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THE INVESTORS ARE COMING BACK

“We listen to investors and want to make it as easy as possible for them to do business here.” Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia

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w w w. h i t a c h i - s u n w a y - i s . c o m

From the Chairman’s Desk

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this new issue of MY.IT and to a new year. What a momentous year 2018 turned out to be. Malaysian voters created history by voting for a change in Government, the first time in our country’s history. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad amazed the world when, at the age of 93, he became the country’s Prime Minister for the second time. It was an exciting year for PIKOM as well. One of our flagship events, #MYCYBERSALE not only achieved all of its KPI targets, it also generated RM390 million in gross merchandise value (GMV) and in the process beat the set target of RM380 million. PIKOM’s reputation on global ICT platforms was further strengthened when its Council members were appointed to top ICT organisations in the world. PIKOM Councillor Stan Singh was appointed as the new chairman of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) in March 2018. This will also mark the first time that the Malaysia will lead the 18 year-old global ICT alliance that comprises 16 member economies in Asia Pacific. In November, PIKOM Secretary Sean Seah was appointed to the board of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA). WITSA is a leading consortium of ICT industry association members from over 80 countries and whose members represent more than 90 per cent of the world ICT market. The last quarter of 2018 also saw two of PIKOM’s major events take place: the annual PIKOM ICT Awards & Gala Dinner and the PIKOM Leadership Summit (PLS). Both events were a huge success and were well attended. My.IT magazine was formally launched at the PIKOM ICT Awards & Gala Dinner while the 10th edition of the PIKOM ICT Strategic Review Report was launched at the PLS. This year also marked the first time that the PLS was held together with Smart Sourcing Summit, the flagship business leadership event of Outsourcing Malaysia, a chapter of PIKOM. We are pleased to have Datuk Darell Leiking, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, on the cover of my.IT’s second issue. The Minister is a huge supporter of the ICT industry, especially of the e-commerce industry. He sees e-commerce as a catalyst that will transform the lives of people in the rural areas.

His ministry is also in charge of the National e-Commerce Council (NeCC). There are 21 members of the Council, all of them from the government sector. There is no representative from the private sector to represent the ICT industry. When this was pointed out to the Minister, he stated that he will immediately look into this matter. The last PIKOM event of the year was the PIKOM Member’s Meet. This event also gave us the opportunity to thank and say goodbye to Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, the CEO of MDEC who was leaving the organisation after slightly more than four years. Datuk Yasmin has been a good friend of PIKOM. During her tenure, she has transformed MDEC into a dynamic organisation that became very effective and relevant. Many regard her as one of the best CEOs of MDEC. PIKOM wishes Datuk Yasmin all the best and looks forward to working with the new CEO. I wish all of you a very happy New Year!

Ganesh Kumar Bangah, Chairman, PIKOM.

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my CONTENTS

Vol 2 No. 1 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE COVER STORY The Return of The Investors Datuk Darell Leiking, the first Sabahan and the first East Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), says that the investors are coming back to Malaysia!

Cover Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia Photography V. Chanthiran

26 4

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ICT Industry Outlook in Malaysia

Techies Feted and Awarded At PIKOM Dinner

Imperial Chakri Palace Sky View

Hitachi Sunway to Help Penfabric to Increase Energy Efficiency

HeiTech: Passion for Excellence

Cradle Celebrates 15 Years of Boosting the Economy

#MYCYBERSALE 2018 Smashes Record!

•••••

COVER STORY

THE RETURN OF THE INVESTORS Datuk Darell Leiking made history when he was appointed the first Sabahan and the first person from East Malaysia to head the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). He spoke to MY.IT exclusively about investors coming back to Malaysia, how MITI is pushing e-commerce to even those in rural villages and how Malaysia needs to remove certain walls in order to become an economic star of the region.

• By Sharmila Valli Narayanan • Photos By V. Chanthiran

atuk Darell Leiking jokingly said when he met us that ever since he became a Minister, he has become a public property in that he has very little personal time for himself or his family. But thankfully, his family understands this. “I prepared them for this years ago when I became an Opposition MP. So they are used to it,” he says. “My family is in Sabah but they come down to KL more often. My daughter who is in college now stays with me and she is like my guardian now — she keeps tabs on my activities!” he quips.

ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS Ever since the new government has

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taken over, the Opposition has been claiming that investors are wary of coming to Malaysia, especially since the Pakatan government has been very transparent about the debts the country has been saddled with due to the mismanagement of the previous government. It’s worth pointing out that Malaysia lost its status as the star attraction for FDIs in Southeast Asia several years ago with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam taking a bigger share of the FDI. So, are investors spooked by the change in government? No, says Datuk Darell. On the contrary, most investors have told him that the reason they had been avoiding Malaysia in the past is because the investors faced lots of problems and obstacles in wanting to invest in Malaysia. “For instance,

they complained that they had to see different people to get approval for their investments. I told them under this new government, there will be no such obstacles. We want your business and the ease of doing business has improved a lot. If anyone causes problem we’ll deal with it!” Datuk Darell also credits the civil servants who work in MITI and other investment agencies for doing their part in ensuring that things are easier

for the investors who want to come to Malaysia. “The message of this new government is loud and clear: we listen to investors and we want to make it as easy as possible for investors to come here.” He reveals that in today’s business environment it is the investors who decide where they want to go. “The investors who come to Malaysia prefer certain states over others. And even within the state, they prefer certain districts,”

reveals Datuk Darell. This is where the state investment agencies can play their part by inviting the investors and highlighting the special characteristics of the state. He stresses that it’s important for the stage agencies to work closely with MITI because the Ministry has the credibility of the federal government. Describing himself as a salesman who is tasked with selling Malaysia as an investment destination, he says that one of his biggest challenges

is to convince investors that there are many other states where they can park their investments besides Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor. “I have to think of all the states in the country. So as a salesperson for Malaysia I have to tell investors that each state has its own distinct features and characteristics and try to spread the investment all over Malaysia,” he says. As the first East Malaysian and Sabahan to hold the portfolio of Minister of MITI, he

••••• ••••• COVER STORY COVER STORY

says he will also speak up for Sabah and Sarawak. “This was something that was missed out in the past because when the investors thought of Malaysia, it was only focussed on West Malaysia. I won’t forget East Malaysia but at the same time I will not ignore the other states,” states Datuk Darell.

CHALLENGES IN ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS Although investors have now a very positive outlook about Malaysia, Datuk Darell admits the country still needs to do better in some areas. Some of the problems are the long time it takes for investments to be approved or to be rejected and lack of clarity in policies. “There are still some things that need to be fine tuned in the eco-system like regulations for example. They have to be uniform,” he reveals. “The PM has instructed us that we must be firm and clear on our policies to the investors so that they do not have any doubts. MITI has been urging the state economic agencies to make things faster and easier for investors to do business. For example, you cannot impose extra conditions after certain things have been agreed upon,” he says. “We need to respect and honour the agreements we sign. But at the same time, we also have to ensure that we don’t compromise our beliefs, our sovereignty or authority.”

BETTER MARKETING OF MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD The Minister insists that trickledown effect from the new investments is real but acknowledges it is slow to reach the people. But things will get better next year as there will be more trade missions and export missions that will be headed by him and MITI. Since becoming Minister of MITI he has realised that Malaysia produces world class products that are in great demand overseas. He cites his visit to the Import and Export

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Fair in Shanghai, China as a real eye opener to the popularity of Made in Malaysia goods. “Malaysia had 70 booths and the sales in three days was RM86 million! I didn’t realise that Malaysian products like Julie Biscuits were very famous in China. All the products were sold out, including the samples!” he says. The trade fair made him realise the huge potential that Malaysian goods have. “As a country our products are of high quality and well loved. But we have to ask ourselves If we have missed out in marketing our goods to a large global market? We have many things to offer but we need to market and package our products and our country better,” says the Minister. He cites the October figures for export as another example of Malaysia’s resurgence and the popularity of Malaysian goods.

“Our export figures for October was RM96.3 billion — it’s the highest that we have recorded!”

E-COMMERCE IS THE WAY TO GO Datuk Darell is a huge fan of e-commerce and of its possibility of driving the economy to greater strength. “E-commerce has done well for Malaysia with big companies like Alibaba that have come to Malaysia to use it as a trading platform,” he says. He has seen firsthand how e-commerce can uplift people’s life, even those from small towns and rural areas, and can create a new class of entrepreneurs. “I met a lady from the small town of Tuaran (population 3253 in 2010 according to Wikipedia) in Sabah who told me she is getting on the average, monthly orders of RM12,000

solving logistics problems so that goods can be transported easily in the region and taxation of e-commerce sales. “When all these issues are solved, whether it’s small or big companies or MNCs, e-commerce will be the way forward,” affirms Datuk Darell.

THE FUTURE IS THE ICT INDUSTRY

“

I TOLD THEM UNDER THIS NEW GOVERNMENT, THERE WILL BE NO SUCH OBSTACLES. WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS AND THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS HAS IMPROVED A LOT. IF ANYONE CAUSES PROBLEM WE’LL DEAL WITH IT!

”

- Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia

to RM13,000 for a food item that she makes! I visited the Google office in KL where I learned that the company helps many indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak to sell their handmade beaded products via the Internet. We need to get people especially those in the rural areas to show them what e-commerce can do for them,” he says. The ubiquitous presence of smart phones makes it possible for anyone to have access to the Internet. All that is needed is for the people to have some training and guidance. The Government is already training its officers to become trainers for

e-commerce who will then go back to their constituency to teach people about the possibilities of e-commerce via their smart phones. His Ministry is in charge of the National e-Commerce Council (NeCC) of which he is the chairman. Other government agencies like MDEC oversee the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMM). For e-commerce to really boom, there has to be some infrastructure in place like regulatory measures to overcome hiccups like e-customs,

Datuk Darell believes that the ICT industry is the only industry that Malaysia can take control of from all areas: be it in manufacturing, productivity and software. The education system has to change to reflect this. “We have to teach young people how to create apps and how to learn coding,” says Datuk Darell. The Internet is the great disrupter whereby the old way of doing things will not work anymore. “People are using Internet platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook to earn a living. I’ve heard of a young child who is earning thousands of dollars just by reviewing toys. You don’t have to have any expertise: just learn to use the platform creatively.” The only stumbling block to Malaysia’s ICT dreams is the slow Internet speed. “I really wish Malaysia moves fast with regards to the Internet speed and price because compared to other countries we are still slow.”

MALAYSIA’S GREATEST ASSET Datuk Darell says that the country’s greatest asset is its people. “There are so many talented Malaysians all over the country. Unfortunately we tend to break ourselves into different demographics and see everything in terms of race, quota etc. If this is the way, we will lose talented Malaysians to other countries. In today’s competitive economic climate we can’t have this situation. If only all Malaysians can think of each other as Malaysians first, we can rebuild this nation to be better.”

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•••••

FEATURE

ICT INDUSTRY OUTLOOK IN MALAYSIA

How has the ICT industry fared in the past few years in terms of job opportunities and starting salary? How will 2019 be for the ICT industry? Here are some interesting facts about Malaysia’s ICT industry.

IKOM Member’s Meet is an annual year-end gathering held to celebrate the closing of the year. It’s an occasion where New Members are recognised, friends meet, networking is done while refreshments flow. This year, before the festivities began, there were a few short presentations to the members. One of the presenters was Woon Tai Hai, PIKOM’s Industry Research Committee Chair whose presentation was titled, Economic & Strategic Outlook into Malaysia’s Digital Economy. Besides touching on the Malaysian economy, his presentation also highlighted the ICT Industry Outlook in Malaysia. Here are some of the points taken from his presentation. The source for the figures is from the Department of Statistics of Malaysia. From 2010 to 2017, the ICT industry’s contribution to the GDP has grown from RM105.7 billion to

RM178.2 billion, which is averaging 10.2% per annum. In 2017, the share of the ICT industry to GDP was 13.2% which translates to RM178.2 billion. The share of e-commerce of non ICT industry to GDP was at 5.1% which is about RM68.9 billion. Overall, in 2017 the ICT industry contributed RM247.1 billion or 18.3% to the Malaysian economy. Woon pointed out that between 2016 and 2017 there was only a 0.1% increase in the share of the ICT industry to the economy. “Our industry is not growing as fast as our economy,” notes Woon.

• • • •

PIKOM’S FORECAST FOR THE ICT INDUSTRY:

• ICT industry will grow to about

RM192.1 billion in 2018 from RM178.2 billion in 2017 (based on AAGR of 7.8%). E-commerce of non ICT industry will also grow to RM77.8 billion (based on AAGR of 12.9%) in 2018.

•

THE TOP PAYING INDUSTRIES FOR ICT PROFESSIONALS Based on Jobstreet figures (Jan to Sept 2018), PIKOM estimates the following were the top paying industries: Financial Services/Securities/ Insurance Call Centre/IT-Enabled Services/BPO Banking Telecommunication Consulting (Business/Technical)

• • • • •

KEY QUESTION

The Government has planned for the share of the ICT Industry to the economy to reach the target of 20% by 2020. In order to do this it has to grow by 1.7% in the next two years. Unfortunately the growth rate for the industry was only 0.1% between 2016 and 2017. The industry has to grow faster and bigger in the coming years if it is to meet its 2020 target.

SNAPSHOT OF ICT INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA FROM 2010-2017 Year

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Contribution of the ICT Industry to the Economy (RM billion)

Share of the ICT Industry to the Economy (%)

ICT-GDP (RM billion)

Share of ICT to the GDP (%)

e-Commerce of non-ICT Industry (RM Billion)

135.3

16.5

105.7

12.9

29.6

3.6

821

4.6

37.7

144.5

15.9

108.1

11.9

36.4

4.0

912

4.9

44.6

GDP at current prices (RM billion)

Share of e-Commerce to GDP (%)

e-Commerce gross value added (RM Billion)

154.6

15.9

113.8

11.7

40.8

4.2

971

5.1

49.7

167.4

16.4

122.7

12.0

44.6

4.4

1,019

5.4

55.3

188

137.3

12.4

50.7

4.6

1,106

5.8

63.6

205.9

17.8

151.9

13.1

54.1

4.7

1,159

5.9

68.3

223.9

18.2

164.4

13.4

59.6

4.8

1,231

6.1

247.1

18.3

178.2

13.2

68.9

5.1

1,353

6.3

85.8

Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia

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Share of e-Commerce of non-ICT Industry to GDP (%)

Average Monthly Salary In The ICT Industry

In terms of salaries, the ICT industry pays well for talent even at the entry level. Based on figures taken from Jobstreet and from PIKOM’s own estimate, in the last 10 years of comparison, the ICT industry pay scale for five positions (entry level, junior level, senior executive, manager and senior manager), have shown a positive sign of growth. Taking the entry level as an example, in 2009 it was averaging at RM1,971 and in nine years period (in 2018), it has risen to an average of RM3,079 (for Jan-Sept period).

Most of the positions advertised in 2018 were for senior executive (43%) and junior executive (37%).

JOBS ADVERTISED BY POSITION LEVEL IN 2018* 1.8% Senior Manager

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY BY JOB CATEGORY (2009-2018) Job Category

Entry Level

Year

Y-O-Y

Junior Executive RM

Senior Executive

Y-O-Y RM

2009

1,971

2010

2,181 10.7% 2,936 4.9% 4,514

2,800

Y-O-Y

4,332

Manager RM

Y-O-Y

6,163

Senior Manager RM

Y-O-Y

10,368

5,200

4.2% 7,005 130.7% 10,795

4.1% 5,626

Y-O-Y

8.2%

2011

2,238

2.5%

2012

2,324

3.8% 3,205

2013

2,438

4.9% 3,439

2014

2,5811

5.9%

6.7% 16,057

9.5% 7,706

7.9%

2015

2,718

5.3% 3,894

4.7% 6,483

5.3% 10,195

6.3%

17,053

6.2%

8,114

5.3%

2016

2,817

3.7% 4,052

4.1% 6,727 3.8% 10,646

4.4%

18,132

6.3% 8,484

4.6%

2017

2,958

5.0% 4,259

5.1% 7,057 4.9%

4.9%

19,147

5.6% 8,908 5.0%

2018*

3,079

4.1% 4,442 4.3% 7,374 4.5% 11,670 4.50% 20,105 5.00% 9,300

AAGR (2009-2017)

3,151

3,719

5.2%

7.3% 5,039 11.6%

7,837

11.9%

12,166

1.7% 5,344

6.1% 8,434

7.6%

13,674 12.4% 6,667

7.3% 5,744

7.5% 8,986

6.5%

14,661

8.1%

5.4%

6,157

7.2%

6.3%

9,591

11,168

7.8%

12.7% 6,238 10.9% 7.2%

8.0%

8.1% Entry Level

Overall

43.0% Senior Executive

37.0% Junior Executive

6.9%

7,142

7.1%

4.4%

10.0% Manager

* Jan-Sept 2018

7.0%

Source: Jobstreet and PIKOM Estimates

JOB OPENINGS FROM 2015 TO 2018 (JAN TO SEPT) The figures from Jobstreet and PIKOM show that the ICT industry is a rich recruiting ground for talent, especially for those in the junior and senior executive categories. In 2015 the total number of job openings was 18,249. It dropped down to 11, 227 in 2016 before picking up in 2017 to 15,197. In the first nine months of 2018, it has picked up to 16, 381. 20,000 18,249

18,000

16,381

16,000

15,197

14,000 12,000

11,227

10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

Entry Level

Junior Executive

Senior Executive 2015

2016

Manager 2017

Senior Manager 2018 (Jan-Sept)

Total No. of Job Openings

Source: Jobstreet and PIKOM Estimates

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•••••

FEATURE / PIKOM NIGHT

TECHIES FETED AND AWARDED AT PIKOM DINNER

ore than 1,000 guests attended the biggest awards night in Malaysia’s ICT industry. Held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the evening saw guests networking, enjoying a multi-course Chinese dinners and being entertained by top-class performances. The guests were made up of PIKOM council members, PIKOM members, representatives from Ministries and government agencies, corporate leaders and captains of the industry. Guest of honour Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, Minister of Entrepreneur Development, congratulated PIKOM for its commitment in being the voice of the ICT industry. “The members of the National ICT Association account for 80%

12 MY•IT

of the industry’s revenue, which in turn makes up about 19% of the country’s GDP. This is an impressive achievement. More importantly, it demonstrates that a strong and supportive industry network is a pivotal element in yielding significant economic results,” he added. He also commended the association for the second instalment of the recently-concluded online sale event #MYCYBERSALE 2018. “PIKOM turned this event into an industryled, public-private sector funded event in just two years, with more than 62% being funded by the private sector,” he said. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards. It was revealed that five schools and three universities were among the Malaysian winners to represent the country at the 18th International

Asia Pacific ICT Alliance awards (APICTA) at Guangzhou, China, held in October. Air Project, developed by SJKC Yuk Chai pupils is aimed at smallscale farming activities at home. It is also aimed at encouraging the young generation to take an interest in farming. EzSense, created by KDU University College undergraduates, meanwhile, is aimed at easing the monitoring work of crops and livestock for farmers while increasing production levels cost-effectively. The other six were SMK Damansara Jaya, Foon Yew High School (Johor Baru), SMK Damansara Utama, Foon Yew High School (Kulai), University Teknologi Malaysia and University Tunku Abdul Rahman. Thirteen SMEs, entrepreneurs and organisations also joined these young recipients at the international

MYâ&#x20AC;¢IT 13

•••••

FEATURE / PIKOM NIGHT

APICTA awards where participants from 16 other economies vied for top spot in six major categories with 28 sub-categories. The objective of the MSC Malaysia APICTA awards is to recognise local outstanding individuals, students, entrepreneurs, SMEs and organisations who have contributed to the development of the MSC. The awards, organised by PIKOM, is an initiative of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. The awards are broadly divided into eight

14 MY•IT

categories – Student, Consumer, Industrial, Inclusions and Community Services, Business Services, Public Sector and Government, Cross Category and Technology. These categories are further divided into 27 sub-categories. The PIKOM ICT Leadership Awards, known as PILA, meanwhile, is a prestigious awards programme that recognises outstanding personalities and organisations that demonstrate ICT’s best practices in their respective industries.

Later in the evening PIKOM, together with Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, launched the first issue of their quarterly magazine my.IT. Every guest received a copy of the magazine which highlights issues and concerns close to the hearts of the member companies, provide updates on all PIKOM Chapters and feature products, services and events that interest the industry and the public at large. The magazine retails at all major bookshops at RM10 per copy.

PIKOM LEADERSHIP AWARDS WINNERS

• CIO Excellence Award Chong Chin Kan, (QSR Group) and Sher Khan Akbar (UEM Group).

• Member Excellence Award FireEye Malaysia.

• ICT Organisation Excellence Award Affin Bank Bhd.

• Technopreneur Excellence Award Andrew Tiang from N2N Connect.

• CIO Excellence Award

‘THE SKY IS THE LIMIT’ Policies, programmes Datuk Seri and initiatives related Mohd Redzuan to entrepreneur Md Yusof development will be considered with fresh eyes, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, Minister of Entrepreneur Development, said at the PIKOM annual dinner and awards night, as he gave a quick introduction to his Ministry. He assured the ICT community that the digital sector and technopreneurs will be key to the Ministry’s overall agenda in developing and growing entrepreneurs. “I am a firm believer in technology and the opportunities that it brings. And when I say technology I am not merely referring to segments within the entrepreneurial ecosystems that are tech-specific. Technology, in my view, is a pre-requisite in every sector. “Whether we are in the business of agriculture healthcare or cloud computing, the only way forward is to accept that we need to embrace technology, including disruptive ones, in order the evolve and survive,” he said. To achieve this, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan said, the three Cs – creativity, courage and candor – are crucial. “Many of us stifle our creativity by setting limits to what we think we can do. So, here is what I have to say to the new breed of entrepreneurs in a brand new Malaysia: The sky is your limit. Challenge yourself. Be very creative that when you pitch your ideas to potential investors they are blown away by your creativity! And if that creativity challenges the norms and disrupts the ordinary, I’d say, even better!” In order to be creative and disruptive one must be courageous, bold and be able to challenge the status quo. “One of the largest providers of hotel services in the world today is airbnb, and they do not own any hotels. Imagine how incredible this idea must have sounded when it was first pitched to potential investors. The point I am driving at is this: for you to embrace change, to explore an idea that is so far-fetched, to think beyond the norms, you need to be bold. Really bold. “Lastly, candor. Be honest and sincere. Be candid about your not-so-great ideas. Sometimes even with all the creativity and courage in the world, you could still fail. And that’s okay. Learn from those failures. Be open to the idea that failures are sometimes necessary detours in your journey towards success.”

Sher Khan Akbar (UEM Group).

MY•IT 15

•••••

16 MY•IT

FEATURE / PIKOM NIGHT

QUICK TAKE Eric Foo, General Manager, Mesiniaga “This is a fantastic event. There is nothing like this for people in the ICT industry. It is not an event where products are promoted. It is good to get the industry together like this. We also look forward to the recognition part of the event.” James, Chief Commercial Officer, SysArmy “I believe this is a much-anticipated event for people in the industry. Your partners are here, your competitors are here so it is great for networking. I won’t be wrong to say that it’s a gathering of frenemies. The support from the industry is great.” Arif Tukiman, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, RunCloud.io “This is my first time attending this event. I can’t wait for the awards and recognition of peers later in the evening.” Helen Liew, Marketing Manager (SEA), Kaspersky This is a much-anticipated industry event. The ICT crowd looks forward to this dinner to mingle and catch up with friends. It is also a great place to meet new people in the industry.” Derek Chong, Executive Director, My Vacation Travel Sdn Bhd “Quality entertainment. I love it.” Jayden Chai, Marketing Executive, ipay88 “This is the grand event with likely the largest gathering of ICT people at a dinner. Our specialities are needed for e-commerce. This platform is a good place to network.” Fione Tan, President and CEO, 28mall.com “You would think an ICT dinner event would be dry and boring but this is not the case here. I see a lot of women in the IT industry. I see a lot of fresh young talents here tonight. These are the future leaders of the industry. Everyone is very supportive. The members’ commitment is definitely there. This association will only grow bigger and better.” Dr Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM Research and Development “This is a wonderful event, and it was great that we were honoured with an award.”

MY•IT 17

•••••

FEATURE / PIKOM NIGHT

WINNERS OF MSC MALAYSIA APICTA AWARDS 2018 Winner Student

Consumer

Industrial

Junior Student

New Gen Farming

Merit Merit

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Damansara Jaya Foon Yew High School Chung Ling Private High School

Senior Student

Merit Merit

SMK Damansara Utama Foon Yew High School (Kulai)

Subnotica Brainwaves controlled-houseware Smart home System

Tertiary Student

Winner Merit Merit Merit

KDU University College Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Epnox Technologies

EzSense Virtual Reality Games on Rehabilitations Hao Chi AR LitLive

Banking, Insurance & Finance

Winner

Finology Sdn Bhd

Loanplus Service

Real Estate Retail and Distribution Tourism & Hospitality Digital Marketing/ Advertising

Merit Winner No Winner/Merits

BNetworks Sdn Bhd Farm to Fork

bWave Centrix IoT for Real Estate dahmakan

Manufacturing Agriculture

Merit Winner

DF Automation & Robotics Sdn Bhd Trackless AGV with Robotic Arm Loo Urban Farm HAVVA Urban Farming Solutions

Media & Entertainment

Merit

MSC Malaysia APICTA Awards 2018 WINNERS Inclusions and Community Services

Health and Wellbeing Community Services Education Resources, Energy & Utilities

Merit Merit Winner Merit Winner No Winner/ Merits

Talent Trade New Generation Mobility Support Device

FAVORIOT Blockchain Street Sdn Bhd TerraPhoenix Sdn Bhd FAVORIOT Beeducation Adventures Sdn. Bhd.

Raqib Blockcord Icycle Favoriot ioT Middleware BeED Educational Experiential

Engineering & Construction

MSC Malaysia APICTA Awards 2018 WINNERS Business Services

ICT Services Solutions

Merit

RunCloud

RunCloud managing multi-cloud hosting and web deployments

Security Solutions Finance &

Winner

Emgraft Systems Sdn. Bhd.

Simplex Systems

Accounting Solutions (FINTECH)

No Winner/Merits

Professional Services (Legal, HR Etc) Solutions Public Sector and Government

Government & Citizen Services

Winner

National Defence University of Malaysia & Green Data Center LLP

Anytime Anywhere Combat Computing Unit (A2C2U)

Cross Category

Start Up

Winner

RunCloud

RunCloud is a fast and easy cloud panel for managing multiple cloud hosting and web deployments.

Research and Development

Winner

Technology

18 MY•IT

Merit

Telekom Research & Development Smart Safety Helmet Sdn Bhd DF Automation & Robotics Sdn Bhd Trackless AGV with Robotic Arm

Internet of Things

Winner

BNetworks Sdn Bhd

Artificial Intelligence Big Data Analytics

Winner SmartPeep No Winner/Merits

bWave Centrix: Technology Agnostic IoT Service Platform AI-based Fall Monitoring System

•••••

FEATURE / LIFESTYLE

IMPERIAL CHAKRI PALACE SKY VIEW

hen Datuk Seri Garry Chua was first shown the empty place on the rooftop in Dorsett Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, he immediately saw the huge potential of the place. “I knew this place could be turned into an iconic venue where people can come for great food, good ambience and a view to die for,” he said. Datuk Seri Garry, who is known for his restaurants, especially the Imperial Chakri Palace Restaurants, has opened another branch of the famous Thai restaurant right on the rooftop of the 27th floor of Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur. What sets this Imperial Chakri Palace apart from the others is the view. The phrase ‘a view to die for’ might be overused, but when it comes to this particular restaurant, one can’t think of anything else but the view. The view grabs your attention as you approach the restaurant which has floor to ceiling glass walls that give diners a 360 degree scenic view of Hartamas below and of the majestic skyline of Kuala Lumpur in the background. All the iconic buildings such as the KL Tower, Petronas Twin Towers, Menara Maybank, Menara Public Bank and The Exchange 106, the

20 MY•IT

skyscraper under construction within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) area, are clearly visible from the restaurant. This is the place you take your guests if you want to impress them not only with the view but also the food. The dishes are created by the top celebrity Thai chef, Chef Mc Dang, who has also cooked for the Thai King. Besides the regular beloved Thai dishes such as Tom Yams, Mango Salad and the traditional Pandan Chicken, the restaurant is also renowned for its fusion Thai dishes such as the Deep Fried King Prawn served with a choice of butter egg sauce, pepper sauce, cashew nut paste or red curry sauce. We tried with the butter egg sauce and we just loved it as the delicate flesh of the prawn went very well with the velvety buttery sauce. Pure heaven! Another must-try dish is the Steamed Seabass with Lime & Chili that comes with a delicious sauce. A mix of the succulent flesh of the fish and the sauce does tantalising things to your tongue! Besides the general dining area, there are also private dining rooms that can accommodate up to more than 30 people. But this not just a

place to dine. The Rain Tree Sky Bar & Lounge, which is next to the seated area of the restaurant, is a great place to chill out with friends in the evening for drinks, snacks and pizzas with a difference. Try the Tom Yam Pizza or the Green Curry Pizza for a happy marriage of Thai and Western flavours. There’s an extensive list of drinks to choose from for drinkers and non alcohol drinkers alike: coffees, teas, fruit juices, non alcohol mocktails, liquors, vodkas, gins, tequilas, wines, beer, single malt whiskeys and many more. Our favourite place was the terrace, which is a long corridor outside the lounge. Ladies better bring a scarf to hold the hair in place as the wind can be strong. It’s a great place to hang out with friends as you enjoy a couple of drinks or just to sit by oneself with a cup of coffee as you take in the spectacular sight before your eyes. The view is especially beautiful at night. Imperial Chakri Palace Sky View Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur D-G-08, Plaza Damas 3, No. 63, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

FEATURE

•••••

HITACHI SUNWAY TO HELP PENFABRIC TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY Penfabric, a leading manufacturer of woven fabrics, will use Hitachi Sunway’s software to help increase energy efficiency and enhance sustainability in its textile manufacturing processes via IoT solution.

itachi Sunway Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Hitachi Sunway) is a leading one-stop ICT services and solutions provider in ASEAN specialising in implementing, supporting and providing consultancy for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions; managing and supporting IT infrastructures; Cloud-enabling IT platforms, including the Cyber Security elements in its fully compliant and secured data centres (DC). In August 2018, Hitachi Sunway signed an MOU with Penang based Penfabric Sdn Bhd for the provision of Software driven-it solution – the Intelligent Chiller Energy Efficiency Control System (ICEE), a unique smart optimisation solution that automates energy saving controls by

applying the predictive algorithmbased measures. The Internet of Things (IoT) based system provides users with the ability to make intelligent, prediction-based decisions.

CONFIDENCE IN HITACHI SUNWAY Penfabric’s decision to opt for Hitachi Sunway’s ICT services shows the company’s confidence in Hitachi Sunway to provide the best ICT services and solutions for its particular needs. Penfabric, a key member of Toray Group (Malaysia), is a manufacturer of woven fabrics for purposes of shirting, blouses, workwear, sportswear, casual wear and other non-apparel use. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toray Industries Inc., Japan, a chemical conglomerate with diversified businesses globally.

L-R: Peter Chan, GM of Toray Malaysia Systems Solution, HS Teh, MD of Penfabric and Cheah Kok Hoong, Group CEO / Director of Hitachi Sunway.

Penfabric’s Managing Director, HS Teh, said, “This is precisely why we decided to adopt ICEE to better manage our complex temperature needs while reducing the amount and cost of energy used. It is especially important for us to be able to effectively control and manage our chillers to ensure optimal production while minimizing our impact on the environment as we take pride in being a green company with sustainable practices,” Cheah Kok Hoong, Group CEO / Director of Hitachi Sunway said, “We are honoured to be a part of Penfabric’s journey towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Penfabric is a world class corporation and has always been an early adopter of advanced technology to improve production efficiency and optimise their equipment effectively.”

HITACHI SUNWAY IN PENANG The collaboration announcement comes in line with Hitachi Sunway’s newly opened Northern regional office in Penang. “Hitachi Sunway will continue to be a forefront runner in bringing forth advanced technology tools to help our customers better manage and effectively operate their businesses,” Cheah said. Hitachi Sunway currently operates in 15 locations in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, and will be expanding its operations to Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. For more information, visit www. hitachi-sunway-is.com

MY•IT 21

•••••

FEATURE

PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE HeiTech Padu Berhad, Malaysia’s leading ICT player is driven by its passion for excellence in offering IT systems and technology services that deliver greater security, added convenience and a piece of mind.

eiTech Padu Berhad (HeiTech) is a homegrown ICT company that stands tall among the elite ICT multinational “super brands” in the country. With more than 30 years of experience, HeiTech stands proud as one of the nation’s major ICT players. Delivering mission-critical projects and services for Malaysian public and private sectors, HeiTech displays exceptional innovations resulting in transformation in various sectors including national security, transportation, financial services, retail, healthcare and defence. Its wealth of experience and the depth of local talent pool have enabled HeiTech to remain on the cutting edge of the Malaysian system integration scene. The combination of highly skilled application development team with advanced infrastructure at the company’s purpose-built data centre provides the market with an exceptional choice. HeiTech offers a complete range of solutions including software testing services, cloud services, managed network and security services, business continuity

facilities and consulting throughout various industries. HeiTech is a public listed company on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.

PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICES Steering towards a direction where digital transformation (DX) is prevalent, HeiTech believes in the assisting its customers to increase their performance and reach. As an active player in the Malaysian Public Sector ICT scene, HeiTech will continue to collaborate with the Government to provide its best services to Malaysians by transforming the services to be more beneficial to the rakyat, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency. This is in line with the call from HeiTech Padu Berhad’s president, Dato’ Sri Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib, to provide more digital services to the rakyat. HeiTech will continuously collaborate with the government and

“

WE SHALL CONTINUE TO CO-INNOVATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT BY INTRODUCING MORE DIGITAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES FOR THE RAKYAT.

”

- En Abdul Halim Md. Lassim, Executive Vice President of HeiTech Padu Berhad

22 MY•IT

various agencies to ensure that this objective is fulfilled.

A PROUD TRACK RECORD 2018 has been a very good year for HeiTech in terms of recognition. In April, HeiTech Managed Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of HeiTech, received the ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification. In June, HeiTech was named as the recipient for IT Infrastructure Services Competitive Strategy, Innovation and Leadership Award during the 2018 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards. In October, HeiTech was recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 IBM Solution Providers’ by APAC CIO Outlook magazine. Even more recently, the company also bagged the Cyber Security Innovation of the Year Award at the 10th Cyber Security Malaysia Award & Conference (CSM-ACE 2018) for its innovative solutions and its new security service offering, Secure-X.

a member of HeiTech Group

Value of our MSS: - Nationwide Support - Pool of Security Experts - Comprehensive end-to-end cybersecurity solutions

Transforming Security in the Digitalized World.

Managed Value Added Services - Network & Application/ Performance Tools - Internet Services - Branch-in-a-Bag Portable Mobile Office Solution

Managed Wide-Area Network

LTE

hms.heitech.com.my HeiTech Managed Services SIRIM

CERTIFIED TO ISO 22301 : 2012

CERTIFIED TO ISO/IEC 27001:2013 CERT. NO. : MY - ISM 00103

CERTIFIED TO ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011 CERT. NO. : IT 0003

CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2015 CERT. NO. : AR1441

•••••

FEATURE

CRADLE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF BOOSTING THE ECONOMY Malaysia’s leading early stage start-ups influencer celebrates 15 successful years.

hat do Grab, iMoney, Picktochart, ChristineNg. com and StoreHub have in common? These startups got their first big break thanks to (Cradle). Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s leading early stage start-up influencer. It was incorporated under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) in 2003 and was tasked with a mandate to fund potential and highcalibre tech start-ups through its Cradle Investment Programme (CIP). In the 15 years since it was founded, Cradle has helped fund over 900 Malaysian tech start-ups including some companies which have now become household names like Grab. Cradle has the distinction of having the highest commercialization rate amongst government grants in the country. Over the 15 years, Cradle has also grown from just a grant provider to an organisation that offers coaching to entrepreneurs to an investor through the establishment of its venture arm, Cradle Seed Venture (CSV) in 2015. Thanks to its expanding portfolio, Cradle also branched out into equity investment in early 2017. Due to these expansions of Cradle’s roles, now Cradle is able to provide both funding and investment assistance. Today, Cradle is a one stop centre for aspiring entrepreneurs in the digital age. If in the past Cradle only offered monetary aid, thanks to its expanding role, these days Cradle is able to provide aspiring entrepreneurs the necessary assistance ranging from commercialisation support, coaching and various other valueadded services to cater to today’s entrepreneurs’ diversified needs.

24 MY•IT

“

WHEN AN ENTIRELY NEW INDUSTRY IS CREATED, THE ODDS ARE THAT AN ENTREPRENEUR IS RESPONSIBLE. WHEN ENTREPRENEURS ARE ABLE TO INNOVATE LIKE THIS, THEY DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS AT AN EVEN FASTER RATE.

”

- Razif Abdul Aziz, Acting Group CEO of Cradle

CRADLE’S IMPACT ON THE ECOSYSTEM In conjunction with Cradle’s 15th year anniversary, Cradle announced that it engaged HELP University to conduct a study on the programmes Cradle had conducted from the 2008 to 2016 period and how they have impacted on the ecosystem. The report was released during a press conference in early September 2018. The report entitled Impact Study of the “Cradle Investment Programme – Value Creation in Startup Ecosystem” showed that Cradle Investment Programme (CIP) created 80,600 fulltime jobs and attracted RM1.3 billion in private and foreign funds during the eight-year period. The report said that CIP significantly contributes to the buildup of a sustainable tech ecosystem in Malaysia. It further states that Cradle’s cumulative contribution to the country’s economy, as measured by gross domestic product, is projected to reach RM30.8 billion by 2030.

The results are proof that what Cradle is doing works and works well. Cradle’s acting group CEO Razif Abdul Aziz said at the press conference that the success of Cradle has demonstrated that “the right funding at the right time, combined with the commitment for ecosystem development, can bring far greater outcomes than that of ordinary public spending”. He added that, “Entrepreneurs drive innovation — often much more quickly than established competitors. When an entirely new industry is created, the odds are that an entrepreneur is responsible. When entrepreneurs are able to innovate like this, they drive economic growth and create jobs at an even faster rate.” Innovative entrepreneurs with exciting ideas will rest easy knowing that in Malaysia they can always turn to Cradle for support. For more information visit its website at www. cradle.com.my

•••••

FEATURE / #MYCYBERSALE

#MYCYBERSALE 2018 SMASHES RECORD! #MYCYBERSALE 2018 sets new record by hitting RM390 million in GMV, achieving its export revenue and KPI targets.

t’s official. #MYCYBERSALE, organised by the National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), is the biggest online sale event in the country. This year’s #MYCYBERSALE numbers are proof of this. #MYCYBERSALE 2018 set a new record by generating RM390 million in gross merchandise value (GMV), beating the set target of RM380 million and achieving a 25 per cent annual growth. GMV is defined as the total revenue generated during the sales period before taking into account discounts. This year’s #MYCYBERSALE, held from 3rd to 7th September, saw the participation of 1,260 merchants in 21 categories. More than 50 per cent of these were new merchants. The most popular products were from the lifestyle and fashion categories which were lapped up by the consumers. Another healthy trend from this

year’s #MYCYBERSALE was the increase in the export revenue which went up from RM39 million GMV in 2017 to RM51 million this year. The numbers were driven up thanks to shoppers from 32 countries from places as diverse as Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia, North America and South America. About 74 per cent of the export revenue was contributed by participating merchants in the travel category. The next top categories for the export market were entertainment (online gaming, games-room sports and concert tickets) (16.9%) and groceries (5.7%) categories. Marketplaces which comprised many local SMEs also played a role in contributing to this years’ growth. The success of #MYCYBERSALE shows the tremendous growth of e-commerce in the country. This is the fifth year that this massive

online sales event has been held. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) started it in 2014 where it generated RM67 million GMV. From 2017 onwards it has been organised by PIKOM in collaboration with MDEC. PIKOM’s involvement in #MYCYBERSALE has seen it grow phenomenally. The first year that PIKOM was involved with #MYCYBERSALE, the sales reached a new high of RM311 million GMV, a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. PIKOM Chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah said that the e-commerce sector has the potential to grow further, with stronger participation of the SMEs who are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy. “In this year’s event, some merchants demonstrated a winning approach to venture into multi categories to broaden their portfolio of products,” he said. He

Award Recognition for #MYCYBERSALE 2018 Top Sellers by Category by Ganesh Kumar Bangah, PIKOM Chairman during Go eCommerce Excellence Awards & Appreciation Cocktail Party.

26 MY•IT

Winners for #MYCYBERSALE 2018

#MYCYBERSALE 2018 Top Merchants by Category

No Category

No Top by Category

Company Name

Top Local GMV

JOCOM MSHOPPING SDN BHD

Automotive, Parts & Accessories

MAX AUDIO ONLINE SDN BHD

Top Export GMV

SEA GAMER MALL SDN BHD

Baby & Kids

FABULOUS MOM SDN BHD

Top e-Usahawan

HANAMI ENTERPRISE SDN BHD

Beauty & Wellness Services

SIMPLY SS TRADING