| Chairman’s Summary – Inaugural Meeting, October 31, 2007
Date & Time: 31st October, 2007, 3 – 6 pm Location: Grand Ballroom, Cyberview Lodge, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Proceedings The entire meeting was managed by a Meeting Coordinator [MC]. The MC invited David Wong, Chairman – Outsourcing Malaysia to present his welcome address. Following is an overview of his address.
The Malaysia chapter is the first South East Asian country to set up an IAOP chapter. The primary purpose of the IAOP Malaysia chapter is to position the country as a strategic location focused on outsourcing services spanning its core competencies. Its principal aim is to enable IAOP members and the global sourcing industry with thought leadership and information from Malaysia. The chapter will work closely with other regional (and global) chapters as well as the government [via MdeC] to bring together shared competencies, including contributing directly to creating outsourcing professionals within the larger region through IAOP’s Certified Outsourcing Professional program. Apart from focusing to provide insights into location competencies specific to South-East Asia, this chapter will also serve as a forum for chief-level decision makers.
The MC then invited the Chief Guest, Dato’ Narayanan Kanan [Sr. Vice President of MdeC] to present his welcome address. Following is the overview of his address.
MDeC recognizes that OM is one of the key organizations that are driving the SSO sector in Malaysia. We will continue to work with all parties that are willing to come forward with progressive and innovative programs for industry development. Further MDeC acknowledges the immense contribution IAOP brings to the table in this fast-growing industry, and stands committed to the principles of IAOP’s code of ethics and professionalism. He wished the chapter the best with its initiatives, and pledged complete support from MDeC.
The MC then invited Bobby Varanasi, COP and Chair – Malaysia Chapter to address the gathering. Following is the gist of his address:
Bobby commenced with welcoming the audience and read out Michael Corbett’s greetings to the audience. Bobby introduced IAOP, its formation, objectives, network of chapters and COP program in detail. He reiterated MDeC/OM’s commitment to creating various initiatives under the aegis of the chapter, including partnering with regional chapters for generating thought leadership etc. Finally he moderated the panel discussion on the topic “Globalization & Its Impact on Talent Pool Needs for the Services Industry”.
Panelists: IAOP Chapter & Panel Moderator: Bobby Varanasi, COP, Vice President – Strategy & Quality, ea Consulting Inc., & Head – Marketing & Branding, Outsourcing Malaysia Dr. Yew Kok Meng, K-Workers Development Dept., MDeC Dr. Abdul Rahman, Dean & Head – ICT College, International Islamic University, Malaysia Arif Siddiqui, CIO & Head – ISCM, Scope International [Standard Chartered Bank] Anthony Lee, CEO, AIG Software International [AIG Group] Denise McAnulty, Director & Country Head – Manpower Malaysia [Manpower Inc] Cheah Kok Hoong, General Manager – Sunway Group & Head – Human Capital Development, Outsourcing Malaysia
The panel discussion generated significant amount of interest, discussions, and perspectives from both the panelists and the audience in general. Specific recommendations and perspectives reflected during this discussion are:
· Active industry-academia partnerships are essential for creation and sustainability of a talent pool · Migration of talent is a key issue given the growth of the industry worldwide, both within and across countries. Hence companies need to create innovative policies that can enable retention. · Learning from global leaders is key and experience of Indian HR managers essential to ensure current India-problems are not inherited. · Government’s role has become a key criterion for success, and current programs need to be expanded to include a wider array of services that are contributing to the demand for latent people competencies. · Industry has recommended commencement of outsourcing related courses within tertiary educational institutions to foster and funnel awareness to the vibrant industry among the student community. · “Employability” vs “Availability” was discussed and the panel concluded that employability is not as much an issue as it is with availability. · Creating a sustainable middle management was another challenge expressed by the panel.
David Wong was invited by the MC to present tokens of appreciation to the invited panelists.
The Chief Guest was then invited by the MC to present mock MSC Malaysia certificates to three organizations.
Subsequently, a press briefing was held with Dato Kanan, David Wong, Bobby Varanasi and Abdul Hamid in attendance. Local and regional media were present where information on IAOP, the chapter and activities were discussed.
The meeting came to an end with Abdul Hamid Sheik Mohamed, Chairman – Symphony Group [and Co-Chairman of Outsourcing Malaysia] presented his closing address and vote of thanks for an active participation.
Subsequently a networking cocktail followed until the event ended at 8.30pm.
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