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During IBM’s InterConnect 2012 event in Singapore, the giant tech solutions vendor announced it would be opening 3 new branch offices in ASEAN. The bigger news in this however is the locations of 2 of these new branch offices – Ipoh and Melaka in Malaysia. Bandung in Indonesia is the third office location.
Ipoh which is more popularly known as the home to many famous Malaysian delicacies – chicken rice, hor fun, white coffee etc – and Melaka, a tourist-esque historical city, can hardly come to mind when one thinks of places for a global technology MNC to settle down, grow roots and expand in the region. Have the usual ‘suspects’ gotten too expensive to set up shop at?
Albert Lee, VP for general business, IBM ASEAN said, “The ASEAN region plays an important role in the global economy and is home to a dynamic and rapidly evolving economic environment. ASEAN’s second and third tier cities are becomingly increasingly important to the region’s growth and IBM is increasing its presence in those locations to ensure that local businesses and government organisations have access to the most advanced IT solutions and services.”
In addition to Melaka and Ipoh, IBM already has presence in KL, JB, Penang and Kota Kinabalu, apparently to work with companies on the ground to develop customised solutions for their unique needs. A press release also explained that these new offices ‘encourage deeper engagement with clients and business partners in the new locations.’
No further detail was released about the exact role and function of each of these offices in Malaysia.
Cat Yong is Editor-in-Chief of Enterprise IT News, a regional news website which began in Malaysia circa 2011. A common theme in all of her work - opinions, analysis, features and more - is how technology and innovation drives business and outcomes.
A career tech journalist for 22 years, her work has evolved to also encompass narratives of tech powering human potential.
