The evening was perfect for the occasion. The harbour lights reflected in the water with sailing boats and thousands of families enjoying the ambiance and crowding the cafe’s gave the whole atmosphere a festive look.

Inside the Convention Centre where the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) professionals of Australia and other SEARCC countries were gathered to enjoy the fellowship gala dinner and to recognize and award certificates for the excellence as an ICT professional and outstanding representative of each country, that Veqar-ul-Islam was honoured for his accomplishments.

Veqar ul Islam presently Country Director, Nokia Pakistan was previously Country Manager Pakistan, Afghanistan & Bangladesh of NCR.

Kumar Parakala, Chairman SEARCC 2005 presented the Award for Excellence as an ICT professional and an outstanding representative of Pakistan to Veqar ul Islam.

In his remarks Parakala said, “The development and adoption of ICT is moving at an accelerated pace around the world, creating growth and wealth and opportunities for South East Asian business and government. Yet there are sometimes wide gaps between Australia and South East Asian ICT practitioners in understanding mutual strengths and leveraging opportunities that drive economic growth in Australia and the region. SEARCC 2005 is about bridging these gaps by bringing the ICT communities of South East Asia and Australia together in Sydney.” He dubbed the SEARCC 2005 as the most significant ICT Conference to be held in Australia for decades.

SEARCC is the overarching body for the ICT societies in the region. It was formed in 1978 and today it comprises of 13 member countries - Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan ROC and Thailand.

The awards program was held by participating Computerworld magazines from across the region.

Veqar ul Islam’s selection has been made on his achievements in introducing new technology - the concept of integrated call centers and local contact center outsourcing, setting up of Center of Expertise / Global Consulting Center for NCR Europe, Middle East Africa region for data warehousing projects using local resources and leading the team of NCR Pakistan in achieving CMM Level V certification.

Veqar has also expanded the NCR Education Center and started the University Program on data warehousing with leading Universities of Pakistan. He also popularized the Pakistan’s prestigious NCR National IT Excellence Awards during his tenure with NCR.