TO become a world-class economy, Malaysia needs to produce world-class companies. Many developed countries in the West have achieved that. Closer to home, the likes of Japan, Korea and India have also produced their share of tech companies. This has not only strengthened the home tech industry, but also gave the economy a boost.

Sadly though for us, as far as information and communications technology (ICT) is concerned, we have not been quite that successful, over the years.

Even with a vibrant tech industry, we have yet to come out with local tech brands which are able to make a strong impact in the global market.

Sure, we have had a string of local companies which have penetrated the international scene. But none yet that carries a strong brand, which is easily recognised worldwide. A household brand Like Microsoft or IBM, Sony or Samsung.

This lack of success is surely not for lack of effort. The Government to its credit, has been very supportive of ICT, and committed to create a creative, innovative and entrepreneurial culture within the Malaysian society.

Many initiatives have been implemented, and lots of funds and grants have been allocated to encourage research and development (R&D). But somehow, these have not been able to produce the desired results.

Malaysia is still waiting for its own tech icon, and that one brand which the whole world looks up to.

Obviously, more needs to be done.

We need to nurture more innovative minds to come up with ideas that can sell to the world. We need to learn from countries like India, which have produced many software programmers and designers, on how it is done. Probably, we need to relook at the education system so that we can produce students and graduates who are creative and innovative.

Observers also reckon that the lack of appreciation among local consumers for made-in-Malaysia brands is also stifling the growth of local talents.

The majority of consumers are still more comfortable with using foreign labels. The PC market is one good example. The few local PC brands in the market have not been able to gain mass market adoption mainly because there is this perception that these products are inferior.

This negative perception will not help to boost confidence among our local developers community to further hone their skills and develop their innovative minds. Obviously, this will result in a lack of interest in developing homegrown products.

As consumers, we need adopt the “buy local” mentality and give local brands a chance.

The support could just be the catalyst needed for local products to break into the global market.