In management theory. If you want to do strategic planning, you have to do internal appraisal and external appraisal. When doing external appraisal, you have to do PEST analysis. That is analyzing political, economical, social and technology (PEST) impact on your company.
In order to do PEST analysis. I have to understand technology impact on my company and my country. Technology changes also have impact on social issue, like technology change how people communicate (email, handphone) and entertainment.
To understand technology issue, I used to read Oon Yeoh writing published on The Sun initially and later , The Edge. Later, I read Jeff Ooi column on Malaysian Business as well. However, I find that Jeff Ooi writing is more technical. As a non techies, I sometime have difficulties understand what Jeff Ooi write. Whereas I find Oon Yeoh writing can be understand by layman and non-techies like me.
Malaysian Business stated Jeff Ooi is an IT consultant. Thus, my impression is that Jeff Ooi is a technical competent person. In a recent article written by Oon Yeoh. It is surprising to know that Jeff Ooi initially work as a advertising copy writer rather than work in IT industry. Jeff Ooi graduated from university Sains Malaysia with a BA (Hons), majoring in comparative literature and a minor in political science! Non-IT related!!!
Later, Jeff Ooi also work as marketing and communications officer. Again, not in IT industry!
Jeff Ooi related to IT only when he study MBA, of which one paper which was about ICT's impact on business.
This prove that he is a fast learner.
In Malaysia, both IT columnist, Oon Yeoh and Jeff Ooi, which contribute to development of our Multimedia Supercorridor (MSC) in one form or another, have become a political commentator.
Oon Yeoh become a blogger with Malaysiakini before whereas Jeff Ooi has become most popular blogger in Malaysia.
This might be cause by changes in technology like internet which have change the political lanscape. People able to express their view point now compare with have to depend on mainstream media, which control by government previously. Their knowledge in IT might make them know how to make used of technology effectively to bypass government control.
Another technologist turn political commentator which I read regularly is Managing Director of Mesdaq listed PUC Founder (MSC) Berhad Mr Teh Hong Seng. He write more as hash as, if not over than Jeff Ooi. However, he write in Mandarin and never cross sword with Malay newspaper like Jeff Ooi. PUC Founder group still able to get MSC status and government grant on R&D.
PUC Founder Group is control by China government indirectly. Thus, it is a China's GLC. Maybe he represent China government. Thus, he still able to get government grant.
Other technologist like J Phang and Tony Pua devote their time to education.
Oon Yeoh write:"Jeff Ooi notoriety as a blogger has affected his work as a freelance ICT consultant. He does a lot of strategic planning work for a prominent local company but he's not allowed to do presentations anymore and at certain meetings, he's simply not allowed to be seen. "
I rather able allowed to do presentation and attend meeting in corporate world but remain Anonymous in blogosphere. However, Malaysia need people like Jeff Ooi to tell the truth to Pak Lah.
Update: Oon Yeoh's comment
TechnoratiTag:Asia Business Commentary competitive Economics Economy Malaysia Opinion technology
