From Support to Strategy IT/AV’s Evolution as a Core Business Partner

Hong Kong, China – October 22, 2025 – The business landscape is witnessing a fundamental transformation in how technology drives growth and innovation. At a recent IT conference, industry leaders examined IT/AV’s crucial shift from backend support to a strategic partnership. Featuring Louis Mah of MAXIM’S GROUP, Francis Ng of OCBC Hong Kong, and Steven Medeiros of VEGA, the conversation revealed how organizations are leveraging technology to gain a competitive advantage and achieve operational excellence.

 

A significant focus of the discussion centred on the evolving relationship between Audio Visual (AV) technology and IT infrastructure. Steven Medeiros, CEO of VEGA, emphasized that “AV-over-IP is becoming the standard, driving a fundamental convergence between these traditionally separate domains.” This integration represents more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic realignment that positions AV as a critical business enabler.

 

Medeiros highlighted how this convergence enables new operational models, particularly “AV-as-a-Service,” which transforms capital expenditures into predictable operational costs. “We’re seeing AV formally migrate into the IT domain,” he noted, “allowing organizations to leverage IT’s security frameworks, network management protocols, and standardized procurement models.” This shift is particularly evident in the high-tech sector, where AV is increasingly managed as part of the core IT infrastructure.

 
 

The VEGA CEO also addressed the ongoing “territory war” between facilities, real estate, and IT departments over AV ownership. “The trend is clearly moving toward IT management,” Medeiros observed, “as AV technology becomes more integrated with network infrastructure and requires the same security considerations as traditional IT systems.”

 

While AV convergence represented a key discussion point, the panel also explored broader IT transformation themes. Louis Mah, Director, Group Information Technology of Maxim’s Group, shared strategies for embedding IT within business units, while Francis Ng, CIO of OCBC, discussed navigating complex regulatory environments in the banking sector. Both emphasized the importance of creating collaborative spaces where IT and business teams share common goals and accountability measures. The conversation also covered the strategic balance between building versus buying technology solutions, with Francis Ng noting that organizations should build solutions for core competencies while opting for third-party solutions for generic functions.

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The panel discussion underscored that technology’s role has fundamentally evolved from a supportive function to a strategic driver. As Steven Medeiros compellingly argued, the convergence of AV and IT exemplifies this broader transformation, where specialized technologies are becoming integrated components of unified business strategies. This evolution requires organizations to rethink traditional departmental boundaries and embrace a more collaborative, strategic approach to technology implementation. The insights shared by all panellists make it clear that organizations embracing this integrated approach will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital business environment.

 

 

 

Media Contact:
Rebecca Ng
Marketing and Public Relations Manager | VEGA
852 5228 6015

[email protected]

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