The International Electronics Forum (IEF) sessions kicked off on Wednesday here to discuss key aspects of the global electronics industry. It will end on May 9. Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al- Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), this year's forum is themed “The Global Electronics Ecosystem - Revolution or Evolution.” Sheikh Ahmed noted that by hosting the International Electronics Forum, DSO has emphasized its role as a state-of-the-art “Technology Oasis,” and a globally-recognized hub. “The forum will significantly contribute to DSO's mission to facilitate and promote hi-tech industries in the region. These industries depend on the design, development and manufacturing of precision electronics, optoelectronic technology, nanotechnology, and photovoltaic technology supported by the semiconductor industry,” he said. “Dubai continues to attract global giants, including top tier high-tech leaders, through developing its investor-friendly environment, its state-of-the-art infrastructure, and its solid legal framework that offers effective intellectual property protection.” During the first day of the event, speakers discussed the future of the rapidly growing sector. Senior executives from the world's leading electronics firms gave in depth presentations highlighting the electronics ecosystem and discussing challenges and opportunities of the multibillion dollar industry. JJ Yamaguchi, executive vice president, NEC Electronics, presented a talk on the “Present and Future of Digital Technology,” highlighting a ubiquitous reliance on connectivity. Yamaguchi also illustrated NEC's role in advancing technology through its manufacturing operations of computer, communications, and semiconductor products. Petri Liuha, laboratory director of Computation Structures at Nokia Research Center, shed light on the open platforms for rich applications in mobile devices in a presentation on “Mobile Device Technical Challenges,” while Kees Van Der Klauw, senior VP in Technology and Development at Philips Consumer Lifestyle, addressed the diverging requirements in the value chain for applications in consumer electronics. Malcolm Penn, chairman and CEO, Future Horizons, the company responsible for establishing the annual IEF, summed up the presentations by sharing an overview of the latest market forecasts and industry analyses. Other keynote speakers covered a wide range of vital industry topics. Waguih Ishak, division vice president of Corning, focused on recent developments in optoelectronics, while Luigi Liccardi, executive VP of Technology and Operations of Telecom Italia, shared his insights on improving customers? quality of life through mobile innovation. The first day of IEF 2008 proved to be a valuable networking day. __
