Ministry of Finance and Microsoft Malaysia Launch 1Vendor Development Programme; Prestariang appointed as training and certification provider

RM2million programme will boost training and qualification of local ICT businesses for global competitiveness

Cyberjaya, 3 July 2012 – The Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) today announced the launch of the 1Vendor Development Programme (“1VDP”) in collaboration with Microsoft Malaysia (“Microsoft”). 1VDP, launched by the Minister of Finance II, Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Husni, is a private-public partnership initiative that will see Microsoft Malaysia re-invest approximately RM2 million to elevate the global competitiveness of local ICT vendors and improve the quality human capital through training and certifications.

1VDP was launched to boost the capabilities of local IT vendors, helping them capitalize on the opportunities of the IT industry both regionally and globally. According to IDC, worldwide IT spending will grow to US$1.8 trillion, with emerging markets accounting for 28%.

A targeted 475 MOF-registered IT contractors will be trained and certified under 1VDP during the first phase of the programme from July to December 2012. IT contractors will receive competency training on Microsoft products, giving them the advantage over non-certified vendors in the areas of product knowledge, quality service assurance, and efficiency in project implementation.

“Our commitment to 1VDP is grounded in our long-standing collaboration with the Government to help transform Malaysia together. Microsoft continues to bring the technologies that businesses need and which people love – a powerful combination that Malaysian ICT vendors can leverage on. We certainly applaud the Government for taking a far-sighted view in supporting vendors to be globally competitive and to raise the quality of its human capital to meet challenges in the constantly changing market environment,” said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.

Prestariang Appointed As 1VDP Training and Certification Provider

Prestariang Systems Sdn Bhd (“PSSB”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prestariang Berhad (“PRESBHD”), was appointed as the exclusive training and certification provider for 1VDP as it is the only Large Account Reseller and Certified Partner for Learning Solution (CPLS) for Microsoft in Malaysia. At the launch ceremony, the Finance Ministry’s Secretary General of Treasury Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah presented the Letter of Appointment to Dato’ Ramli Abbas, Chairman of Prestariang Berhad.

“The 1VDP is timely as many talented local vendors would be able to benefit from this program which will enhance skills for global competitiveness, provide better execution skills for project implementation in both ICT and non-ICT fields, and be trained to meet challenges in the constantly changing market,” said Dato’ Ramli Abbas, adding that the company knows what it takes to be globally competitive.

To find out more about 1VDP, please visit www.1VDP.com.my.