TechnoMedia looks to the West

TALK of Perth’s reputation as Australia’s resource centre, its proximity to Asia and its ‘lifestyle’ is almost becoming cliched, it’s so common.

But then, these considerations are exactly what attracts interstate and overseas businesses here, as TechnoMedia International has confirmed.

The Houston-based computer training company is likely to open an office in Perth within months, and up to 60 people could be employed there.

While a final decision is dependent upon the success of the company’s efforts to win tender work, TechnoMedia’s president was recently in WA and is understood to have been impressed with Perth’s infrastructure, facilities and local talent.

Speaking of local talent, TechnoMedia is not seeking the kind of people that are commonly employed in the computer, training or oil and gas industries.

While graphic artists and 3D modellers are

de rigueur, the company is keen to

launch the business careers of some of WA’s literature and theology students.

This unusual focus has, however, a sound basis in logic. Such students are said to be highly adept at explaining technical terms in common language.

As most people acknowledge, the computer and oil industries are towards the particularly esoteric end of the professions, so anyone who can explain complex concepts in simple language is a boon.

While TechnoMedia is expanding in Perth, much of its work is in South-East Asia, particularly southern China and Malaysia, so to help cover these markets, the company’s Jakarta office will expand from its current 10 employees to between 140 and 160 people.

The Perth office would work closely with Jakarta, and also with planned operations in East Timor.

Assuming TechnoMedia is successful in its bids for some major contracts, which will be announced in April, a formal announcement of the company’s plans should be made within the next month.