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MDEC

Profile Cloning: Mitigations to Stay Simultaneously Safe and Popular

Posted on by MDEC

All of us love to exhibit our hobbies, achievements, and abilities. Browsing through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram — you will find loads of public profiles or semi-public profiles (private profiles with public pictures) at risk of being cloned. Profile cloning is the topic of this article that may save your lives from digital character impersonation and even character assassination.

Those Who Have No Choice but to be Vulnerable  

Certain people (read: public figures) have no choice but to remain vulnerable — since it may be impossible for them to have private or minimized social media profiles due to their nature of work e.g., celebrities, marketing agents, insurance agents, country/political leaders, and whatnots. And actually, in certain context, some public figures’ professions are a lot safer from profile cloning consequences, because of their “unreachable and exclusive” image. 

Let’s say you receive a message on Facebook or Instagram that impersonates Britney Spears, it is very likely you will not fall it. If you are an ordinary person like me (non-celebrity), your immediate thought would probably be “No this can’t be Britney Spears, I have no affair with her, it’s definitely a scammer.” Therefore, you could have another wonderful scam-free day.

The same ‘presumption of innocence’ privilege cannot be earned by ordinary people since most ordinary people have no “exclusive” image about them. Therefore, impersonating them would be more likely to generate response. However, the probability of success is subject to the type of relationship between the cloned profile and the target victim, it could be family tie (the likeliest to get response), friendship (very likely to get response although with considerable alertness from the target), business/work relation (very likely to get response, especially if received from a superior), or stranger trying to establish relation like the one commonly exists in social media and online dating applications. A good tips for a safe online dating practice is to suspect profiles with ridiculously smooth magazine-quality photos.  

The Consequences

We’ve all heard about these two worldwide famous scams: online money scam and online love scam. They are extremely common, which quite makes the sense since humans are thriving for money and love. Many people would pay for love or the other way around — love for money. The next question is: “How did people fall for such scams?”. Firstly, it takes convincing the victim for such crime to proceed to the next stage, which is delivery of a favour, and then voila! A crime is successfully committed and very hard to trace, especially if it involves international money transfer. Lately, Malaysian media have been reporting cases related to ‘love scam’ which led victims losing up to millions of ringgit via online money transfer. See this article as an example.

Possible Profile Cloning Scenarios

Let’s take a look briefly at below figure that depicts few scenarios of profile cloning.

Figure 1. Profile Cloning Scenarios

In Figure 1 above, the first segment at the top represents an unethical activity that digs your Facebook and Instagram profiles looking for biographical data and/or public photos. Subsequently, an imposter creates a fake social media profile to trick your friends or even strangers into thinking that it is you (a decent person who just uses social media for maintaining or expanding current social connection).

The second segment in Figure 1 represents the similar activity, but instead of cloning your profile on Facebook, it is done on Instagram (be careful of who you follow!). While the third segment is the most villainous of all: cloning your profile on multiple social media i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, and God knows what-else. Afterwards, the online money scam and love scam mentioned in the previous section may be made possible to initiate. 

Are you afraid now? You should be! But there is good news! We can keep you popular and safe at the same time. Let me explain in the next section.

Mitigations of Profile Cloning

Prevention is the best way to mitigate profile cloning and it is part of three-pronged cybersecurity strategy developed by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). HELP University as a Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) member has adopted the recommended mitigations in this article.

Depending on how safe and popular you want to be, there are preventive mitigations that may suit your needs as follows:

  1. Super-safe and super-private profile: Set your profile private and don’t put any profile picture. With this highly discrete social media profile, the only thing an outsider may know is your name (if you indeed use your real name on your profile). This setting would still allow you to interact with your inner social circle that you have already added to your friends list. Furthermore, you may also exclude profile picture from your other communication media e.g., email account, LinkedIn account (I saw companies’ C-level staff exclude profile picture from their LinkedIn profiles — smart move!), WhatsApp account, and whatever chatting apps you are on. Moreover, you may restrict your profile name too to only display first name or first name plus the first letter of your last name.
  2. Very-safe and slightly well-known profile: Set your profile private and put a profile picture, but set it with “friends-only” privilege, so only your friends could view your profile picture in full size. Additionally, I suggest to avoid putting your face-only or close-up photo as your profile picture as this would still generate clear face visualization if it gets screenshot. Some examples of safe profile picture where your face looks tiny and a bit unclear are those activity-based pictures e.g., riding bicycle, sea surfing, stakeboarding, rollerblading, etc. See! You could still look fabulously cool and popular while remaining safe.
  3. Safe and well-known profile: In case you use your social media for self-promotion or publication, then you would probably put your clear facial picture, real full name, and publicize certain data such as workplace, current location, and even mobile number. BUT, keep these data secret: date of birth and family members/relationships — This will shield your loved ones from being targeted. Also, try not to put a group picture unless it is really necessary; there could be someone in the group picture that could be targeted. I have seen a common smart strategy where the other people’s faces are blurred or covered to protect their privacy. This is a decent and respectable thing to do.

For the third mitigation above, the ‘safe’ word is an overstatement, because when you put your photos and data for public, then you must be mentally and legally ready to face the consequences of profile cloning . I have seen profile cloning happen to my own circle of friends; both on Facebook and Instagram. The quickest mitigation after such crime is detected is to report it to the social media customer service and notify your inner circle (friends, family, colleagues, etc) that somebody has impersonated your profile, hence they can be vigilant of upcoming scam attempt. If serious enough, consider making police report; there is cyber crime unit in the police department that may assist your case.

What to Do If You Suspect Scam Attempt

In case you suspect a scam is being attempted towards to you, for example: you receive an email claiming to be from your direct superior asking to borrow money, then verify it by a phone call to him/her. Or if your online-dating match asks you for a financial favor, then brace your heart and switch on your logic and realize the anomaly. Excitement from knowing new people is normal, but keep your senses alert!.

Conclusion

Profile cloning is very common and people with public or semi-public social media profiles are the most vulnerable to it. The risk can be minimized by reducing the exposure of our social media profiles. Total protection does not exist since we more or less share our data with public. Scrutinize any digital communication and respond considerably. 

References

About the writer:
Okta Nurika, BSc. Hons (BIS) (University of East London), MSc in IT (Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS), PhD in IT (Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS).

Okta Nurika has worked in the tech industry as a network engineer, software test analyst, and software project lead. He has accomplished major telecommunication and software projects in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, and South Africa. He also has served as an Internet of Things (IoT) assessment consultant in collaboration with TM Forum, a global association of organizations driving digital transformation in telecommunication industry. His published journals and conference papers are related to computer networks, simulation models, and machine learning – mainly optimizations with genetic algorithms. He has experiences in teaching cybersecurity, programming, project management and database management subjects.

Dr Okta Nurika currently works as a Senior Lecturer at HELP University.

References:

https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2021/04/682894/woman-loses-rm27-million-love-scam-american-pilot
https://mdec.my/digital-economy-initiatives/for-the-industry/for-small-medium-enterprise-sme/matrix/

MDEC

Designing the IHL Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline for the National Workforce

Posted on by MDEC

Producing industry ready graduates is seen as being the biggest challenge for cybersecurity talent development. To the industry there is always this notion of a shortfall of skill sets and this is more evident for cyber security which is ever evolving. Taking a cue from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) who have been grooming and churning out distinct Cyber Security graduates for over a decade now into the job market of which this group sits in a ratio of 1:3 on the jobs opportunity playing field. The challenges faced at APU and how they were overcome are quite amazing;

  1. Many jobs in the cybersecurity segment ask for 2-3yrs experience so how do fresh graduates penetrate the market. At APU students are given experiential leaning combined with exposure to real-world experiences that elevates their cybersecurity skills beyond theoretical knowledge and hones problem-solving skills. It also provides opportunities to practice blending technical and other skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork within a security context.
  2. Reaching out to beyond cyber security programme. Cyber security electives are offered to all the 6000+ tech students whether it’s in fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology or Software Engineering.
  3. Depth & Breadth of curriculum content. With tech ever evolving and cyber security having the dark & white side of trades so enabling the white side professionals has been strengthened by industry skill based content as advised by our partners namely Cyber Test Systems, Cyber Intelligence, TecForte and Silensec.
  4. Infrastructure & Ambience of Cybersecurity Professionals. This is done via courses offered where students take them seated in the facilities at APU such as our Cyber Range in which 3 courses are taught and also the Security Operations Centre (SOC) where another 2 courses are taught. The SOC is then also a mandatory manning fulfilment of 50hrs prior to graduation. The students monitor APU network traffic and do Tier 1 trouble shooting by themselves and escalate to the SOC manager for Tier 2.

There needs to be a continuous interest in Cyber Security programmes. This can only be ensured by universities having implementation strategies in place. As a benchmark below here are the FIVE prong pro-active measures and actions taken at APU focused on industry relevance & marketable graduates into the workforce;

  1. Engaging with the industry experts. The design of APU cyber security programmes are achieved with the industry through the participation of the Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) who have cyber security expertise. The experts are integral in verifying content, direction on software/tools applications, guidance on ideas for final year projects, serve in opportunities for industrial trainings and also support via guest lectures year in year out.
  2. Promotion of our infrastructure on all marketing mediums. In 2018 APU invested in the set up the Cybersecurity Talent Zone (CTZ) with a vision of producing nice graduates in the discipline. With the collaborative arrangements with industry partners, APU has been able to set up international standard facilities in the CTZ for teaching, learning and research. Good examples of this is the Cyber Range which is of Military Defense grade and one of 2 in Malaysia and the most equipped version in the SEA region along with the Security Operations Centre (SOC) which is one of 3 mainstream versions in IHLs within Malaysia. Both were designed, setup and commissioned with partners from the industry bridged by MDEC. A follow through on this is the professional level trainings which our students also benefit from.Malaysia OpenGov Leadership Forum APU won the prestigious Recognition of Excellence Award for its Cyber Security Talent Zone development.
  3. Engaging with local & national agencies. APU’s Corporate Training unit furnishes industry based certification training and APU talents can professionally certify themselves while undergoing their studies and our offerings are in partnership with the likes of CSM, CompTIA, Rocheston, ISACA, EC Council. 
  4. Showcasing our talents. Competitions, research outcomes at conferences & exhibitions as an average churn out 85 publications per year in cybersecurity & forensic. APU has been annual winners at industry level competitions hosted by F-Secure, KPMG, and Australian Information Security Association (AISA). This allows for other potential students to see that the exposure is at large and you are on an industrial footing while being in university.
  5. Showcasing the expertise. Sharing of experts’ in training or being a go to place for cybersecurity upskilling, i.e the MIA CSuite Awareness Programme. APU is also recognized as the Best Cybersecurity Education Provider in Asia – Cyber Security Excellence Awards in 2019 & 2020 and received the Award for best Cyber Security Education Provider in Asia Pacific by CompTIA in 2018.

As part of Digital Malaysia developments, encouragement to IR4.0 has to start from school levels. The awareness has to be made clear on this career pathway as a standalone profession. APU has conducted school programmes in the cybersecurity area quite successfully. APU hosted the Cyber Security Immersion (CSI) for Youth programme in collaboration with MoHE and MDEC. It was a 3 Days 2 Nights programme at APU. Throughout the programme, students underwent seminars, brainstorming sessions and presentations. The contents were delivered by the academic team which covered essential technical knowledge and know-how of phishing, hacking, types of cyber-attacks and countermeasures. APU has also done Cyber Security awareness programmes at SMKs from 2018-2019 where a total of 16 schools were covered.

The future in cybersecurity education is allowing the qualification as a standalone qualification as the market is so wide and jobs at a 1:3 ratio which means it’s a monstrous programme by itself. As for programme standards it should be standalone and not be parked under the cluster of Computer Science to address the depth and breadth of the content requirements mapped to workforce needs. There is a paradigm shift needed by the Malaysian Qualifying Agency (MQA) on this matter for the benefit of future graduates.

Prof Ir Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam
Deputy Vice Chancellor &
Chief Innovation Officer
Asia Pacific University of
Technology & Innovation

Prof Ir Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and the Chief Innovation Officer for the APIIT Education Group. He is also an academic advisor and external examiner to four Malaysian Public Universities. He is Professional Engineering with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with Engineering Council, UK and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE-UK). 

Prof Vinesh has been the Chairman of the Engineering Education Technical Division (E2TD) at the Institute of Engineers Malaysia, advisory member of the Ministry of Education’s ‘STEM Task Force’ directly involved with the development of the MoE’s Education Blueprint in 2014-2015, member of the Ministry of Human Resources’ BPIC on quality of graduates in 2014-2017, member of Malaysian National Task Force for Big Data Movements with Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDeC) in 2015-2018  and is currently contributing to the Malaysian National Framework for Artificial Intelligence as a scientific expert appointed in 2019.

Prof Vinesh is also appointed on to Digital Expert Panel for Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) covering Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software & System Integrator, Animation, Games and Internet of Things for 2020-2024. He is also the Technical Chair and Lead worldwide for ISO under the working group TC307/WG 1 – BlockChain Fundamentals Standards Development.

MDEC

#100 Go Digital bantu lebarkan perniagaan sate pulau ke ibu kota

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Terragrill, jenama sate popular di Pulau Langkawi kini semakin melebarkan operasi dengan membuka kedai sejuk beku pertamanya di ibu kota.

Pemiliknya, Zainah Abd Manaf yang juga alumni program 100 Go Digital anjuran Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) berkata, beliau teruja kerana impian untuk melihat jenama berkenaan ‘belayar’  keluar dari Langkawi berjaya direalisasikan walaupun negara masih berdepan suasana tidak menentu akibat pandemik COVID-19 dan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Bersyarat (PKPB) yang berlarutan.

Katanya, setelah membuat kajian, syarikat itu membuat pelaburan sebanyak RM50,000 untuk membuka kedai berkenaan yang terletak di tingkat atas Pasar Taman Tun Dr. Ismail yang disifatkan sebagai lokasi strategik.

“Walaupun baharu beroperasi pada awal bulan ini, saya bersyukur kerana kami berjaya menjual sebanyak satu tan sate ayam, daging dan kambing dengan hasil jualan sekitar RM20,000. Saya jangkakan dalam tempoh dua minggu berikutnya, sebanyak satu tan lagi stok akan terjual,” katanya di sini hari ini.

Ditanya mengenai langkah berani untuk membuka kedai ketika ini, Zainah,43, berkata, Terragrill perlu tampil dengan strategi digital baharu untuk memastikan kelangsungan perniagaan.

“Hasil jualan di Langkawi bergantung kepada permintaan daripada hotel namun disebabkan oleh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dan disambung pula dengan PKPB, terdapat hotel yang menutup operasi manakala hotel yang masih bertahan telah mengurangkan pembelian.

“Sebelum ini, Terragrill turut menghantar produk ke Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor. Oleh itu, langkah membuka kedai sejuk beku di sini bertujuan untuk memenuhi permintaan pelanggan di Lembah Klang dan memastikan syarikat terus menjana pendapatan,” katanya.

Mengulas lanjut, Zainah berkata, pelaburan yang dibuat membabitkan kos sewa kedai, pembelian peti sejuk beku besar, menggaji dua orang pekerja baharu dan membuat pemasaran digital.

“Bagi memastikan sate yang dijual kepada pelanggan berada dalam keadaan segar, saya memastikan penghantaran stok dari kilang di Langkawi dilakukan pada setiap minggu,” katanya.

Jenama Terragrill merupakan antara 100 usahawan di Langkawi yang menyertai Program 100 Go Digital.

Menerusi penglibatannya, Zainah berpeluang meluaskan perniagaannya ke ‘wilayah baharu’ sekaligus mengurangkan kerugian yang ditanggung akibat pandemik COVID-19 yang memberi kesan kepada sektor pelancongan di Langkawi.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Pegawai Perniagaan Digital MDEC, Aiza Azreen Ahmad berkata, agensi berkenaan sentiasa menggalakan usahawan tempatan bergerak ke arah pendigitalan supaya terus berdaya saing, lestari dan mampu bertahan dan berkembang ketika pandemik global.

“MDEC telah melancarkan program 100 Go Digital Coaching yang menggabungkan pelbagai komponen secara hands-on dalam memimpin peserta untuk memastikan mereka mencapai prestasi baik dalam perniagaan. Kisah usahawan seperti pemilik Terragrill ini yang menggunakan pendekatan digital dalam perniagaannya telah menunjukkan hasil dalam tempoh singkat dan meluaskan perniagaan di kawasan baharu.  Ia selaras dengan matlamat MDEC yang memberi tumpuan terhadap empat teras DIGITAL iaitu Kemahiran Baharu (New skills), Penerimaan (Adoption), Pengganggu (Disruptors) dan Pelaburan (Investments). Ini membentuk asas kepada kempen jenama digital NADI MDEC yang memacu program-program terasnya untuk rakyat, perniagaan dan para pelabur.

 Jenama Terragrill yang merupakan  peserta 100 Go Digital telah menguruskan teras Pengganggu (Disruptors) apabila membawa operasi perniagaannya ke kawasan baharu selepas Pulau Langkawi terjejas akibat sekatan pergerakan. Ini membuktikan bahawa kemahiran digital dapat membantu perniagaan untuk terus beroperasi di sebalik kekangan yang dihadapi. Inilah tujuan MDEC melaksanakan inisiatif untuk membimbing perniagaan tempatan bergerak ke arah pendigitalan bagi memastikan perniagaan terus bertahan dan berkembang,”katanya.

Pada masa hadapan, MDEC menerusi kepelbagai inisiatif mahu membimbing lebih banyak perniagaan tempatan mengembangkan operasi berteraskan teknologi terkini. Usaha ini selaras dengan Rangka Tindakan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MyDIGITAL) yang bertujuan untuk menyokong kira -kira 875 000 Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) dan usahawan mikro ke platform digital menjelang 2025.

Mengenai 100 Go Digital, inisiatif ini menyasarkan untuk menyokong sektor perniagaan runcit, syarikat makanan dan minuman (F&B) logistik dan perkhidmatan profesional. Para jurulatih yang terlibat dengan program ini pula mempunyai rekod prestasi cemerlang dari lapan syarikat yang kukuh iaitu AutoCount, Deepsky, Estream Software, iBizzCloud, Innergia Labs, Locus-T, Million Software dan Smart-Acc Solutions. Senarai ini merupakan kumpulan pelatih digital pertama dengan lebih banyak para jurulatih yang akan ditambahkan pada masa terdekat.

Selain dari sesi latihan, syarikat-syarikat ini juga akan menyediakan bahan latihan dalam talian dan pasukan sokongan program yang berdedikasi.

Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut dan mendaftar ke 100 Go Digital Coaching, sila kunjungi: https://mdec.my/100godigital .

Bercerita lanjut mengenai manfaat menyertai program itu, Zainah menjelaskan dia kini turut mengaplikasikan sistem pembayaran tanpa tunai di kafenya di Pekan Kuah, Langkawi bagi kemudahan pelanggan.

Katanya pelbagai manfaat diperolehi selepas melaksanakan langkah berkenaan termasuklah tunai harian mudah diuruskan, kurang masalah shortage selain menjimatkan masa kerana tidak perlu ke bank setiap hari untuk memasukkan duit.

Mengulas lanjut mengenai produk yang dijualnya di kedai sejuk beku, Zainah berkata, setiap satu kotak mengandungi 25 cucuk sate dengan harga bermula RM25 (ayam), RM29 (daging) dan RM37 bagi kambing yang didatangkan bersama sekotak kuah kacang seberat 200 gram.

“Memandangkan kedai di sini baru beroperasi, saya turut melantik sebuah agensi digital untuk melakukan kerja -kerja promosi dalam talian bagi menarik lebih ramai pelanggan. Pada masa sama, Terragrill turut mengemaskini platform media sosial dan laman web kami iaitu http://www.terragrillcafe.com ,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Bahagian Penerimagunaan Digital Perniagaan MDEC, Muhundhan Kamarapullai berkata, dalam situasi luar biasa yang dihadapi ketika ini, MDEC berpendapat PKS perlu terus diperkasa menerusi pendigitalan bagi memastikan kelangsungan perniagaan.

“Menerusi 100 Go Digital , setakat ini lebih 10,000  ribu PKS telah mendapat manfaat menerusi lebih 50 sesi yang telah dianjur MDEC dan rakan industri. Sidang Kemuncak PKS Dalam Talian yang dianjurkan secara maya di bawah inisiatif ini turut dipilih menerima Anugerah Emas Kategori  Acara Dalam Talian pada Anugerah Kecemerlangan Pemasaran 2020. Kesemua inisiatif dan pencapaian MDEC ini adalah untuk memastikan rakyat dan perniagaan mendapat manfaat daripada ekonomi digital yang berkembang pesat di samping berusaha mencapai cita-cita negara menjadi Nadi Digital ASEAN,” katanya.

Pada akhir temubual, Zainah mendedahkan, satu lagi cawangan kedai sejuk beku akan dibuka pada November ini namun beliau masih tidak bersedia untuk berkongsi lokasi sebenar.

MDEC

Arus Oil & Cult Creative are the winners for 1337 Ventures Alpha Startup™ Digital Accelerator 2021

Posted on by MDEC

The Alpha Startups Digital Accelerator 2021, organised by 1337 Ventures with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amanz as the main partners, has been officially concluded. The live Demo Day was held on Facebook on 22nd May 2021, seeing final pitches from the Top 11 startups and hearing some deep and challenging questions from our experienced judges/potential investors; Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures; Yvonne Yong Chuan Yin, Head of Malaysia Digital Hubs and Corporate Innovation of MDEC; Ikhwan Nazri, CEO & Head of Creative of Amanz Media and Syed Haizam Jamalullail, Managing Director of Tuas Capital Partners.

“Alpha Startups™ started 7 years ago with Cohort 1 and now we’ve just concluded Cohort 36 where we announced 2 new startups we’re investing into and kicked off cohort 37 shortly after that. We’re excited to see such diverse participation from local startups and even Malaysians from overseas that follow our programmes live online” said Bikesh, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures.

In this cohort, we saw an increase in female founders by 50% from last year’s intake and 50% of the cohort are working on their startups full time from ideas borne out of the MCO. Testament to what a great Top 11 is seeing some of the teams being accepted into other accelerator programmes, receiving funding and offers for funds shortly after Demo Day.

“Alpha Startups™ has shortened the path-to-discovery for promising, up-and-coming startups. Through the program as well as 1337 Ventures’ expertise, it filters startups using trusted methodologies, ensuring that participants have reached a certain degree of polish, making it easier for investors to look at quality potential investments at a glance,” said Ikhwan Nazri, CEO & Head of Creative of Amanz Media. He’s also happy to be part of this process, helping both the startup ecosystem and the investment community at large.

We would also like to congratulate the 11 teams making it to the finals, namely, Altum, Cult Creative, EjenKita, GoGerak, Hawkr, Arus Oil, OtoFacts, SparkFit, Supageneous.Asia, TrinityEco, and Usku Technologies.

“Alpha Startups™ is an effective platform for start-ups to showcase their innovative products and solutions. MDEC is proud to be a key partner of 1337 Ventures that accelerates the visibility and growth of Malaysia’s start-up ecosystem, in line with the goals of MyDIGITAL and towards positioning Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN,” says Yvonne Yong, the Head of Malaysia Digital Hubs and Corporate Innovation of MDEC. She would also like to congratulate the winners and participants.

Gopi Ganesalingam, Vice President of Tech Ecosystem and Globalisation, MDEC

“Privately-run accelerators are important in venture creation. Coupled with the government’s and MDEC’s resolve in creating a conducive ecosystem for startups in Malaysia, we are at the forefront of enabling potential disruptive tech for positive change, empowering the creation of our very own Unicorn, in line with the goals of MyDIGITAL,” said Gopi Ganesalingam, Vice President of Tech Ecosystem and Globalisation, MDEC.

The Winners

The chosen winners were Arus Oil and Cult Creative selected for their great ideas, strong founders and sound growth strategies. Our judges have commented that all 3-min pitches were delivered well and it has made judging tough to nail down the final 2 winners.

(Clockwise: Louis, Shazwan & Chai from Arus Oil)

Cult Creative

Arus Oil (MyProtech Sdn Bhd) is a used cooking oil recycling platform that offers the best purchasing rates and timely collection services for used cooking oil from individuals, households or restaurants.

Cult Creative

(L-R: Lina, Shermaine & Manisha from Cult Creative)

Cult Creative is an all-in-one professional networking and resource app for ambitious creative individuals to easily connect, upskill and find work opportunities, to make themselves future-proof.

One of the judges has also shown interest in some of the finalist startups, Haizam the Managing Director of Tuas Capital Partners commented that “Quality of each of the finalists’ 3-min pitch was very concise. This is a great group of candidates in ASDA 2021 and kudos to 1337 Ventures for organising. Us at The Hive Southeast Asia will be looking forward to getting to know more companies and perhaps investing and partnering with some as well”.

Alpha Startups™ Digital Accelerator (ASDA) is organized by 1337 Ventures & powered by Leet Academy, its education arm. Main partners include MDEC & Amanz Media. Supporting partners iTrain Asia, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Airtable.

MDEC

Dari Pemain Bola Sepak Profesional kepada peniaga makanan laut secara digital

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Sepakan kencang pada satu sesi latihan bola sepak pada malam beberapa hari sebelum menjelang Hari Raya Aidilfitri baru -baru ini memberi kepuasan tersendiri kepada Muhammad Rijal Fikry Yusoff.
Namun, Rijal Fikry, 27, tidak menyangka itu merupakan ‘detik-detik terakhirnya’ selaku pemain bola sepak profesional bersama PDRM FC yang beraksi dalam Liga Perdana. Ini kerana kontraknya ditamatkan oleh skuad The Cops.

Ujar anak muda berasal dari Sik, Kedah ini, dia menerima keputusan berkenaan dengan hati terbuka kerana ia merupakan lumrah dalam karier seorang pemain bola sepak profesional. Bekas pemain bola sepak pasukan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM FC) yang juga pernah mewakili negara di peringkat remaja berkata, selepas ‘bersara’ sebagai pemain bola sepak, dia tidak membuang masa meratapi ‘hilang kerja’ sebaliknya terus mengorak langkah dengan memberi tumpuan kepada perniagaan makanan laut secara dalam talian.

Beroperasi di sebuah tapak kecil di Sungai Kantan, Kajang, di sini, Rijal Fikry mula berjinak -jinak dalam dunia perniagaan sejak beberapa bulan lalu namun tidak dapat memberi tumpuan penuh disebabkan terikat dengan jadual latihan yang padat serta perlu mengikuti trip pasukan ke beberapa negeri untuk perlawanan bola sepak.

Membangunkan perniagaannya menggunakan jenama Hero Seafood, Rijal Fikry bersama bekas seorang lagi pemain Harimau Muda, Asri Mardzuki menawarkan perkhidmatan penghantaran ikan segar ke kawasan berhampiran termasuk Bangi, Ampang, Kajang, Cheras, Puchong, Seri Kembangan dan Putrajaya.

“Selepas tiga hari beroperasi, Hero Seafood berjaya menjual hampir 1,000 kilogram (kg) pelbagai jenis ikan, 500 kg udang, sotong dan ketam selain turut menjual lebih 300 ekor ayam kepada pelanggan. Bagi melancarkan operasi, kami telah mengupah lima orang pekerja,” katanya.

Ditanya mengenai rahsia perniagaannya mendapat sambutan memberangsangkan dalam tempoh singkat, dia yang juga pemegang Ijazah Sarjana, Sains Sukan dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) menjelaskan, perniagaannya menggunakan kaedah pemasaran digital.

“Pelanggan melayari laman sosial Hero Seafood dan membuat tempahan dan pembayaran. Pesanan akan dihantar kepada mereka dalam tempoh kurang dua jam bagi memastikan kesegaran makanan laut yang ditempah.

Pada awalnya saya juga tidak begitu mahir. Di atas saranan seorang rakan, saya melayari laman web Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) untuk mempelajari tips pemasaran digital menerusi Go E-Commerce),”katanya.

“Saya turut melayari saluran Youtube MDEC untuk melihat success story peniaga – peniaga lain yang mendapat bimbangan MDEC untuk adaptasi pendigitalan berjaya melonjakkan perniagaan masing -masing,” katanya.

Katanya, pada masa sama, dia bersyukur kerana dapat membantu individu mendapat pekerjaan lebih – lebih lagi dalam suasana tidak menentu ketika pandemik COVID-19 terus ‘menyerang’ negara ini.

Ditanya mengenai perancangan perniagaan, Rijal Fikry memberitahu, Hero Seafood sedang dalam proses untuk menggunakan aplikasi YEZZA untuk menjual produk dan memudahkan perniagaan.

Beberapa hari lalu, ujarnya syarikat telah melancarkan laman web iaitu https://heroseafood.my yang menawarkan beberapa pakej jualan makanan laut mengikut pilihan pelanggan.

“Saya juga telah mendaftar untuk menyertai program 100 Go Digital anjuran MDEC bagi mendigitalkan perniagaan dan mengatasi gangguan yang wujud akibat situasi semasa,” katanya.

Berhubung dunia bola sepak yang diceburinya sejak di bangku sekolah rendah, Rijal Fikry yang pernah mewakili skuad Piala Presiden Kedah berkata, dia tidak ‘menggantung but’ secara total kerana masih berminat lagi untuk bermain.

“Saya masih menjaga kecergasan dengan membuat latihan larian pada setiap hari namun biarlah masa yang menentukannya. Selepas perniagaan stabil, saya turut menimbangkan untuk menyambung pengajian peringkat kedoktoran dalam bidang sains sukan kerana mendapat tawaran dari sebuah universiti tempatan,” katanya mengakhiri perbualan bersama wakil MDEC baru – baru ini.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Perniagaan Digital MDEC, Aiza Azreen Ahmad berkata, agensi berkenaan sentiasa menggalakan usahawan tempatan bergerak ke arah pendigitalan supaya terus berdaya saing, lestari dan mampu bertahan dan berkembang ketika pandemik global.

“MDEC telah melancarkan program 100 Go Digital Coaching yang menggabungkan pelbagai komponen secara hands-on dalam memimpin peserta untuk memastikan mereka mencapai prestasi baik dalam perniagaan. Kisah usahawan seperti Rijal Fikry ini yang menggunakan pendekatan digital dalam perniagaannya telah menunjukkan hasil dalam tempoh singkat. Ia selaras dengan matlamat MDEC yang memberi tumpuan terhadap empat teras DIGITAL iaitu Kemahiran Baharu (New skills), Penerimaan (Adoption), Pengganggu (Disruptors) dan Pelaburan (Investments). Ini membentuk asas kepada kempen jenama digital NADI MDEC yang memacu program-program terasnya untuk rakyat, perniagaan dan para pelabur. Menarik menyaksikan bagaimana usahawan seperti kisah Hero Seafood ini menguruskan teras Pengganggu (Disruptors) berdasarkan kemahiran digital untuk memacu perniagaan,” katanya.

Pada masa hadapan, MDEC menerusi kepelbagai inisiatif mahu membimbing lebih banyak perniagaan tempatan mengembangkan operasi berteraskan teknologi terkini. Usaha ini selaras dengan Rangka Tindakan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MyDIGITAL) yang bertujuan untuk menyokong kira -kira 875 000 Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) dan usahawan mikro ke platform digital menjelang 2025.

Mengenai 100 Go Digital, inisiatif ini menyasarkan untuk menyokong sektor perniagaan runcit, syarikat makanan dan minuman (F&B) logistik dan perkhidmatan profesional. Para jurulatih yang terlibat dengan program ini pula mempunyai rekod prestasi cemerlang dari lapan syarikat yang kukuh iaitu AutoCount, Deepsky, Estream Software, iBizzCloud, Innergia Labs, Locus-T, Million Software dan Smart-Acc Solutions. Senarai ini merupakan kumpulan pelatih digital pertama dengan lebih banyak para jurulatih yang akan ditambahkan pada masa terdekat.

Selain dari sesi latihan, syarikat-syarikat ini juga akan menyediakan bahan latihan dalam talian dan pasukan sokongan program yang berdedikasi.
Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut dan mendaftar ke 100 Go Digital Coaching, sila kunjungi: https://mdec.my/100godigital .

MDEC

#SayaDigital – MDEC Bantu Masyarakat Tingkatkan Literasi Digital

Posted on by MDEC

Bertempat di ruang parkir berhampiran Blok C, Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Hiliran Ampang di sini baru-baru ini, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) berjaya melaksanakan pelancaran kempen #SayaDigital peringkat kebangsaan.

Majlis berkenaan berlangsung meriah di sebalik pematuhan ketat terhadap prosedur operasi standard (SOP) ditetapkan kerajaan. Peserta dan penduduk setempat yang hadir kelihatan bersemangat untuk meningkatkan kemahiran literasi digital masing-masing.

Pelancaran diserikan dengan kehadiran tetamu kehormat antaranya Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia, Datuk Seri Hj. Mohammad Mentek.

Lebih istimewa, pelancaran dilakukan oleh YAB Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menerusi video ucapan beliau yang disiarkan pada majlis berkenaan.

Apakah #SayaDigital? Kempen #SayaDigital diperkenalkan MDEC bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemahiran digital rakyat terutamanya warga emas, belia dan kumpulan B40 dan kumpulan rentan sosio ekonomi bagi merebut peluang dalam ekonomi digital.

Kempen #SayaDigital pada tahun ini memberi fokus kepada empat komponen iaitu melatih anak muda menjadi sukarelawan Geng #SayaDigital, mewujudkan kesedaran melalui aktiviti literasi digital, menjalankan penilaian kesediaan digital dan memberi latihan kemahiran asas digital kepada komuniti. Seramai 25 orang Geng #SayaDigital telah dilantik bagi melatih peserta-peserta dengan kemahiran asas digital.
Kempen ini secara keseluruhan menyasarkan untuk memanfaatkan 10,000 rakyat di seluruh negara. Sebelum pelancaran, tiga program rintis fizikal telah diadakan untuk meningkatkan kesedaran celik digital yang melibatkan penyertaan seramai 301 peserta dengan yang terbaharu diadakan di Kampung Desa Temuan di Bukit Lanjan pada hujung Mac lalu.

Geng #SayaDigital sebagai ‘cikgu digital’ bantu golongan sasar
Salah seorang Geng #SayaDigital, Muhammad Zulhusmi Feizal, 27, berkongsi pengalamannya mengajar para peserta yang terdiri daripada warga emas dan suri rumah untuk celik digital berdasarkan modul satu seperti penggunaan aplikasi WhatsApp, Facebook, Tiktok, Gmail dan Google.

Menurut Muhammad Zulhusni, dia mula bertugas pada Februari selepas menamatkan kursus selama dua hari anjuran MDEC pada Januari. Graduan bidang Pendidikan Sains Matematik, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) itu berkata, penglibatannya sebagai pengajar untuk menyumbang kepada aspirasi MDEC dalam menyediakan rakyat Malaysia berkemahiran digital merupakan pengalaman menarik.

Mengenai cabaran yang dihadapi, Muhammad Zulhusmi yang kini bertugas sebagai eksekutif di sebuah syarikat swasta berkata, peserta terutamanya warga emas didapati mengambil masa yang agak lama untuk memahami teknologi digital.

“Saya sering menekankan kepada mereka mengenai kepentingan penggunaan digital dalam urusan harian seperti tidak perlu keluar membeli makanan sebaliknya hanya menempah sahaja di platform – platform yang menawarkan perkhidmatan penghantaran selain boleh melakukan transaksi kewangan seperti membayar bil dan sebagainya. Ini dapat mengurangkan pergerakan keluar rumah ketika negara kita dilanda penularan wabak COVID-19,” katanya.

Agatheeswary digitalkan warga emas di Selayang
Peluang menjadi geng #SayaDigital digunakan Agatheeswary Ananda Rao,27 untuk menerangkan kepada warga emas mengenai kemudahan digital yang dapat memudahkan kehidupan harian.

Ujarnya, ketika ini dia bertanggungjawab untuk mengajar enam ‘pelajar’ yang terdiri daripada warga emas mengenai modul satu dalam bahasa Tamil.

“Apabila mengajar dalam bahasa pertuturan seharian peserta, saya mendapati mereka lebih berminat dan mahu terus belajar mengenai media sosial. Pada masa hadapan, saya berharap dapat terus terlibat dengan program ini kerana ia memberi manfaat yang besar kepada masyarakat,” katanya.

Agatheeswary berkata, dia juga berharap supaya lebih ramai warga emas di sekitar Selayang, Batu Caves dan Gombak dapat merebut peluang untuk mempelajari kemahiran digital dan mengaplikasi dalam kehidupan harian.

Belajar digital untuk kembangkan perniagaan
Seorang peserta #SayaDigital di PPR Hiliran Ampang, Aznin Bahari, 46, berkata, dia teruja mempelajari pelbagai aplikasi media sosial sejak menyertai kelas pertama pada bulan lepas.

“Saya diajar bagaimana untuk menggunakan Tiktok, Facebook dan melakukan urusan perbankan secara dalam talian termasuk membayar bil dan menempah makanan menerusi Grab dan Food Panda serta aplikasi kesihatan yang boleh dimuat turun menerusi telefon pintar,” kata ibu kepada tiga anak itu.

Aznin berkata, ketika ini dia sedang belajar untuk membuka halaman Facebook khas untuk perniagaan ais krim Malaysia yang mula diusahakan sejak 2018.

“Sebelum ini saya mempromosikan ais krim menerusi Facebook peribadi dan status WhatsApp sahaja. Mungkin selepas ini boleh promosi di Tiktok. Sekarang saya sedang belajar mengenai Instagram,” katanya.

Ditanya mengenai perniagaan ais krim Malaysia yang dijalankan, Aznin berkata, dia mengeluarkan sekitar 100 hingga 200 batang ais krim setiap hari namun bergantung kepada permintaan. Ujarnya, ais krim yang dihasilkan terdiri daripada dua perisa iaitu gula dan susu dan dijual pada harga RM0.50 dan RM1.00 setiap satu.

“Selepas aktif mempromosikan menerusi media sosial, saya dapati permintaan semakin meningkat sehingga 2,000 sebulan. Hasil jualan boleh digunakan untuk menampung perbelanjaan harian apatah lagi suami yang bekerja sebagai tukang urut kini tidak dapat melaksanakan tugas seperti biasa disebabkan oleh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Bersyarat (PKPB) yang masih berkuatkuasa,” katanya.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi peserta Yap Yun Ling,47, berkata, dia berterima kasih kepada tenaga pengajarnya yang dipanggil Cikgu June yang membantu memahami fungsi media sosial dan aplikasi dalam talian yang lain.

“Saya belajar untuk memesan makanan menerusi Food Panda dan bagaimana untuk berkongsi lokasi menerusi WhatApps. Saya mengambil masa yang lama untuk belajar namun cikgu sangat baik kerana begitu sabar mengajar saya satu persatu,” katanya yang tinggal di PPR Desa Rejang, Setapak.

Yun Ling yang merupakan seorang suri rumah dan menjadi sukarelawan di komunitinya berkata, ketika ini dia mahu mempelajari cara membayar bil secara dalam talian bagi memudahkan urusan.

“Sebelum ini anak saya pernah mengajar bagaimana untuk membuka akaun Facebook tetapi untuk online banking, ia memerlukan masa untuk saya memahami langkah – langkah yang ditetapkan selain perlu menghubungi bank,” katanya.

Sokongan padu Perdana Menteri untuk #SayaDigital
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menerusi ucapan secara video pada hari pelancaran berkata, beliau menyambut baik kempen ini demi masa hadapan digital Malaysia sebagai mana hasrat Rangka Tindakan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MyDIGITAL) yang diperkenalkan kerajaan selaras dengan Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama (WKB) 2030.

“Saya berharap semua peserta program dapat memanfaatkan segala peluang yang tersedia untuk memperolehi ilmu dan kemahiran terbaik dalam bidang ini,” katanya.

Ujar Perdana Menteri, bagi merealisasikan visi ekonomi digital, negara harus menambah baik literasi digital dalam kalangan masyarakat.
“Sehubungan itu, inisiatif #SayaDigital yang dilancarkan oleh MDEC merupakan kesinambungan daripada inisiatif MyDIGITAL yang bertujuan untuk mempercepatkan pertumbuhan masyarakat celik digital di negara ini,” katanya.

Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah pula berkata, #SayaDigital menyokong strategi menyeluruh MyDIGITAL yang menyusun pelan halatuju untuk mencapai visi menjadikan Malaysia peneraju serantau dalam ekonomi digital menjelang 2030.

“Menerusinya, kerajaan berhasrat untuk mewujudkan 500,000 peluang pekerjaan, menerapkan ciri digital untuk 875,000 Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) dan mikro dan seterusnya menjadi pemangkin untuk 5,000 syarikat pemula. Sehubungan itu, #SayaDigital yang dilancarkan secara rasmi pada hari ini menunjukkan komitmen jelas kerajaan untuk melibatkan rakyat pelbagai golongan supaya mereka mendapat manfaat daripada ekonomi digital yang mekar berkembang selaras dengan WKB 2030,” katanya.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MDEC, Surina Shukri berkata, agensi berkenaan yang diberi mandat untuk transformasi digital dan pelaburan negara dengan rekod prestasi telah menggabungkan #SayaDigital dengan pelbagai objektif utama untuk memastikan kejayaan perlaksanaan.

“MDEC sangat memahami bahawa rakyat pelbagai lapisan termasuk penghuni di PPR juga perlu dilibatkan dalam inisiatif yang dilaksanakan supaya kemajuan dan lonjakan digital yang sedang berlaku di negara kita tidak meminggirkan golongan ini. Inilah usaha MDEC mendigitalkan golongan rentan sosio ekonomi dalam usaha kita menjadi Nadi Digital ASEAN dan mencapai Malaysia 5.0,” katanya.

#SayaDigital yang diperkenalkan pada Ogos tahun lalu telah memanfaatkan seramai 1,606 peserta menerusi projek rintis yang dilaksanakan bermula Disember 2020 hingga Mac tahun ini.

“#SayaDigital juga telah melaksanakan sebanyak lapan program secara dalam talian menerusi Facebook live yang berjaya mencapai lebih 16,000 tontonan. Pada tahun ini, MDEC akan memperluaskan #SayaDigital di seluruh negara di 12 lokasi yang dikenalpasti dan menyasarkan penyertaan 10,000 warga emas, belia dan kumpulan rentan sosio ekonomi untuk pelajari kemahiran digital,” kata Surina Shukri.

“#SayaDigital juga telah melaksanakan sebanyak lapan program secara dalam talian menerusi Facebook live yang berjaya mencapai lebih 16,000 tontonan. Pada tahun ini, MDEC akan memperluaskan #SayaDigital di seluruh negara di 12 lokasi yang dikenalpasti dan menyasarkan penyertaan 10,000 warga emas, belia dan kumpulan rentan sosio ekonomi untuk pelajari kemahiran digital,” kata Surina Shukri.

MDEC

Malaysia Leads Global Islamic Economy Indicator for Eighth Consecutive Years – Driven by Strong Islamic Finance Initiatives and Ecosystem

Posted on by MDEC

Malaysia continues to forge the way ahead in Islamic economy and finance, leading the way for the eighth consecutive year based on the ranking by the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI). Its burgeoning Islamic FinTech and economy sectors continue to flourish aided by governmental support and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) continuous push to expand the digitalisation of the economy and an aggressive creation of a conducive ecosystem for which it can thrive on.

For years, the government of Malaysia has identified Islamic finance and Islamic digital economy as Key Economic Growth Activities (KEGA) towards achieving and maintaining its position as the global Islamic FinTech hub. Malaysia is the largest Sukuk issuer in the world as well as having one of the best Halal standards globally.

“These global recognitions pave the way for Malaysia to continue to lead as the global Islamic FinTech hub and towards becoming the Heart of Digital ASEAN. With our strong digital economy ecosystem within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations, we have comparative advantage over others in providing Shariah-compliant Islamic finance and FinTech services globally.

“We are extremely proud of our leadership position and MDEC will continue to work with financial regulators and industry partners from all relevant areas to further enhance our capabilities, facilities and capacities to ensure we maintain our global leadership position,” said Mr Gopi Ganesalingam, MDEC Vice President, Digitally-Powered Businesses division.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report (GIER) 2019/20, Muslims are expected to spend US$2.4 trillion by 2024, up from US$2.2 trillion in 2018. GIEI also revealed that 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for ethical products while a report from Thomson Reuters projected Shariah-compliant assets worldwide will reach US$3.8 trillion by 2022. On top of the recently-signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement which created the world’s largest trading bloc, Malaysia stand to capture 30 per cent of the world population.

A new economic frontier has opened up for Malaysia.

“To continue stimulating growth in the Islamic digital economy, a collective effort and commitment from various parties will be crucial to identify opportunities, issues and challenges. Effective collaboration will improve innovation. The key towards achieving inclusive financial growth is to have a strong effort to embed Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies like Islamic FinTech to ensure fair and equitable distribution across income groups and a shared prosperity for all in line with the recently-announced Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and Malaysia 5.0,”said Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Hussin Mohamed Ariff, Chairman of MDEC.

Malaysia’s excellent track record in fundraising augurs well overall, with the Securities Commission reporting a 130 percent increase on 2018 involving 1,449 SMEs, 18,700 investors (91 percent increase) and 5,612 campaigns (131 percent increase) launched. Islamic capital market grew by eight percent, to RM2 trillion, outpacing overall capital market growth of three percent.

Malaysia also offers the perfect platform for Islamic FinTech companies to roll out their product offerings before tapping into other Muslim-majority countries. Bank Negara Malaysia, BNM (Malaysia Central Bank) and the Securities Commission have allowed for innovation in FinTech to proliferate such expansion.

The Malaysia government, through MDEC, have implemented various measures and initiatives. In partnership with regulators, agencies, corporations, financial institutions, accelerators and other relevant bodies, MDEC continues to roll out and introduce plans and programmes to conquer this new economic opportunity.

One such initiative is the Digital Financial Inclusion which is aimed at improving the knowledge of the B40 (bottom 40 percent earners) and micro SMEs on financial services. The collaborative programme, in partnership with 11 FinTech companies have onboarded 2,300 users from the three main product offerings mainly the micro financing, micro investment and micro insurance.

While FinTech Booster, in collaboration with BNM, is a capacity-boosting programme by MDEC to assist FinTech companies, both local and international, to develop their products and services via three strategic modules; Legal and Compliance, Business Model and Technology. Since its launch, there have been six public workshops and nineteen private workshops conducted with over 400 registrations as of March 2021 on the website, ranging from both local and foreign companies.

The second pillar, to be launched this year, will be on market access and business opportunities for FinTech, and the third, technological integration.
Malaysia have all the right makings and ecosystem to make it the global Islamic FinTech hub which includes having a matured Islamic finance environment and has a conducive and cost-effective business setting. It is also blessed with talents, from having world-renowned academicians, Shariah scholars to Islamic finance experts as well as a steady stream of local and international talent pool in FinTech and Islamic finance. All these factors bode well in maintaining its driving seat in the Wave 2.0 of Islamic finance. Malaysia is ready and waiting.

MDEC

#SayaDigital MDEC dedah manfaat digital kepada masyarakat Orang Asli

Posted on by MDEC

Pada mendung petang Ahad lepas, sekitar 50 orang penduduk Orang Asli Temuan di Damansara Perdana, Selangor di sini kelihatan beratur panjang untuk mendaftar, mengambil bacaan suhu badan dan menghulurkan tangan untuk disembur cecair pembasmi kuman sebelum dibenarkan masuk ke dewan.

Mereka akan menjadi ‘pelajar’ bagi program Hari Kesedaran Digital sempena Gerakan #SayaDigital anjuran Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) di kampung itu.

Di sebalik penutup muka yang dipakai, masing-masing teruja menerima  delegasi MDEC sebagai tetamu. Seorang demi seorang menduduki kerusi yang disusun dengan jarak satu meter bagi mematuhi prosedur operasi standard (SOP).

Sedikit penerangan mengenai kampung ini. Ia bukanlah seperti kebanyakan kampung Orang Asli yang sering kita lihat iaitu terletak jauh dalam hutan belantara. Sebenarnya, penduduk orang Asli Temuan di sini boleh dikatakan mengamalkan kehidupan serba moden.

Ini kerana kampung mereka hanya ‘tersorok’ sedikit di sebalik bukit berhampiran beberapa pusat membeli belah terkemuka , deretan kondominium mewah dan pejabat pelbagai syarikat antarabangsa yang beroperasi di situ. Jarak untuk ke stesen MRT Damansara Damai pula hanya sekitar 10 minit. Kediaman mereka juga cantik malah ada yang menyerupai rumah banglo mini, mungkin harganya boleh mencecah jutaan ringgit selain deretan kereta yang diparkir di hadapan rumah masing-masing.

Sementara menunggu program bermula, masing-masing leka membelek telefon pintar dan sesekali suara tangisan kanak -kanak menambahkan lagi kemeriahan petang itu.

Mengalu-alukan inisiatif MDEC di kampungnya, seorang penduduk, Tini Ali, 41, berkata, sebenarnya dia turut memanfaatkan teknologi digital apabila menjalankan perniagaan secara dalam talian sejak 10 tahun lalu.

“Ketika perniagaan dalam talian mula menjadi trend, saya turut tidak ketinggalan menceburkan diri. Menggunakan laman Facebook yang dinamakan Fandinie’s Enterprise, saya mempromosikan pelbagai jenis sabun pencuci serta produk lain seperti barang keperluan bayi, kain cadar dan sebagainya,” katanya ketika ditemui wakil blog MDEC selepas program itu baru-baru ini.

Menurut Tini yang bekerja sebagai kerani di sebuah syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) memberitahu, dia turut menggunakan aplikasi WhatApp untuk mempromosikan produk yang dijualnya kepada rakan-rakan dan penduduk kampung.

“Jelaslah kemudahan digital membantu kehidupan saya terutama untuk menjana pendapatan tambahan. Saya berharap lebih ramai masyarakat Orang Asli Temuan di sini akan turut memanfaatkan teknologi digital,” katanya.

Pada masa sama, Tini turut memberi cadangan bagaimana agensi kerajaan seperti MDEC boleh membantu memahirkan penduduk setempat dengan teknologi digital.

“Sebenarnya, ramai di kalangan penduduk kampung membekalkan bahan mentah seperti daun pisang kepada restoran-restoran makanan India di ibu kota, sayur sayuran dan juga ulam-ulaman kampung. Segalanya dilakukan secara manual.

“Pada masa hadapan, mungkin MDEC boleh membantu membangunkan satu platform atau aplikasi untuk menyenaraikan segala hasil di sini boleh didapati secara dalam talian atau menganjurkan kelas susulan untuk mengajar penduduk di sini melibatkan diri sebagai agen jualan dalam talian atau dropship,” katanya.

Program #SayaDigital anjuran MDEC petang itu antaranya mempunyai pengisian pelbagai latihan kemahiran asas digital termasuk penggunaan WhatsApp, Facebook dan TikTok yang turut menarik penyertaan warga emas Abdul Rahman Abdullah.

Menurut Abdul Rahman,65, dia berasa gembira kerana kampungnya dipilih menjadi lokasi program berkenaan yang sekaligus memberi peluang kepadanya dan penduduk kampung untuk mempelajari aplikasi digital.

“Sebelum ini saya biasa gunakan WhatsApp untuk berhubung dengan ahli keluarga. Hari ini mereka ajar tentang media sosial lain pula,” katanya.

Sementara itu, seorang remaja, Angela Tipongjohn, 16, teruja apabila mencuba aplikasi Foodpanda hasil bantuan tunjuk ajar sukarelawan #SayaDigital.

“Tidak sampai sejam selepas membuat pesanan, makanan yang dipesan sudah dihantar. Pada masa hadapan, mungkin saya akan gunakan aplikasi ini lagi kerana ia memudahkan urusan,”katanya.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi MDEC, Ybhg. Datuk Wira Dr Hj. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff yang hadir merasmikan program berkenaan dan menjadi ahli panel dalam sesi dialog bertajuk Peluang Dunia Digital, Masa Depan Yang Lebih Cerah’ berkata, kemahiran digital merupakan keperluan mustahak pada masa kini dan pelbagai perkara boleh dikecapi seperti membantu memudahkan kehidupan, menambah pendapatan, meluaskan perniagaan dan memperkasa kerjaya masa hadapan.

Ujar beliau, inisiatif ‘pendigitalan rakyat’ selari dengan teras MDEC iaitu memperkasa rakyat Malaysia secara digital dan menyokong Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030 dan Rangka Tindakan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MyDIGITAL).

“Ini seterusnya akan mencapai aspirasi Malaysia 5.0 iaitu memupuk masyarakat yang terintegrasi dengan teknologi bagi mendepani era Revolusi Perindustrian 4.0,”katanya.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MDEC, Surina Shukri berkata, projek perintis #SayaDigital dianjurkan untuk memberi kesedaran dan kekuatan kepada rakyat kategori rentan sosial ekonomi untuk menerapkan digitalisasi sejajar dengan WKB 2030 dan MyDIGITAL.

“Sebenarnya, program ini dimulakan pada Ogos 2020. Menerusi projek perintis, telah dilaksanakan tiga program dan sembilan inisiatif dalam talian, mencatatkan 1,515 pendaftaran dan memberi manfaat kepada 301 peserta dalam Latihan Literasi Digital Asas hingga kini,” ujarnya.

Beliau menambah, #SayaDigital juga bermatlamat sebagai kajian awal menjelang pelancaran pada peringkat kebangsaan #SayaDigital.

“Kejayaan kempen ini akan memungkinkan rakyat berkemampuan digital dan memanfaatkan sepenuhnya infrastruktur dan faedah dalam ekonomi digital,” katanya.

MDEC

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE DRIVING POSITIVE DIGITAL INVESTMENT MOMENTUM

Posted on by MDEC

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of digital economy and opened up avenues to various new digital businesses. As businesses pivot online, the need to lay a solid foundation to aid this new wave of digitalisation is crucial to ensure that Malaysia can holistically transform itself towards an advanced digital economy.    

In 2020, a total of 45 MSC Status projects were approved with investments worth RM3.9 billion. This will pave the way for 3,794 new employment opportunities for Malaysians. Out of the total, RM2.6 billion (66.2%) came from domestic investments, while RM1.3 billion (33.8%) came from foreign investments.

Global tech firms who have operations in Malaysia such as NTT, Hitachi Sunway Information Systems, transcosmos and DKSH CSSC continue to show confidence by re-investing in Malaysia.  

“2020 may not have been a vintage year for foreign direct investments but we continue to see investment momentum in our digital tech industry. Recent commitment from global giants such as Huawei and Dell Technologies is a glowing endorsement of Malaysia’s digital capabilities, platforms and infrastructure, propelling us on course to be the Heart of Digital ASEAN,” said Raymond Siva, MDEC’s Senior Vice President, Investment and Brand Division.

Raymond Siva – MDEC’s Senior Vice President, Investment and Brand Division.

The digital economy is expected to continue its significant contribution to the country in 2021 based on an estimated 19.1% contribution to GDP in 2019 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, on the back of a 6.7% economic growth forecast this year by the World Bank.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), announced recently by the Prime Minister also projects a 22.6% contribution to GDP by 2025, opening up 500,000 jobs within the digital economy.

Leading digital companies such as PCCW Solutions (a leading IT services provider in Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia); ThunderSoft (Beijing-headquartered) and Clarivate (a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the lifecycle of innovation) have also set up regional presence in Malaysia, pointing to a growing momentum and confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment hub. From its diversified multi-lingual and digitally-skilled talent pool; ready infrastructure and mature ecosystem for the digital economy to thrive, it directly reflects Malaysia’s role as a first-mover for the digital economy, leading the country on course to a shared prosperity for all, a society centred on 4IR technologies and in line with Malaysia 5.0, firmly establishing itself as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.

Overcoming digital divide through digital technologies

Malaysia’s digital transformation is a journey and today, MDEC’s initiatives revolve around developing skillsets within 4IR and emerging digital technologies, for example in areas such as Big Data Analytics (BDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Financial Technology (FinTech), Data Centres, Cloud Services and robotics.   

On the digital infrastructure front, MDEC is helping to foster an enabling environment for rapid digitalisation by working with key stakeholders to support the growth of the digital economy.  This is in support to the Government’s initiatives to nurture public-private partnerships, a critical step in accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation.

“The era of digitalisation has arrived, and we cannot deny this. We have all seen the profound impact digital transformation has had on world economies, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a violent shift to digital. Moreover, thanks to the role that data plays in the digital economy, we are witnessing increasingly massive returns, through innovation as well as the opening of new opportunities for jobs and economic growth. With that being said, the onus is on us to ensure that no one gets left behind and that everyone gets access to the benefits of technology — and the introduction of the MyDIGITAL blueprint couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Yuan.

Michael Yuan – Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

“In order to contribute actively and consistently to the country’s digital acceleration, there are three key technologies that we must leverage — 5G, Cloud and AI. These are the technologies that are ultimately driving our new intelligent world. Everything will be connected, data-driven and intelligently processed in real-time for actionable outcomes. This is a message that we will continue to drum home,”

“5G, for one, will unleash a world of opportunities by simply enhancing connectivity and mobility. This next-generation wireless technology will deliver higher data speeds, low latency and connect more devices at one time. Hence, 5G is billed as the catalyst for unlocking potential growth across industries such as medical, education, agriculture, smart cities and more importantly, dramatically transforming the way humanity lives, enterprises work, and the way we interact with the environment for seamless connectivity. When combined with BDA, Cloud Computing, AI and other innovative technologies, this will accelerate the arrival of a golden age of information over the next decade,” Yuan said. 

Yuan added that the same sentiment can be said of Cloud Computing, the “backbone” of digital transformation. “Without a doubt, the widespread adoption of Cloud Computing amid the exponential growth in data volume goes to show that it is increasingly being accepted as a main platform for innovation. Furthermore, when paired with AI, these technologies will enhance flexibility, agility and resilience to digital solutions, therefore giving rise to further innovation, introducing new revenue streams and driving cost efficiencies not only for businesses, but all sectors of the economy as well as society,” Yuan said.

Therefore, MDEC and Huawei will continue to conduct joint research and services related to digital technologies by working with various government bodies to publish white paper studies for the benefit of improving Malaysia’s digital economy.

“We at Huawei are working hard and closely with our strategic partners to deliver the best advancements that technology can offer. Our joint initiatives and efforts with our partners in delivering 4G and 5G capacity solutions for a personalised experience, innovation in 5G network design, as well as deployment and operating efficiencies remain our top agenda in the years ahead. Recently, we joined forces with CyberSecurity Malaysia and Celcom Axiata Bhd to jointly establish the first 5G Cybersecurity Test Lab in Southeast Asia here in Malaysia, with the goal of developing and bringing new 5G use cases for various industries to commercialisation when the new 5G spectrum is made available. And our efforts towards propelling Malaysia to greater heights via technology will not stop here,” said Yuan.

“By the same token, we are ever committed to our partnership with MDEC to provide a thriving digital environment. At the end of the day, we only have one goal in mind, which is to bring digital to every person, home and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world. We want to breach the digital divide, reach the unreached, and do everything we can to make sure that no one is left behind in enjoying the fruits of prosperity from the digital economy.” Yuan said.

Data is key for Malaysia’s digital economy

Meanwhile, Dell Technologies’ Senior Vice President for South Asia and Managing Director of Malaysia, Pang Yee Beng said the country has gone through almost a full year of navigating uncertainties and challenges due to COVID-19.

Pang Yee Beng – Senior Vice President for South Asia and Managing Director of Malaysia Dell Technologies

“As a technology company, Dell Technologies has had a front-row seat to the overnight digital transformation of our world. We are going through unprecedented changes impacting every aspect of life, and what we’ve experienced as a nation has required all of us to pivot to new ways to keep our economy and lives intact and progressing forward. Through it all, one thing is certain – technology will be central to how we work, learn and live in the new normal of the future, more than ever before.

“Malaysia’s vision of a digital economy is clear. The launch and implementation of MyDIGITAL is a strategic move to build economic resilience and transform the country into a digital, high income nation – paving the way for Malaysia to be ready for the next phase of the digital era in what we call the ‘data decade’. All this is very much aligned to what Dell Technologies set out to do – providing transformational solutions that help build the digital future for organisations and communities. Our purpose and commitment to our stakeholders remain unchanged as we continue to innovate and deliver for our customers in extraordinary ways when they need us most,” he added.

Over the next 10 years, the amount of data will only increase. This explosion of data will give rise to other innovations, such as multi-cloud IT strategies, intelligent devices with AI and machine learning capabilities that will change the way one works and collaborates and the “Edge” where everything is connected – systems, applications, services, people and places will be crucial. To succeed in the data era, businesses must take control of their data – their most prized asset – and that means prioritising digital transformation.

Dell Technologies first took foothold in Malaysia 26 years ago and at present, operates three facilities across Malaysia which serves as an integral site supporting regional and global operations. In June 2019, the Dell Digital Labs was established at its global business centre in Cyberjaya, one of the few laboratories Dell Technologies has invested in globally over the last few years. The new facility helps build cloud-native software and at the same time grooms a highly skilled Malaysian workforce that is trained for the data-driven era. “The establishment of a national agency in MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), tasked to lead the charge, has driven significant digitalisation across the public and private sectors. The initiatives put in place in the past decades have all been geared in this direction. We support MDEC’s efforts to seeing them through and look forward to opportunities to work together,” Pang said.  

MDEC

Digital Passion: Three Girls In Tech

Posted on by MDEC

Scroll down for Malay version / Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Malaysia

CYBERJAYA, 12 MARCH 2021 – In continuation of the International Women’s Day celebration, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is proud to share and highlight some of the outstanding female achievers of MDEC’s school-goer targeted digital-skills programmes.

Understanding that eight of the top ten emerging jobs will require digital tech skills in Malaysia, MDEC acknowledges the young ladies and future leaders who have stepped in, stepped out and stepped up to a domain traditionally assumed to be more relevant to boys.

In ensuring a digitally-skilled workforce, the school level #mydigitalmaker programme provided access to digital content and capabilities for some 2.19 million school students nationwide up until December 2020. More than 25,000 students enrolled in digital tech courses in 2019, a 40% increase from when the initiative started in 2017.

THE GAMER

“Whenever I learn and discover something new, I like to keep asking why and forming theories. When it all clicks, it feels like I’ve solved this huge puzzle and I get a sense of satisfaction from realising that everything is connected,” comments 17 year old Chan Hew Yan, participant of the 2019 Digital Ninja programme under MDEC’s #mydigitalmaker movement.

The Digital Ninja programme falls under the #mydigitalmaker movement – #mydigitalmaker movement is a joint public-private-academia initiative led by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in partnership with the Ministry of Education to transform Malaysian youth from digital users to producers in the digital economy. This includes skills such as coding, app development, 3D printing, robotics, embedded programming and data analytics; all of which will ultimately help to strengthen problem solving and creativity amongst our future generation.

“Ever since I was young, I have always been a big fan of games…I love storytelling and exploring the worlds the developers have created. A game allows the player to empathize and learn to see things from a perspective different than their own,” explains Hew Yan about her takeaway from gaming.

She claims to have later joined the Digital Ninja programme which brings students, mentors and experts from all over Malaysia together, to share their knowledge and experience, with completing digital assignments being the goal.

When asked about her views on girls and women who were making waves in tech, she said her favourite woman in tech is Rachel Hofsetter a.k.a. Valkyrae, a You Tube streamer and content creator who was also the recipient of the Content Creator of the Year 2020 in The Game Awards.  “Seeing women in tech jobs reminds me that the sky is the limit! It does not matter who you are, as long as you have passion, you are willing to learn and you don’t listen to naysayers,” observes Hew Yan.

THE CODER

16-year-old Aisyah Batrisyia Muhamad Ramdzan from SMK Dato’ Abu Bakar Baginda (participant at the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities) felt that the challenges with which she was presented at the competition, built perseverance as she strove for completion.

She attributes her interest in joining the competition, to the exposure she had gained in digital activities at a Digital Champion School – which is yet another avenue that the #mydigitalmaker movement offers to drive a digital innovation culture in schools and in the local community.  SMK Dato’ Abu Bakar Baginda was selected as Champion School on 2018 alongside 23 other Champion Schools nationwide.

“I’m really interested in electronic stuff,” quipped Aisyah, when asked about what aspects of digital excited her the most.

“My mum, who is a lecturer in microelectronics always encourages me to participate in digital courses such as Python, Arduino and Scratch. That’s gotten me into exploring more programming,” continued Aisyah, as she expounded on what inspired her to explore STEM subjects with greater fervour. When asked for her views on women in tech careers, Aisyah referred to her mother as the woman who most inspires and motivates her, citing genuineness and kindness as the greatest source of a woman’s strength.

THE DESIGN THINKER

Thinking out of the box is what Saii Yashaa Gopinath Rao prides herself in the most. She regards her penchant for all things STEM and design thinking, the reasons for her interest in digital innovations.

She comments that what she loves the most about STEM was watching the unfolding of inventions and innovations that people her age were coming up with, in order to solve real life issues.

“I told myself that I want to do this too,” exclaimed the Puchong-based teen, who admits that the digital world has created a space that allows her to explore her creativity and thus demonstrate what she can accomplish.

Enthusiastic about programmes such as Digital Ninja for her fellow youth, she opines that upcoming programmes under the #mydigitalmaker movement should involve senior graduate participants who can guide and inspire first-time junior participants.

Commenting on the significance of International Women’s Day, Saii Yashaa shares that young women can achieve anything with passion and the yearning to keep learning – and pledges support for breaking gender stereotypes under the #ChooseToChallenge theme this year.

STEM, DIGITAL SKILLS, A DOORWAY TO THE FUTURE

The #mydigitalmaker movement had humble beginnings in 2016. It was launched as one of the key components in driving the digital economy with a focus on what is now, one of MDEC’s key pillars under the agency’s strategic framework – Digital Skills and Jobs. As at December 2020, the #mydigitalmaker movement has impacted 2.19 million students across Malaysia, inspiring digital innovations among students while presenting STEM subjects as doorways to exploration of technology and all its various advantages in solving problems for humanity.

“Technology offers gender equity and inclusion, inevitably creating a technologically integrated society in Malaysia. Malaysians can level the playing field between genders as more and more women join the tech industry. Whatever value an individual adds to a cause, project, team or organisation, is determined not by gender but by skills, knowledge and determination. Technology bridges gender gaps and offers opportunities even in unprecedented uncertainty,” asserts Dr. Sumitra Nair, Vice President, Digital Skills and Jobs Division at MDEC.

According to Dr. Sumitra, efforts and collaborations across various parties have helped transform students under the movement, from consumers to producers of technology. The programmes under #mydigitalmaker include Digital Ninja, Digital Champion Schools and Hour of Code among others, which involve a lot of behind-the-scenes engagement as well as execution.

“I would recommend that parents and students aspiring to bridge tech or digital gaps pursue opportunities for tech exposure. MDEC is mandated to lead the digital economy by creating a society that is deeply integrated with technology, to empower the rakyat to thrive in 4IR. Therefore, we look forward to reaching out with more exciting programmes under MDEC’s #mydigitalmaker in 2021!” concludes Dr. Sumitra.

CYBERJAYA, 12 MAC 2021 – Sempena sambutan Hari Wanita Antarabangsa yang masih berterusan, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) dengan bangganya berkongsi dan mengimbas kembali pencapaian tiga pelajar perempuan yang telah menunjukkan prestasi cemerlang dalam program kemahiran digital yang disertai mereka.

Ketika ini kita menyedari bahawa lapan daripada sepuluh pekerjaan baharu akan memerlukan kemahiran teknologi digital. Di Malaysia, MDEC mendapati wanita muda yang juga bakal pemimpin masa depan yang telah melangkah masuk ke ‘sektor’ yang sebelum ini lebih ‘dikuasai’ oleh lelaki.

Dalam usaha memastikan tenaga kerja berkemahiran digital, program #mydigitalmaker yang dilaksanakan MDEC dengan menyediakan akses kepada kandungan dan keupayaan digital setakat ini telah memanfaatkan sebanyak 2.19 juta pelajar sekolah di seluruh negara sehingga Disember 2020.

Lebih daripada 25,000 pelajar mendaftar dalam kursus teknologi digital pada 2019 iaitu peningkatan 40 peratus ketika inisiatif ini mula dilaksanakan pada pada 2017.

PERMAINAN
“Setiap kali belajar dan menemui sesuatu yang baharu, saya sering bertanya mengapa dan mula mencipta teori sendiri. Berpandukan hanya satu ‘klik’, saya telah menyelesaikan teka-teki yang mencabar. Saya berasa sangat berpuas hati dan teruja kerana menyedari bahawa semuanya saling berkaitan,” kata Chan Hew Yan, 17, peserta program Ninja Digital 2019 di bawah Gerakan mydigitalmaker MDEC.

Program Digital Ninja membolehkan rakyat Malaysia terutama kumpulan berpendapatan rendah untuk menjana pendapatan tambahan dengan mengambil bahagian dalam tugasan digital melalui platform dalam talian. Semua peserta #mydigitalmaker dipadankan dengan kerjaya digital yang sesuai dengan kemahiran masing-masing.

Hew Yan berkata, minat mendalamnya terhadap game turut membuatkannya ‘jatuh cinta’ kepada dunia digital. Gadis ini berpendapat, jalan cerita dalam permainan yang berpandukan simulator sebenarnya mempunyai persamaan dengan masalah yang sering dihadapi dalam kehidupan seharian. Oleh itu, dia berasa kagum terhadap keupayaaan pencipta kandungan permainan yang memahami aspek
berkenaan.

“Sejak kecil lagi, saya sangat berminat dengan game. Saya suka bercerita dan menjelajah dunia yang dicipta oleh pencipta game. Ini membolehkan pemain merasai pelbagai pengalaman dan memupuk sifat seperti bertimbang rasa dan belajar melihat sesuatu dari perspektif yang berbeza,” jelas Hew Yan.

Minat yang mendalam terhadap game kemudian telah ‘membawanya’ menyertai program Digital Ninja yang telah menyatukan pelajar, mentor dan pakar dari seluruh negara untuk berkongsi pengetahuan dan pengalaman di samping menyelesaikan tugas digital yang diberikan.

Ketika ditanya pandangannya mengenai semakin ramai pelajar perempuan yang menunjukkan minat terhadap bidang teknologi, Hew Yan berkata, dia turut mempunyai idola wanita dalam bidang ini iaitu Rachel Hofsetter atau lebih dikenali sebagai Valkyrae, seorang streamer YouTube dan pencipta kandungan yang juga penerima Anugerah Pencipta Kandungan 2020 pada Anugerah Permainan.

“Melihat terdapat wanita dalam pekerjaan bidang teknologi membuatkan saya terfikir bahawa kejayaan tiada hadnya,”. Tidak kira siapa anda, selagi mempunyai minat dan sanggup belajar dan tidak mendengar kepada kritikan -kritikan yang mematahkan semangat, anda pasti akan berjaya,” katanya.

PENGEKODAN
Aisyah Batrisyia Muhamad Ramdzan, 16, pelajar di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Abu Bakar Baginda telah menyertai Pertandingan Cabaran IT Global Untuk Belia Orang Kurang Upaya.

Berkongsi pengalaman, katanya cabaran yang dihadapinya dalam pertandingan ini telah membantunya untuk membina sifat tekun dan berusaha dalam menyelesaikan masalah.

Aisyah Batrisyia berkata, minatnya untuk menyertai pertandingan berkenaan berputik selepas menyertai Digital Champion School yang merupakan sebahagian daripada Gerakan #mydigitalmaker untuk mendorong budaya inovasi digital di sekolah dan masyarakat setempat. SMK Dato ’ Abu Bakar Baginda dipilih sebagai Sekolah Juara pada 2018 bersama 23 Sekolah yang lain di seluruh negara.

“Saya sangat berminat dengan barangan elektronik,” katanya ketika ditanya mengenai aspek digital yang paling digemarinya.

“Ibu saya yang merupakan pensyarah bidang mikroelektronik sebenarnya merupakan pendorong utama untuk saya mengikuti kursus digital seperti Python, Arduino dan Scratch. Itu memberi peluang kepada saya untuk meneroka dengan lebih mendalam bidang pengaturcaraan,” katanya menerangkan faktor lain yang telah mendorong untuk mendalami bidang bidang pendidikan Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan dan Matematik (STEM) dengan lebih bersemangat.

Ketika ditanya pandangannya tentang wanita dalam karier teknologi, Aisyah segera memberitahu, ibunya merupakan wanita yang paling memberi inspirasi.

MENTALITI PENCIPTAAN
Kemampuan untuk berfikir di luar kotak merupakan perkara yang paling dibanggakan oleh Saii Yashaa Gopinath Rao. Gadis ini menganggap minatnya terhadap bidang STEM dan reka bentuk telah menyuburkan rasa cinta terhadap inovasi digital.

Saii Yashaa berkata, perkara yang paling digemarinya mengenai STEM adalah apabila berpeluang melihat penemuan baharu dan inovasi yang dihasilkan oleh rakan sebayanya untuk menyelesaikan masalah kehidupan sebenar.

“Saya memberitahu diri sendiri bahawa saya juga ingin menjadi seperti mereka,” katanya yang menetap di Puchong. Dia mengakui bahawa dunia digital telah mencipta ruang yang membolehkannya meneroka kreativiti dan menunjukkan apa yang dapat dicapai.

Bersemangat setelah menyertai program seperti Digital Ninja, dia berpendapat bahawa program yang akan datang di bawah Gerakan #mydigitalmaker harus melibatkan peserta berpengalaman yang dapat
membimbing dan memberi inspirasi kepada peserta baharu.

Mengulas mengenai pentingnya Hari Wanita Antarabangsa, Saii Yashaa berpendapat bahawa wanita muda dapat mencapai apa sahaja dengan penuh semangat asalkan mempunyai sikap untuk terus belajar dan berjanji menyokong usaha menghapuskan stereotaip gender berteraskan tema #ChooseToChallenge pada tahun ini.

STEM, KEMAHIRAN DIGITAL, PINTU KE MASA DEPAN
Gerakan #mydigitalmaker bermula secara sederhana pada 2016. Ia dilancarkan sebagai salah satu komponen penting dalam memacu ekonomi digital dengan fokus kepada salah satu teras utama MDEC iaitu Kemahiran dan Pekerjaan Digital. Sehingga Disember 2020, Gerakan #mydigitalmaker telah memanfaatkan 2.19 juta pelajar di seluruh negara serta memberi inspirasi kepada inovasi digital di kalangan pelajar sambil mempromosikan subjek STEM sebagai kunci untuk meneroka bidang teknologi dan menyelesaikan masalah.

“Teknologi menawarkan kesamarataan membabitkan penyertaan jantina dan mewujudkan masyarakat yang terintegrasi secara teknologi di Malaysia. Rakyat dapat mencapai tahap persaingan antara jantina apabila semakin ramai wanita menyertai industri teknologi. Apa sahaja nilai yang diberikan oleh individu terhadap projek, pasukan atau organisasi kini bukan ditentukan oleh jantina sebaliknya berpandukan kemahiran, pengetahuan dan tekad. Teknologi merapatkan jurang gender dan menawarkan peluang walaupun dalam suasana ketidakpastian yang belum pernah terjadi sebelum ini,” kata Naib Presiden Bahagian Kemahiran dan Pekerjaan Digital MDEC, Dr Sumitra Nair.

Menurut Dr Sumitra, usaha dan kerjasama pelbagai pihak telah membantu mengubah pelajar daripada sekadar menjadi pengguna kepada pencipta teknologi. Program di bawah Gerakan #mydigitalmaker merangkumi Digital Ninja, Sekolah Juara Digital dan Hour of Code melibatkan penyertaan pelbagai pihak.

“Saya mencadangkan agar ibu bapa dan pelajar yang bercita-cita untuk merapatkan jurang teknologi digital supaya memanfaatkan peluang yang disediakan untuk mendapatkan pendedahan teknologi. MDEC diberi mandat untuk memimpin ekonomi digital iaitu dengan mewujudkan masyarakat yang sangat terintegrasi dengan teknologi untuk memberi kekuatan kepada rakyat berdepan cabaran pada era Revolusi Perindustrian 4.0 (IR4.0). Oleh itu, kami berharap agar jangkauan yang lebih meluas untuk program #mydigitalmaker anjuran MDEC pada tahun ini,” katanya

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