Kaspersky Lab, which is sponsoring the upcoming Malaysia IT Fair 2011 in MidValley from Jan 28 to 30, is promoting the fair in an unusual way - it's bringing in Feng Shui Master Kenny Hoo.

So what has Feng Shui got to do with IT, you ask?

Well, according to Kenny Hoo, the concept of Feng Shui itself is a very digital culture. Everything is based on a Ying and Yang principle, which is conceptually similar to the binary system of ones and zeros that is the fundamental principle of how computers work.

"Even the Feng Shui compass can be considered the world's oldest computer," he said.

In any case, during the duration of the fair, Kaspersky is offering a free one-on-one consultation with Hoo worth RM888 or a place in his Feng Shui Outlook seminar worth RM688 if users spend RM250 and above at the fair.

The company decided to think different this year and organise an IT fair just before Chinese New Year, a time most stay away from because it is so close to the holidays, according to Jimmy Fong, Kaspersky Lab channel sales director for South East Asia.

However, Fong says that it makes sense, since early in the year is the time when a lot of new IT products hit the local market, and it's also the time when most people get their bonuses.

Having a Feng Shui master isn't the only attraction at the Malaysia IT Fair, however - according to Fong, there will also be lucky draws, freebies and auctions.

For the auction, visitors will be allowed to bid for a variety of items with the auction starting at RM1.

The items on auction include GPS navigators, mini Tablets, LCD TVs, smartphones, digital cameras, laptops and even an Apple iPad.

As for whether the Malaysia IT Fair will be a yearly event from now on, Fong says that if the response is good, the company may consider holding the fair on an annual basis, although no firm plans have been set. - TAN KIT HOONG (The Star)

www.MalaysiaITFair.com.my