KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- United Global Technologies Sdn Bhd (UGT) expects to roll out its interactive advertising media platform across the 903 7-Eleven outlets nationwide in nine months.

Its marketing director, Keith Wong, said the solution has been installed in 30 7-Eleven outlets so far.

"The company will install the new media channel in 450 outlets located in Klang Valley within three months," he told reporters at the launch of the partnership with 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd here today.

The channel will display simultaneous video, text and flash animation feeds on Samsung liquid crystal displays.

UGT managing director, Francis H.L. Wong, said the company has invested about RM3 million on research and development, computer software and pilot testing and would invest up to RM8 million on equipment in the next 12 months.

He said the company's target market included the heavy advertisers from industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, mobile phones, banks, cars, healthcare, fast-food and beverages producers.

"We provide an avenue for small and medium enterprises in Malaysia who have never advertise on TV before to have the opportunity to do so now.

"We seek to offer customers not just advertising avenue but an exciting opportunity to increase brand awareness and product promotion that is affordable and more importantly value for money," he said.

He said each 7-Eleven outlet has an average of 545 patrons per day excluding non-transacted patronage.

"The advertisement will be viewed by 492,135 patrons per day, 14 million viewers a month and exceeding 179 million viewers a year," he said.

Meanwhile, 7-Eleven executive director, Ng Su Onn, said the interactive media would give the company a new role -- as media owner for its own in-store products.

"This is an excellent opportunity for brands listed at our stores as there is the possibility of immediate purchase," he said.

The digital interactive advertisement with video motion advertisement will cost RM8,000, flash animation banner, RM4,500 and digital brochure, RM2,300 per month.

-- BERNAMA