Bangkok--10 Apr--Vero PR The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a leading voice for the software development industry, announced today the appointment of Hwee Chong Ng to the role of Chair, for the Business Software Alliance’s Thailand committee. In his role, Mr. Ng will support the BSA’s efforts to protect the intellectual property rights of software developers in Thailand. “Protecting the innovations of software developers will lift the Thai IT sector as a whole and in turn will contribute positively to the Thai economy,” said Mr. Ng. “The time, effort and resources that software developers put into their work deserves the strictest intellectual property rights protection. We hope to see an environment in which these entrepreneurs are better rewarded for their hard work.” Mr. Ng, an attorney with Autodesk, takes the Chair position as his predecessor and colleague Mr. Ronald Chua steps aside after years of service on the BSA Thai committee. Mr. Chua, previously a member of the Autodesk Legal team, has shifted to a new executive role with Autodesk in Southeast Asia. “The Thai software industry has tremendous talent, creativity and potential,” said Mr. Chua. “Hwee Chong will bring his considerable expertise to tackling the challenges faced by software developers. The BSA is fortunate to have him Chair the Thailand committee.” Thailand’s PC software piracy rate has remained unchanged at 80% over the past 4 years. Recent studies indicate a close link between reduced software piracy and economic growth. Specifically, lower piracy rates translate to more hi-tech jobs, more foreign investment and higher tax revenues. Siripat Patrangul, BSA’s spokesperson in Thailand, welcomed Mr. Ng to the committee. “We look forward to working with Mr. Ng in our mission to raise awareness for the economic and social value of intellectual property rights in Thailand. We face many challenges and we believe Mr. Ng will be a tremendous asset to the team.” For further information, please contact: Vero PR (www.veropr.com) Brian Griffin P +66 0 2684 1551 F + 66 0 2684 1553 M + 66 0 8 5167 6952