Bernama – Tuesday, November 23
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) — Malaysians should utilise the Internet extensively to market their products and services to every "nook and corner" of the world, as has been done by millions of e-commerce companies worldwide.
QI Group of Companies executive chairman Datuk Vijay Eswaran said e-commerce was the driving force behind the success of his organisation which has made inroads from central Asia to remote areas of Africa.
"The rules of business have changed with the advent of the Internet. Goods and services from wherever you are can now reach wherever you want them to. More Malaysians should maximise the use of the Internet to do business across borders," he told a plenary session at the Global Business Leaders Forum 2010.
He said this was the millennium of emerging markets where Asia would be taking the lead. For individuals, small-and medium-scale entrepreneurs and industries, the Internet could become a prime facilitator for pushing business growth.
The recent introduction of 4G technology in Malaysia augurs well for the nation as the world transforms into a global village no longer restricted by boundaries.
Also speaking at the plenary session on “Driving Trade and Investment Flows between the Commonwealth and Asia” is Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chairman Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, who said businesses must discover their respective niche and focus on them to attain success.
“There is a need to discover mutual interests with other nations and take initiatives to forge cooperation. Malaysia having been focused and active within Asean now has to look beyond Asean in the context of the larger East Asian family if it wants to be a major player in the international business arena,” he said.
He said China has made vast inroads into Africa investing in natural resources and mining as Beijing is focused on what it wants to do and gets it done and since many of the African nations are part of the Commonwealth family, other member nations should take the initiative to enter into mutually beneficial ventures.
International Trade and Industry Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Rebecca Sta Maria told the session that while the Commonwealth grouping had done well in promoting cultural and political linkages, it was lacking in pushing the economic agenda.
"The Commonwealth has not capitalised on how it can take common stands and make a difference in the World Trade Organisation negotiations. Since the grouping is moving into its ninth decade, it is time for the group to take its initiatives to a higher level to contribute to global economic growth," she added. — BERNAMA