates to reach out and interact with the speakers who had presented thus far.

Dr Dan Steinbock, ICT Research Director, ICA Institute

The delegates rejoined the forum to listen to an interesting topic about Web 2.0. This topic was presented by Dr. Dan Steinbock, ICT Research Director, ICA Institute. Using various statistics and graphics, Dr. Dan captured the audience attention while explaining how Web 2.0 is transforming the industry.

Mr Wilfred Kwan, EVP, Operations & Technologies, Pacnet

The last presentation of the day was given by a representation from the event’s diamond sponsor. Mr Wilfred Kwan, Executive Vice President, Operations & Technologies, Pacnet, with many years of experience, gave a comprehensive explanation on how the next generation network can help grow the next generation commerce.

Questions from the floor

Panelists (from left to right): Mr James Kang (ITMA), Mr Pek Yew Chai (SiTF),
Mr Wilson Tan (SCS)

The final session of the day was a panel discussion to answer any issues raised from the audience. Sitting in the panel were Mr James Kang, Vice President of ITMA, Mr Pek Yew Chai, Chairman of SiTF and Mr Wilson Tan, President of SCS. With Mr Frank Koo as the moderator, the panel discussion covered a wide range of topics consisting of government efforts to promote innovations and the US Sub-Prime.

Buffet Lunch was served; a sumptuous spread indeed

Finally, lunch was served. Delegates not only filled their stomach, they also got the opportunity to extend their network, exploring new possibilities for their businesses.

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