Orbis Unum!

Orbis Unum- Latin for 'one world'.

The age of globalization has given birth to orbis unum. Consider this : In 2ooo, Sony's market capitalization was four times bigger than Samsung's. Just two years later, that margin was erased. And by 2006, Sony's market capitalization had dropped to half that of Samsung" ( The Straits Times (Singapore), August 30, 2008). Indian firms like Wipro, Tata Consulting Services and Infosys are buying out rivals and strategic partners in Europe and the US. Korea Development Bank is set to become the savior of Lehman Brothers, the troubled investment bank. Our very own Petronas has ventured well into the deepest oil producing regions of the African continent. A Malaysian company built the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Mumbai. The list goes on.

The point of orbis unum is is this : Merit thumps everything else.

In a world where boundaries are blurred by interdependent economies and production systems, more Malaysian companies need to wake up to the fact that the modern world owes them nothing. They have to venture out of this safe harbour we call home and get their hands dirty and bloodied in foreign lands. They need to become adventurous, take calculated risks and find niche markets where they can make a difference. The Indians and Chinese and to a lesser extent the Israelis have learnt this well. Today they have practically carved out little kingdoms for themselves. The western world may not admit to this openly but they are now looking at these 3 economies with envy as they have gone and done business with people and nations that the rest of the world had relegated to the footnotes of world economic-politics. They have embraced technologies and ideas that has signalled the arrival of a mini Renaissance.

Orbis unum means competition is based on knowledge. Knowledge that are cutting edge in nature. Knowledge that enhances every aspect of the product or services that we sell. Knowledge that is integrated into every aspect of the business process : Product design, packaging, marketing,etc. In essence, and I have said this many times, it is knowledge that gave birth to orbis unum/globalization and it is through knowledge alone that Malaysian companies will survive.

I visited the Singapore Night Safari last Saturday. The place was great. The proximity to the animals was exciting. But, the real difference was made by the tour guides who were so knowledgeable! The 'products' were there but the knowledge made the difference.

Can we say the same of our Zoo Negara....or our GLCs and MNCs?