THERE must be balance between technological advancement and                                                                                           
social progress in the country, if Malaysia is to achieve its                                                                                         
Vision 2020 goals, according to a management expert.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                      
Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) chief executive                                                                                               
officer Dr Tarcisius Chin said it is important to recognise                                                                                           
that Information Technology is nothing more than a tool which                                                                                         
can help a nation achieve economic prosperity and development.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                      
"The richness of a nation is measured not only in material                                                                                            
terms, but also by its social progress and values that guide                                                                                          
the behaviour of its citizens," he said. "It is values that                                                                                           
make for the distinctiveness of a nation and it is values                                                                                             
which provide the bond that holds the country together," Chin                                                                                         
said during a recent media session for MIM's upcoming                                                                                                 
conference, themed "Towards e-Malaysia: Technology and Values                                                                                         
in the service of Management."                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                      
The conference, organised by MIM and Oracle Systems Malaysia                                                                                          
Sdn Bhd, is a three-day event targeted at managers and                                                                                                
individuals interested in continuing improvement in the                                                                                               
practice of management.                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                      
According to Chin, the conference will address both the                                                                                               
technological and social aspects of management.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                      
"This is important if we are to develop cultured and                                                                                                  
technologically advanced individuals in Malaysia," he said.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                      
The conference will focus on topics such as The Global                                                                                                
Economy: Challenges and Strategies, Forging a New Business                                                                                            
Culture: The Making of a Good Manager, and Managing with Soul:                                                                                        
Corporate Revewal.                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                      
"The conference provides a platform for entrepreneurs to have                                                                                         
a complete understanding of the emerging Malaysian business                                                                                           
environment, appreciaM and manage key aspects of                                                                                                      
organisational well-being," said Oracle Malaysia country                                                                                              
marketing manager Michael Lai.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                      
According to Lai, this is especially important since the                                                                                              
Internet presents entrepreneurs with tremendous opportunities.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                      
"There is a significant need therefore for information and                                                                                            
technological advancement," he said. "Through this conference,                                                                                        
we can meet those growing demands."                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                      
The conference will he held from May 2 to 4 at the Palace of                                                                                          
the Golden Horses. MIM members will be charged a fee of RM600                                                                                         
per person while nonmembers will have to pay RM1,000 each.