MYIT I Vol 4 No 4 I IHEAL

The Heart of the Matter

Dr David Khoo Sin Keat Founder and Group Managing Director of iHEAL Medical Group, and Cardiothoracic Surgeon

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PIKOM COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN

Dr Sean Seah

SCCW Holdings Sdn Bhd

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

Ong Chin Seong

Powerware Systems Sdn Bhd

SECRETARY

Alex Liew

Glocomp Systems (M) Sdn Bhd

TREASURER

Datuk EK Teoh

EKTECH Communications Sdn Bhd

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Danny Lee

E-Tech IT Sdn Bhd

COUNCILLORS

Stan Singh-Jit

IronHorse Asia Sdn Bhd

Catherine Lian

IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Wing K Lee

YTL Communications Sdn Bhd

Raymond Raj Devadass

Daythree Business Services Sdn Bhd

Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh

Adv Fusionex Sdn Bhd

Anthony Raja Devadoss

Agensi Pekerjaan Korn Ferry (M) Sdn Bhd

Johary Mustapha

Forest Interactive Sdn Bhd

Tay Chia Chia

Veeam Software Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Varinderjit Singh

Lenovo Technology Sdn Bhd

Natalie Sit

Acestar Sdn Bhd

Eric Foo

Exabytes Capital Group Sdn Bhd

Robin Hoo

OrangeFIN Asia Sdn Bhd

Lee Cheung Loong

IP ServerOne Solutions Sdn Bhd

Alex Loh

Nera (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

HONORARY CHAIRMAN & ADVISORS

Cheah Kok Hoong

Cognitive Digital Sdn Bhd

Ganesh Kumar Bangah

Commerce DotAsia Ventures Sdn Bhd

Chin Chee Seong

ADVISORS

Xavier Tan

Lee Boon Kok

I-Commerce Sdn Bhd

David Wong Nan Fay

SnT Global Sdn Bhd

Dzuleira Anu Bakar

Technology Park Malaysia

Shaifubahrim Saleh

Woon Tai Hai

Wee Kee Heng

Dzuleira Abu Bakar

Shukor Karim

Malik Murad Ali

Dato’ Wei Chuan Beng

Dato’ Dan E Khoo

PIKOM EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

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CEO, PIKOM

Nor Azlina Ishak

General Manager, Industry A airs Division

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From the Chairman’s Desk

Dr Sean Seah PIKOM Chairman

The rst half of 2022 has been a time of recovery and restoration as businesses rev their engines and open their doors again. So much has happened over the last eight months and we at PIKOM, cannot wait for September 2022 – to welcome WCIT 2022. The industry has been all abuzz about WCIT 2022, the biggest tech event to be held in Malaysia. In just a few weeks, we will be welcoming 4,000 delegates from across 80 countries. The convergence of the tech industry in Penang is set to send sparks into the regional tech landscape, making Malaysia shine brighter on the global tech map. Organising WCIT 2022 has indeed been an honour for PIKOM, as we gather the tech fraternity under the same roof.

We are organising this event in partnership with the Penang state government as host, and Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC) as strategic enabler. We are con dent that WCIT 2022 is all set to create impactful waves across the regional tech landscape. To-date we have more than 80 partners who have signed up to support this global tech congress, which is levelling up above and beyond digital, innovation and technology. All Malaysian states are participating in this event to showcase Malaysian innovation and technology to the WITSA global community of over 80 economies. WCIT 2022 Malaysia will de nitely involve and include tourism and FDIs.

We have had the opportunity to welcome many partners on board WCIT 2022. In fact, we are even engaged in a tri-partite collaboration with HRDCorp and WITSA. Through WCIT 2022, we will be opening Malaysia’s doors to welcome global tech giants from across the world, an important driver for Malaysia Digital’s mission to attract digital investments.

WCIT 2022 delegates can expect to enjoy exciting perks that include special travel deals o ered by Malaysia Airlines and Fire y, 20% discount on air tickets from now till 10 September 2022 for delegates attending the event. To top that, MHholidays and Fire y Holidays are o ering a 10% discount on hotel bookings for the same travelling period. So, WCIT 2022 is de nitely not an event to be missed. I encourage all of you to participate in WCIT 2022 and make the most of this opportunity to expand your horizons and explore international tech markets. Come

and meet tech industry captains, global world leaders, world academic heads and many renowned speakers. So, get your tickets today.

I am also pleased to announce that OM is now o cially known as Digital Global Business Services Council Malaysia (GBS Malaysia). The council just launched the Global Business Services (GBS) – Malaysia Strategy 2022 Report. This is a strategic public-private-partnership (PPP) initiative which was idealised in early 2021 as an industry-led Strategic Roadmap for the GBS Industry with the aim to drive the industry forward in the next 5 years. As a Strategic Roadmap, the report is spearheaded by GBS Malaysia, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Invest Penang, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Invest KL, Invest Selangor, Cyberview, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM). The report provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of the Malaysian GBS industry; Malaysia as a strategic destination for high-value GBS; and, the country’s GBS roadmap. Get a copy of the report and nd out about the exciting developments in the local and regional tech landscape.

PIKOM is once again organising the second SEADragon, the premier sustainable venture pitch platform designed for start-ups and scale-ups that are looking for investments, growth, and global market expansion. With SEADragon at WCIT 2022 Malaysia we are looking for the top 20 Malaysian high growth techcompanies to be showcased to the world at the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2022 Malaysia from 13-15 September this year. We will have global tech leaders, venture capitalists and investors at the nal pitching session with these ne companies. The main objective in running the SEADragon pitching series is to develop Malaysia’s homegrown unicorns, train them to pitch to potential local and global investors and develop global market access for them.

I look forward to seeing all of you at WCIT 2022, and let’s take the tech industry to the next level. Read all about PIKOM’s activities and latest happenings in this publication. Till we meet again at the next event.

Dr David Khoo Sin Keat, Founder and Group Managing Director of iHEAL Medical Group, and Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

The healthcare industry is traditionally slow to disrupt. But now we have disruption. Major disruption. Besides introducing digital transformation into the conservative industry, heart surgeon Dr David Khoo also wants to avoid the ‘car workshop model’ of the healthcare industry and instead push for preventive care, RACHAEL PHILIP writes.

Risk pro ling, digital transformation and the Internet of Things are not phrases one expects to hear when interviewing a heart surgeon. But this is no ordinary heart surgeon. This is Dr David Khoo Sin Keat, doctorpreneur. He is the founder and medical director of iHEAL Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, a 12-year-old heart hospital, located in a mall, with 32 beds, two operating theatres, a catheterisation lab, intensive care, the works.

Located at Mid Valley City, the award-winning boutique medical centre, focuses on heart and heart-related specialities. It does angioplasty, bypass surgery and even bariatric surgery, and is known as the centre in the country specialising in less invasive bypass surgery.

Dr Khoo performs all bypass surgeries on hearts actively beating and, if possible, without the assistance of the heart-lung machine, we are told.

And then this confession.

“I am a heart surgeon and I am trying to operate as little as I can, not because I am not good at it but I think it is not the way.”

Dr Khoo is tired but hopeful. He is tired of what he calls the ‘car workshop model’, an appellation for reactive healthcare, when patients go in to get treated after something’s gone wrong. But he is hopeful for the changes he plans to bring to society with the companies he helms.

“Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in Malaysia. Some 40 Malaysians die every day from heart disease. This shouldn’t be the case as it is a highly preventable disease,” Dr David explains.

Preventive or proactive healthcare, using sophisticated equipment paired with digital technology, can lead to early detection. This together with wellness programmes can save lives, not to mention the RM9 billion in productivity loss to the Malaysian economy annually.

“At iHEAL, we are not trying to practice the ‘car workshop model’ we are in the business of promoting good health.

We want to keep people out of hospitals by identifying diseases that can lead to death and intervening early.”

DIGITISING HEALTHCARE

Besides the iHEAL Medical Centre, established in 2010, the group is also home to iGLOW that brings healthcare to the community to engage and empower them to take charge of their health, and OurCheckup that delivers digital health programmes designed to improve healthcare by using data collected from connected devices, and guided by medical professionals.

“The crucial step of monitoring and collecting data is that it must be engaging so young people are interested in prevention. Young people like the idea that they are in charge of their own destiny.”

MOBILE AND ACCESSIBLE

Dr David said the three important stages when looking at the evolution of a disease are prevention, early diagnosis & treatment and maintenance. In the prevention stage, iHEAL wants to educate the

population, make it easy for them to get checked and empower them with the necessary knowledge to change their lifestyle.

Dr David is passionate about iHEAL Medical Group’s mission to combat heart disease using its holistic 3E approach. The rst step is to ENGAGE the population.

Here, iGLOW adopts its Wellbeing@ Workplace and 10pt Cardiovascular Heart Check to raise awareness and risk pro le the population. The next goal is to EASE. iHEAL Medical Centre o ers a boutique environment championing less invasive treatments and worldclass heart scanning capabilities.

And nally, to EMPOWER, OurCheckup’s HeartCheck app empowers patients to be able to selfmonitor their risk factors with the help of their doctors using a cloud-based health data repository.

He stresses the importance of going out to the workplace and doing risk pro ling with employees. This saw the creation of Wellbeing@ Workplace or W@W, a program that aims to reduce healthcare costs by digitising health data to produce a corporate wellness plan.

“We believe in going to the marketplace. Companies can install

a screening Healthpod on their premises to capture sta health data. Based on this, our sta runs personalised quarterly programs and activities at the workplace. Together with an incentive scheme, we hope to bring about a transformation in the lifestyle of the employees.”

Accessibility also means empowering general practitioners to make the diagnosis of heart disease. Patients should only visit the heart specialist when they require treatment. With a 640-slice CT scanner, diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease can be quick, less invasive, and less expensive and be clinched at the level of general practitioners.

INNER CONVICTION

Dr David’s transformation from doctor to doctorpreneur came from the conviction that healthcare is about keeping people out of hospitals.

“We should be looking at the heart of the matter, which is leading a healthy lifestyle, eating right, maybe even removing the sugar subsidy. But all this is not taking o and the car workshop model remains a xture in society.

”A quote from Sir Winston Churchill proved to be a turning point for the doctor.

“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are guratively tapped on the shoulder and o ered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and tted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment nds them unprepared or unquali ed for that which could have been their nest hour.”

“I have the experience from my training and studies, and the opportunity was right there, I felt I had to forge a change.”

He goes on to look for a location to set up his hospital and to secure funding. While the rst was found, funding was slow to come. Divine intervention, however, provided the a rmation and strength he needed to carry out his mission.

He tells of an experience on board an aeroplane, returning from the USA, feeling dejected after a potential investor backed out, when the passenger next to him collapsed after su ering a heart attack. He responded, proceeded to resuscitate her and set a line. The ight was diverted to Taipei where the patient was dropped o

“What are the chances of having a heart attack on a plane and sitting next to a heart surgeon? She left

iHEAL Medical Centre was launched in 2010. The event was o ciated by the then Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tengku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Tengku Mahmud.

Xanana Gusmao, former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, signs the patient referral MOU between iHEAL Medical Centre and the Republic of Timor-Leste.

the plane with a pulse. As a doctor I felt it rea rmed me in my calling. I returned home with renewed hope.

“I am grateful to the owner of Mid Valley because they waited one year for me to get my funding.”

He says it was his forwardlooking personality that helped him make that metamorphosis from a doctor to a doctorpreneur.

“Like a caterpillar transforming into a butter y, I felt I was moulded for this. I have what it takes to bring change to society and to the healthcare industry. I like this quote from Confucius: The essence of knowledge is having it, using it.

In the healthcare business, one’s heart must be in the right place, he

explains. In this context, Dr David’s mantra of ‘not taking from society more than he can give back’ serves him well.

In 2018 Dr David clinched The Star Outstanding Business Awards – Male Entrepreneur of the Year. By then his hospital had treated over 60,000 patients from 70 countries.

BEYOND MALAYSIA

Dr David’s dream does not end here. Next year, he hopes to start construction of a heart hospital together with a heart health ecosystem in Dili, Timor-Leste, and eventually in other cities in Southeast Asia.

“We are 12 years old; and it is time to expand. I believe the market is ready.

We have to be in the Southeast Asia business as our population is not big. What we do here in Malaysia can be replicated in other countries in the region.”

He is also looking at an IPO in 2024 to expand in Malaysia and beyond.

“Is my work making an impact in the lives of people? This is what I ask myself. This was the impetus when I started this. As Jack Ma put it: businesses in the 21st Century must impact society and to be sustainable, it must impact a greater part of society. In this way, one can make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy, and I believe iHEAL falls into this category” says Dr David.”

Dr David clinches The Star Outstanding Business Awards 2018 Male Entrepreneur of the Year.

From left: How Tah Lun, General Manager, OurCheckUp Sdn Bhd; Chan Pui Wai, General Manager, iGLOW Sdn Bhd; Gregg Parker, CEO, iHEAL Medical Group Sdn Bhd; Dr David Khoo Sin Keat, Founder and Group Managing Director of iHEAL Medical Group; Thoo Ye Ching, Finance Manager, iHEAL Medical Group Sdn Bhd; Chin Hoe Kit, General Manager, iHEAL Medical Services Sdn Bhd.

iGLOW’s Health Promotion Team in action.

Demonstration of the OurCheckup’s HeartCheck app to Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Timor-Leste, HE Jose Reis.

WCIT IS BIGGEST TECH EVENT IN MALAYSIA THIS SEPTEMBER

The countdown to WCIT has begun, with excitement building up as the biggest tech event in the country gains momentum.

Malaysia is set to welcome WCIT 2022 in just a few weeks, drawing local and international tech industry players into the country. Poised to be the largest tech event in the country, and possibly Asia, WCIT 2022 is expected to host 4,000 delegates from across 80 countries. The Countdown ceremony of WCIT 2022 Malaysia included recognising 50 partners and sponsors from the industry and industry associations.

Expressing PIKOM’s excitement at hosting the event, Dr Sean Seah, Chairman of the national tech association said, “PIKOM is very excited. Within a few months we were able to secure more than 20 partners and more are coming on board to ensure we present the biggest and most successful tech event in Malaysia this September. This could not have been possible if not for the support from the Penang State Government, Penang Lead Agencies and MDEC.”

During the Countdown ceremony, PIKOM also announced that WCIT 2022 delegates stand to enjoy special travel deals from Malaysia Airlines and FireFly. Delegates who travel via Malaysia Airlines will enjoy a 25% discount on air-tickets purchased during the MH Early Bird Promotion from 17 June-8 July, and a 20% discount on air-tickets purchased from July 9 to Sept 10. The traveling period for both discounts will be from 5-23 Sept.

Dubbed as ‘Olympics of the World’s Information Technology

Industry,’ the theme for this year’s WCIT 2022 is ‘Connecting and Transforming the World.’

WCIT 2022 will feature renowned tech leaders as speakers such as Google’s chief internet evangelist, Vint Cerf, NASA’s chief nancial o cer, Douglas Comstock, and CNN business correspondent, Richard Quest. Other speakers at the upcoming event include the President of Portulans Institute, Chair of Global Business School Network, and the Dean at the Said Business School at Oxford University, Dr. Soumitra Dutta, founder of the International Women in Cyber Security Foundation, Mary-Jo de Leeuw, and strategic futurist and author, Nancy Giordano.

“We are just getting started and we would like to work with all the Malaysian state governments to participate in WCIT 2022,” Dr Sean said.

He added that WCIT 2022 will include a Digital Ecosystems Excursion programme, where WCIT 2022 delegates will be encouraged to visit all the Malaysia states after 15 September, in order to boost tourism in the country and to attract foreign investment into the respective states.

Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and guest of honour at the launch Countdown to WCIT 2022 Malaysia expressed his thoughts, “We will be welcoming 4,000 delegates to Malaysia in a couple of months. WCIT 2022 taking place in Penang will be a magni cent opportunity for Malaysia to welcome in uential global tech industry leaders to our beautiful country, which is rich in cultural diversity, modern in lifestyle and uniquely located in the central hub of Asia.

“Malaysia is ready to meet, share hands and network with world tech leaders, innovators and forward-

thinking personalities,” he added.

Apart from WCIT 2022, TechFest Penang will also be taking place from 8-18 September 2022 that is open to the public. TechFest Penang will be an experiential journey focusing on the need of technology to better lives, how it is used daily to enhance and improve business needs and modernize lifestyles.

According to PIKOM, the festival will be an experiential journey focusing on the need of technology to better lives and how it is used daily to enhance and improve business needs and modernise lifestyles.

TRI-PARTITE COLLABORATION STRENGTHENS WCIT 2022 FOOTPRINT IN MALAYSIA

HRD Corp and WITSA collaborate to make WCIT 2022 create stronger impact on Malaysia’s tech landscape.

HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation) and WITSA (World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PIKOM as part of e orts to promote WCIT 2022, scheduled to be held in Penang in September 2022. The MoU was signed at a Meet & Greet Session in Washington, USA, witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaacob, during his recent working trip to the United States.

In thanking HRD Corp and WITSA for their support, Dr Sean Seah, PIKOM Chairman said, “This MoU marks another important milestone for PIKOM as the organizer of WCIT 2022 Malaysia.”

He added that the inclusion of HRD Corp as strategic partner stands to bene t all business members and business communities.

“Being part of this global event will enable them to further connect with industry players who are within the Digital Technology and Business Services sectors,” stressed Dr Sean.

Sharing updates on the progress of WCIT 2022, Dr James Poisant, Secretary General of WITSA said, “It is important that we continue engaging with the right partners to strengthen, drive and grow the

industry, especially when tech is the key driver of the global economy today. Leaders in the tech, digital and innovation space will be in Malaysia this September, so no one should miss this opportunity to be part of WCIT 2022.”

WITSA is a leading consortium of the tech industry association with over 80 member economies around the world, representing more than 90% of the world’s technology market. WCIT 2022 Malaysia will be its 26th edition of the world congress

and is now known as World Congress on Innovation & Information Technology.

The MoU documents areas of collaboration that includes human capital development, technology development and adoption, global best practices experience sharing and thought leadership in technology, among others.

Datuk Shahul Dawood, Chief Executive of HRD Corp expressed his views, “We are excited to partner with PIKOM and WITSA in organising the WCIT 2022 as we place training and development in ICT and digital technology on the centre stage for Malaysian talents and organisations.”

He added that this partnership is also aligned to HRD Corp’s own internationalisation strategy, enabling HRD Corp to o er more real-world value to stakeholders with opportunities from around the world.

Dr Sean Seah announced that all WCIT delegate tickets are HRDFclaimable, and that PIKOM is working closely with MATRADE to assist participants to apply for the Market Development.

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri has con rmed his attendance at WCIT 2022. The event is set to be the biggest tech showcase, with a participation of more than 4,000 delegates from over 80 countries.

PENANG: A MELTING POT OF INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INVESTMENTS

Helming the role of Malaysia’s economic powerhouse, the island state of Penang is rapidly gaining momentum as a regional digital hub with its outstanding potential.

Dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the East” and recognised as “Asia’s Next Silicon Valley” by BBC, Penang is increasingly attracting local and foreign investors. The island state is now a gateway to Asia and beyond as a preferred location for digital investments with thriving Digital Global Business Services (DGBS) and Centre of Excellence (CoE) for multinationals. Currently, Penang Cybercity has created more than 200 MSC-status companies o ering more than 14,000 highly-valued jobs.

More than 60 companies operate GBS centre in Penang such as B. Braun, Dell, Intel, Jabil, Motorola, National Instruments, ams Osram and Toray, among others. Apart from this, there is an increasing trend of multinationals with no physical manufacturing presence having opted to establish their GBS in Penang, namely Citigroup, Clarivate, S&P Global, Luxoft, Swarovski, Teleperformance, UST, Zebra Technologies and more.

The island state also has the highest concentration of integrated circuit development and software development engineers in Malaysia.

Reputable companies operating in this space in Penang include Cerium, Experior, Intel, In necs, Lattice, Oppstar, SkyeChip, Star ve, Synapse Design, Synkom and UST – all part of the global value-chain.

As Penang celebrates its 50th anniversary demonstrating excellence and beyond, it is progressing well in establishing itself as an entrepreneurial state. In achieving this, the state government established the Penang i4.0 Seed Fund programme in 2018, o ering funding for quali ed high potential early-stage technology start-ups and enhancing the growth of the state’s tech ecosystem.

Through InvestPenang, the state government has curated an ongoing initiative, known as G37, exclusively for its recipient companies. G37 provides mentorship guidance by experienced professionals, training and workshops by subject matter experts, fundraising, nance and investment, human resource, legal, software development and market expansion.

With 2022 marking the Golden

Jubilee of industrialisation in Penang, the state government has incubated a year-long event calendar focused on 13 themes, to demonstrate Penang’s successful transformation and futuristic plans.

The state has earned a sterling reputation on the international front with numerous accolades and recognition such as one of the 22 world’s best destinations by CNN, Georgetown as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, Penang Hill designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021, and recognition as a medical travel destination of the year.

As a world-class manufacturing and services ecosystem, Penang is a strategic site for Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, R&D, global supply chain management, high precision engineering capabilities and digital analytics. The state also presents a seamless plug-and-play ecosystem and an Industry-ready and innovative talent pool – an attractive proposition for foreign and local investors.

MDEC AT THE HELM OF DIGITALISING MALAYSIA

As the country pursues its digital agenda, MDEC is on track with its strategic initiatives to achieve the country’s digital aspirations through Malaysia Digital and MyDIGITAL.

MALAYSIA DIGITAL

Recognising the power of digitalisation as one of the key drivers of economic progress, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched Malaysia Digital (MD) – a new initiative which will succeed MSC Malaysia, the ort to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy. MD is a national strategic initiative aimed at encouraging and attracting enterprises, talents and investments whilst empowering Malaysian businesses and citizens to play a signi cant role in the global digital economy.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob graced the event and o ciated the launch of MD.

Driven by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) through MDEC, MD is designed and implemented to address three strategic priorities, which include driving digital adoption among aspiring young entrepreneurs, companies and the people; supporting the local tech companies as Malaysian Champions and accomplished international players; and, drawing highvalue digital investments

into the country. In an e ort to achieve these aspirations, MDEC will be introducing two initial Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (PEMANGKIN), namely DE Rantau and Digital Trade. The execution of MD is being carried through the Malaysia Digital Coordination Committee (MD-CC), which will serve to coordinate the governance and operations of the initiative, including awarding MD status to organisations.

DE Rantau is a programme to boost digital adoption, promote professional mobility and drive tourism across the country, targeted at establishing Malaysia as the preferred Digital Nomad Hub. Meanwhile, Digital Trade, drives interoperability and greater harmonisation of standards and regulatory approaches and facilitates domestic and international trade.

“The digital transformation of the nation and the citizens will continue to be the priority of K-KOMM’s initiatives, as I believe that digital technology is no longer the vision of the future, but the reality of today,” said Tan Sri Annuar Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia.

He added that K-KOMM and MDEC will establish a dedicated platform for the industry to continuously participate and provide valuable feedback on Malaysia Digital, including private-sector representatives from relevant industry bodies and organisations as subject matter experts.

MDEC’s CEO, Mahadhir Aziz highlighted that the agency will continue to drive and accelerate the sustainable growth of the nation’s digital economy with Malaysia Digital as the overarching initiative towards establishing Malaysia as the digital hub of ASEAN.

MD’s role is to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s ecosystem within nine focus areas that include digital trade, digital agriculture, digital services, digital cities, digital health, digital nance, digital content, digital tourism and the Islamic digital economy. MD is also designed to drive digital adoption and opportunities in digital economy via the Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes and other competitive o erings.

MALAYSIA’S DIGITAL INVESTMENTS EXPERIENCE STRONG MOMENTUM

Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) is a strategic roadmap to drive a high-value-added economy in the country and to become a net-exporter of homegrown technologies and digital solutions. The digital economy, which has been experiencing exponential growth over the last year or more, is expected to make up 22.6% Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create 500,000 jobs by 2025.

National e orts to accelerate digital investments in Malaysia are driven by MDEC and K-KOMM, as part of a national e ort to establish Malaysia as the digital hub of ASEAN, particularly in accelerating economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

These developments spell positive momentum for Malaysia in achieving the RM70 billion target of investments in digitalisation by 2025, as set by the MyDIGITAL. This initiative sets in motion various measures and targets for implementation in three stages up until 2030, also complementing the 12th Malaysia Plan and the Vision for Shared Prosperity 2030.

Digital investments pose a key aspect in the recovery of the Malaysian economy by creating high-knowledge jobs and enabling the acceleration of innovation as well as the adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, further boosting Malaysia’s digital economy and its status as a digitalised nation.

Achieving Malaysia’s digital investment aspirations call for the participation and e orts of the entire nation. K-KOMM and MDEC are set to drive the acceleration of digital investments by galvanising meaningful public private partnerships through enhanced framework, revamped incentives, and catalytic programmes of Malaysia Digital.

Tan Sri Annuar Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia said that there are three main focus areas in making Malaysia an information and communications technology (ICT) hub, in line with the MyDIGITAL initiative. The three main areas include communication infrastructure improvement, attracting digital investment and building manpower and human capital in the digital technology sector.

“To strengthen the connectivity ecosystem, the ministry has implemented the National Digital Infrastructure Plan or Jendela as an e ort to expand coverage and improve the quality of broadband services as a whole, through various initiatives and prepare the country for the transition to 5G technology,” explained Tan Sri Annuar.

The Ministry is also improving the connectivity ecosystem infrastructure under the Jendela+ plan to support the implementation of MyDIGITAL. Jendela+ is focused on three elements, namely, international connectivity (IC), internet exchange point (IXP) and data centre (DC).

To ramp up digital investment, through MDEC, the Ministry has drawn up a ve-year (2021-2025) strategic plan which is focused on ve main thrusts to attract investments and drive the country’s digital economy. The ve main thrusts include targeting an investment of RM50bil in the digital economy, creating 50,000 job opportunities in the digital industry, attracting 50 Fortune 500 technology companies to do business in Malaysia, and enabling ve global unicorn companies to operate in the country.

WCIT 2022 CONTINUES TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM INDUSTRY PARTNERS

With 55 more days to WCIT 2022, ASOCIO and iTrainKids join the line-up of elite partners to be part of Malaysia’s biggest tech event.

As WCIT 2022 rapidly gains traction, Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO) and iTrainKids Sdn Bhd have signed up as Supporting Partners of Malaysia’s biggest global tech events which is scheduled to hit the scene in September 2022.

David Wong, Chairman of ASOCIO said, “This partnership complements our focus to create platforms for cross-border trade. Since WCIT 2022 Malaysia is a global tech event, we see it as an opportunity for ASOCIO members to engage with other economies on their tech and digital agenda.”

ASOCIO is also poised to take on the role of International Content Partner by co-organising the Smart City Track Session, highlighting and promoting the event through its network of 24 economies in the region while bringing in delegates from ASOCIO’s member economies.

iTrainKids Sdn Bhd will provide marketing support to WCIT and organise Edutech programmes during TechFest at WCIT 2022. The company specialises in tech-related workshops that include coding and developing various apps, games and websites.

Dato’ Eric Ku, CEO of iTrainKids highlighted that the company will bene t most from this partnership as their students aspire to be the future tech leaders.

He added, “iTrainKids o ers hands-on ways to teach children Science, Technology, Engineering,

Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) skills. With our participation in WCIT 2022 Malaysia, we will get direct access to the tech leaders who will help us enhance our STEAM training contents. This will be an invaluable experience that we bring back for our students, post WCIT 2022.”

According to PIKOM Chairman Dr Sean Seah, the national tech association is indeed excited to welcome ASOCIO and iTrainKids as

partners for WCIT 2022 Malaysia.

“ASOCIO has been very supportive in the past WCITs and in WCIT 2008, when it was rst hosted by Malaysia. It has grown bigger since then in its membership. We look forward to their participation target of 600 delegates along with the ASOCIO Pavilion at WCIT 2022 Malaysia. This is an opportunity for them to showcase their members’ tech solutions and network with

MY.IT is the official publication of PIKOM which has a membership of over 1,000 ICT companies that represents about 80% of the total ICT trade in the country. MY.IT is primarily intended to serve the needs of the dynamic ICT industry in Malaysia, especially when it comes to voicing out the needs and concerns of the ICT industry. Be a part of this essential and vibrant scene by advertising in MY.IT, the voice of the Malaysian ICT industry.

other leading global tech players at the congress,” he added.

Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow witnessed the MoU Signing Ceremony after WCIT 2022 Malaysia’s 5th Steering Committee Meeting. PIKOM Chairman Dr Sean Seah and WITSA CEO Dato’ Dan E Khoo were also present at the meeting and MoU Signing event.

WCIT is set to hit the Malaysia tech landscape from 13 to 15 September in Penang, targeting 4000 delegates from over 80 economies. The event is set to welcome a host of other partners that include corporates, government agencies and the media, Visit www. wcit2022.com to be part of this great event.

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SEADRAGON @ WCIT2022: HUNTING FOR THE NEXT UNICORNS

Conceptualised to fuel homegrown unicorn start-ups and scale-ups, this platform is an excellent avenue for companies seeking growth, expansion and investors.

Pioneered in 2018, SEADragon the premier sustainable Venture Pitch Platform, organised by PIKOM, returns for its second debut at WCIT2022. This pitching platform was specially designed for start-ups and scale-ups seeking investments, growth and global market expansion.

Through the Curated Deal Flows approach, promising companies are shortlisted, coached and equipped to be showcased to tech venture capitalists and investors globally.

Dr Sean Seah, Chairman of PIKOM explains SEADragon’s exciting

proposition, “This year, SEADragon at WCIT 2022 Malaysia returns and we are looking for the top 20 Malaysian high growth tech-companies to be showcased to the world at the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2022 Malaysia from 13-15 September this year. We will have Global tech leaders, Venture Capitalists and investors at the nal pitching session with these nest companies.”

CS Chin, CEO of SEATECH Ventures Corp highlighted, “The main objective in running the SEADragon pitching series is to develop

Malaysia’s homegrown unicorns, train them to pitch to potential local and global investors and develop global market access for them.”

In driving this initiative, PIKOM has joined forces with SEATECH Ventures, GreenPro Capitol, MDEC and several local start-up and scale-up ecosystem partners. The programme has gained good momentum over the last few months with several tech start-ups going through a series of pitching and mentoring sessions. Shortlisted start-ups will then be matched with high growth start-ups and scale-ups with potential local

and global investors (Private equity, venture capital, corporate investors, high net-worth individuals). This then fuels investments, growth and global market expansion as well as attracts global investors and promotes syndication amongst local and global investors.

“As a run-up to WCIT2022 Malaysia, a series of pitching events and mentoring sessions will be held to select and prepare the companies for the chance in a lifetime pitch. We thank SEATech Ventures, Greenpro and MDEC for their support for SEADragon at WCIT 2022 Malaysia,” continued Dr Seah.

The pitching sessions were held on several occasions between April and July 2022, after which a mentoring session was held in late August. The nal pitching will take place in mid-September. Following this, on 15 September, the top 5 winners will be announced during WCIT2022.

This programme is open to Malaysian-owned non-listed entities involved in the tech sector.

PIKOM SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO PRODUCE 5 UNICORNS BY 2025

PIKOM teams up with GreenPro and SEATech to drive unicorn-status home-grown technology start-ups through the ADAQ Sea Dragon programme.

PIKOM Venture Investment Chapter responded to the Government’s call to drive 5 unicorns by 2025. In driving this e ort, PIKOM is collaborating with GreenPro Capital Group and SEATech Ventures Corp to identify potential technology start-ups that would qualify for the ADAQ SEA Dragon programme. MOSTI recently announced the Start-up Development Roadmap with the target of creating 5,000 companies including unicorn startups by 2025. This initiative is aligned with the MyDigital Blueprint and the objectives of the 12th Malaysia Plan. In identifying eligible start-ups to participate in ADAQ, PIKOM, GreenPro and SEATech will run a series of programmes in the coming months.

PIKOM Chairman Dr Sean Seah said, “PIKOM has laid down a series of programmes to identify and grow Malaysian tech companies and produce Malaysian unicorns. We already have the right ecosystem in place involving funding, training and mentoring mechanisms for tech companies.”

Dr C K Lee, Chief Executive O cer of GreenPro expressed, “GreenPro is proud to partner with PIKOM and SEATech in realising the goal to produce ve unicorns by 2025. We believe with the proven methodology, coupled with mentoring, funding and market access, aspiring unicorns can be well placed to achieve their dreams.”

SEATech’s Chief Executive

O cer, Chin Chee Seong explained, “SEATech is one of the companies that is undergoing the ADAQ “Asia NASDAQ” methodology and we are already beginning to see early results. By working with PIKOM and GreenPro, more startups and companies can accelerate their path towards listing in the world’s largest capital market.”

PIKOM together with its partners will be hosting 5 ADAQ Sea Dragon pitching sessions between March and July 2022, in which only 15 tech companies will be shortlisted to participate in the nals at the World Congress on IT 2022 Malaysia scheduled for 13 to 15 September 2022. PIKOM hopes to present 5

to 10 aspiring Malaysian unicorns from the tech industry at the closing ceremony of WCIT 2022. Prior to the nals, shortlisted companies will be put through an intensive training programme to equip them for the nal pitch.

Back in 2018, PIKOM organised the inaugural SEA Dragon in which 28 companies out of 170 organisations were shortlisted. The entries were put through a stringent evaluation process and pitching to international investors. Carsome was one of the companies that pitched, was mentored, and recently recognised as a unicorn.

“The companies we identify will work on getting the much-needed funding to take them to the next level. We look forward to see these tech start-ups bloom to reach their full potential once they clinch the right investors,” said Dr Seah.

With investors actively investing in ASEAN, China and North Asian markets, they are constantly seeking to invest in companies with innovative and strategic ideas. Finalists of ADAQ SEA Dragon will have the opportunity to make direct pitches to more than 30 venture capitalists, investors and high-net worth individuals.

The ADAQ Sea Dragon is supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), ATA Plus and SME Association of Malaysia.

DR SEAN SEAH

“This is exciting for us and we have support from our members, SEATech and GreenPro, and our collaborator MDEC. Back in 2018, we actually presented about 20 companies, one of them is Carsome, the rst unicorn in Malaysia. Among the PIKOM members, we see a few potential unicorns,” explained Dr Seah.

He added that the aim was to shortlist 60 companies in ADAQ and to present them in WCIT 2022 in Penang.

“From these selections we hope that at the end of WCIT 2022 we can identify 5 potential unicorns,” said Dr Seah.

AIZAH AZREEN AHMAD, Chief Digital Business O cer, MDEC

In her address, Aizah commended the tenacity of PIKOM and its partners in their e orts to produce unicorns in Malaysia. She explained that the government needs the help and collaboration of the private sector to produce more unicorns in Malaysia. Aizah stresses that despite the impact of COVID-19 on the country, there is no room for excuses in the growth of unicorns. She adds that in fact, digitalisation has been accelerated during the pandemic. “Let’s think of more ways to produce unicorns,” she urges. She adds that this is the start of a very good collaboration, and that there are several exciting initiatives in the pipeline at MDEC.

RAYMOND SIVA, Chief Marketing O cer, MDEC

Raymond said that wherever possible, MDEC is set to enable the emergence of unicorns in the country. He added that in the upcoming Dubai Expo, 20 companies will be taken to the expo to exhibit, and also to learn what investors are looking for. “This is a very good collaboration,” he stressed.

DR C K LEE

Dr Lee said that the term “unicorn” has been in many of his conversations over the last few years. He shared that back in 2018, he received commendations from investors in China for GreenPro’s achievement of market capital of USD1.2 billion, upon its listing in NASDAQ, thus creating a unicorn. “From GreenPro’s point of view, we must drive continuous value creation, sustain in the world market as well as drive innovation and be a company with con guration,” explains Dr Lee. He said that unicorn companies should move towards the direction of UNSDG.

CHIN CHEE SEONG

Chin stresses that there is a need for strategic partners to produce unicorns and that it cannot be done single-handedly. He added that it is not an easy task as many aspects of the company’s operations must be taken into account. SEATech hopes to assist tech businesses to solve their challenges and nd the right strategic partners to grow their businesses. “We want Malaysian companies to be listed in NASDAQ,” he shares.

PIKOM LAUNCHES GBS MALAYSIA STRATEGIC 2022 REPORT

The Report details Malaysia’s vast potential as a high-value digital GBS hub in the southeast Asian region, and the industry’s estimated CAGR growth of 6.2% over the next ve years.

The Global Business Services (GBS) – Malaysia Strategy 2022 Report was o cially launched in July this year. This is a strategic publicprivate-partnership (PPP) initiative which was idealised in early 2021 as an industry-led Strategic Roadmap for the GBS Industry with the aim to drive the industry forward in the next 5 years from 2022 to 2027.

As a Strategic Roadmap, the report is spearheaded by GBS Malaysia, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Invest Penang, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Invest KL, Invest Selangor, Cyberview, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the

Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM).

At the launch of the Report, Outsourcing Malaysia (OM), a chapter of PIKOM Malaysia since 2006, announced that it is now o cially known as Digital Global Business Services Council Malaysia (GBS Malaysia).

According to GBS Malaysia’s Research Partner IDC, the Malaysian GBS industry recorded approximately US$4.95 billion of businesses in 2020 and is estimated to grow at a 5-year CAGR of 6.2% to potentially reach US$6.7 billion by 2025, with the inclusion of 3rd party IT and non-IT Business Process Services, o shore service providers and captive enduser operations.

Currently, more than 250,000 employees operate within Malaysia’s GBS industry, with the industry continuing to provide a signi cant number of employment opportunities over the years, thus contributing to the country’s GDP. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry experienced signi cant growth and o ered employment to many Malaysians and foreigners, and continues to grow, according to the Report.

Anthony Raja Devadoss, Chairman of GBS Malaysia explained, “GBS Malaysia resonates with the constant changes in the global business services sector and we must remain relevant with the times in representing our industry in

Malaysia for the next 5 years. The Global Business Services Malaysia Strategy Report signi cantly outlays global and local companies’ focus on enhancing the skills of their employees that led to the creation of a group of more than 250,000 trained talent, including in the areas of customer experience, digital technology, nance, accounting and human resources.

“GBS companies realised the need for advanced access and to drive the leading technologies to execute innovative solutions using data analytics, digital experience, robotic process automation and arti cial intelligence for the ASEAN and Global markets,” he added.

According to Raymond Dass, Chairman of GBS Research, the pandemic has represented not-tobe-missed opportunities, and has highlighted the importance of making evidence-based, resilient, and future-proof policies.

“This National GBS Strategy is a roadmap for strengthening Malaysia’s Position as a high value digital Global Business Services Hub. It provides guidance for companies wishing to develop their own GBS roadmaps and expand their services into new areas that will alter traditional business processes and increase shareholder value,” he added.

This research scope extends to identify Malaysia as a high-value

digital Global Business Services Hub in view of the country’s strengths in the areas of organisational capabilities, its talent market, niche capabilities, infrastructure, the markets and the verticals served by Malaysian companies. Additionally, Malaysia’s competitiveness with its neighbouring countries poses excellent potential in capturing Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

During the launch of the Report, Dr Sean Seah, Chairman of PIKOM said, “PIKOM is proud to announce that this is the rst-ever GBS Report that has been produced by GBS Malaysia in collaboration with the corridors in Malaysia - another feather in the cap for the GBS industry. PIKOM will continue to

place GBS as top priority and ensure we maximise all opportunities for the Malaysian GBS players. The ndings of this report stand as testament of the success of our strategy and e orts in this industry and they also re ect the continued con dence by investors in Malaysia as a preferred hub of GBS.”

Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC states, “At MDEC, we intend to accelerate the growth further via the introduction of Malaysia Digital and along with the heavy support by the Government and e ective collaborations between publicprivate partnerships, our nation will be able to assert and consolidate its leadership position in this focus sector.”

PIKOM’s New Members from Jan-July 2022

Acestar Sdn Bhd www.acestar.my

Agensi Pekerjaan Ambition Group Malaysia Sdn. Bhd www.ambition.com.my

ANGK DIGITAL SDN BHD www.angkdigital.com

Allnex Asia GBS Sdn Bhd www.allnex.com

American Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd www.americanexpress.com.my

Amiya Corporation www.amiya.co.jp/english/

Armourzero Sdn Bhd www.armourzero.com

Ashisuto Global Technologies Sdn Bhd www.ashisuto-tech.com

Axiata Digital eCode Sdn Bhd www.axiatadigital.com

BPM Vision Malaysia Sdn Bhd www.bpmvision.com.au

Cogdev Malaysia Sdn Bhd www.cognizant.com

Collabera Sdn Bhd www.collabera.com

Cortex Robotics Sdn Bhd cortexrobotics.my

Dbix Systems Sdn Bhd www.dbix.com.my

DRI Malaysia Sdn Bhd dri-malaysia.org

DXC Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd www.dxc.com

Fedelis Sdn Bhd www.fedelis.com.my

GlobeOss Sdn Bhd www.globeoss.com

H3C Technology Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd www.h3c.com

HP Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd www.hp.com

iMocha Sdn Bhd www.imocha.com.my

IMT Tech Sdn Bhd www.imttech.co

Laiye Pte Ltd www.laiye.com

Langit Kita Sdn Bhd (Apadilangit) www.apadilangit.com

LINGTEC Instruments Sdn Bhd www.lingtec.co

MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd www.measat.com

Mechmodule Technology Sdn Bhd www.mechmodule.com

Mercu Tekun Sdn Bhd n/a

M.I.T Academy Sdn Bhd www.mitacademy.edu.my

Motorola Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd www.motorola.com/us/

Nera (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd www.nera.net

NexMind AI Sdn Bhd www.nexmind.ai

Orient Telecoms Sdn Bhd orient-telecoms.com/my/

Orsted Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd orsted.my

Tanium Singapore Pte Ltd

www.tanium.com

Truvisor Malaysia Sdn Bhd truvisor.io

RM Applications Sdn Bhd rma.com.my

Rose Attractions Sdn Bhd www.roseattractions.com

RM Applications Sdn Bhd rma.com.my

Seeloz (M) Sdn Bhd

ServiceNow International B.V. (Malaysia Branch)

Simsense Technology Sdn Bhd

www.seeloz.com

www.servicenow.com

www.seciron.com

Software Sdn Bhd www.azentio.com

Swift Bridge Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd

www.swiftbridgetechnologies.com

Workato Pte Ltd www.workato.com

Zanko Sdn Bhd zanko.com.my