[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKaWLP2-ngI] This short video of Microsoft's founder, Bill Gates, was taken last month at the 16th World Congress on Information Technology 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Although this isn't the first time a life-size hologram was used to deliver a speech, it was the closest to home. I think this is a great technology with amazing implications. How many of us get to see our heroes in the flesh? The closest I've gotten to real heroes of technology would be at the recent talk by Vinton Cerf, and on another occasion where Cisco's CEO John Chambers came to Singapore and spoke on a government-led platform. But beyond talks, what about rock concerts, product launches, religious preaching? This is important for a small country like Singapore. There isn't much incentive for the best and brightest to visit our shores, we have a small population, and a small addressable market, but among the smallness, there are eager fans who would watch every TED Talk video, stay up for the WWDC 2008 keynote, or even fly to the UK to watch their favourite football club. Holograms could make a difference. Of courses today's holograms are pre-recorded. But one day I'm sure they'll be live. As least it'll be handy till we figure out teleportation.