TMCnet News
PEOPLE'S INTERACTION WITH TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING EVERY YEAR: ASMA AZIZ(Pakistan & Gulf Economist Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) INTERVIEW WITH MS ASMA AZIZ, HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING FOR INTEL PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH AND SRI LANKA People’s interaction with technology is changing every year, resulting in emergence of all kinds of computing devices, such as all-in-ones, two-in-ones, convertibles and detachable. In Pakistan, the use of data and connectivity is higher as compared to many other markets in the world and the demand for big data services will grow in years to come. This was stated by Ms Asma Aziz, who is Head of Public Relations and Marketing for Intel Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in an exclusive interview with Pakistan and Gulf Economist PAGE. Ms Asma Aziz, who worked with various multinationals before joining Intel Pakistan, said, "International Data Corporation, a global research firm, projects the global big data technology and services market to grow at more than 31% each year, while revenues are forecast at $23.8 billion by 2016." In her conversation, Ms Asma Aziz shared her views about Pakistan’s potential in IT sector. She said, Intel’s "tick-tock" model inspires confidence in the future of microprocessors and the devices that depend on them. Following are details of her interview: PAGE: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CAREER? ASMA: I have done my MBA with Marketing as my Majors, been to the US and UK for a number of professional courses. I have worked with various multinationals before joining Intel Pakistan. To be honest, I feel I didn’t choose this field it chose me. I always wanted to do something different, where I can I apply what I have studied and yet make a positive change in the society and community. At Intel, I see us changing lives every day and hence I have stuck around for almost a decade here. I find the field fascinating because of the way it constantly evolves and changes. I like to think about where our society was, technologically speaking, a few decades back. I am amazed that we have come so far in the last 40 years and I like to try to imagine what technology we will have developed 10 to 20 years from now. The rapid change keeps me charged/keeps me going. PAGE: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU THINK WOMEN ARE FACED WITH WHEN THEY STEP OUT INTO THE CORPORATE WORLD? ASMA: Leadership isn't dependent on position, power, or gender. I believe it is about being the best version of yourself. It is about rising to the occasion when you are called. And I believe that all of us have the potential to be extraordinary, to be the best versions of ourselves. I actually believe that in today's business environment, being a woman is an advantage. As a woman, we are better programmed to handle ambiguity and chaos and it definitely is a highly valuable skill set in today's chaotic world. According to a study by the Credit Suisse Research Institute, companies with women on their boards performed better in challenging markets than those with all-male boards, suggesting that mixing genders may temper risky investment moves and increase return on equity. IT has pre-dominantly been perceived as a filed for men. The trend is definitely changing as increasing number of women are making their mark in the field of science and technology. Although I have been extremely blessed since Intel as an organization believes in gender diversity and has many programs that foster female development and retention, unfortunately, gender inequality still exists in our society -- and although things are getting better, more work needs to be done in this regard to ensure our women are truly contributing to the economic growth of the country. PAGE: WHAT MAKES YOU STAY IN PAKISTAN WHILE PROFESSIONALS OF YOUR CALIBER ARE HEADING FOR GREENER PASTURES ABROAD? ASMA: Our country is facing a huge brain drain with youth moving out for better opportunities. I prefer to stay in Pakistan because I see a bright future of the country and ICT sector. The change is happening, for instance the first time in our history over 50 million voters verified their polling stations through their mobile phone for the Elections 2013 – a testimony to the evolution and progress in the ICT sector. Moreover, Pakistan Internet users showed double-digit growth in the past five years with currently 25 million users nationwide. Tele-density has grown phenomenally as well. I could quote many other examples of how far we have come as an economy but the one simple fact that it’s time to give back precedes everything else. PAGE: ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE POLICIES AND ROLE OF THE AUTHORITY HERE IN PAKISTAN? WHAT’S YOUR OUTLOOK ON THE FUTURE? ASMA: We at Intel Pakistan are convinced that with right policy impetus the future of the country can be steered in the positive direction, our economy despite challenges is resilient, and our people are committed and hardworking. Intel was the first IT Company that took the lead to establish a re-seller channel in the country and since then we have witnessed a massive improvement in policy makers’ perception and commitment to ICT proliferation. Our request from the authorities is to further strengthen policy structure and create an environment conducive for progress of local IT sector. Pakistan has immense talent and diversity of businesses; professionals across all industries are passionate about enhancing their organizational efficiency, improving their services. We see a genuine commitment to technology and its integration into businesses. PAGE: DO YOU AGREE THAT PAKISTAN HAS VAST POTENTIAL TO EXCEL IN THE FIELD OF ICT? WHAT IS THE WAY-OUT TO DEVELOP/INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF ICT SECTOR? ASMA: Pakistan, being one of the young, growing nations of Asia, has massive potential to do extremely well in the field of ICT. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) such as Internet applications, video technology and various computer attachments and software programs have brought about many positive changes in society. The impact of technology can be increased many folds by further integrating ICT into classroom teaching. Teachers could be taught to revamp existing methodology through tools available to impart learning in a more efficient and effective manner. Students can definitely benefit from 1:1 learning. Intel is working to this end for almost 10 years now through various teacher learning and student support programs. PAGE: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF INTEL PAKISTAN IN FULFILLING CSR? ASMA: In our increasingly global economy, Intel Corporation recognizes that curiosity, critical thinking and a quality education are necessary to prepare tomorrow’s workforce for jobs of the 21st century. That is why Intel works in collaboration with governments and educators to advance education and enable today’s youth to develop skills for lifelong success. Intel gets directly involved in developing education solutions and programs as well as through advocacy and technology access efforts. Over the past decade alone, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion toward improving education. Intel’s proven approach for education transformation, based on experience with more than 10 million teachers and hundreds of millions of students in 100 countries, helps governments and educators successfully develop innovation skills for the dynamic global economy and expand economic opportunities for growth. In Pakistan, going beyond introducing its latest products, Intel actively partners with the public/private sector stakeholders. Acting as a neutral consultant, Intel offers its expert opinion to help steer ICT policy, sharing insights gained from its experience around the globe. Intel works closely with the education sector in particular, assisting them in their efforts to integrate technology into the education system and boost the levels of ICT literacy. Some of the activities that Intel is involved with include: Intel Teach Program has expanded manifolds within the past eight years and currently offers a suite of courses and workshops to teachers, principals and administrators. Intel has trained more than 330,000 teachers in Pakistan Intel Education Awards are held annually in Pakistan to celebrate and promote technology integration by teachers and schools The International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) was launched in Pakistan in 2004 with the aim of promoting students’ interest in science and research. 36,000 students, 3000 teachers in 60+ districts have been touched by our program ICT workshops to create awareness regarding the latest technology based education solutions, which are transforming knowledge acquisition in schools across the globe. PAGE: TELL US ABOUT THE ULTRABOOK? IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF ULTRABOOK DEMAND-DRIVEN OR THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED FIRST, EXPECTING THE DEMAND TO FOLLOW. DOES PAKISTAN HAVE A READY MARKET FOR PRODUCTS LIKE ULTRABOOK? ASMA: Intel began the process with determining what people want most out of their digital companions. Ultrabook systems are designed to give people the power to both create and share knowledge. It will give users the most complete and satisfying, no-compromise and more secure computing experience in one device. Key features include substantially longer battery life, ultra sleek, ultra responsive, ultra secure. Pakistani consumers want these features in their PCs and are always on-the-go, hence there is a ready market for products like Ultrabook. The energy efficiency aspect is also very relevant to the market. PAGE: HOW DID THE INTEL TABLETS DO IN THE PAKISTANI MARKET? WHAT INSPIRED THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE DEVICES? ASMA: Tablets are a more convenient way of connecting with the world, these user friendly devises make life easy and with Intel’s state of the art technology one can easily browse the Internet, play games and work optimally and on the go. People in Pakistan want something which is innovative, user friendly, energy and cost efficient. The variety in size and operating system make for the best customized solution for all computing needs on a budget. PAGE: DO YOU THINK LACK OF COMPETITION IS HURTING INTEL? IS THE TICK-TOCK MODEL SLOWING DOWN AS THE COMPETITION HAS PRETTY MUCH NO ANSWER FOR INTEL'S HIGH END? ASMA: The quest for excellence ensures that one always has one top class competitor, which is one’s own self. Intel’s "tick-tock" model inspires confidence in the future of microprocessors and the devices that depend on them. Following this model, Intel commits to—and has successfully delivered—continued innovations. With a "tick" cycle every couple of years, look for Intel to advance manufacturing process technology. In alternating "tock" cycles, expect Intel to use the previous "tick" cycle’s manufacturing process technologies to introduce the next big innovation in processor micro-architecture. |