Happy 2008 Everybody!
I hope all of you had a great New Year. I had a well deserved rest and had the opportunity to reflect back on 2007. It was such a luxury!
Well, 2008 is here and I have a feeling that it's going to be an exciting and fabulous year. I am not talking about the impending general election. I am talking about our daily bread and butter issues.
Since everybody seems to be in the game of predicting whats going to happen in 2008, I will add my 2 cents worth too:
1. The gap between Malaysia and Chindia (and Vietnam) will increase to the latter's favour and the true impact on our economy will become clearer.
2. There will be more mega M&As starting with the pharma industry and also possibly further consolidation in the automotive, steel and airline industries. For the first time Indian/Chinese companies will conduct more M&As on European/American companies than vice versa.
3. We may see the first non-Malay CEO of a GLC and/or ULC company before the year is out.
4. Africa will awaken vis a vis its importance to China and India as a critical supplier or raw materials.
5. The first energy-resource related armed conflict vis a vis Russia and it's former fellow Soviet Union republics.
6. India and China will firmly establish themselves as the favoured destination for business/technology education.
7. The 2008 Olympics will be one of the most successful yet controversial games ever!
And my wishes for 2008 are:
1. Malaysian CEO's take more direct interest in the training and development of their employees.
2. Our policy makers will institute some real measurable strategies for talent development.
3. CSR standards also include human capital development as part of its dimensions.
4. Air Asia acquires Tiger Airways!
5. Proton gets Tata or Nissan as its strategic partner!
6. Malaysia gains back loss ground to Singapore in the biotechnology industry.
7. Qualified technocrats are made ministers for critical ministries.
Have a great year ahead and I hope you continue to enjoy my FirstCoffee!
