First Derivatives has signalled its intent to break into the Asian market after announcing its sponsorship of the GAA Asian Gaelic Games Tournament 2012. The decision by the Newry based software provider and consulting service is seen as a clear indication of their ambition to increase visibility in Asian markets. Held during October in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia the GAA Asian Games are in their 17th year and now have 900 participants. The appeal of the tournament has also broadened with a 60/40 split between men and women and incorporating men’s and women’s gaelic football, hurling and camogie. Chief operating officer Adrian Toner said the firm now saw it as a strong networking opportunity. “With our large footprint in London and growth in the US Asia represents major potential for First Derivatives,” he said. “Financial markets there are still experiencing strong growth and demands for products and services like ours is huge. Not only is the Irish diaspora in Asia growing but they are becoming more structured and organised and the rapid growth of gaelic games is a good example of this. We want to position ourselves at the heart of those networks.” Mr Toner said the firm were proud of the sponsorship as a contribution to the global GAA family. “Apart from the clear business benefits we also want to support activity that offers so much to our staff,” he said. “With a young Irish work-force spread across the globe gaelic games can also be an excellent network for our staff, helping them establish friendships and settle into new places quickly.
Newry Democrat
14th August 2012
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