More IT centres needed

Charumini de Silva

There was a huge development in IT enabled services last year. The industry is taking off in a rapid manner. Sri Lanka is still a virgin market. There are plentiful opportunities to develop this market with the Government taking action in developing infrastructure and increasing the per capita income of the people. This year we will see a huge development in IT enabled services, PCH Chairman and CEO S H M Rishan told the Daily News Business.

PROFILE

Name : Saheedul Hijiri Mohamed Rishan
Civil status : Married, has four children
School attended : Kingswood College, Kandy
Sports : Badminton

PCH Chairman and CEO - S H M Rishan

Here are excerpts of the interview with him:

Q: How did you enter the industry?

A: I entered the IT industry 13 years ago on a very small scale. I started the venture with two employees in a small shop in Bambalapitiya. When the industry started growing gradually; we also diversified our business into many other areas related to the IT industry.

We grew the business starting from different verticals to a total IT solution provider. Looking back into the journey that we have come upto today is indeed satisfying.

Q: What are the opportunities available for industrialists in IT industry?

A: There was a huge development in the IT enabled services and last year we saw it clearly that the industry is taking off in a rapid manner. Sri Lanka is still a virgin market. There are ample opportunities to develop this market with the Government taking action in developing the infrastructure and increasing the per capita income of the people. The support given by the Government to enhance IT knowledge and also introducing latest technology has helped the rural community to widen their scope. Access to information is vital.

The BPO, KPO and hardware market in Sri Lanka has shown a rapid growth over the years and there are many prospects for industrialists to develop and grow their businesses. There will be many developments in IT enabled businesses and the industry since IT is one of the most required and important components to any type of business. This year we will see a huge development in IT enabled services.

Q: Are there any plans to expand the brand overseas?

A: PCH is expecting to take its brand to the global arena this year. Initially expanding into the South Asian regional countries such as Bangladesh and the Maldives. We already cater to these two countries with our partners.

But the company has not taken its brand directly to these markets. The demands for products in Bangladesh and the Maldives have shown a significant growth.

Q: What are the

challenges you face in the industry?

A: The biggest challenge that we have is the high competitive environment. Being a local company, we are giving tough competition to the global brands that are in Sri Lanka.

These companies have good practices, systems and world recognized brand names. However, PCH is offering products that are enriched with value additions.

Q: What is your perception about entering into the capital market?

A: The Colombo Stock Market is performing extremely well even among other markets in the world. We see an impressive growth of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and this year the market is expecting around 60 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). This itself indicates the investor confidence both locally and foreign. Many foreign investors are keen on our stock market than ever before.

Neither did the corporates nor the investors have such a strong confidence over the capital market of Sri Lanka before. More large companies entering the stock market will help improve market capitalization and having many companies’ investors will also have a better choice of stocks to invest in. The restoration of peace has re-gained the positive mindset of the stock market stakeholders. We are confident that the CSE will continue its growing momentum.

Q: What is your view about the re-branding of the company?

A: The company’s re-branding was well received by customers and it was a success. The new logo helped them to continue to recognize the products and services easily. Overall, it was a good achievement.

Q: How many branches are there at present and what can you say about the growth of these branches?

A: The company is also looking forward to expand the branch network within the country. PCH expanded its branch network into Northern and Eastern provinces soon after the IPO. There are four branches in Mannar, Nelliady, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. These branches have recorded a 50 to 60 percent monthly growth and it is very encouraging.

Q: How do you see the hardware market growth in the country?

A: Sri Lanka’s computer hardware market grew by over 20 percent in 2010 recording the highest growth in the South Asian region. The hardware market has grown steadily. There is a demand for 200,000 to 250,000 personal computers (PCs) or notebooks in Sri Lanka.

Q: What are your suggestions to the Government in uplifting the industry?

A: I think it is time that the Government should look at introducing one child-one pc concept to Sri Lanka as well.

This will enhance the IT knowledge of the students and reduce the use of text books, which is costly for the Government too. Setting up more IT centres in rural areas is also vital in providing access to information.

Q: What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?

A: My idea is that more entrepreneurs should enter the industry with innovative and creative ideas. Well-known search engines and social networks like Google and Facebook were introduced by very young entrepreneurs. It is important to be innovative to sustain in the market. Own feasibility studies, research, software development and innovative applications are necessary too.

Q: Where do you like to visit in Sri Lanka most?

A: Kandalama

Q: What is the country you like to travel most?

A: Singapore

Q: What do you do in your leisure?

A: I like to be with my family