Today's CEO Outlook features three country chiefs of some of the world's biggest IT companies, plus one Malaysian entrepreneur who has gone through many ups and downs. They are Peter Choong of Intel Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd, Butt Wai Choon of Microsoft (M) Sdn Bhd, Johnson Khoo of Cisco Systems (M) Sdn Bhd, and Tan Sri Mohan Swami of Chase Perdana Bhd.
The IT chiefs are positive about the year ahead, given the recovery of the global and Malaysian economies and the reinvestment in IT seen among corporations.
Mohan Swami has faced numerous challenges – both corporate and personal – since the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98; most recently over the fight for control of Sitt Tatt Bhd. He has emerged bruised but unbowed.
But now, with the restructuring of Chase Perdana completed and Sitt Tatt firmly under his control, Mohan Swami can now focus on adding value to both companies and regain lost ground. Mohan Swami owns 30% of Chase Perdana and, with a partner, controls about 50% of Sitt Tatt.
He expects both companies to do much better this year.