Belfast mobile software firm’s Asia-Pacific expansion

17 Nov 2008

Belfast technology firm SLA Mobile has expanded into south-east Asia with a new office in Kuala Lumpur aimed at capturing a share of the fast-growing Asia-Pacific mobile market.

The company, which counts Nokia, Vodafone and Sony among its clients, designs and installs the platforms that enable mobile phone companies to deliver games, music and video downloads to consumers.

“There are many companies in this sector that are reining in any thoughts of global expansion, but we are committed to taking our skills, ideas and our people into these new and exciting markets, showcasing the best that Northern Ireland has to offer,” explained SLA Mobile’s chief executive, Nick Stirk.

“Strategically, the mobile data service market in Asia is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and Malaysia is leading that charge. Logistically, it’s centrally located with excellent transportation links to other countries in the region.

“The market is developing fast, with consumer demand for a broader range of services and content increasing at a rapid pace,” Stirk said.

SLA, which provides tailor-made ICT solutions to over 100 local businesses, was recognised last month as Northern Ireland’s ‘Rising Star’ by Deloitte at its Fast 50 technology awards in Dublin for the second year running.

SLA is also one of only two Northern Irish firms to feature on The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list of the fastest-growing high-tech firms in the UK. It employs 90 people in Northern Ireland, Europe, Asia and the US.

By John Kennedy

Pictured: Boyd McCleary, the Belfast-born British High Commissioner to Malaysia, and SLA managing director, Nick Stirk

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com