Dr Foong: Government-level assistance is a great boost to Singapore businesses.

Ecquaria (www.ecquaria.com) is a leading provider of e-government consultancy services and infrastructure solutions that power high-volume, mission-critical applications. Its flagship solution Ecquaria Service-Oriented Platform (Ecquaria SOP) has earned global recognition and accolades as a platform for delivering innovative integrated government solutions. Dr Foong Wai Keong, its President and Chief Executive Officer, tells iN.SG about the company's Middle East experience.

When did Ecquaria first venture into the Middle East market and why?
Ecquaria successfully made its foray into the Middle East market in 2006 with the signing of a landmark deal with the Qatar Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) to develop e-government services based on the company's flagship software platform, the Ecquaria Service-Oriented Platform, for the Qatar government.

What role can IDA play in supporting companies like Ecquaria in your business activities in the region?
Ecquaria has been partnering with IDA to promote the company's e-government expertise and capabilities in the Middle East through e-government forums in countries such as in Saudi Arabia and through IDA-led contingents to events such as GITEX. With the assistance of IDA's Middle East Office, Ecquaria is able to extend its presence and reach to partners and customers in the region. The organisation of mission trips between the Middle East and Singapore further helps open doors for local companies like Ecquaria to engage in opportunities and to benefit from a sharing of experiences.

What are some of the characteristics of the Middle East market?
The Middle East market presents a vast opportunity with its accelerated pace of e-government progress. The political will is very strong, and this is a significant factor in achieving e-government success.

What is Ecquaria doing to further develop its presence in this market?
Ecquaria will continue to build on the success of our flagship Qatar Service Platform e-government project and to contribute to similar initiatives in other parts of the Middle East. We provide consultancy services and are drawing up e-government blueprints for other governments in the region.

However, we will not lose sight of the need for constant innovation, in order to help governments build integrated service-oriented government solutions. To do this, we draw from our extensive experience in Singapore, Qatar and other parts of the world such as Brunei, Thailand, Mexico and Botswana.

What are some of the key learning points that you can share with other Singapore infocomm companies venturing into the region?
Having a credible branding and extensive business reach into new markets such as the Middle East are two key challenges faced by many local infocomm companies. Local businesses are often constrained by resources and manpower when it comes to venturing overseas.

Government-level assistance and support are a great boost to Singapore businesses pursuing opportunities in the Middle East. This support is made possible through strong bilateral political and economic ties and diplomacy. For example, memorandums of understanding such as the landmark agreement between the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore and the Qatar Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology, have helped facilitate business for both the private and public sectors.