Launching of Sage Evolution ERP V7 and Conference on Cloud Computing

 

 

Speech - Launching of Sage Evolution ERP V7 and Conference on Cloud Computing

Friday 20 June at Park Hennesy Hotel 

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to address you today for the launching of the Sage Evolution ERP V7 and the conference on a subject of great importance. – ICT and cloud computing.

I wish to express my appreciation to Software Concepts Ltd for organising this conference on such a vital theme which is very relevant for the future of the country.

I am pleased to note that Software Concepts Ltd has been providing technical services in Mauritius and has extended its services in the Indian Ocean region. I am also happy that the company has a partnership with the University of Mauritius for the teaching of Sage Pastel Accounting to Accounting and Finance undergraduate students by providing material and teaching staff.

We all know that IT is a fast moving sector, with technological changes taking place at a rapid pace. There is a need to update programmes, to teach students about the latest software and their different uses. It is therefore critical for private sector organisations to develop such collaboration to ensure that our programmes respond to the needs of operators. This is a sector where continuous professional development is essential .

The ICT sector in Mauritius has grown to become the third pillar of the Mauritian economy and contributes nearly 6.8% to the GDP. The estimated turnover is around $1 billion. About 16,000 people are employed in the sector – ranging from call centre operators to highly qualified professionals.

Our universities have to live up to the challenge and need to constantly review and update their programmes. In this context, we have made it mandatory for all the universities to set up consultative committees with private sector operators in order to be aware of the needs of the labour market and adapt their programmes accordingly.

In 2012, about 7% of all students enrolled in tertiary education were studying IT.  A survey of  graduates of the two biggest tertiary education providers in the country namely the University of Mauritius (UoM) and the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM), which together account for over 75% of degree graduates produced locally has shown that IT graduates obtain an employment within a short lapse of time.

Today it is with satisfaction that I note the initiative of Software Concepts Limited to engage a reflection on Cloud computing. This is a technology which is now evolving like never before, with companies of all shapes and sizes adapting to this new technology. Industry experts believe that this trend will only continue to grow and develop even further in the coming few years.

We have plans to launch a Centre for Nanotechnology, a Centre for Space Science soon and I do hope that cloud computing will be resourceful to the researchers who will be working in these centres. I would also invite Software Concepts Limited to disseminate more information particular to students and teachers to demystify the various new technologies in ICT.

I trust that the launching of Sage Evolution V7 and the conference on cloud computing captures the thoughts of a range of professionals on the interface between the Accounting World and the concept of Cloud Computing. Let us hope this will be yet another one of the many advancements that we will be having in order to make Mauritius a Knowledge Hub.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Dr R. Jeetah                                                                                                                       Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology