Entertainment and communications are the two primary movers in technology. How have these elements, in recent years, changed the way we work and play?

In recent years we have experienced a communications revolution. Nowadays, we are connected all the time, a factor that has changed the way we communicate with our friends, do business, and entertain ourselves. Moreover, technology is constantly evolving: we are hungry for better, smarter and faster technology, which means that the production development cycle has been speeded up to roll out innovation quicker. The next bit thing is always around the corner.

This is where Samsung has built its reputation: constantly developing and rolling out tomorrow’s technology.

A recent study showed that Samsung is one of the most preferred brands in Malta. How did you manage to build such a relationship with the Maltese consumers?

As the local representative for Samsung for the last 30 years, we are grateful for the trust that the Maltese consumers have shown in us.

As any businessperson will tell you, having the right product or brand is not enough. Consumers want excellent service before and after a sale. They need reassurance that they are getting value for money. Moreover, they want to treat themselves to a cutting edge product which excites them and which they will enjoy for years to come.

Together with Samsung, we have been delivering these promises successfully and consistently for many years. This has earned us a reputation of trust and reliability.

Representing Samsung is a huge responsibility. What does this involve?

During our period of representation, Samsung experienced an impressive rise to become one of the world’s most recognised brands. This also meant – and still means – swift and determined evolution of our operations across all the dimensions of the supply chain. From the integration between the sales and ordering processes, to the logistics, transport and warehousing to customer care and marketing, we never stop fine-tuning our processes in order to maintain our competitive advantage. Moreover, the rate at which technological innovation and exciting new ranges are rolled out is getting even quicker – therefore, we need to be prepared to accommodate these products.

What are the major challenges in the local technology scenario?

The size of our market is a major challenge. We aim to give local consumers as wide a range as possible at prices comparable to those in the rest of Europe. We manage to do this despite high transportation costs, lower sales volumes due to market size, and administrative hurdles such as the infamous eco tax. Moreover, some consumers nowadays opt to purchase such products directly from abroad.

We have managed to stand up to these challenges and consumers are increasingly appreciating that, more often than not, it is not worth the hassle to buy from abroad.

While some challenges – such as the size of the local market – cannot be changed, others, including the legal framework, can be improved to boost the local businesses’ competitiveness.

Samsung offers a diversified portfolio of products. Which are the more popular with the local consumer?

While we have been leaders for quite a number of years in the audiovisual market, we were pleasantly surprised with the growth in the appliances area. The Samsung range of fridges, washing machines and ovens are affordable, energy efficient and packed with incredible technology.

Smartphones and tablets are also extremely popular – in this market, Samsung has become the brand of choice. You only have to experience the new Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to understand why.

What technology will excite us this year?

The new super ultra high definition televisions push the boundaries of clarity and colour even further. We just can’t wait to see people’s reaction when they witness these technological jewels. Then there is the Chef Collection range of appliances: these are superior, smart and solid appliances that have been developed in conjunction with Michelin star chefs.