(BERNAMA; April 21, 2006)

BENTONG, April 21 -- Malaysia is set to become an information communications technology (ICT) outsourcing centre for multinational companies (MNCs) with several deals expected to be negotiated to promote the country during the World Congress on Information Technology in Austin, Texas, US.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, said at least one deal to make Malaysia an outsourcing centre for one MNC involved in the software industry was expected to be concluded during the congress.

The congress, which will take place from May 1 to 5, will see the participation of over 200 delegates from Malaysia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will lead the delegation for the biennial event.

His entourage will include Dr Jamaludin, Chief Minister of Penang Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon and senior government officials as well as Malaysia's corporate leaders.

Around 30,000 people from around 80 countries are expected to attend the WCIT 2006.

The prime minister's presence at the WCIT 2006 is a testimony of Malaysia's seriousness to promote the country as a global ICT hub through MSC Malaysia, Jamaludin said at a press conference after closing his ministry's retreat here today.

The delegation, he said would also agressively market Malaysia as the preferred investment hub, develop strategic strategic business partners and promote Malaysia as a gateway to the Asia Pacific region.

Malaysia will host the next WCIT in 2008. The theme for WCIT 2008 is "Your ICT Gateway to Asia".

-- BERNAMA