Dubai Silicon Oasis explores areas of collaboration with Malaysian Investment Development Authority

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, announced a top-level delegation from Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) conducted a 5 day visit to Malaysia where they held discussions with officials of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in Kuala Lumpur on potential areas of collaboration.

Led by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the delegation briefed MIDA executives about Dubai Silicon Oasis and its latest achievements in addition to the investment opportunities offered to foreign companies in the UAE in general and Dubai in specific. Discussions also covered the global economic crisis and the measures undertaken by the Malaysian Government to successfully tackle its impact.

A recent report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed that Malaysia exported US $57 billion of information and communication technology (ICT) products in 2009 as it took eighth spot among global economies. The UNCTAD data also showed that Asian economies in 2009 accounted for 66.3 percent of global exports of ICT goods, up from 63.8 percent in 2008.

Dr. Al Zarooni said: “Investments in various fields of technology has become imperative for most of the industries. Hence, it is equally essential to understand the markets around us and establish long-term relationships with the relevant authorities.”

“The meetings with MIDA and the technology companies in Malaysia generated promising prospects for future co-operation. The Malaysian officials were also keen to learn more about the array of world-class facilities Dubai Silicon Oasis offers to businesses and investors,” Dr. Al Zarooni added.

During the visit, the DSOA delegation members visited several Malaysian companies that specialize in technology and R&D such as MSC – the National ICT Initiative in Malaysia, KULIM Hi-Tech Park (KTPC), Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Invest Penang amongst others.

Concluding the visit Dr. Al Zarooni extended MIDA officials a formal invitation to visit Dubai Silicon Oasis to have a closer look at the project and take the discussion on collaborations to the next stage.

MIDA is the principal agency for the promotion of manufacturing and Investment sectors in Malaysia. In addition to facilitating implementation of projects in the two sectors, MIDA also assists interested companies with new business ventures in overseas markets.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai and operates as a free zone for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and research and development (R&D) facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.