• Distributes ASUS smartphones at affordable price points to meet popular demand 
• To expand revenue contribution from smartphone distribution 
• Malaysia’s smartphone market expected to grow 21.3% in 2014 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 April 2014 – Malaysia’s leading ICT distributor ECS ICT Berhad (ECS, 佳杰科技; Bloomberg: ECS MK; Reuters: ECSI.KL) further strengthened its smartphone portfolio by adding the range of ASUS Zenfone for distribution nationwide, effective today. 

Already an established ICT distributor, ECS entered the smartphone distribution sector in end-2012, and within a year, recorded tremendous sales growth in the product line. ECS aims to accelerate this growth rate further with the ASUS Zenfone range. 

“Our role as an ICT distributor is to be attentive to the market’s evolving preferences, and strive to provide our resellers with quality products that are sought-after by end-users.

Smartphones are certainly included in the ‘high demand’ product category; even more so those within the affordable price range to appeal to the mass market.

With our positive start in the smartphone distribution channel thus far, together with ASUS’ strong brand equity, we are confident of growing our smartphone revenue stream even further in 2014.”

Mr. Foo Sen Chin (胡善正)
Managing Director, ECS ICT Berhad

Securing the distribution rights for the ASUS Zenfone range of smartphones effectively cements the relationship between ECS’ wholly-owned subsidiary ECS Astar Sdn Bhd and ASUSTEK Computer Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ASUS, 華碩電腦). ECS currently distributes ASUS notebooks and tablet PCs. ASUS consumer notebook PC has gained tremendous market share over the past three years to become one of the top brands in Malaysia. ASUSTEK aims to replicate similar success for its range of smartphones. 

Even though Malaysia’s smartphone penetration rate reached more than 60% in 2013, the International Data Corporation maintains that the smartphone market has more room for expansion, with local smartphone sales anticipated to grow by a healthy 21.3% in 2014. 

Amongst other factors, the higher sales are expected to be driven by increasing demand for affordable smartphones. The ASUS Zenfone, featuring price points between RM299 and RM899, are well within the affordable bracket for the masses while maintaining innovative features and quality. 

Foo also commented that Malaysia’s increasing mobile internet penetration and mobile application adoption further encouraged smartphone sales going forward. 

“Malaysia is fast becoming an increasingly connected community, with mobile or wireless internet widely prevalent in homes, education institutions, workplaces and even public environments. This greatly supports the mass adoption of smartphones amongst all strata of society,” said Foo. 

“Therefore, the addition of ASUS Zenfone is a timely addition to our smartphone product range to meet the anticipated demand upsurge,” he concluded. 

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