MALAYSIA NEEDS TO FAST TRACK INNOVATION AGENDA

Tengku Farith Rithauddeen, Group Chief Executive Officer and Co- founder of the SKALI Group of Companies

Kuala Lumpur, May 22, 2008 ~ The success of WCIT 2008 has earmarked Malaysia as an important mover in the region’s innovation agenda but the nation will still lag behind countries like Singapore and even Vietnam if nothing is being done to address the issues of dearth of local skilled workers and also the lack of basic ICT infrastructure such as a nationwide broadband connection.

Tengku Farith Rithauddeen, Group Chief Executive Officer and Co- founder of the SKALI Group of Companies said that the arrival of WCIT in Malaysia is a clear endorsement that Malaysia is a world player in the global ICT industry. “However, we must never rest on our laurels and must persist to advance and continue to be the preferred innovation hub as other countries are catching up fast on us,” he added.

The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had recently said that MSC Malaysia is now home to more than 2,000 companies including home-grown and multinationals, of which about 100 are leading global companies. In 2007, MSC status companies’ turnover was approximately 13.6 billion ringgit — an increase of more than 25 per cent compared to 2002.

“Even though the statistics are quite impressive, SKALI is still concerned as we are lacking behind other countries in terms of innovation agenda. We have noted down few key requirements for Malaysia to address before we are able to quantum leap into the next era for the ICT industry. We must remember where we are now but how fast and how far we can go in the future.

“One of the biggest issues has been the lack of human development programmes for the industry as the nation is currently facing shortage of skilled graduates who conform to the industry standards. As a result, although we currently have approximately 10,000 unemployed IT graduates, we still need to employ skilled foreign workers.

“SKALI has taken this challenge to re-skill our graduates to make them better prepared with the required skill through our ‘SKALI Pioneers and Innovators in the Knowledge Economy (SPIKE) programme, and we sincerely hope that other players could do the same to help the industry.

“Through the SPIKE programme, SKALI had already re-skilled 253 graduates who are currently working for the Managed Portal Services, a project by SKALI to build and upgrade government websites and portals. “We don’t just train them. We also ‘hold their hands’ so that they are able to survive in the industry and also alter on become technopreneurs themselves,” said Tengku Farith.

Tengku Farith also added that Malaysia’s snail paced move to implement a nationwide broadband access would also lead to a slowdown in the ICT industry. Although Malaysia’s broadband penetration rate stands at 0.08 percent, Singapore stands at 6.13 per cent and South Korea at 19.29 per cent. This is very low as compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The Malaysian Broadband Masterplan, recently introduced by the government, is expected to accelerate the development of broadband access in the country.

“The implementation of nationwide broadband access will not only accelerate the transformation of Malaysia into a K-based society and economy, but will also attract more FDI’s into the country thus will lead to the development of SMEs in the ICT sector. This snowballing effect will see the true notion of wealth creation.

“SMEs will then be able to capitalise on their knowledge and promote better services and be competitive throughout the nation. Malaysia would also be able to narrow down its digital divide as more ICT-based companies would invest in other towns if the ICT infrastructure and human capital are available,” Tengku Farith concluded.

ICT Vital To Economic and Social Development

Benefits of ICT Could Be an Aid to Issues Such As the Global Rice Crisis

21 May, Kuala Lumpur – Dr. Johnsee Lee, leader of Taiwan delegation for WCIT 2008, reinforced the importance of ICT during The Great Debate, a one hour lively debate which was moderated by CNBC Anchor, Arnold Gay. Dr. Lee was part of a panel of distinguish speakers that included Dr. John Gage, Chief Research and Director of the Science Office at Sun Microsystems and Professor Howard A Schmidt, Eminent Cyber-Security Expert to discuss various aspects of ICT.

During the debate, the panel of speakers discussed several issues such as the value of ICT, Cyber Security and Green ICT. Even though it was named The Great Debate, the panel displayed a general consensus on the various issues, reinforcing their shared belief that ICT will be of a positive impact on global economic and social development.

Dr. Lee, who is also the President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the largest industrial technology R&D organization in Taiwan, was quick to highlight the importance of ICT even when posed with the question on the value of ICT as the world faces a severe rice shortage. “Having food on the table is definitely important; it is the basic to survival. The magnitude of the shortage is definitely acknowledged, however as we address the issue of food shortage, we must not discount the fact that ICT could be of benefit even to this crisis.

“As the world addresses the issue, concurrently, we should also be exploring how ICT capability could provide long time sustainable living especially for those in the developing countries as it is a key enabler of education and information, “he added.

Dr. Lee’s view is supported by both Dr. Gage and Professor Schmidt who reinforced the view that ICT is a key tool to education and information, vital for economic and social development.

Another issue that was discussed during the debate was Green ICT. Dr Lee said “We at ITRI have spent much time and investment on Green ICT; we are aggressively researching to develop even more energy efficient chips. We also practice aggressive recycling where possible. However, it is important to highlight that we, as global citizens, should all take on a proactive approach towards sustainable development even for the ICT industry.”

Dr Johnsee Lee led a 50 member strong Taiwan delegation which consisted of industrial and research representatives from Chunghwa Telecom, the Information Service Industry Association of the ROC, Tatung, and ITRI to the WCIT 2008.

The theme for the Taiwan showcase at WCIT 2008 is Smart Living. During the 3 days global forum, ITRI, the Institute for Information Industry and Chunghwa Telecom received much interest for their showcase of 10 advanced ICT applications from foreign delegates. The Taiwan Pavilion was awarded the Grand Prize for Best Country Pavilion by PIKOM at WCIT 2008.

Broadcast Live on Your Mobile Phone

Taiwan Pocket Channel Sets New Benchmark for Mobile Communication

20 May, Kuala Lumpur – Pocket Channel, developed by The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), presents mobile users with the opportunity to broadcast ‘live’ video footage through their mobile phones. Pocket Channel was showcased at the Taiwan Pavilion at WCIT 2008. The application based on a unique one-to-many mobile streaming technology converts mobile phones into mobile SNG* vehicles, allowing users to transmit ‘live’ footages to a community of viewers instantly and conveniently. In the past, users were only able to share pre-recorded footages that have been taken via their mobile. Hence, Pocket Channel sets new frontiers for mobile video publishing and mobile related business opportunities.

ITRI’s President Dr. Johnsee Lee explains “Pocket Channel allows mobile phones to be even more dynamic, as the application converts mobile phone or PDA into a smart streaming platform. With the help of the application, users will be able to transmit video or send pictures on a real-time basis to friends or family members. Pocket Channel has collaborated with various Taiwan television stations to allow members of the public (citizen journalists) to transmit ‘live’ news footages or pictures to their respective websites.”

At the personal front, Pocket Channel is a tool that will strengthen family ties, as personal user scenarios are endless. For example, an expectant mother who is in labour will be able to transmit ‘live’ broadcast of the birth of her child via her mobile phone to her husband who is not able to be present at the significant event.
Pocket Channel can be installed in any Internet device, such as a handset, PDA or PC with 3GPP compliant player.

Dr Johnsee Lee is the lead for the Taiwan delegation to WCIT 2008. The 50 member strong delegation consists of industrial and research representatives from Chunghwa Telecom, the Information Service Industry Association of the ROC, Tatung, and ITRI. The theme of the Taiwan showcase at WCIT 2008 is Smart Living. ITRI, the Institute for Information Industry and Chunghwa Telecom have collaborated to display 10 advanced ICT applications. Pocket Channel has been deemed to be of major interest to WCIT 2008 visitors as the technology is setting new mobile benchmarks, making an internet device into a mini mobile SNG* van.

Taiwan’s IT and IT products already hold an important place in the world market. Taiwan is responsible for producing over 90% of the notebook computers and motherboards made worldwide. In addition, its wafer foundry, LCD panel, and LCD television industries rank first globally. The Digital Access Index that is tabulated by the International Telecommunication Union measures the overall ability of individuals in a country to access and use new ICT. Last year, Taiwan ranked ninth in the index. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s e-government initiative has won worldwide acclaim. The World Economic Forum in its global competitiveness ratings for 2007 ranked Taiwan fourth in the e-government index, highlighting Taiwan’s achievements in this regard.

*SNG: Satellite News Gatherings

PIKOM SETS THE STAGE FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Local ICT companies gain from PIKOM’s activities during WCIT

The Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia, PIKOM, the umbrella body for the local information and communications industry, has played a vital role in setting the stage for local companies to tap into the global market during the 16th World Congress on Information Technology 2008

The activities organised by PIKOM during WCIT 2008 has proven to be successful in enabling local ICT players to not only sign deals with foreign companies but also build bridges of opportunities for future alliances. Among these activities include PIKOM PS3 (pronounced as PS cube), PIKOM PC Fair International, several dialogue sessions with major economies and networking sessions.

These events have helped further promote the local ICT industry and provide opportunities for local businesses to network with global players.

PIKOM undertook the initiative to organise these events to propel Malaysian trade competitiveness to a global level and impart valuable knowledge to local companies. The objective was to create business opportunities that can help local companies advance and strengthen our economy.

This is part of a larger plan to create a sustainable pool of globally recognised professionals, create thousands of new jobs and increase revenues from ICT service exports.

PIKOM believes its activities during WCIT will go a long way in assisting the ICT industry to make a more significant contribution to the country’s growth.

In spite of the impending global economic crisis, PIKOM remains optimistic that the ICT industry will continue to be an engine of growth for the nation. And PIKOM will continue to play a pivotal role to stimulate business opportunities for local ICT companies, as well as enrich the society at large. PIKOM expects that the ICT industry will contribute up to 15 per cent of the country's GDP by 2012, amounting to RM80 billion. Currently, the industry contributes about 7 per cent.

The local ICT spending in 2007 was worth about RM40 billion and is forecasted to grow by 12 per cent to reach RM44.5 billion in 2008.

PIKOM estimates WCIT 2008 to generate more than US$100mil (RM330mil) worth of foreign direct investments to the country.

INTEL, GRAMEEN ANNOUNCE JOINT BUSINESS VENTURE TO FUEL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES EMPOWERED BY TECHNOLOGY

Citing Public-Private Collaborations as Crucial to Achieving Scalable Impact in Developing Countries, Intel Chairman Unveils Collaboration with NetHope during WCIT 2008 Keynote

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 19, 2008 – Addressing the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008, Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett announced that Intel Capital and Grameen Trust will form a business venture dedicated to social and economic development. Also during his opening-day keynote, Barrett announced collaboration with NetHope and demonstrated a new Aid Station device designed to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in their health care, disaster relief and economic growth efforts.

The joint venture aims to bring about self-sustaining solutions based on information and communications technology (ICT) to help empower the world’s impoverished citizens. The initiative, which will be launched in Bangladesh, is based on the “social business” model created by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who founded Grameen Bank in 1976 to promote microfinancing and community development.

“Technology offers the means for scaling up our efforts toward global change and progress,” said Barrett, who also chairs the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID). “By creating new business models based on ICT, as Intel is doing today with Grameen, we can bring people the tools they need to improve their future.”

“I am very happy to collaborate with Intel in this new direction and create opportunities for poor people to rise above social and economic barriers,” said Yunus, author of the best-selling book, “Creating a World Without Poverty.” “I believe technology-based services will provide the ‘hand up’ that people need to discover their full potential. Once we show that this business model works in Bangladesh, we hope the successes we achieve there can be applied to the rest of the developing world.”

The Grameen-Intel joint venture combines Intel’s technology innovation and Grameen’s extensive experience in creating economic development and income-generation opportunities at the village level. The new company will use a private sector-based approach to address social and economic problems such as poverty, health care and education in developing countries.
Intel and Grameen foresee a number of ICT-based services and entrepreneurship opportunities growing out of such a business model. Examples include remote villagers receiving medical attention through Internet connectivity, rural communities being able to order medicine locally instead of having to walk 10 miles to a hospital, and families being notified of monies received from relatives abroad.

New Collaborations with NGOs
Barrett, in chairing a meeting of the Steering Committee and Strategy Council for UN GAID in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, stressed that public-private collaborations are pivotal in achieving the world’s goals for developing countries in the coming decade. He cited the global reach and resources of NGOs as a key way to make inroads on social and economic problems.

Intel has teamed up with NetHope, a new-generation collaborative consortium made up of chief information officers, senior program managers and technical experts from 22 of the largest international NGOs, to develop ICT solutions in support of the member NGOs’ health care, economic development, and disaster relief programs. The ICT solutions deployed will include the Intel-powered Aid Station PC demonstrated for the first time during today’s keynote. The Aid Station is a rugged, purpose-built, low-cost technology platform suitable for use in harsh, remote locations.

“Our members all face similar challenges in developing and delivering ICT solutions that will work in the toughest environments around the world,” said Bill Brindley CEO of NetHope. “The Aid Station PC offers the potential to deliver huge benefits to the people in the developing world, including frontline aid workers. We’re pleased to be collaborating with Intel on the design and the development of solutions that can stand up to the often extreme conditions our members face.”

Intel also signed an agreement with Racing the Planet, an organizer of sports events in extreme conditions, to test the Aid Station device during athletic contests in some of the driest, hottest, coldest and windiest locations on Earth.

Earlier in his Southeast Asia trip, Barrett visited Indonesia and Penang, Malaysia, for a firsthand look at how digital inclusion programs are taking root and creating life-changing opportunities. Barrett is visiting the region in his role as chairman of UN GAID and to experience up close the progress made by the Intel World Ahead Program, Intel’s global initiatives to improve education, health care, entrepreneurship and government services by accelerating access to computers, connectivity and localized Internet content.

Additional information about the Intel World Ahead Program, a US$1 billion, 5-year initiative, is available at www.intel.com/changingtheworld and www.intel.com/intel/worldahead/index.htm.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi scores high 80%

May 20, 2008, Kuala Lumpur – Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, scored a high 80% on his Chinese spoken language test at the Taiwan booth after the official opening of WCIT 2008 this morning.

The Prime Minister was given a crash course in using a Chinese-Speaking Self-Learning software program installed on a personal computer that recognizes voice and pronunciation of Chinese words, which it then repeated The software program, developed by Institute for Information Industry of Taiwan, helps people learn the Mandarin dialect by scoring accuracy of pronunciation and tone.

This easily-installed software provides people with limited time but who want to learn Chinese with an option that they can use on a desktop PC at the office or at home, or on a notebook computer while on the road.The prototype, available at the Taiwan booth at Exhibition Hall 1 at WCIT 2008 this week for visitors to see how they fare with their pronunciation and tone, will be commercialized by e-Learning vendors in Taiwan.

The software has already been used with Taiwanese companies, language institutes in Vietnam, and IT companies in Brazil. People using this software are able to speak basic Chinese for conversation and general communication in one and a half months. Visitors to the Taiwan booth will be given a trial CD.

Taiwan booth drums up excitement in IT innovation Dr Johnsee Lee (李鍾熙), President of Industrial Technology Research Institute, who is the head of the Taiwan delegation at WCIT 2008, said that “ITRI is here to showcase IT innovation from Taiwan, which has evolved from a manufacturing base to a high-tech digital base.

For example, the Pocket Channel allows people to become instant broadcasters with their web-enabled mobile devices, in which they can use this unique one-to-many mobile streaming technology.” The Taiwan booth was officially opened with a Wushu drum ceremony. Among the guests were the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Representative in Malaysia, Mr. Victor Tseng; World Information Technology and Services Alliance Chairman George Newstrom; Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization President Ashank Desai; and PIKOM Chairman David Wong. Dr Lee also announced a joint challenge by ITRI and satellite-based organizations in Europe that will encourage people to develop technology innovations for the Galileo satellite.

ITRI, together with organizations from Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and France, will award a prize of 50,000 Euros to the winning program, which will be evaluated based on originality (50%), feasibility (25%) and market potential (25%). Interested parties can find more information at www.galileo-masters.com.The Taiwan booth is located in Exhibition Hall 1, #108.

馬國首相首次以軟體學習中文分數 飆高到八十分
WCIT台灣館「智慧生活」技術應用艷驚全場



台灣於世界資訊科技大會中盛大展出台灣消費電子新技術，吸引所有與會者的注意。開幕儀式中大會主辦單位代表與本次台灣團團長-工研院李鍾熙院長（右三）共同邀請與會之精英來台灣體驗前瞻的「智慧生活」。由左至右：軟體協會前理事長殷允中、軟體協會劉瑞隆理事長、馬來西亞電腦工會主席Mr. David Wong、台灣駐馬來西亞曾慶源大使、團長暨工研院李鍾熙院長、世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟主席Mr. George C. Newstrom、亞太電腦公會理事長Mr. Ashank DesaiPT、世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟下屆主席Dan E Khoo、世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟秘書長Jim Posiant

第16屆世界資訊科技大會（World Congress on Information Technology, WCIT）於5月19~21日於馬來西亞吉隆坡會議中心舉行，吸引全球80多國三千多人與會。馬來西亞首相拿督斯里阿都拉特別親臨台灣館體驗台灣先進的「智慧生活」高科技應用，並由台灣團團長工研院院長李鍾熙博士致贈故宮畫作。

台灣團團長暨工研院院長(左)致贈馬來西亞首相拿督斯里阿都（右）故宮金箔花開富貴畫。

馬來西亞首相拿督斯里阿都拉於大會開幕當天特別親臨台灣館體驗全球第一套的華語文口說訓練系統。這是將電腦口說會話服務融入至真人老師直接訓練模式的口說會話訓練系統，學習者可以電腦自學或真人遠距教學方式，學會中文。阿都拉首相當場試用，由於教學簡易，阿都拉首相興致高昂的馬上開始練習，第一次發音時，電腦給分並不高，經過第二次練習，分數馬上飆高至80分，阿都拉首相也當場學了一句中文-「你好」。馬總統特別錄影向WCIT大會的與會者及世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟的60多個會員國問候，歡迎他們來台，同時宣揚我國資訊科技的實力。馬總統在錄影中指出：「台灣在全球IT產業中扮演著重要的角色，並為各國IT產業之策略合作夥伴之一，歡迎各國與會者親來台灣體驗台灣之美及台灣的「智慧生活」。世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟主席Mr. George C. Newstrom特別在會員大會恭賀馬英九先生當選中華民國總統，並稱馬總統為WCIT之友。

台灣館同步於今天舉行盛大的開幕儀式,並邀請大會主辦單位世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟主席Mr. George C. Newstrom等蒞臨台灣館共同歡迎邀請與會之精英來台灣體驗前瞻的「智慧生活」。工研院院長暨台灣團團長李鍾熙博士致詞指出「在全球化的趨勢生活形態的改變下，IT的科技發展越來越向消費者需求靠攏，唯有將生活應用需求面與網路與通訊科技完美整合，才能開發出符合人性需求的產品進而領導世界潮流。本次台灣館的設計即以生活應用情境來展示，滿足消費者安全、分享、自我實現等需求。諸如：能隨時隨地傳遞天倫之樂的口袋頻道、家庭安全守護者的訊息設計、全球第一個多功能的手機SIM卡、華語文口說訓練系統等」。

第16屆世界資訊科技大會（World Congress on Information Technology, WCIT）於5月19~21日於馬來西亞吉隆坡會議中心舉行，吸引全球80多國三千多人與會。WCIT由世界資訊科技暨服務聯盟主辦，每二年舉行全球資訊科技與通訊高峰會議。台灣曾於公元2000年主辦，台北市政府為主要之政府贊助單位，當年的馬市長也是大會的Keynote Speaker；2002年 WCIT在澳洲舉辦時，台北市獲頒“IT Excellence Award”，馬市長也親至澳洲受獎。

Get Smart with the latest Taiwanese ICT innovations for your Life Style

Visit WCIT2008 Taiwan Pavilion and stand a chance to win ASUS Eee PC

TAIPEI, May 13 2008, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the largest application research and development organization in Taiwan, will be taking part in this year’s World Congress on Information Technology, the premier global ICT forum, in Kuala Lumpur.

Together with Information Technology Service Association of ROC and Chunghwa Telecom, ITRI will be showcasing the latest state-of-the-art ICT applications under the theme of ‘Smart Living’ at the Taiwan Pavilion at WCIT 2008. The innovations on display fall under three broad categories - Digital Home, Intelligent Life, and Mobile Services & Applications. Highlights include Pocket Channel, an application which offers functions that are similar to that of an SNG van, employing unique one-to-many streaming video technology. Pocket Channel converts a mobile phone or a PDA into a video transmitting tool, giving users the chance to capture and send videos in real time to a network of friends and family members. Another application Home Messenger integrates an array of security features into a monitoring system. Finally, witness the world’s leading integration of RFID chips into mobile phones, making it a viable tool for electronic payment and security access.

Dr. Johnsee Lee, President of Industrial Technology Research Institute and leader of Taiwan delegations highlights, “We hope our showcase will enforce Taiwan’s leadership in the high-tech industry. We would like to invite the delegates at WCIT 2008 to experience the cutting-edge innovation that have been developed by ITRI for the various segments such as security and health.”

The Taiwan Pavilion opening is open to delegates on May 19 2008, Monday at 11:15 a.m.

MIMOS’ KNOWLEDGEGRID MALAYSIA NOW PART OF THE EUROPEAN GRID NETWORK

KnowledgeGRID Malaysia certified by European Commission’s Enabling Grid for E-Science (EGEE)

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 MAY 2008 ­– MIMOS today announced that KnowledgeGRID Malaysia (formerly known as National Grid Computing) is now part of the European Grid Network infrastructure following the production certification by the European Commission’s Enabling Grid for E-Science (EGEE).

“KnowledgeGRID Malaysia is the only Malaysian grid site certified under the European Commission. It is testimony from a world organisation that KnowledgeGRID Malaysia meets the production quality standards of the European grid infrastructure,” said Thillai Raj, head, Grid Computing Cluster, MIMOS.

KnowledgeGRID Malaysia underwent a rigorous three months of setup and testing in terms of precise assessment algorithms, security, performance, and data fidelity compatibility before it was certified to join the European network infrastructure.

KnowledgeGRID Malaysia’s performance quality will be constantly reassessed to ensure it meets the standards of the European grid.Developed by MIMOS, KnowledgeGRID Malaysia is a grid computing platform that enables secure, dependable, consistent, pervasive and inexpensive access to computational and data capabilities nationwide. It is an initiative under the Ninth Malaysia Plan aimed at making a national information technology utility service for research, education and commercial purposes a reality.

Funded by the European Commission, EGEE project, is the flagship Grid infrastructure project of the European Commission, aimed at building on recent advances in grid technology and developing a service grid infrastructure access to major computing resources, independent of geographic location, which is available to scientists and researchers in academia and industry 24 x 7.

Grid Computing Conference

The Grid Computing Conference (GCC) – the first in Malaysia – in conjunction with the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008 was launched today by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili. The two-day event attracted 300 local and international delegates.

Hosted by MIMOS, GCC was designed to take Malaysia’s grid adoption to the next level and to foster closer collaborations between local and international grid players and experts through the sharing of experience on grid projects such as animationGRID, automotiveGRID, bioGRID, and Malaysian Digital Islamic Resource Center (MyDIRECT) aimed at accelerating grid adoption in Malaysia.

GCC highlighted KnowledgeGRID Malaysia (formerly known as National Grid Computing) initiatives and how it can enhance local industries and enterprises; market trends; and grid computing in private and public sector across Asia. The conference also discussed how grid computing can bridge the digital divide, improve national productivity and societal well-being in Asia.

“With grid computing, industries will become more agile and competitive while at the same time being able to keep research and development costs down. KnowledgeGRID Malaysia meets all computing needs and as such industries will be able to utilise the bulk of their IT budgets for other aspects of product development,” Raj said.

Among the invited high-profile keynote speakers were Dr Craig Lee, President, Open Grid Forum (OGF), USA; and Professor Dr Wolfgang Gentzsch, Chairman, German D-Grid. Other distinguished speakers included grid experts from Oracle, SGI, IBM, Cisco, and Altair Engineering, all of whom are partners of MIMOS.

Dr. Craig Lee who is currently a Senior Scientist in the Computer Systems Research Department of The Aerospace Corporation, a non-profit, federally funded research and development centre, was named President of the Open Grid Forum (OGF) in October 2007. Dr. Lee is also the Steering Committee co-Chair for Cluster Computing and the Grid (CCGrid). Dr Wolfgang Gentzsch is coordinator of the German D-Grid Initiative, adjunct professor at Duke University and visiting scientist at Renaissance Computing Institute at UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina as well as member of the US President's Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.

MIMOS LAUNCHES eBIOCHEM PORTAL

Gateway for bioinformatics and chemistry researchers worldwide to share knowledge and expertise

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 MAY 2008 ­– MIMOS today launched its eBioChem Portal - a gateway for bioinformatics and chemistry researchers worldwide to share knowledge and expertise - which was officiated by Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili at the Grid Computing Conference (GCC) held in conjunction with the 16th World Congress of Information Technology (WCIT) 2008.

A project under KnowledgeGRID Malaysia, the National Grid Computing Initiative, MIMOS’ eBioChem Portal was developed, in collaboration with Altair Engineering, to provide a user-friendly, secure, reliable, fast and cost-effective access to computational and data capabilities specifically for bioinformatics, chemistry and life sciences industries.

“KnowledgeGRID Malaysia is far more than just resource sharing. It is a significant step forward to build the cyber-infrastructure for Malaysia to provide a coordinated, single economic engine to compete with the rest of the world. Above all, it is a commitment, through the advancement of frontier technologies, to improve the quality of life for every citizen in Malaysia,” said Dato’ Abdul Wahab Abdullah, President & CEO, MIMOS.

“Extending the concept of grid from computing grid to knowledge grid, it is possible to make use of a grid as not only sharable computing resources, but also as time and place in which people work together, create knowledge, and share knowledge and experiences in a community,” he added.

The bioinformatics research area is now faced with a mountain of ever-increasing and distributed information. The molecular and genomic data required to represent the picture of the whole genomic system are dispersed across the world in different sources of data, while at the same time each data source resides in its own format.

The eBioChem Portal is a technology platform that provides web-services such as job submission, job monitoring and job reports for bioinformatics and chemistry researchers and industries that require high computing power and short job processing time such as molecular and biological sequence information.

The molecular and biological sequence information applications currently available via the portal include amino-acid sequences of different proteins or the nucleotides of DNA sequences and computational chemistry.Grids allow the scientific community to interact in real time with modeled phenomena to steer through distributed simulations; and to successfully negotiate access to distributed yet highly expensive scientific instruments.

Grids have a huge impact on the life sciences and not just in drug discovery and bioinformatics. For example, the eBioChem portal gives life science organisations the agility necessary to streamline and replicate processes so repetitive tasks of scheduling multi-step processing are automated; make faster and smarter decisions through a step-by-step job submission guide and online job status monitoring anytime and from anywhere resulting in increased profitability, service, reliability and competitive advantage.

HOME GROWN INSURANCE IT SPECIALIST SETS TO EXPAND OVERSEAS

PAC Total Solutions To Showcase Insurance Solutions At World’s Largest WCIT 2008

Kuala Lumpur, May 14 – Home grown insurance IT solutions specialist, PAC Total Solutions (PTS) aims to expand its presence in the global insurance market with the objective of doubling its turnover to RM 17 million this year.

As part of its efforts in gaining wider international exposure, PTS will be showcasing its end-to-end insurance solutions suite in the forthcoming World Congress on Information Technology 2008 to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 18 to 22 May this year.

The World Congress on Information Technology 2008 (WCIT 2008), running on its 16th year, is one of the largest ICT events that incorporates a three-day congress, an ICT exhibition and forums.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Eric Loo, “We have created a sizeable niche in the local insurance market and this year, we are looking at expanding our global presence to further drive business growth.”

“WCIT 2008 is an excellent platform for us to showcase our innovative technologies and solutions to the international audience and we hope to be able to reach out to our potential customers during the event,” Loo said.

Loo believes there is tremendous growth potential for PTS given that the global insurance market is growing exponentially, particularly in the Asian region. According to Gartner, the insurance industry will spend US $135.9 billion in 2008 on IT, including hardware, software, IT services, internal services and telecommunication.

The company is rolling out its global expansion in phases, starting with Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand by end of 2008.

“We are very focused on delivering good results through our proven, robust and easy-to-use solutions. Our solutions are designed to help insurance companies derive additional value from their technology investments,” said Loo.

PTS’ strengths lie in the company’s 10 years of experience and understanding of the local insurance sector. The company currently offers a wide array of solutions and services designed to meet the different requirements of the insurance industry.

To-date, PTS manages over 900 customers in Malaysia and has three subsidiary companies in Indonesia, United Kingdom and Australia.

PTS is sending its team of experts to talk about its offerings during WCIT 2008. Those interested to learn more, can visit PTS’ experts at Booth 259, Hall 2 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center from 19 to 21 May 2008.

1ST MALAYSIAN TELEHEALTH CONNECTATHON 2008 ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN FIRST TEST PHASE OF SEAMLESS PATIENT DATA SHARING

MSC Malaysia to showcase the six premier medical IT vendors at upcoming WCIT 2008

Kuala Lumpur: Healthcare facilities in Malaysia will soon be able to enjoy seamless patient data sharing as the 1st Malaysian Telehealth Connectathon 2008, jointly organized by MDeC, the caretaker of MSC Malaysia, and the Ministry of Health, has achieved success in its first interoperability testing event held recently at the Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC).

As a flagship initiative by MSC Malaysia, Telehealth is also part of the Socio-Economic Development pavilion of MSC Malaysia and has many initiatives such as the MyHEALTH portal, Teleconsultation services, MyCPD portal and the Malaysian Telehealth Connectathon. Aiming to benefit the Rakyat as a whole, Telehealth ultimately seeks to provide easy access and improve the convenience of healthcare services through seamless patient data sharing and in time to come, seamless and integrated healthcare access via Information and Communications Technology (ICT) connectivity on a nationwide scale.

The Connectathon, jointly organized by MSC Malaysia and the Ministry of Health, is a ‘connectivity marathon’ following an initiative by the Integrating Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) global community during which the vendors or healthcare service providers that have developed the data sharing solutions test the compliance of their offerings based on international healthcare standards known as Health Level Seven (HL7) in a realistic and live interoperability environment. IHE provides a detailed implementation and testing process to promote the adoption of standards-based interoperability systems functions by vendors and users of healthcare information systems.

The six healthcare service providers that participated in the first Malaysian Telehealth Connectathon 2008 are Heitech Padu Berhad, UKM Medical Center, IBA Health Malaysia Sdn Bhd, WorldCare Health (M) Sdn Bhd, Peransang Jati Sdn Bhd, and Kompakar Inc Bhd.

The outcome of the 1st Malaysian Telehealth Connectathon 2008, has thus confirmed the interoperability of systems functions and applications these healthcare service providers; compliance of the systems functions and applications based on international healthcare standards; establishment of an interoperability platform through Telehealth; and also establishment of the Interoperability Community in Malaysia. Two integration profiles were tested during the event (eGL and Clinical Summary). MDeC and Telehealth plan to make this event a regular event involving other profiles and inclusion of more service providers.

Puan Gayah Gulam Haidar, Senior Manager, E-Government & Telehealth, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) said, “The 1st Malaysian Teleheath Connectathon 2008 was organized with the aim of creating a healthcare system that is more integrated and accessible. With this interoperability solution, healthcare centers nationwide will eventually be able to access a clinical summary of individual patients anytime, anywhere.” She also added that, “At the end of it all, the Telehealth flagship initiative by MSC Malaysia aims to benefit the Rakyat by providing them with the convenience and accessibility to seamlessly integrated healthcare services, and also to project Malaysia as a significant player in the ICT Healthcare industry in time to come.”

During the World Congress of Information Technology (WCIT) 2008 Exhibition, MSC Malaysia will be showcasing the six healthcare service providers that have passed the test compliance at the 1st Malaysian Telehealth Connectathon 2008 event with a certification presentation while demonstrating the Connectathon interoperability systems.

For further information on WCIT 2008 and its Related Events, please log on to http://www.wcit2008.org.

PIKOM ALL SET FOR WCIT 2008

PIKOM extends hand to boost ICT industry revenues during WCIT

As co-host of the World Congress of IT 2008 (WCIT 2008), PIKOM, the National ICT Association of Malaysia, is proud to announce several dynamic activities that it will organise in conjuction with the event. These include two showcases, several plenary meetings and dialogue sessions with business luminaries.

During WCIT 2008 (May18-22), PIKOM will also launch Projek M.A.IN PC , a corporate social responsibility initiative of the ICT industry to address the digital divide challenges in the country.

WCIT 2008 is expected to provide a platform for successful collaborations via a series of business-to-business, business-to-Government and business-to-industry meetings, and the fringe activities planned by PIKOM will definitely serve to further promote the local ICT industry and provide opportunities for local businesses to network with global players.
This is in line with PIKOM’s role in growing the size and capability of the ICT industry in the country by creating opportunities for its members as well as all Malaysians to capture the benefits offered by advances in ICT.

PIKOM ‘s activities during WCIT are also part of its larger mission to help position the country as a strategic location for outsourcing services and as a gateway of Asia for ICT trade. The shared services and outsourcing (SSO) industry is a key segment of the ICT industry and is represented by PIKOM through its Outsourcing Malaysia (OM) initiative.

The events will facilitate PIKOM to introduce its members and companies to international bodies, industry leaders and governments. The exhibitions will be excellent platforms for local companies to showcase their products and services and through which business opportunities can arise.

Via the activities planned, business-to-business (B2B) networking opportunities will also be enabled. These can be effective to boost up business for PIKOM members.

PIKOM is confident that local ICT companies will gain from this experience and these companies will ink deals with foreign businesses during WCIT. US$100m in trade and investment deals are expected to be announced during the five-day event.

To better understand the outcomes and revenues generated, polls will be conducted by PIKOM during and after WCIT. Following WCIT, PIKOM will also submit position papers and recommendations to the Government and relevant organisations on follow up policy initiatives and action plans to further boost Malaysia’s ICT export.

Showcases
The two showcases planned by PIKOM in conjunction with WCIT 2008 event which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 18 – 22, are:
1. The Software and Services Showcase (PS³) 2008
2. The PC Fair International 2008

The PS³ (pronounced as PS cube) is a business technology event aimed at promoting the software and services industry in Malaysia. The three-day event themed “Where Business and IT Come to Life” will play host to the very best software and services providers in the country. 30 local companies will take part in this exhibition.

PS³ will be a good platform to provide visibility for local companies and their products and services as well as stimulate interest among business visitors of PIKOM PS3. This event provides an excellent stage for business matching on the local and international level.

PS³ 2008 is endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, MDeC, the World IT and Services Alliance (WITSA), Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO), Outsourcing Malaysia and the Asia Pacific Internet Association (APIA). PS³ will be held on May 19 -21 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

During WCIT, a special edition of PC Fair known as the PC Fair International 2008 will be held at the same venue. This cash-and-carry exhibition will offer ICT hardware and software bargains for delegates, business visitors and general public during their visit to WCIT 2008. 26 exhibitors will take part in this event.

Plenary meetings and dialogues
PIKOM will also organise the following meetings and dialogues during WCIT 2008:
1. World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Annual General Meeting –17-18 May.
2. Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Plenary Meeting on 22 May.
3. A dialogue session with Mr Terry Thoren, the CEO of Rocket Fish Studios on 19 May.

Mr Thoren is an entertainment industry veteran who has vast knowledge on issues relating to creative content, animation and new media. This session will have him sharing his thoughts on personal experience in the creative industry for the benefit of our multimedia and content business members..

4. A dialogue session with Dato' Dr. Craig R. Barrett, the Chairman of Intel Corporation on 19 May. The session will discuss PC literacy, PC penetration, broadband penetration and challenges of Digital Divide faced by Malaysia. The aim of the dialogue is to identify key initiatives to bridge the Digital Divide in the country.

5 An exclusive dialogue on Shared Services and Outsourcing (SSO) on 20 May. The session will have Michael F. Corbett, the Chairman of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (AIOP) and Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), sharing their views on the best practices in SSO. The dialogue session will also discuss challenges faced by the local SSO industry and ways to accelerate SSO revenues for Malaysia.

6. PIKOM-Korea ICT Business Forum on 20 May. Organised jointly by PIKOM and Korea International IT Cooperation Agency (KIICA), the forum which will include a networking dinner will have a total 15 companies from Korea participating. The forum will discuss the ICT trends in Korea and Malaysia, as well as the ICT business market place.

7. China Dialogue Session on 20 May. The business forum and networking session will discuss the ICT business opportunities in both the countries and introduce Chinese companies interested to venture into Malaysia. 11 companies from China are expected to take part in this dialogue session. Memorandum of Collaboration are planned to be signed to strengthen the relations between PIKOM and its Chinese counterparts for future business facilitations.

8. Projek M.A.IN PC Launch
PIKOM will launch its CSR programme, Projek M.A.IN PC or Projek Menguasai Applikasi INternet dan PC on 19th May. This programme aims to increase community PC centres nation-wide especially in small towns and rural areas, and to extend support services to existing PC centres. This is the ICT industry’s initiative to increase and improve the IT literacy rate among Malaysians from all walks of life in bridging the digital divide.

WCIT will organise an auction during the WCIT Gala Dinner on 20 May and all proceeds from the evening will go to supporting Projek M.A.IN PC.

9. MP3plus (The IT Industry Rock Band)

The 7-piece band which was sponsored by PIKOM and formed by its members kicked off in 2001 at the urging of its then Chairman Looi Kien Leong and Molly Cheam of the Secretariat. Over the last 7 years, MP3plus has performed at more than 50 ICT related functions as well as fund raising events for charities. It is a versatile group with a repertoire of more than 250 songs covering different genre and languages from the 60s to the latest hits.

"MP" stands for Members of PIKOM and "3" because it started with three founding members, viz. Harres Tan (Band Manager & Vocalist), of HT Consulting, Stan Singh (Drum & Bass) of Mui.dot.com Sdn Bhd and Christopher Chan (Keyboard) of TMS Bhd. The "plus" was added when current members viz. Woon Ching Ming (Guitar) of Symantec, Gerry Pillai (Lead Guitar) of iContent Sdn Bhd, Nantha Kumar (Lead Vocal) of BasisBay and Robert Chua (Bass) of iLab joined the band. Please see attached photo file.

MP3plus will be performing the Opening Gambit as well as playing for the Dance Party during Gala Dinner on 20th May.

GATHERING OF VENTURE CAPITALISTS, TECHNOPRENEURS (ICT-ENTREPRENEURS), & DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

Extensive platforms with exciting opportunities abound for business networking and pitching, knowledge sharing, and exchange of ideas

Kuala Lumpur: Venture capitalists and technopreneurs (or also termed as ICT-Entrepreneurs) alike now have more to gain than ever before. In efforts leading up to WITSA’s World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008 and also as part of an initiative of MSC Malaysia, venture capitalists (VC), technopreneurs, information and communications technology (ICT) industry players, and distinguished speakers will be involved in various programs such as the VC Experience Sharing Session, VC Pitching Session, and Association Networking program which is also known as NETBASH @ WCIT.

Association Networking Program, or also known as NETBASH @ WCIT
Featuring well-esteemed speakers such as Guy Kawasaki, Terry Thoren, Vinton Cerf, Colin Wong, Mahmoud Bouneb, and Shinichiro Ishikawa, NETBASH @ WCIT stands strong as an extensive platform for technopreneurs and ICT industry players to build wide business networks and partnerships whilst sharing knowledge and ideas in aim of propelling budding technopreneurs in Malaysia.

Themed “How to Change the World”, NETBASH @ WCIT comprises of a moderated dialogue session-cum-discussion between industry players or associations, MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) members and representatives as well as renowned speakers of WCIT 2008. With a targeted audience figure of 300 participants, NETBASH @ WCIT aims to address current issues related to and could potentially affect technopreneurs, encompassing socio-economy, political, business-oriented as well as environmental elements.

NETBASH @ WCIT is a collaborated initiative by several associations and organizations of the ICT industry in Malaysia such as MSC Malaysia, New Entrepreneur Forum (NEF), YouthMalaysia, Ideapreneur.net, Technopreneurs Association of Malaysia (TeAM), and MCA ICT Resource Center (MIRC) among many others. Taking place on 19 and 22 May 2008 respectively, both Association Networking sessions are strongly supported by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and seek to flourish both participants and the ICT industry in Malaysia with innovative, creative ideas and better business opportunities.

VC Experience Sharing and Pitching Sessions
Expected to take place from 19 – 20 May 2008, both the VC Experience Sharing and Pitching sessions are also collaborative initiatives of the same organizers of NETBASH @ WCIT. Targeted towards emerging Malaysian technopreneurs, high growth MSC Malaysia Status companies and selected VCs, both sessions aim to address common related issues through efforts of bringing together all relevant parties by sharing their experiences and successful models practiced by foreign VCs.

On the one hand, the VC Experience Sharing session provides 50 pre-selected MSC Malaysia Status companies an opportunity to participate in a mentoring session by renowned thinkers such as Guy Kawasaki and Colin Wong in the aim of providing guidance and ample preparation for presentation and positioning in light of the VC Pitching Session. By means of this VC Experience Sharing session, the 50 pre-selected MSC Malaysia Status companies would then be informed and made aware of the specific criteria which global VCs seek during funding pitches and hence, providing local VCs with opportunities to tap into international markets.

On the other hand, the VC Pitching Session provides selected MSC Malaysia Status companies which have been pre-identified with an opportunity to pitch for funding and generate interest from various global and local VCs. Both the VC Experience Sharing and Pitching Sessions also serve as a platform for MSC Malaysia Status companies to promote and extend their products and solutions to international VCs, and also to promote Malaysia as a preferred destination for Technology Funding. In addition to that, both sessions allow Malaysian technopreneurs to widen their exposure to the latest technology, business and funding trends as well as develop extensive business networking opportunities for new or further business collaborations.

For further information on WCIT 2008 and its Related Events, please log on to http://www.wcit2008.org.

SAS takes part in WCIT Again

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2008, - SAS Institute, the world’s leading business intelligence (BI) software provider, today announced that it is participating in the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT). SAS is the only independent BI vendor sponsor for WCIT 2008 to be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 18 – 22, 2008.

This is also the second time that SAS is taking part in this global IT event of Olympian-stature that is held once every two (2) years.

SAS’ involvement in WCIT 2008 flourished from a private meeting between YAB Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and SAS CEO Dr Jim Goodnight during his inaugural visit to Malaysia in June 2007; where Dr Goodnight advocated for a greater adoption of BI and Analytics within the Malaysian government to gain competitive edge.

During WCIT 2008, SAS will be represented by Jim Davis, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer who will be speaking on the topic “Information Evolution” during the CIO perspective segment.

SAS Malaysia Managing Director, Jimmy Cheah says, “Asia is seeing an upsurge in BI adoption in various industries, quickly upstaging its western counterparts. Data volumes are predicted to double in quantity every single day in 2010 and corporations that leverage the power of BI and Analytics on their data will be the ones that gain competitive edge for better decision making and management.”

“WCIT is a strategic platform for IT corporations to build strategic partnerships and gain insight into global trends and the latest innovations. SAS is proud to be part of this global event to showcase our leading enterprise intelligence and performance management solutions,” says Cheah.

Themed “The Global Impact of Information and Communications Technology: Enable Businesses, Empower Societies, Enrich Economies”, this five (5) day event is expected to draw more than 2,500 delegates from over 80 countries.

THE ICT WORLD IS COMING TO MALAYSIA

Related events to be held in conjunction with WCIT 2008
will see a congregation of acclaimed ICT speakers & delegates

Kuala Lumpur: Come May 14 to 24 this year, the ICT world will gather in Malaysia for the largest series of events on information and communications technology (ICT) anchored by the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2008) and involving 13 other Related Events.

Termed as the Olympics of ICT, WCIT 2008 is a premier global ICT gathering that congregates global leaders from various sectors such as business, government and academia to impact economic and social development through the exchange of ideas and policies on technology.

The theme “Enable, Empower and Enrich”, mirrors the potential and opportunities the event provides to enable businesses, empower societies, and enrich economies.

Collectively, WCIT 2008 and its Related Events will attract 50,000 people to Kuala Lumpur including 8,000 delegates and 42,000 expo visitors from over 80 countries as well as more than 100 eminent speakers.

These Related Events are:
· WCIT peer event, International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Terrorism’s World Cyber Security Summit, or IMPACT WCSS
· United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID)
o UN-GAID Steering Committee Meeting & UN GAID Strategy Council, Advisors & Champions Meeting
o UN-GAID Global Forum on Access and Connectivity; and Innovative Funding Mechanism
· Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) E-Governance Asia Forum
· MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting
· World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Annual General Meeting
· Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Plenary Meeting
· Mastering IT Project Management (MITPM) 2008
· Grid Computing Conference (GCC)
· Cyber Development Corps (CDC) Strategic Alliances Programme
· Mobile Monday Global Forum
· PC Fair International 2008
o PIKOM Software & Services Showcase (PS3)
o WCIT Expo
Organized by various top ICT bodies in Malaysia, these Related Events held in conjunction with WCIT 2008 share similar goals and missions, which aim to address several critical socio-economic and business-oriented issues, promote development and enhance policy-making in relation to ICT, education, innovation, societal changes, economic boosting and global networking.

Furthermore, for the first time ever, WCIT 2008 is introducing an online business matching portal, which will provide opportunities to generate more than 2,000 structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings, business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-industry (B2I) meetings involving participation from the event’s corporate partners, exhibitors, delegates and Related Events organizers.

WCIT 2008 Chairman, and also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for MDeC, Dato’ Badlisham Ghazali said: “As WCIT 2008 and its Related Events approaches, we are gearing up for one of the largest global ICT gatherings ever. This gives us an opportunity to place Malaysia on the international ICT map and also provide the worldwide recognition that Malaysia is now a serious ICT player. Furthermore this event provides a greater platform to showcase Malaysian companies as well as providing global networking opportunities for Malaysian ICT players.”

“Consequently through WCIT 2008 and its Related Events, we would like to reiterate the nation’s vision for ICT as an engine of growth that can be integrated into their daily lives, and hence live up to the nation’s goal of creating a knowledge-based population and economy,” said Dato’ Badlisham.

Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (PIKOM), together with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Malaysia, are proud to be given the honor to jointly organize WCIT 2008, the flagship event of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a consortium of 73 international ICT organizations and its members comprised more than 90% of the global IT market.

International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Terrorism’s World Cyber Security Summit, or IMPACT WCSS
IMPACT is the world’s first multilateral public-private sector collaborative institution against cyber-terrorism. IMPACT serves as a global platform that brings together governments of the world, the industry and academia to enhance the capability of the global community to prevent, defend and respond to cyber threats. The inaugural IMPACT WCSS encompasses the first meeting of the IMPACT International Advisory Board, ministerial roundtable, plenary sessions, technology tracks, the MYNIC Seminar – Internet and DNS Security, APTLD (Asia Pacific Top Level Domain Association) Members Meeting and Training Workshops, and INFOSEC, an information security conference by CyberSecurity Malaysia.

United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID)
A global forum and platform for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on the use of ICT to enhance the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, notably reduction of poverty.

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) E-Governance Asia Forum
CTO is the specialized body of the Commonwealth to tackle ICT issues, including bridging the digital divide within Commonwealth and beyond.
MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting
The IAP members comprise world’s most influential ICT leaders, thinkers and researchers who provide counsel to the Malaysian Government in shaping MSC Malaysia.
World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Annual General Meeting
Annual General Meeting for World Information Technology and Services Alliance.

Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Plenary Meeting
Internal Meeting and In-country visit for Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization members.

Mastering IT Project Management (MITPM) 2008
Asia Pacific’s largest annual platform to share the latest technologies on Project Management in IT and Telecommunications.

Grid Computing Conference (GCC)
GCC offers a platform for users, researchers, developers, and solution providers to accelerate grid adoption. Representative from international forum bodies like Open Grid Forum (OGF), Enabling Grids for E-sciencE (EGEE), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) and other local grid entities will share their views and experiences in this event.

Cyber Development Corps (CDC) Strategic Alliances Programme
Cyber Development Corps (CDC) is a platform for Regional Youth Leaders to affirm their interest, plan and commitment in executing the CDC initiatives of UN-GAID; a global outreach programme based on the spirit of volunteerism to help lesser-developed nations and communities; benefit from global ICT, infrastructure and resources; and help enhance their national development plans towards becoming equal participants in the global information-knowledge society.

Mobile Monday Global Forum
Organised for the first time outside the founding city of Helsinki, this 4th annual Global Summit will bring together a global community of over 70,000 mobile industry visionaries and developers generating genuine business alliances through cooperative relationships with mobile operators globally. The information packed event promises to explore future developments and provide valuable insights into the hottest topics surrounding mobile games, music, multimedia, messaging, TV, advertising and marketing. The conference will cover the latest business models and strategies from content owners, content aggregators, operators, agencies and technology companies focused on consumer content. MoMo Malaysia, officially launched on 25th April 2006, is the local chapter of MoMo which is the world’s leading mobile community.
PIKOM PC Fair International 2008
Consumer cash-and-carry exhibition featuring the best bargains for ICT hardware and software. Inaugural meeting of the board of governors (due to be appointed by the UNESCO) for the International Centre for South-South Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation.

PIKOM Software & Services Showcase (PS3)
PS3 (pronounced as PS cube) provides a platform and competitiveness for software and services organizations, to showcase their products and services which in turn, creates the opportunity for the business visitors of PIKOM PS3 to align and match these with their business needs. Moreover, the add-on advantage is that, it also provides room for business matching on the local and international level for these organizations.

MSC MALAYSIA TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION

WCIT 2008 and its related events a stepping stone for SMEs to expand business horizons and go global

Kuala Lumpur: MSC Malaysia is encouraging local small and medium enterprises (SME) to enhance and expand their business networks with a direct access into global markets by participating in the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2008) on May 18 – 22, 2008.

WCIT 2008 is the first to incorporate an online business matching portal which is expected to generate more than 2,000 structured B2B meetings, business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-industry (B2I) meetings involving the event’s corporate partners, exhibitors and delegates.

WCIT 2008 Chief Executive Officer Dan E. Khoo said: “The event provides a platform for SMEs to forge strategic alliances with global ICT giants and emerging players through a business matching program that can handle more than 2,000 structured B2B meetings. By bringing the world to our door step, WCIT 2008 is a great opportunity to position Malaysia as a serious ICT player in the international arena.”

As part of efforts to encourage local SME participation, companies are eligible to claim reimbursement for expenses from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the Market Development Grant (MDG).

Through this initiative, which is approved by the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Bhd (PSMB) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), local SMEs who register through Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) Sdn Bhd and the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry (PIKOM) may only have to pay as low as RM250 with a maximum reimbursement of RM1,500.

The HRDF will reimburse eligible companies for the expenses of employees attending the congress on May 19 – 21. The reimbursement covers delegate fees and daily allowances including food, accommodation, transportation and airfare, where applicable.

Besides WCIT 2008, SMEs can also participate in selected open door Related Events such as:
o Mobile Monday Global Summit (May 19) – The full day event will see a congregation of mobile industry visionaries, developers and influential individuals as a platform to share ideas. The summit consists of 60 chapters representing a total of 70,000 members globally.

o PS3 (May 19 – 21) – The exhibition provides a platform and competitiveness for software and services organisations, to showcase their products and services, which in turn, creates the opportunity for the business visitors of PIKOM PS3 to align and match these with their business needs. In addition, it allows room for business matching on the local and international level for these organisations.
o Grid Computing Conference (May 15 – 16) – Hosted by MIMOS, the Grid Computing Conference offers a platform for users, researchers, developers and solution providers to accelerate grid adoption. Representative from international forum bodies like Open Grid Forum (OGF), Enabling Grids for E-sciencE (EGEE), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) and other local grid entities will share their views and experiences in this event. SMEs who are interested in joining the event, which is by invitation only, can email Nardiatul Kassim at nardiatul.kassim@mimos.com.my by April 22, 2008 to apply for an invite. Applications are based on a first come first served basis.

Apart from the networking and knowledge sharing opportunity, MSC Malaysia Status companies expected to showcase their latest products and services through the WCIT Expo are Green Packet Berhad, Xybase MSC Sdn Bhd, Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd, QubeConnect, iTopia Sdn Bhd, Microlink Solutions Berhad and Technodex Berhad.

For further information on WCIT 2008 and its Related Events, please log on to http://www.wcit2008.org.

Allied Digital Infonet參與WCIT 2008

AIDAAS TO HIGHLIGHT INNOVATION AT WCIT 2008

Kuala Lumpur – November 30, 2007 – Innovation will be a key issue at the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2008) with the inclusion of Allied Digital Infonet Berhad for next year’s global forum on information and communications technology (ICT).

Allied Digital Infonet Berhad – the provider of last mile terrestrial solutions technology, Advanced Information Delivery and Access Solution (AIDAASTM) - signed an agreement for Pinnacle Partnership with WCIT 2008 today in a ceremony witnessed by Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

With this partnership, Allied Digital Infonet Berhad will be the main participant of the innovation track during WCIT 2008 in Kuala Lumpur on May 18 -22. Other tracks slated for the event include global impact issues such as the digital divide, education, privacy and security, healthcare and outsourcing.

The Minister said: “Innovation is at the heart of the global economy, particularly the ICT sector. It is through innovation that new products, services and applications are created, which in turn, results in the creation and growth of businesses and enterprises.”


“Allied Digital Infonet Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leaders in innovation. In this regard, the company is well-placed to contribute to WCIT 2008 and thrust the nation to the forefront of the global arena as an advanced ICT nation.”

AIDAASTM is an innovative high-speed wireless broadband technology that revolves around hybrid Terrestrial Satellite Transponder Technology, bringing wireless solutions including Internet Broadband, Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), Video Conferencing and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Director Aida Dato’ Seri Mohd Adib exchanged the agreement on behalf of Allied Digital Infonet Berhad while WCIT 2008 was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dan E. Khoo.

“Allied Digital Infonet Berhad joins an illustrious group of Pinnacle Partners which include the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), Microsoft and Velchip. Allied Digital Infonet Berhad has the credentials to lead the discourse on innovation and how it can best benefit businesses and society at large,” said Khoo.

Meanwhile, Allied Digital Infonet Berhad’s Aida said that the home grown company is intent on showcasing this new technology to the world, and believes it can be achieved with strong support.

“We want the world to know about our ICT technology solution and understand its benefits and capabilities. We are providing a solution that is much needed to empower societies, especially those who have been deprived of connectivity to the ICT world,” she said.

AIDAASTM uses satellite technology to transmit data through KU-band spectrum, however deploys its signals on-ground via a base station. The nature of its transmission provides AIDAASTM with an environmentally friendly and fast-deployment solution.

“It is a difficult and costly task to fibre the nation, as some users are in very far and hard to reach places. With a capacity to transmit data to a radius of 50km and stability to provide uninterrupted services during heavy downpour, AIDAASTM can be an effective, hassle-free, fast solution to the woes of unconnected users or to those merely seeking cable-free connectivity for increased ICT technology mobility,” said Aida.

Allied Digital Infonet Berhad also signed agreements at the ceremony with Collaborative Electronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), Kuala Lumpur University (UniKL) and University Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP).

Director of Allied Digital Infonet Berhad, Aida Mohd Dato’ Adib signed the agreement on behalf of Allied Digital Infonet Berhad, while Collaborative Electronic Design Excellence Center (CEDEC) was represented by Vice Chancellor USM Professor Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Kuala Lumpur University (UniKL) by Head of Campus Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Halim bin Ali and University Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP) by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research & Innovation UNIMAP Professor Dr. Zul Azhar bin Zahid Jamal.

Aida said that the signing with these local research and development centers demonstrates Allied Digital Infonet Berhad’s support and confidence in the Malaysian R&D sector.

Intel成2008年WCIT大會環球效應夥伴

Intel to be Global Impact Partner for Education at WCIT 2008

Intel Chairman Dato’ Dr. Craig Barrett Confirmed as Keynote Speaker

Exchange of the partnership document between Dan E Khoo, CEO of WCIT 2008 (far left) and Debjani Ghosh, Country Manager, Sales and Marketing (far right); witnessed by YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

KUALA LUMPUR – Global industry leaders and governments will focus on the best practice use of technology to educate children worldwide as one of the global impact issues to be highlighted at the 16th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2008) on May 18 – 22, 2008.

WCIT 2008 and Intel have signed an agreement for Intel to be the event’s Global Impact Partner for Education in a ceremony witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis.

Apart from education, the other global impact issues are healthcare, digital divide, privacy and security, and outsourcing.

Chief Executive Officer, Dan E. Khoo, signed the agreement on behalf of WCIT 2008, while Intel Malaysia was represented by Debjani Ghosh, Country Manager, Sales and Marketing.

In welcoming Intel’s participation, Khoo said an additional benefit was the confirmation of Intel Chairman Dato’ Dr. Craig Barrett as a keynote speaker to address an international audience from more than 80 countries.

As Chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance on ICT and Development (UN GAID), Dr. Barrett views WCIT 2008 as a vital forum to identify and advance ICT policies and programs for bringing technology access, economic growth and educational opportunity to people around the world.

“WCIT 2008 is an ideal forum for Dato’ Dr. Barrett to rally the world’s governments, businesses, academic institutions and other organizations to collaborate on efforts to integrate ICT into education and create human capital, increase connectivity and improve access to technology, and foster content creation within developing countries,” said Khoo.

Intel’s Ghosh said: “Intel is focused on improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology in the classroom. We view WCIT as a key opportunity to focus developing nations on achieving their full potential through education transformation. We will be doing this in part through the example of initiatives such as the 1:1 e-Learning program now underway in Malaysia.”