KUALA LUMPUR: Fortune 500 companies IBM and Toshiba are each set to invest more heavily in Malaysia, with IBM planning to pump RM1 billion to develop a global technology services delivery centre in Cyberjaya over the next five years.
Japanese technology giant Toshiba, meanwhile, plans to invest RM268 million to build its regional operational headquarters in Malaysia.
The foreign investments are part of nine new projects worth RM2.52 billion that fall under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which were announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
The IBM project was deemed the biggest in terms of investment.
Najib said the country remained focused on boosting growth and competitiveness to make Malaysia more attractive to investors.
"We will push ahead with reforms, including the Competition Act, which will come into effect on Jan 1, and the liberalisation of 17 services as announced in the 2012 Budget."
He said while he remained confident the country could fast-track a generation of growth in 10 years, the ETP was only a year old and would take time before the benefits were felt.
Chris Eng, an analyst and research head at OSK Research, said: "It's been a long time since Cyberjaya saw such a large investment like the one from IBM. It bodes well for Malaysia and is also positive for the development of Cyberjaya."
The centre will help the company deliver information technology services capabilities to clients around the world.
Najib said the centre would help position Malaysia as a hub for IT experts in this region.
IBM will employ up to 3,000 people for the centre.
Patt Cronin, IBM general manager for global technology delivery and delivery excellence, said: "Our 10-storey building in Cyberjaya will have its groundbreaking ceremony in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2013."
Toshiba chose Malaysia as its global supply chain hub, regional full turnkey, and research and development centre for its transmission and distribution equipment for Southeast Asia.
American firm Akamai Technologies, ranked among the 100 best performing technology companies globally, plans to work with Telekom Malaysia Bhd on a project that will see Akamai's only Netstorage facilities in Southeast Asia hosted in Malaysia.
Netstorage is a secure, outsourced service that reduces costs and hassle associated with content storage.
Other ETP projects include KPJ Healthcare Bhd's plan to build five hospitals in Malaysia, offering 822 beds, for RM763 million over the next three years.
Shrimp exporter Pegagau Group will set up a processing plant in Tawau and expand into large-scale cage farming. These initiatives will see a RM67.7 million investment.
ETP, launched a year ago, had recorded RM177.1 billion in committed investment and 389,263 potential jobs, Najib said.
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Rais targets 55,000 volunteers for 1Malaysia Community programme
KUALA KUBU BARU: The Information, Communications and Culture Ministry is targeting to get 55,000 volunteers through the 1Malaysia Community programme.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the ministry would pool their energy towards making them the prime mover for programmes under the Barisan Nasional (BN) patronage."So far, an estimated 22,000 volunteers are participating in the programme through 2,000 units nationwide," he said when met by reporters after the launch of the 1Malaysia Community programme by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, here, today.
The 1Malaysia community programme is aimed at fostering unity among the local multiracial communities and to create an information-savvy society.
Rais said the Information Department would work closely with the Special Affairs Department and multimedia agencies to monitor changes in information technology.
"Changes in IT brings us new values and not all are good," he added. -- BERNAMA
Challenge to take Malaysia further in IT indexes
BANGI: Malaysia aims to be among the top 10 in the information technology (IT) competitiveness index and top 20 in the digital economy index by 2020, in line with the national digital transformation plan.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this was because information technology was now seen as the key element that would revolutionise and support the growth of many industries.These include the healthcare, communication and biotechnology industries.
"Malaysia moved 11 places from 32 to 21 in the recent world IT competitiveness index.
"In the digital economy ranking conducted by The Economist and IBM, Malaysia is now 36th among 70 countries.
"Take this challenge to help the country move up to the top 10 in the IT competitiveness index and top 20 in the digital economy index," he said at the second International Conference on Visual Informatics (IVIC) 2011 here yesterday.
His speech was read by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia board of directors chairman, Tan Sri Dr Zulkefli A. Hassan.
The three-day seminar, attended by some 200 experts in the field of visual informatics from 15 countries, is hosted by UKM and jointly organised by 13 public and private universities in the country.
Themed "Visual Informatics: Sustainable Innovation towards Wealth Creation", the seminar is chaired by seven professors from renowned universities, including Cambridge University and Imperial College, London.
Present were IVIC chair Prof Datuk Dr Halimah Badioze Zaman and UKM deputy vice-chancellor (students and alumni affairs) Prof Ir Othman A. Karim.
M'sia needs to produce own cyber security software
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs to produce its own cyber information security software as depending on foreign software may risk information leaks and intelligence breaches, said a software expert here today.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Computer Science and Information Technology Faculty dean Prof Dr Ramlan Mahmod said infiltration could happen covertly as currently there was a lack of understanding on source code logic streams used by foreign software."At the moment, there is no software capable of checking the source code of software to ensure the software used is confirmed safe.
"For the realisation of this information technology, the country needs to acquire 'technical knowhow' in information security and expertise in various fields such as computer science, mathematics and engineering," he told Bernama.
He said to acquire the expertise, the nation needed to carry out the foundation work such as training more experts in information technology and by bringing in more external technologies into the country.
Dr Ramlan said information leaks could happen in two situations, that is when the data was in transmission and hacking of existing data in storage.
"To prevent hackers from attacking data in transmission or unauthorised access to data storage, the information could be encrypted or hidden.
"This is the basis of information and software development important to ensure our cyber defence," he said.
He said the government needed to play a major role to set up a strong system of cyber defence as it needed financial commitment, expertise, legislation and continuous monitoring.
"Cyber security is the same as national security involving many operational aspects such as prevention, defence, detecting, intelligence and attack.
"It also needs sophiscated technical knowledge in information security and continuous upgrading of capability considering hackers are also improving their attacks," he said. -- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Center for IT advancement (UIA)
Centre for IT Advancement (CITA) was established in October 2004 at the Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT). Services offered by CITA are therefore further extension to the functions of the Kulliyyah; providing the complete range of educational courses in ICT, including professional certification.
CITA is a Professional Services Center delivering Business and Management Consultancy Services, Project Management Services, Executive Programs ranging from Certification to Masters Degree, Professional Certification and On-line Programs for corporate executives, professionals and students worldwide.
CITA recognizes the need for continuing education and professional development programs in IT not only for students but also corporate employees, adult professionals, and the general public. We have certified and experienced consultants and instructors, who understand these needs and could meet the demand for new skills and enhancements.
CITA offers executive Masters Programs, Postgraduate Diploma and Certification programs in Protective Security Management in collaboration with the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) in the Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya. CITA also will offer the Executive Masters Program in Information Technology in partnership with the IIUM Kuliyyah of ICT. The Center also offers more than 50 professional certifications ,training programmes and short courses annually.
CITA offers executive Masters Programs, Postgraduate Diploma and Certification programs in Protective Security Management in collaboration with the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) in the Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya. CITA also will offer the Executive Masters Program in Information Technology in partnership with the IIUM Kuliyyah of ICT. The Center also offers more than 50 professional certifications ,training programmes and short courses annually.
With the strategic partnership with the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) , CITA has jointly developed the human capital development program delivering certification programs for all security personnels throughout Malaysia.
Most Somali students are driven to get an education
There is a sizeable number of Somalis studying at public universities in Kuala Lumpur, and the number is growing.
Yasir Mohamed Baffo, a tourism graduate of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), said Malaysia was a choice destination because it was a moderate Muslim country.
He said there were about 1,500 Somali students studying a range of courses from information technology to management courses, including Islamic finance, business, accounting, economics and international affairs.
He said most of the Somali students were enrolled in UUM, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
"The students are funded by their families in Somalia and those who lived elsewhere," said Yasir, whose father works in the private sector in Saudi Arabia.
Yasir's 17-year-old sister is also studying at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. She has plans to pursue a degree in Islamic finance at a public university.
According to Yasir, the Somali community in Kuala Lumpur was close-knit and usually did not mix with those from the other African nations.
Yasir is proud of his Somali heritage and is quick to point out that award-winning writer Nuruddin Farah, well-known writer and Al Jazeera journalist Rageh Omaar and singer K'naan, who sang at the Fifa World Cup last year, are Somalis.
Yasir is hopeful that Somalia will have a stable government some day with a strong leader. He wants to return home after completing his master's next year and hopes to become a tourism minister one day.
He is also involved in youth movements worldwide, where he is striving to unite the educated Somali youth towards helping their country put into place a stable leadership.
On why he chose to study in Malaysia, Yasir said he was taken up by his secondary school teacher who studied in Malaysia.
"He painted such as wonderful picture of his time in Malaysia and I was so taken up, and made up my mind that I would come here."
Professor Dr Musse Mohamud Ahmed of the International Islamic University Malaysia's Engineering Faculty said he was also funded by his family when he came to Malaysia in 1996 to do his PhD.
Musse said Somali students were driven towards obtaining a good education.
"Almost 95 per cent of Somalis here are studying. You will never find a Somali going to a construction site to look for a job."
Ultimately, Musse said, all Somalis living out of Somalia had one goal: to return to Somalia some day.
Musse added that the crisis in Mogadishu was "purely political" and that there was no infighting among the people of Somalia.
It has been reported that Somalia has been without an effective central government since president Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.
Although Somalia had been without a proper government for the past 21 years, the country was thriving, said Musse.
"How many countries could thrive under such circumstances? It goes to show that the Somali people are hardworking, which keeps the economy going. It is just that we have a bad political system."
Musse also said the Somalis in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and even in Kenya and Dubai were successful and well-known for their business acumen.
"In Dubai, the Somalis are the second biggest contributors to the economy."
As for Musse, Malaysia is not the sole option to pursue his studies.
"I was offered by the National University of Australia in Sydney to do a PHD, but they told me to come a year later. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia also offered me a place and told me I could start straightaway, so I decided to come here."
To keep the community together, Musse has undertaken the role of chairman of the Somalis in Malaysia, while Yasir is a member of the Somali Students Society in Kuala Lumpur.
Yasir said they held regular workshops and seminars to help the Somali students blend in and learn the culture of the Malaysians.
UUM's assistant director of Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation, Kartini Tajul Urus, said there were 180 Somali students pursuing business and information technology degree courses at the university.
She said many of them had transferred from another local private university because the fees at UUM were cheaper, which ranged from RM7,200 to RM7,500 for a four-year undergraduate course.
Most of them were self-financed, she added.
While there were the "usual social" issues concerning the Somali students, she said there were no major disciplinary problems.
Multimedia University director of International Students Recruitment, Ezral Mokhtar, said it was part of the university's ongoing marketing efforts to get more Somali students to study at MMU.
He said there were about 1,500 Somali students studying a range of courses from information technology to management courses, including Islamic finance, business, accounting, economics and international affairs.
He said most of the Somali students were enrolled in UUM, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
"The students are funded by their families in Somalia and those who lived elsewhere," said Yasir, whose father works in the private sector in Saudi Arabia.
Yasir's 17-year-old sister is also studying at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. She has plans to pursue a degree in Islamic finance at a public university.
According to Yasir, the Somali community in Kuala Lumpur was close-knit and usually did not mix with those from the other African nations.
Yasir is proud of his Somali heritage and is quick to point out that award-winning writer Nuruddin Farah, well-known writer and Al Jazeera journalist Rageh Omaar and singer K'naan, who sang at the Fifa World Cup last year, are Somalis.
Yasir is hopeful that Somalia will have a stable government some day with a strong leader. He wants to return home after completing his master's next year and hopes to become a tourism minister one day.
He is also involved in youth movements worldwide, where he is striving to unite the educated Somali youth towards helping their country put into place a stable leadership.
On why he chose to study in Malaysia, Yasir said he was taken up by his secondary school teacher who studied in Malaysia.
"He painted such as wonderful picture of his time in Malaysia and I was so taken up, and made up my mind that I would come here."
Professor Dr Musse Mohamud Ahmed of the International Islamic University Malaysia's Engineering Faculty said he was also funded by his family when he came to Malaysia in 1996 to do his PhD.
Musse said Somali students were driven towards obtaining a good education.
"Almost 95 per cent of Somalis here are studying. You will never find a Somali going to a construction site to look for a job."
Ultimately, Musse said, all Somalis living out of Somalia had one goal: to return to Somalia some day.
Musse added that the crisis in Mogadishu was "purely political" and that there was no infighting among the people of Somalia.
It has been reported that Somalia has been without an effective central government since president Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.
Although Somalia had been without a proper government for the past 21 years, the country was thriving, said Musse.
"How many countries could thrive under such circumstances? It goes to show that the Somali people are hardworking, which keeps the economy going. It is just that we have a bad political system."
Musse also said the Somalis in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and even in Kenya and Dubai were successful and well-known for their business acumen.
"In Dubai, the Somalis are the second biggest contributors to the economy."
As for Musse, Malaysia is not the sole option to pursue his studies.
"I was offered by the National University of Australia in Sydney to do a PHD, but they told me to come a year later. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia also offered me a place and told me I could start straightaway, so I decided to come here."
To keep the community together, Musse has undertaken the role of chairman of the Somalis in Malaysia, while Yasir is a member of the Somali Students Society in Kuala Lumpur.
Yasir said they held regular workshops and seminars to help the Somali students blend in and learn the culture of the Malaysians.
UUM's assistant director of Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation, Kartini Tajul Urus, said there were 180 Somali students pursuing business and information technology degree courses at the university.
She said many of them had transferred from another local private university because the fees at UUM were cheaper, which ranged from RM7,200 to RM7,500 for a four-year undergraduate course.
Most of them were self-financed, she added.
While there were the "usual social" issues concerning the Somali students, she said there were no major disciplinary problems.
Multimedia University director of International Students Recruitment, Ezral Mokhtar, said it was part of the university's ongoing marketing efforts to get more Somali students to study at MMU.
Challenge to take Malaysia further in IT indexes
BANGI: Malaysia aims to be among the top 10 in the information technology (IT) competitiveness index and top 20 in the digital economy index by 2020, in line with the national digital transformation plan.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this was because information technology was now seen as the key element that would revolutionise and support the growth of many industries.These include the healthcare, communication and biotechnology industries.
"Malaysia moved 11 places from 32 to 21 in the recent world IT competitiveness index.
"In the digital economy ranking conducted by The Economist and IBM, Malaysia is now 36th among 70 countries.
"Take this challenge to help the country move up to the top 10 in the IT competitiveness index and top 20 in the digital economy index," he said at the second International Conference on Visual Informatics (IVIC) 2011 here yesterday.
His speech was read by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia board of directors chairman, Tan Sri Dr Zulkefli A. Hassan.
The three-day seminar, attended by some 200 experts in the field of visual informatics from 15 countries, is hosted by UKM and jointly organised by 13 public and private universities in the country.
Themed "Visual Informatics: Sustainable Innovation towards Wealth Creation", the seminar is chaired by seven professors from renowned universities, including Cambridge University and Imperial College, London.
Present were IVIC chair Prof Datuk Dr Halimah Badioze Zaman and UKM deputy vice-chancellor (students and alumni affairs) Prof Ir Othman A. Karim.
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