International Data Corporation (IDC), a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and tech-related events, last week hosted more than 200 senior ICT leaders on its virtual platform for the 10th edition of the IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit. Running under the theme “The Race to Reinvent: Connecting Leaders to Empower Digital Transformation,” the annual event took place online on Oct. 14 and offered an immersive experience for all participants as they seamlessly engaged in presentations and panel discussions, connected with exhibitors via video chat, and interacted with IDC analysts and key industry players in designated networking zones.
With the participation of more than 30 ICT suppliers and organizations, the event showcased exclusive insights from Ali Al-Asiri, CEO of Yesser, Saudi Arabia’s e-government program and the event’s strategic partner; and Faisal Ahmed Bakhashwain, deputy minister of digital transformation within the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which was the event’s government partner.
“The IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit 2020 comes at a time when we are seeking to achieve higher levels of digital maturity in both public and private sector organizations,” said Al-Asiri. “The use of emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and IoT will play a critical role as we strive to develop the digital capabilities and competencies required to optimize our performance and align ourselves with the wider vision of the Kingdom, especially as the world looks to Saudi Arabia’s technological and digital capabilities in crisis management and their effective use by government entities in serving the Saudi community.”
The summit agenda incorporated individually themed sessions that offered expert guidance on the latest trends in AI, cybersecurity, digital leadership, the future of work, intelligent automation, next-generation resilience and continuity, big data analytics, cloud, and others.
“Digital leadership will be critical for Saudi organizations as they look to unleash the full potential of digital transformation,” said Hamza Naqshbandi, IDC’s regional director for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. “With the global COVID-19 pandemic adding yet more complexity to the digital decision-making process, today’s event provided an ideal opportunity to advise the Kingdom’s businesses and government organizations on enabling competitive business models and identifying opportunities for growth and sustainability in these unprecedented times.”
The event culminated with the IDC Digital Excellence Awards 2020 as IDC recognized the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s foremost IT leaders in conceptualizing and successfully delivering game-changing transformation initiatives for their organizations across four different categories.
