'Blue Thunder' to take world market by storm

PENANG-BASED DIS Technology Holdings Bhd (DISTech) is aggressively promoting its home-grown "Blue Thunder" brand of products internationally this year, by forging ties with global electronics players.

Besides inking a deal with South Korean giant in advanced materials, Sodiff E and T Co Ltd, to market DISTech's ultra-mobile personal computers (mini notebooks) in Asia and Europe, ties have also been forged with China's Xing Xing Group to market liquid crystal display panels in China.

"We are also awaiting approvals to export our new watch phones to Europe," DISTech group managing director Dustin Cheah told reporters after the company's annual shareholders meeting in Penang.

Cheah also said the setting up of the company's wholly-owned subsidiary DIS Technology (Hong Kong) Ltd last year has paid off in gaining awareness among bigger technology firms.

"As the world's marketing hub, our presence in Hong Kong has enabled the big boys to recognise us for our brand name, distribution channel in the region and strength in product development," he added.

In Hong Kong, DISTech also serves as a distributor for Samsung products.

Cheah said on the drawing board are plans to buy finished products manufactured by Xing Xing, which will carry its "Blue Thunder" label for distribution in Asia-Pacific.

He said the first-generation "Blue Thunder" watch phones, which are currently being marketed in Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines, are being retailed at around RM1,500 each.

"We are also in the midst of negotiations with world renowned telecommunications companies for business cum research and development collaborations with the aim of producing super products in the future."