Bangkok--Jun 22--Hill & Knowlton
During his visit to Thailand on June 30th, Microsoft’s Chairman and Chief Software architect, Bill Gates, is set to attend high-level meetings, present at two events and meet with the media and students. Under the theme ‘Thailand Digital Inspiration’, Mr Gates’ will outline his vision for the integration of technology and announce three major new projects in partnership with the Royal Thai Government.
Throughout the day, Mr Gates will also meet with Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sirindhorn and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as other government officials, IT professionals, developers, key business leaders and the media,
“While in Thailand, Bill will present how technology can drive business value for companies through the integration of technology,” commented Andrew McBean, Managing Director, Microsoft, Thailand. “He will then go on to outline a firm road-map that will cover three areas: supporting lifelong learning, building of the local software industry, and integrating public sector information for the benefit Thai citizens.”
In a morning event, attended by business leaders and government officials, Mr. Gates will highlight Microsoft’s vision for the future of IT, where innovation in technology will integrate people, IT systems and information.
During a second event in the afternoon, expected to be attended by up to 2,000 delegates from the IT industry and key-noted by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, Mr. Gates will cover how integrated innovation could affect Thailand and its businesses. Following that presentation, key executives from Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond will continue with presentations on Microsoft’s key future products, including Whidbey, Yukon and Longhorn. Finally, Microsoft Research will showcase the latest developments in consumer technology.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s founder will meet the winners and participants from Microsoft Thailand’s lifelong learning programmes in an exclusive exhibition, including Partners in Learning, Microsoft Office Specialist Olympic competition, and Imagine Cup. Winners from an MSN competition will also have the opportunity to meet and have their photograph taken with him.
“We have been working on some big projects with the government over the last year and Bill’s visit will see those initiatives explained in full,” added McBean. “Bill is fully behind the projects here in Thailand and is aware of our efforts to help contribute towards building Thailand’s software eco-system. These new announcements will reinforce our commitment to the country. Ultimately, we will see how today’s projects will benefit the Thai economy and the individual by truly integrating technologies and building skills.
Further details of the visit can be found at www.msn.co.th/billgates. The site also contains a competition offering the chance for a member of the public to meet Bill Gates on June 30th.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited provides world-class software that is easy to use and localized to suit the local market’s needs. It also has a compelling and consistent platform to build powerful business solutions that can scale from a notebook computer to a mainframe — class multiprocessor systems using Microsoft technology. For further information, information, please visit the Microsoft (Thailand) website at: http://www.microsoft.com/thailand.
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