Samsung Electronics, along with its three local partners in Saudi Arabia — United Matbouli Group (UMG), International Computer Company (ICC) and Future for Modern Products (FMP) — will showcase the company’s diverse range of cutting-edge digital technologies during the four-day COMDEX Saudi Arabia Exhibition.
Founded in 1969 in Korea, Samsung Electronics today has 25 production bases worldwide and 59 sales subsidiaries in 46 countries. Samsung Electronics global strategy involves eight main regions: North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Middle East & Africa (MEA), China, CIS and Latin America. Samsung has been in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years. Through its strong distributor network, which jointly operates more than 50 exclusive showrooms, Samsung has succeeded in achieving a high level of market penetration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Based on its vision of “digital convergence” where everything will be integrated through networks, Samsung Electronics has currently positioned itself into four main business units, Home Network, Office Network, Mobile Network and Core Components, producing the world’s most innovative digital products. Currently, Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest computer display manufacturer.
Representing Samsung at the most senior level for COMDEX is B.W. Lee, vice president, Middle East & Africa Headquarters (MEAHQ), Samsung Electronics, who said that the company’s participation in the event was a reflection of its commitment to bringing cutting-edge digital technology to Saudi consumers.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most important markets for Samsung in the region and we have been present here for over 20 years now,” Lee commented. “This year we have taken a big leap by participating in COMDEX Saudi Arabia as one of the key sponsors. The Samsung stand at the event will serve as a perfect platform for visitors to the exhibition to experience the thrill of our diverse range of high-end digital products that were widely acclaimed at the Winter Las Vegas show in the United States and CeBIT event in Germany.”
Samsung, the world’s top producer of both CRT and TFT monitors, will showcase its latest range of digital products, including the path-breaking SyncMaster 171P Monitor, which is capable of taking various audio, video and data input sources simultaneously.
Another highlight of the company’s participation in the exhibition will be the COMBO DVD player, which was first launched by Samsung, and now enjoys the No. 1 market share in the United States. Part of the company’s repertoire of digital convergence offerings, this futuristically designed product comprises five different functions — DVD, VCD, VCR, CD and MP3.
Consumers will also get a chance to see first hand Samsung’s state-of-the-art digital TV, digital projection TV, plasma screens and TFT LCD monitors, among other digital devices.
“Innovation forms the bedrock of Samsung’s philosophy and our strategy revolves around giving consumers the best in terms of both technology and quality,” said Lee. “One of the most important reasons for our success has been our ability to quickly adapt to specific market requirements such as adding an Arabic, Iranian and Turkish Multi Media Interface (“MMI”) to our mobile phones and On Screen Display (OSD) in various languages on our televisions. We have also used Arabic celebrities to promote our products in the region.”
As part of its commitment to offering high service levels to its regional customers, Samsung has also invested in a service subsidiary, located in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai, which recently completed five years of operation.
In discussing Samsung’s corporate strategy in the Kingdom, Lee explained that Samsung would continue to make its presence felt in the Saudi market through its diverse range of digital convergence products.
“Digital convergence is where the IT industry is heading and Samsung is well poised to become a leader in this sector,” Lee said. “In fact the company already enjoys the No. 1 market share in core digital components like semi-conductors, PDP panels, TFT-LCD’s and picture tubes.”