The C-Level Executives' Technology Agenda: Understanding the Future of Technology & The Business Opportunities It Brings Address by : YBhg Datuk Khoo Eng Choo, Chairman MIM Date : 27 August 2003 Mr. Glover Ferguson Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen It is indeed my pleasure to welcome all of you this morning to today's Breakfast Session on "Technology & The Business Opportunities It Brings." And to address us this morning is none other than Accenture's Chief Scientist, Mr. Glover Ferguson, who will describe the future of technology and the real impact it has, practically, in every industry and business. The business world today stands on the threshold of continuous change - changes that will affect every aspect of doing business now and in the future. The technology of today and its rapid advancement is leading the way to a globalised marketplace and competition. Technology investment and its application is now an integral part of business-as-usual. Therefore, all levels of executives, from the Board to the C-Level Executives including CEOs, CTOs, COOs, and other Chief Officers, need to have an intimate knowledge and understanding of technology capabilities, and also be able to see their potential applications and benefits to their business in today's tech-savvy environment where competitive advantage is the key to sustainable growth. Technological advancement has greatly extended its capabilities and reach. Industries today are operating in a global market. Local or domestic markets that are insulated from global market pressure are close to being non-existent. It is crucial for every industry today to be high-tech - from electronics to manufacturing, and agriculture. Effective and intelligent use of technology is no longer an option. It is a necessity for businesses to survive and compete in the global market. Low-tech industries will find it hard to survive in the long-term. The Malaysian Institute of Management is pleased to collaborate with Accenture to provide the platform to share and disseminate information on what the frontier of technology holds for the corporate world. Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to also express our gratitude to Accenture for giving us the opportunity to collaborate with them to impart to Malaysian C-Level Executives the business opportunities and threats that the future of technology can bring. Thank you.