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WITSA Members and Global Technology Leaders to Participate in the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2023

19 January 2023

WITSA Members and Global Technology Leaders to Participate in the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2023

Kuching, Sarawak: The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) yesterday welcomed the unveiling of the official logo of the World Congress on Innovation and Technology 2023 (WCIT 2023) which will take place on October 4 – 6, 2023 in Kuching, Sarawak.

Officiated by the Premier of Sarawak The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, the event also saw the announcement of key partners that are joining the effort to organize the 27th edition of WCIT that was first staged in 1978. The WCIT 2023 logo features the following description:

  • The Tree of Life that symbolises Sarawak’s evolution of modernity and interconnection to the global discourse.
  • The Rhinoceros Hornbill symbolizes the value of power and strength of Sarawak
  • Three Stripes Globe represents sustainability, innovation and economic prosperity
  • Colours Green and Blue represent the intersection of nature and digital technology, to be digitally and innovatively forward, while being sustainable.

At the launch, the Premier of Sarawak highlighted the role of innovation in advancing the new economy through applications such as algae as a source of energy, data and AI in disrupting conventional means of production. He hoped WCIT 2023 would bring to Sarawak new innovations, data and technology to impact the energy industry, the circular economy and digital transformation. 

A signature event of WITSA, WCIT 2023 is the premier event for the global tech industry, bringing together leaders, experts and stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and challenge the latest tech and innovation trends. The congress will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities with delegates from around the world.

WITSA aims to bring its member economies and global tech leaders to attend WCIT 2023 to experience the diverse and exotic culture as well as take advantage of all the investment and business opportunities that Sarawak, Malaysia and the broader ASEAN economies have to offer.

WITSA Chairman Dr Sean Seah said, “WITSA is the leading recognized voice of the global tech industry which is the key driver of global economic growth. This is a unique opportunity for WITSA members to participate in WCIT 2023 and contribute to shaping the future of the global tech industry. Delegates from around the world will experience the diverse and exotic culture while fostering collaboration in various technology, innovation and business sectors.”

WITSA CEO Dato’ Dan E Khoo added, “With the host organizers’ aims to leverage innovation and technology for prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability, WCIT 2023 is set to be the catalyst that sparks idea generation, investment opportunities, business insights, policy action recommendations, delightful tech experiences, serendipitous discovery and partner-talent recruitment possibilities in pursuit of a sustainable future for the tech industry.”

WCIT is unique in its global perspective on fulfilling the promise of the digital age and its ability to draw users, providers, media and academia from around the world to focus on technology for societal good. In addition, global business, government and academic leaders discuss emerging markets, legal and policy issues, political and economic trends, emerging technologies, tech user perspectives and business opportunities in the global marketplace.

This premier global tech congress brings together more than 2,000 global leaders in business, government and academia from over 80 countries to impact economic and social development through the exchange of policies, practices, trends and ideas on tech.

WCIT 2023 is hosted by the Sarawak Government, organized by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad, co-hosted by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), with The National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) as the Host Association. For more information on how to participate, exhibit, be part of the B2B or even sponsoring WCIT 2023, go to www.wcit2023.com.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2022

Mr. Yannis Sirros, WITSA chairman

Mr. Yannis Sirros is one of the longest-serving WITSA Directors, having joined its Board in 2002. In 2004, Mr. Sirros managed and organized a highly successful World Congress in Athens, which was attended by over 2,000 delegates from 67 countries and featured a top-notch program with keynotes by Professor Nicholas Negroponte of MIT Media Lab, Dr. Vint Cerf –the “co-Father of the Internet” -and also a speaker at this the 2022 World Congress in Penang-, Robert Bishop of SGI, Michel Fromont of NEC Computers, Mr. Risto Siilasmaa, of F-Secure, and many others. From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Sirros served as WITSA’s Vice Chairman for Europe, helping to drive member recruitment and engagement. In the two years before becoming WITSA Chairman, from 2018 to 2020, Sirros worked as Deputy Chairman. Following his successful tenure in WITSA at the conclusion of the 2022 World Congress in Penang, Mr. Sirros will embark on his next phase as WITSA Chairman Emeritus.

 

Dr. Jim Poisant, WITSA Secretary general

As everyone in the WITSA community knows, no one has had a bigger part in the success of WITSA than WITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant. His tenure extends all the way back to 1996 in Bilbao, Spain, when he first started planning for his first World Congress which took place in Fairfax, Virginia in 1998. Dr. Poisant grew WITSA from being a subsidiary of an American member association to having its own independent Secretariat and extending over a 26 year period. Moreover, Poisant’s dedication to the WITSA global community has been obvious to everyone who knows him. The WITSA Congresses of the last few decades could not have happened without him. His professionalism and dedication and unique insights contributed more to WITSA’s growth as the voice of the global tech industry than anyone else. Dr. Poisant retires from WITSA at the end of September 2022.

WITSA Elects New Leadership for the 2022-24 Term: Selects Dr. Sean Seah as its Chairman

 

September 15, 2022

 

Contact:                 Anders Halvorsen        ahalvorsen@witsa.org
                                                                        +1 571 265-5964

 

WITSA Elects New Leadership for the 2022-24 Term
Selects Dr. Sean Seah as its Chairman

Penang, Malaysia: At its September 12, 2022 General Assembly meeting, the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) elected a diverse slate of leaders for the 2022-24 term, including 20 Directors from five continents.

WITSA elected The National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) Chairman Dr. Sean Seah as Chairman for the 2022-2024 term. Dr. Seah is well-known throughout the WITSA community, having served in various capacities in support of WITSA, including most recently as WITSA’s Deputy Chairman and the Chairman of the WITSA Finance Committee. As the Chairman of the National Tech Association of Malaysia, Dr Sean is also the Organizing Committee Chairman of the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2022, which was held at in Penang, Malaysia on September 13-15.

Dr. Seah has an extensive and esteemed experience in the digital tech industry, having started his career in Silicon Valley in 1993 worked for Software Publishing Corp and Netscape Communications Inc. He subsequent worked for Sun Microsystems in Malaysia. Dr. Seah has founded and co-founded many innovative tech businesses, including Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX:5MQ) based Afor Pte Ltd.; London Stock Exchange (LSE:GLS) based Galasys PLC; US OTC Market based SEATech Ventures Corporation (OTC PINK: SEAV) and AsiaFIN Holdings Corp (OTC PINK: ASFH). Dr. Seah is currently the Executive Chairman of Angkasa-X Group.

During the General Assembly meeting, Dr. Seah presented his vision for the global industry alliance to grow as the leading innovation and tech industry voice and a global digital ambassador for a new digital future. “I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with this important undertaking”, stated Dr. Seah. “I will continue in the footsteps of Chairman Emeritus Yannis Sirros and strive to position digital technology and the digital economy as the new strategic pillar for our global community, to become a global digital ambassador and accelerator in order to promote the value of digital transformation as the key catalyst for economic growth and social prosperity, to promote greater international cooperation by supporting multilateral win-win trade agreements, to drive awareness of the competitive advantage of the digital technology industry, and to strengthen WITSA’s role in the development of technology-related international public policy”, continued Dr. Seah.

As WITSA Chairman, Dr. Seah also vowed to increase WITSA’s relevance and value across the organizations vast network of industry associations, spanning 80 countries and representing more than 90 percent of the global tech market. As part of this effort, Dr. Seah plans on working actively with WITSA’s Board of Directors to also recruit more active members in countries not yet covered by the Alliance, and to enhance cooperation with regional industry organizations such as ASOCIO, AfICTA, DIGITALEUROPE, and ALETI. Dr. Seah will also seek to grow WITSA’s Global Business Exchange program (GBX) through B2B business matching, online exhibitions, online WCIT registrations, speaker recruitment, and livestreaming of WITSA events. In order to provide more value and business opportunities for members, Dr. Seah also intends to create a WITSA Business Intelligence (BI) platform.

“I know I am leaving WITSA in good hands”, stated WITSA Chairman Emeritus Yannis Sirros. “Having known Sean for many years, I know he will bring to our organization the same business-oriented mentality and dedication that has made him so successful in the digital tech industry, and which will be critical to WITSA’s success as it establishes its new path in the post-COVID economy”.

“We all must work closely together to increase WITSA’s reach and capabilities”, stated Dr. Sean Seah. “Everyone’s ideas and proposals are crucial and vital if we are to succeed and strengthen our role. I am committed to dedicating my time, experience, efforts, business and personal relations to realize WITSA’s true potential, bringing added value to each and everyone’s local organization and market”. “Let us build a new digital world together.”

“On behalf of the entire global WITSA community, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Sean Seah as our new Chairman”, expressed WITSA’s Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant. “With so many challenges facing our industry in these troubled times, I am confident that with Dr. Seah’s trusted leadership and support, as well as friendship, we will continue to build on WITSA’s many accomplishments to ensure that WITSA will continue to grow and reach new levels of success”, said WITSA CEO Dato’ Dan E. Khoo.

Additionally, the new WITSA Board of Directors on September 12, 2022, selected a number of officers for the 2022-2024 term. Mr. Robert Janssen of ASSESPRO, Brazil was selected as WITSA’s Deputy Chairman. Mr. Roger Latchman of the Information Technology Association of South Africa was appointed Vice Chairman for Africa; Mr. Antonio Cimorra of the Spanish Trade Association for Electronics, Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Digital Content Industries (AMETIC) was selected as Vice Chairman for Europe (EU/EEA); Mr. Alexander Mora of the Costa Rican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (CAMTIC) was voted Vice Chairman for Latin America; and John Kyle of the Business Technology Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce was selected as Vice Chairman for the Caribbean.

Mr. Doug Johnson, Vice President of Technology Policy at the U.S. based Consumer Technology Association (CTA) was selected as Chairman of WITSA’s Global Policy Action Committee; Mr. Brian Shen, Information Service Industry Association of Taiwan (CISA) was re-appointed Chairman of WITSA’s Business Development Committee; Mr. Tarek M. Abdel Monem Taha of the Egyptian Association for Information & Communication Technology (EITESAL was re-appointed to Chair WITSA’s Nominating Committee; and Dr. Boris Komrakov was re-appointed to Chair WITSA’s Committee on Education, Training and Human Resources.

A complete list of the newly elected WITSA leadership is provided below:

 

WITSA Board of Directors (2022-2024)

# Name & Title Position Association & Country
1 Dr.  Sean Seah Chairman The National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM)
2 Mr. Robert Franz Janssen Deputy Chairman Association of ICT Companies in Brazil (ASSESPRO)
3 Mr. Antonio Cimorra Vice Chairman The Association of Electronics, IT, Communications and Digital Contents (AMETIC) Spain
4 Mr. John Kyle Vice Chairman Business Technology Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce
5 Mr. Roger Latchman Vice Chairman Information Technology Association of South Africa (ITA)
6 Mr. Alexander Mora Vice Chairman Costa Rican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (CAMTIC)
7 Mr. Nidal Bitar Director The Information & Communications Technology Association (Jordan)
8 Mr. Francis Fong Director Hong Kong Information Technology Federation (HKITF)
9 Mr. Ahmed Al Hujairy Director Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH)
10 Mr. Matthias Ifesieh Director Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria (ITAN)
11 Mr. Hemant Kumar Chaursaia Director CAN Federation (Nepal)
12 Mr. Zoran Lazarevski Director ICT Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of North Macedonia(MASIT)
13 Ms. Angela Mondou Director TECHNATION Canada
14 Mr. Alberto Patron Director Cámara de Empresas de Software y Servicios Informáticos de la República Argentina (CESSI) Argentina
15 Engr. Subrata Sarkar Director Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS)
16 Mr. Yutaka Sasaki Director Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA)
17 Mr. Brian Shen Director Information Service Industry Association of Taiwan (CISA)
18 Eng. Tarek Abd-elmonem Taha Director EiTESAL Association for Information & Communication Technology Egypt
19 Mr. Florin Vrejoiu Director Association for Information Technology and Communications of Romania (ATIC)
20 Mr. Alexandr Yesayan Director Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises of Armenia (UATE)

 

About WITSA

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the global ICT industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent more than 90 percent of the world ICT market.  WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in ICT products and services; strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broad network of professional contacts.

WITSA hosts the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT), the premier global industry sponsored ICT conference.

WITSA members are leaders in a globally interconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the ICT industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members — ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States — to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues.

For more information on WITSA, please visit www.witsa.org

WITSA Eminent Person Award

WITSA established its highest award called WITSA’s Eminent Person Award in 2010.  The award recognizes those individuals who have made a significant and profound positive difference in the lives of others. The intent of the Award is to recognize individuals who have made or continue to make significant contributions to mankind.  These contributions are not necessarily tech related.

Since establishing the award in 2010, its recipients have included:

WITSA Signs Global Industry Letter, Warns Against Chinese Proposed Restrictions on Data Flows

MEDIA RELEASE

 

August 19, 2022

Contact:          Dr. Jim Poisant, Secretary General. Mobile +1 703 728-4547 E: jpoisant@witsa.org
                          Mr. Anders Halvorsen. Mobile: +1 571 265-5964 E: ahalvorsen@witsa.org  

 

WITSA Signs Global Industry Letter, Warns Against Chinese Proposed Restrictions on Data Flows

 Fairfax, VA:  The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) has co-signed a global industry letter providing comments on China’s draft Standard Contract Provisions for the Exit of Personal Information (“Standard Contract Provisions”). The letter is in response to an open consultation by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and argues that it is important that the CAC design the standard contract provisions to be a valid and effective transfer mechanism under the Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”). As designed, there is concern that the proposed framework may be unworkable in practice for many Chinese and foreign entities. The ability to transfer data securely across transnational digital networks is of central importance to the national policy objectives of many countries, including China.

WITSA has an established policy advocating against restrictions of the free flow of information across borders in its data flows paper, calling ‘data’ an essential resource for healthy economic growth and warning that that excessive restrictions on the flow of data hinders the barrier to secure management and protection of data

“In today’s global economy, consumers, regulators, and businesses all benefit from a constant stream of data flowing seamlessly back and forth across national borders”, stated WITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant. “Businesses use data to create valuable products and services, enhance productivity, reduce costs, improve efficiency, deter fraud, protect consumers, and foster economic growth and jobs”, continued. Dr. Poisant. “To secure these benefits, it is essential to have clear, consistent rules in place that allow for the unimpeded flow of data except as limited to legitimate public policy objectives.” In general, National Security, Data Privacy etc. should not be used as a lever to restrict data flows, and mandate data localization.

“When foreign goods, services, or IP are disadvantaged in a market, that can distort trade, discourage foreign direct investment, and push other trading partners to impose similarly detrimental measures”, stated WITSA Vice President for Global Public Policy, Anders Halvorsen. “Often over the long term, these measures can hinder economic growth and competitiveness objectives that they were intended to achieve”, continued Halvorsen. “For these reasons, WITSA strongly advocates against localization and other barriers and instead encourage governments to pursue policy approaches that help their economic growth and competitiveness without discriminating against imported goods or services.”

WITSA has been vigilant in working with likeminded industry groups in opposing restrictive data-flows regulations. In December 2021, WITSA signed a global industry letter on draft data transfer assessment measures from the Cyberspace Administration of China, and in June 2021, WITSA signed another multi-association letter on China’s draft Personal Information Protection and Data Security Laws.

About WITSA:

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the global digital technology industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent more than 90 percent of the world tech market. WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in digital technology products and services; strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broad network of professional contacts.

WITSA members are leaders in a globally interconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the digital technology industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members – ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States – to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues. For more information on WITSA, please visit https://witsa.org/.

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance Appoints New CEO

MEDIA RELEASE

May 6, 2022

Contact:          Mr. Yannis Sirros. Mobile: +30 (6) 9 44 77 88 18 E: Yannis@WITSA.org

                         Mr. Dan E. Khoo. Mobile +60 12-650 8392 E: danekhoo@witsa.org

                         Dr. Jim Poisant. Mobile +1 703 728-4547 E: jpoisant@witsa.org

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance Appoints New CEO

 Fairfax, VA:  The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) today appointed Dato Dan E. Khoo as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Khoo will work alongside Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant until his retirement on September 30, 2022.

“After many years at the helm of WITSA, Jim will be retiring at the end of September, following the World Congress on Innovation and Technology in Penang, Malaysia, our flagship event,” stated WITSA Chairman Yannis Sirros. “Jim is responsible for leading WITSA to the great organization that it is today, growing the organization and developing our hugely successful WCIT brand. Jim has been a cornerstone of WITSA for over 25 years, and it is hard to envisage a future without his steadfast leadership, marketing skills, and vision. But, in the words of Heraclitus, ‘There is nothing permanent except change’,” continued Mr. Sirros.

“After extensive vetting and a competitive recruitment outreach, WITSA has chosen a uniquely qualified individual in Dan E Khoo, who has previously served as the Chairman of WITSA,” said WITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant.  “In addition, Dan organized the highly successful World Congress in Kuala Lumpur in 2008, which hosted more than 3,300 delegates from 92 countries, 105 speakers, and over $10 million in sponsorships! He has been involved with WITSA for more than 25 years, first as a speaker at our World Congress in Bilbao, Spain. I am therefore extremely pleased to welcome Dan back to our esteemed organization!” continued Dr. Poisant.

“I am honored and privileged to return to WITSA in this executive capacity. WITSA’s unique alliance of tech industry associations from over 80 countries and economies provides a global platform and an exciting opportunity to impact change on a global scale. I look forward to contributing towards an organization that is the leading recognized voice of the global tech industry, a key driver of digital transformation and the global economy, and an advocate of international public policies that advance the industry’s growth and development,” stated Dan Khoo.

About Dato’ Dan E Khoo:

Born in Penang, Dato’ Dan E Khoo has a lifelong passion for technology, strategy and entrepreneurship. His global outlook is shaped by leadership experience in California’s Silicon Valley, Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong with roles in private enterprise, non-profit and the public sector. Entrepreneurship exits with a trade sale of a tech startup to a Nasdaq-listed enterprise at the height of the dot-com boom and an IPO in Bursa Malaysia came after he led the creation of technology sections in two English-language newspapers. Khoo’s involvement in non-profit organizations led to stints as Chairman of the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), Director of The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), President of the Southeast-Asia Information Technology Organization (SITO) and Chairman of WITSA. He has also served as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s Head of Strategy and as President of MDEC Americas Inc in Palo Alto, California. He has won multiple awards including the WITSA Lifetime Achievement Award and PIKOM Man of the Year.

About WITSA:

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the global digital technology industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent more than 90 percent of the world ICT market. WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in digital technology products and services; strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broad network of professional contacts.

WITSA members are leaders in a globally interconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the digital technology industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members – ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States – to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues. For more information on WITSA, please visit https://witsa.org/.

𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗔 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗧𝗢 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 (𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟴 @𝟵:𝟬𝟬𝗔𝗠 𝗘𝗗𝗧)

Join us for an update on the WTO digital trade negotiations at 9:00AM EDT on Friday, April 8th, featuring Nick Ashton-Hart, the Geneva Representative of the Digital Trade Network (DTN)! WITSA is working closely with our partners in the DTN to encourage a comprehensive and positive outcome at the WTO Geneva-based e-commerce (JSI) negotiations. To that effect, you will recall that WITSA published a policy statement in support of digital trade rules for innovation and sustainable trade rules (https://witsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WITSA_Trade_05_May_2021.pdf).

The use of digital commerce has demonstrated a meteoric rise over the past few decades. It was heightened by the rapid uptake and use of digital commerce for both business and social purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this time, regulations governing e-commerce trade have generally not kept up nor been uniform between countries – and as a result, the impacts have been immediate, unevenly spread and been disruptive to both trade and investment. The pandemic in particular highlighted the divide in countries’ ability to take up e-commerce opportunities, due to disparities in internet access and connectivity as well as key digital skills gaps. Unsurprisingly, developed, high income economies was where the e-commerce adoption was greatest. The JSI aims to level the playing field by agreeing a set of common rules across a range of electronic commerce issues including: enabling electronic commerce; promoting openness and trust in e-commerce; cross-cutting issues; telecommunications and market access for e-commerce firms.   

WITSA and DTN encourages the ongoing efforts at the WTO to negotiate a new comprehensive e-commerce agreement, and the Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce (JSI) presents a critical opportunity for the global trade body to prove its relevance in the current political environment and could lead to broader WTO reforms as well. WITSA is concerned about the very real risk that the significant achievements in multilateral trade liberalization since 1948 might begin to erode, as nations become introspective and protective in the face of global financial and economic challenges. This is a serious and complex issue for the global business community, affecting not just the future of multilateral negotiations, but – equally important – the future of global trade rule making and dispute settlement.

The event will take place on Friday, April 8th at 9:30AM EDT (time-zone conversions]: Please connect through our GBX platform https://witsa.fxvep.com/b2bmeeting/member/video-detail/14 (please see attached guidelines to set up a free GBX account if you don’t already have one!). if you have any difficulty, you can connect directly at:  https://meet.goto.com/608015133)

WITSA and IT Ukraine Association Applauds Ukraine’s ‘Hidden IT Heroes’, Calls on Support from the Global ICT Industry

MEDIA RELEASE

 March 28, 2022

Contact:     Mr. Yannis Sirros. Mob: +30 (6) 9 44 77 88 18 E: Yannis@WITSA.org

                     Dr. Jim Poisant. Mob. +1 703 728-4547 E: jpoisant@witsa.org

                     Mr. Constantine Vasuk. Mob: +38 099 266 39 03 E: hello@itukraine.org.ua

WITSA and IT Ukraine Association Applauds Ukraine’s ‘Hidden IT Heroes’, Calls on Support from the Global ICT Industry

Fairfax, VA: The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) and IT Ukraine Association fully support UN Secretary António Guterres and his appeal to President Putin to end the war in Ukraine. “Such unilateral measures conflict directly with the United Nations Charter, which states that all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations”, said WITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant.

As an organization dedicated to the peace and prosperity and fulfilment of the digital promise to all by enhancing international trade and the rule of law for nearly 50 years, we stand with the innocent people of Ukraine in these difficult times and encourage the world community to do the same, said WITSA Chairman Mr. Yannis Sirros. “We implore President Putin to withdraw his weapons immediately and work toward restoring a path of dialogue and negotiations to save the people of Ukraine from the scourge of war”, continued Mr. Sirros.

In recent years, Ukraine has made major strides toward becoming a digital nation, with the ambitious goal of transforming Ukraine into a large European IT hub. Even though Ukraine has been entangled in a perpetual war with Russia since 2014, the Ukrainian IT industry has experienced a rapid growth of 36% and the sector has seen a significant influx of new talent. Information technology products and services is now one of the key export industries of Ukraine and, over the past three years, the industry has more than doubled its exports and has boosted its workforce by more than 50%. Many apps, programs and services are produced by Ukrainian companies, and citizens around the world rely on Ukrainian talent and expertise every day. Ukraine’s tech sector grew 20 percent in 2020 and is powered by a tradition of technical education and a recent boom in outsourcing from more expensive countries.

“Having already had reliable cooperation with WITSA beforehand, we are delighted to partner again, this time to provide support to Ukraine in this difficult hour. Currently being the only operating export industry, Ukrainian Tech has been demonstrating its resilience and still keeping its potential to grow. The way the Ukrainian IT businesses are holding up under the conditions of war is very encouraging and I am confident that together with the representatives of the global tech market we will have enough strength and motivation to rise to today’s challenges and to do this with dignity,” said Konstantin Vasuk, Executive Director of the IT Ukraine Association.

It is imperative that the global ICT sector support Ukraine by maintaining business operations and to further invest in and helping build and preserve the burgeoning tech sector in Europe’s second largest country. In particular, corporations that are looking for providers for their projects, as well as those that have divested or suspended their business in Russia should consider investing and finding partners in the Ukrainian tech sector. By supporting Ukraine during the war, clients will most importantly continue to receive their desired products and results.

WITSA and IT Ukraine Association strongly encourage all tech companies to assess the human rights impacts of their business decisions in line with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

We therefore strongly encourage people from the global tech industry to consider supporting Ukraine through the #StandwithUkraine global initiative. The NGO Techiia Foundation, verified by the IT Ukraine Association, joined the #StandwithUkraine global initiative. The idea is to let public figures and entrepreneurs express their support for Ukrainians via video recorded at the WePlay Arena L. A., which is uniquely decorated as a platform for the #StandwithUkraine initiative. The Ambassador and Consul General of Belgium Gunther Sleeuwagen, IT entrepreneurs Andrei Komarovsky and Ivan Agapchev, the Film Director, Screenwriter, and Producer Roland Emmerich have joined the project already. The IT Ukraine Association calls for entrepreneurs, who would like to feature in the next videos – live from the arena in Los Angeles (USA) or online, broadcasting the video on the screens.

Courtesy of DIGITALEUROPE, a non-exhaustive list of organisations – both international and local – active on the ground which you can support, as well as individual and collective initiatives from the tech and scientific communities to help the people of Ukraine is provided below:

 About WITSA:

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the global digital technology industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent more than 90 percent of the world ICT market. WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in digital technology products and services; strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broad network of professional contacts.

WITSA members are leaders in a globally interconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the digital technology industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members – ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States – to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues. For more information on WITSA, please visit https://witsa.org/.

About IT Ukraine

IT Ukraine is the country’s largest association of IT companies, representing the interests of more than 75,000 IT professionals. Since the Russian aggression, the association has been at the forefront of the industry’s response, coordinating cyber and IT support, partnering with humanitarian organizations, and spreading news and information to counter Russian propaganda.

WITSA Signs Global Industry Letter on Draft Data Transfer Assessment Measures from Cyberspace Administration of China

December 1, 2021

WITSA today signed a Global Industry Letter regarding the draft Security Assessment Measures for Cross-border Data Transfers recently issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).  

The attached letter underscores the benefits of cross-border data transfers to China’s economy and governmental policy objectives. The letter also makes several procedural and substantive recommendations to the CAC.

The ability to transfer data securely across transnational digital networks is of central importance to the national policy objectives of many countries, including China. Data transfers support COVID-19 recovery, digital connectivity, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, and other activities relating to the protection of health, privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.

To avoid prejudicing these priorities, WITSA and our partners respectfully submit that the draft Data Transfer Assessment Measures should: (1) not impose greater restrictions on data transfers than necessary; (2) afford equal treatment to Chinese and foreign enterprises, services, and technologies; and (3) be administered in a uniform, impartial, and reasonable manner with a view to ensuring non-discriminatory and streamlined approvals.

The letter is in accordance with established WITSA policy principles. For further information, see our Statement of Policy on Restrictions of the Free Flow of Information Across Nationality/Regional Borders.

The letter is the third in a series of letters that global associations have shared with Chinese authorities in relation to the data transfer aspects of China’s draft Personal Information Protection Law, China’s draft Data Security Law, and China’s Cybersecurity Law.  The two prior global industry statements can be found here and here.

Global Industry Statement on the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions

November 23, 2021:

WITSA has today joined, through our Digital Trade Network (DTN), a global coalition of industry associations in urging members of the World Trade Organization to keep the Internet free of tariffs ahead of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12).

Supported by 73 industry associations active across six continents, the Global Industry Statement on the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions urges WTO Members to renew the Moratorium until the 13th Ministerial Conference.