Towards a New Era of ICT: Exploring the Horizon of High Speed Broadband in Malaysia

Research Profile
An undergraduate-based research work which involves a field study initiated by Multimedia University’s engineering students. This research is a study on the new era of ICT in exploring the horizon of high speed broadband in Malaysia.

Research Objectives
The research objectives are:

1. To analyze history and current situation of broadband in Malaysia.
2. To observe the implementation of high speed broadband in Malaysia and other countries.
3. To recognize the differences between Malaysia and other countries in order to formulate potential growth of the high speed broadband sector in Malaysia.
4. To highlight the benefits of broadband and to identify attractive broadband contents and applications for Malaysians.
5. To analyze the influencing factors that could potentially accelerate the broadband adoption and growth in Malaysia.

Research Background
In 2001, broadband services were introduced in Malaysia as part of the ICT industry in line with the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) initiative which aims to cultivate a knowledge-rich society and take the country into the Information Age. Till today, the broadband in Malaysia is not up to the standards in terms of service and the bandwidth in comparison to other leading countries in the world. As of June 2006, statistics indicate that broadband penetration in Malaysia is as low as 2.5%. According to MyICMS 886 Strategy, one of the focus ICT services will be high speed broadband, whereby Malaysia planned to improve the broadband take-up by introducing optical fiber access in 2007 and expects more penetration rate in broadband using optical fiber from 2008 to 2010.

Despite all these plans, the outcome from the introduction of broadband is not up to the expectations. Compared to other countries, Malaysia’s implementation in broadband access is very slow. Some of the customers prefer using dial up connections, while others remains uninterested for broadband services. Furthermore, not all the places in Malaysia are getting this broadband access.

The low penetration rate shows a bad prospective towards the new ICT era in our country. With the growing competitiveness in the global market, the lag of development process in ICT would result in major implication in Malaysia’s economy. Since high speed broadband is an important infrastructure required in the ICT industry, adoption and utilization of high speed broadband in daily lives of Malaysians will give the industry, the catalyst to compete in the international market.

In conjunction with this, the main purpose of our research is to study the new era of ICT in exploring the horizon of high speed broadband in Malaysia. This research will focus on the higher education and training, strategies and policies, and the future prospects. All the research areas are expected to enhance the high speed broadband growth in the country and thus, build a strong foundation to ensure that the Malaysian ICT industry will survive successfully in international competitive growth.

Literature review
Information and communication technology (ICT) in Malaysia has become the most important driving force of the country’ economy and the development towards Vision 2020. ICT has become a part of the daily life of the people, business and industry in Malaysia and it is inevitable that the development of the ICT industry act as a catalyst to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the country.

In MyICMS 886 plan YB Dato' Sri Dr.Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Energy, Water and Communications has forwarded “Since the implementation of the regulatory framework under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the industry has made significant progress. In the last five years the gross turnover of the communications and multimedia (ICT) industry has doubled from RM12 billion in 1999 to RM24 billion in 2004. The ICT industry is important for the development of the country, not only because of the revenue and investments it generates, but also because it constitutes an important component in the production process of other good and services and can define the competitiveness of the country."

"MyICMS is intended to present a cohesive and comprehensive strategy towards further invigorating the ICT industry. Implementation of MyICMS 886 would maximize the linkages between the services, infrastructure and growth areas. On the commercial front, he said the effect of the blueprint would further spur Malaysia's e-services, e-commerce and other web-based services. It also might help the creation of a domestic market for related appliances and devices" (www.bernama.com December 19, 2005 18:13 PM)

The Ninth Malaysian Plan which acts as the blueprint for the nation’s development identifies development of ICT industry as a major importance for the development of the country. In line with that the government has emphasis on the development of ICT services and usage in the country. With ICT as key determinant in the development process to move the economy up with the value chains, efforts will be intensified to main stream ubiquitous access to ICT services and facilities and, equally important, to promote the wider adaptation and usage in all aspects in everyday life. The pervasive ICT environment will enable Malaysians to have more equitable access to, and participation in, the new and emerging knowledge-driven economic opportunities. Measures will be undertaken to enhance ICT-related skills and competencies as well as the infrastructure expansion for broadband connections, for multimedia applications, local content development, greater e-commerce adoption and improved information security. The country will need to increasingly harness ICT to improve productivity and competitiveness as well as progress to high value added and knowledge intensive economic activities. The Government will build upon and enhance ICT capacity for ubiquitous access, develop more competencies, narrow the digital divide and expand usage of electronic transactions as part of the overall effort to empower the populace to partake in the growing networked economy. Simultaneously, this will allow greater expansion of ICT-related industries and services.

ICT industry consists of many areas and each and every area is highly dependent on a solid broadband infrastructure and services. YB Dato' Sri Dr.Lim Keng Yaik in MyICMS plan says “ High speed broadband, which a few years ago was considered a luxury is today a necessary part of the industrial, commercial and lifestyle landscapes” .

In 2001, broadband services were introduced in Malaysia as part of the ICT industry in line with the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) initiative which aims to cultivate a knowledge-rich society and take the country into the Information Age. Till today, the broadband in Malaysia is not up to the standards in terms of service and the bandwidth in comparison to other leading countries in the world. As of June 2006, statistics indicate that broadband penetration in Malaysia is as low as 2.5%. According to MyICMS 886 Strategy, one of the focus ICT services will be high speed broadband, whereby Malaysia planned to improve the broadband take-up by introducing optical fiber access in 2007 and expects more penetration rate in broadband using optical fiber from 2008 to 2010.

Beginning in MSC area, the broadband multimedia network with fiber optic backbone infrastructure will be expanded. Broadband offers a two-way capability and the ability to receive and transmit data at high speed. A broadband access, along with content and services will enable to transform the internet, both what it offers and how it is used. The multiple transmission media or technology that can be used to provide broadband access includes cable, enhanced telephone service called the digital subscriber line (DSL), satellite, fixed wireless and many more services. Broadband means always-on, always-fast Net access from just about anywhere to just about every piece of digital content.

The Malaysian government’s efforts to move Malaysia into the new knowledge economy has resulted in demand for a more efficient multimedia and communications network, especially for broadband services. (Kementerian Tenaga, Air Dan Komunikasiwww.ktak.gov.my)

While the government plans to emphasis on ICT industry by developing broadband infrastructure the private sector is also actively participating in the process. Especially the companies in telecommunication industry and in business service providing sector is benefiting from ever increasing technology in broadband.

Chief executive officer of Maxis said the bulk of the investment amounting to RM2.15billion would be used to expand 3G services and some RM850 million for broadband services. Of the RM2.15 billion for 3G he said a total of RM650 million would be invested year end to expand the 3G coverage. The remaining RM 700 million would be invested to next 3 years to roll out the broadband services. “As a part of our broadband commitment we are also making a concerted effort to develop local content and services. We have already committed RM10 million to our maxis developer programmer which is now not only open to mobile but internet content developers.” (The Sun, September 27, 2006)

Another company that implement broadband in a different perspective than optical cables, which is IPWireless Mobile Broadband System Deployed for AtlasONE’s National Broadband Wireless Network in Malaysia said “We selected IPWireless because we believe that its Mobile Broadband system offers the most technically and economically compelling broadband wireless solution, allowing us to bring Malaysia one of the most advanced data networks in the world today,” said AtlasONE Chairman Mohammad Badry bin Hanafi. “Consumers and enterprise customers can benefit from the availability, dependability and affordability of our wireless broadband service, which leverages non-line-of-sight architecture, to stay connected anytime, anywhere.” (http://www.wi-fitechnology.com/displayarticle378.html Thursday, August 07, 2003).

Capabilities of the broadband have yet to be developed, while many offices and business now have Internet broadband access, a remaining challenge which is providing the broadband over “the last mile” to consumers in their homes, Currently, a number of competing telecommunications companies are developing, deploying and marketing specific technologies and services that provide residential broadband access. Our local operators have a lot of catching up to do compare to their foreign counterparts.

The development of promising Internet services and media as an integral part of the broadband revolution has not been satisfactory. The broadband applications were narrowly defined (they assumed private connections and leased lines). The Internet is just acting like a door to several environments including developments of procurements, marketing and out-sourcing. A single bandwidth can be upgraded or improved allowing access to other corporate functions

The report from Kementerian Tenaga mentioned that the cost for developing and providing the communications infrastructure is high and it increases from-time-to-time. The local communications operators have spent more than RM 30 billion in the past years. The availability of the infrastructure involved implementation in stages and depends on the priority. The increment on cost is due to the development of network facilities in the new and urban areas nationwide in order to meet the high demand. Therefore, it will affect the return on investments to the operators. (Kementerian Tenaga, Air Dan Komunikasi Friday, October 13, 2006)

On the other hand, Japan which has been implementing high speed broadband earlier than other countries in the world has already using these services widely and improvising it from time to time. Japanese incumbent “NTT Group is finding that offering residential DSL and fiber is putting its current 1-Tbit/s backbone under strain, so the company has announced plans to build a 10-Tbit/s replacement. Compare this of course to the recent observations from an AT&T Research Labs VP, who stated the company's latest upgrade - a global OC-768 (40 Gbit/s) core - is rapidly filling up, and they'd need to move to a 100-Gbit/s backbone by the end of the decade.” (http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/78478)

Our neighboring country Singapore is also far ahead from our country in terms of implementing and the usage of broadband in the country. For instance, the country spurred adoption by small and midsize companies three years ago with government grants of as much as $200,000 for hardware, software and consulting services.

Moreover, its Singapore ONE initiative is meant to convert more than 800,000 households to high-speed fiber-optic — connecting as many as 2.5 million users by 2005. (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/2004-01-19-broadband_x.htm)

By: http://mescorp.mmu.edu.my/history0607.html

Higher Education Chance For Rural Children

By Melati Mohd Ariff

BALIK PULAU (Pulau Pinang), Jan 9 (Bernama) -- For the 'average' academic achievers, failure to get a place in universities is not the end of the world as the Island College of Technology (ICT) here provides the opportunity for them to pursue degree, diploma and certificate-level studies.

"When the college (ICT) was established (in 1998), there were only a few Bumiputera private colleges in the Peninsula's north. At that time, Malay students with average academic performance did not have ample opportunities to pursue further education.

"In Pulau Pinang, many of the Malay girls chose to work in factories as the easy way out to look for money to assist their families. We do not wish to see the Malays particularly the girls end up as factory workers," ICT President/Chief Executive Datuk Siti Mazenah Saat told Bernama here recently.

"Such a scenario is rather poignant, as even though the academic achievement is good, they have to give way to poverty," said Siti Mazenah who has 21 years experience serving Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) before retiring in September 1998. She had also served the Education Ministry and Public Service Department.

ICT'S COMMITMENT

Since ICT's inception in 1998, the college's vision is to be a premier tertiary-level education institution with its commitment for excellence via exemplary work quality and culture.

According to Siti Mazenah, who had served as the USM Registrar, the college is unwavering in implementing its social obligations towards human capital development.

"From my years in the academic field, I have witnessed the gap between the brilliant and average performers. For those who have good results, usually there would be no problems in getting a place in the universities but what about students who have average results?

"They (average performers) appeared lost. Hence, we need to show them a way to pursue higher education," she said.

Siti Mazenah said ICT's academic staff would go to the field regularly to attract school leavers to attend English language classes at the college for three months.

"While attending the English Language class, we would fire their spirit to learn as high as possible as academic excellence would change their life and that of their family as well," she said.

CHILDREN OF FARMERS, LABOURERS

Siti Mazenah said 80 per cent of ICT students are Malays who were from the rural areas of Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis and south Perak, most of them being the children of farmers and labourers.

According to the 65-year-old Siti Mazenah, she always reminded the ICT students on the sacrifice made by their parents and the occasion they spend at the college is the time to 'reimburse' the sacrifices made.

"This is the time to repay their parents' sacrifices by studying very hard for them to have better future," she said, adding that apart from having students from the Peninsula's north, ICT also admits students from other states including Sabah and Sarawak.

COURSES OFFERED

Each year, ICT admits between 600 and 700 new students and among the courses that the college offers are those in the business management, information technology, accounting, human resources management and entrepreneurship.

ICT also collaborates with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) for its diploma programmes like that in science as well as business and communication studies. The college also has a tie-up with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for its bachelor's degree courses in management and pharmacy.

For short-term programmes, ICT offers various courses like English Language, Executive Development, Marketing, Computer Application and Information Technology.

According to Siti Mazenah almost all of the ICT's students receive funding from either MARA or National High Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) while for those who are unable to get the funding, they could negotiate with the MARA Education Foundation.

"Hence, there is no problem studying here. The students need only to come and study," she said with a smile.

10-YEAR PLAN

Siti Mazenah said ICT has laid out various programmes to boost the college's academic fineness over the next 10 years.

"Our previous focus was on management and health science including pharmacy. The next focus on health sciences is nursing and dietetic.

"Within the next 10 years, we hope to offer more degree programmes. I am in the midst of negotiations with Asia-e University (Kuala Lumpur) for e-learning programmes like the Master's in Business Administration (MBA)," she said.

With the e-learning programmes, expected to commence either this February or June, Siti Mazenah hopes more ICT students would go for the degree programmes.

"For the time being, only half of the diploma-level students pursue the degree programmes. The main reason is that they wish to work early to help their family.

"With the Asia-e University programmes, they could both work and study through the e-learning," she said.

MORE PLANS

Siti Mazenah said ICT plans to expand its English Language course.

"At this college, the focus is on the English Language and every Monday and Wednesday all students are required to speak in that language. It appears effective.

"We need to have more avenues to improve the students' command of English for their own good particularly upon moving into the job sector," she said, adding that ICT plans to have collaboration with universities in Australia and United Kingdom either by sending students there or having twinning programmes.

The ICT has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kuala Lumpur University for the university to send 100 students from Africa including Botswana to attend the one-year basic course at the college.

"They would be our first batch of foreign students," she said.

UNIVERSITY STATUS

Siti Mazenah said ICT hopes to be upgraded into a university college within the next 10 years.

"With the upgrading, we would have our own degree programmes as compared to that franchised by other universities," she said.

The college also plans to boost its student population by taking up to 4,000 to 5,000 students.

"For now, the ICT campus is able to accommodate only 1,500 students. To have more students, the college administrators need to provide more lecture rooms, hostels and other facilities," said Siti Mazenah, adding that high-rise buildings would have to be constructed to replace some of the existing chalet-like premises.

At the moment the college has an academic staff of 45 where 44 of them are full-time lecturers. More than half of these lecturers have the Master's qualification while three are PhD holders.

She said the college has achieved its first 10-year objective and is striving towards having a curriculum that meets the industry and nation's needs.

PERSONAL SATISFACTION

For Siti Mazenah, nothing satisfied her more other than seeing the ICT graduates queueing up proudly to receive their respective scrolls on convocation day.

She was also touched when parents of the graduates came to thank her personally.

Siti Mazenah said she also received 'Thank You' cards from the ICT graduates who found employment.

"That was very touching. At least we have managed to extricate these children from the poverty cocoon and their success proved that those from the rural areas could succeed if given the chance.

"ICT would continue to implement its social obligations for the benefit of the society and Malays," she added.

-- BERNAMA

 

   From: http://education.bernama.com/index.php?sid=news_content&id=382477

By MSN Sports Malaysia, Updated: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 4:52 AM

ICT powers 1Malaysia F1 Racing

Racing ahead into finishes at the Bahrain International Circuit and the Australian GP, Malaysia’s own Lotus Racing, Head of Operations (Asia) speaks of Information Communications Technology’s (ICT) importance in Formula 1 racing.

Courtesy of MDEC

The MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (MSC Malaysia APICTA) Awards, is once again on its way with a call to all Malaysian ICT innovators and technopreneurs to showcase their talents and aspire for local and global recognition. Taking time out from his busy schedule, Mia Sharizman Bin Ismail, Head of Operations (Asia) of Lotus Racing, talks to us from the Lotus Racing factory in Hingham, Norfolk (UK) about the growth and opportunities for Malaysians in the ICT sector and in developing a k-economy.
How important is the role of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) solutions in Formula 1?
Mia: ICT is definitely crucial in F1. Firstly, as a communication tool. The entire team must be in constant communication, whether it be in the factory, on the circuit, in the pit walk, on the track and even between the driver and the team during the actual race.
Secondly, ICT is fundamental in the engineering of the F1 car. This covers a range of processes, from the design to the manufacturing of the F1 car. At Lotus Racing, we have to meet all the state of the art requirements needed in F1, and this includes having a team of trained specialist in F1 technology. We also need huge storage capacity, high speed communications, and complex ICT network solutions and infrastructure.
Another crucial area for ICT is in F1 simulation. The Data Acquisition system collects data from the F1 car which is equipped with multi-functional sensory. The data then is transferred back to track side, while the car is moving around the circuit. This data can be used to simulate any F1 track in the world!
What are the programmes available in the Lotus Racing team for Malaysians; aimed at building Malaysia’s expertise and knowledge of building an F1 team and its facilities?
Mia: We are at early stages in hiring Malaysians onto the team, be it in the ICT field or in other fields. Our goal is to ensure that Malaysians acquire the expertise needed to be a contributing member of the F1 team by providing them with firsthand experience.
We’ve also started to implement our internship programs with students. Given that we are a young F1 team, we can only accommodate a group of 5-6 students at any given time. The internship programme is held every quarter of the year and Malaysian students who are in their final year of education in universities here in the UK are shortlisted from a pool of write-in applications.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for young Malaysians to gain valuable experience and soak in the excitement of being a part of one the automotive world’s most prestigious racing platform.
How much has Malaysians progressed in the Automotive/Racing sector from our partnerships to bring the 1Malaysia F1 Racing Team to where it is today in the F1 arena?
Mia: In terms of partnership, we are working with Italy for the wind tunnel system which is critical in developing the aerodynamics of our cars. In Germany, we are working with our Competent Fuel Design (CFD) house. Additionally, we are also in the midst of moving these infrastructures into our Hingham, Norfolk centre here in the UK - a major step on our part. We have now grown from outsourcing to developing in-house capabilities or to be partners instead of bystanders. This provides us an avenue to gain as much knowledge and expertise as possible.
As, Dato’ Tony Fernandes mentioned, it is our 3 year plan to make this facility available in Sepang. In view of this, we are also in partnership with two Malaysian universities - University Technology Malaysia (UTM) and University Petronas Malaysia. Collectively, we are working on developing Lotus Racing facilities in Malaysia and my duty is to ensure that the transfer of knowledge happens.
What are the goals in ICT solutions (software and/or hardware) that 1Malaysia Lotus F1 team is aiming for in order to improve its standing in F1 racing?
Mia: In a nutshell, our goals are similar to that of a car developer. And that is to produce a vehicle with maximum performance and a system with great reliability. To achieve this, from an operations point of view is to be as efficient as we possibly can.
Ultimately, what we are all about is getting the extra seconds for both our cars. For us, it’s vital to leverage on existing technology whilst developing new ones, for that extra boost in performance. Our yardstick is to finish in a race, and everything we do moves towards achieving just that.

Give us an example, of one automotive/racing technology used in Lotus Racing which you feel best demonstrates ‘cutting edge’ technology?
Mia: At the moment, I would say that that is the CFD. This relates to the wind tunnel simulation, where we take the car models from the design office and we create a simulation in the virtual world. This is how we gain aerodynamic advantage with our cars and is cutting edge technology made possible with super computers. We are striving all the time to get even better accuracy which translates to a higher performance car design.
In your opinion, how important are the Malaysian government’s initiatives, such as the MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (MSC Malaysia APICTA Awards) in inspiring ICT innovation amongst Malaysians?
Mia: Ten years ago, the government started initiatives for the F1, and I am here ten years down the road, as part of a Malaysian F1 team. This is indeed a great accomplishment for our country. So we can see how important it is to support such initiatives, and to inspire new talents to become better or to achieve more. It is fundamental for us to be always moving forward, and the MSC Malaysia APICTA Awards is indeed a platform that helps us, as Malaysians, do just that.
Tell us about some of the milestones in your career leading up to where you are today in the Lotus Racing team?
Mia: Well, I was in the Sepang circuit management for about 5 years. Then I moved on to promote and organize international races around the Asia Pacific region like in China, Japan and Korea. And though I’ve had great moments in my career, I must say that our cars finishing in Bahrain recently is truly a pivotal moment in my career. We were all in complete exhilaration and that feeling of gratification was immense for everyone. I remember Dato’ Tony saying that we’ve made history!
What are the benefits or perks that comes with your position in the 1Malaysia Lotus F1 team?
Mia: Malaysia is a developing country with a strong vision to progress towards the status of a developed country. When we made our way into F1 ten year ago, Malaysia joined the ranks of the small group of developed countries around the world. That makes me proud and I believe that every step we take to becoming a developed nation is vital. Being able to play a part in that process with the F1, is a great perk in my career.
What does a Malaysian have to do to make their way to the 1Malaysia F1 Racing team?
Mia: What we try to inspire here, is that Malaysians has the ability to make it big. So if you do have that special talent, work at it and don’t give up. When we put out our recruitment advertisement for just one day last year, we received 6,500 applications! Of that group, 16 Malaysians made it to be part of the team. So, never say never.
In your opinion, what can corporations or other related organizations do to improve or encourage ICT advancement in Malaysia?
Mia: To be willing to go the extra mile for ventures which takes us one step ahead in our journey towards a more progressive k-economy. Having the support of these corporations and organizations is crucial to ensure that we will one day be regarded as peers in many sectors of the ICT industry. At least with F1, I am confident that we are working hard to get there soon.

Ericsson ICT model solution passes test

PETALING JAYA: Ericsson Malaysia's Mobile Innovation Village (MIV) model has passed an assessment of its feasibility and impact in empowering the local rural community via ICT solutions.
Doctors from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and The Centre of Excellence for Rural Informatics (CoERI) of the same university conducted the three-month-long needs, assessment, feasibility and impact (NAFI) study.
It was found that the MIV model successfully enabled empowerment of the local rural community in Kampung Serasot of the Bau District in Sarawak with its remote health monitoring, mobile IP communications, and cloud computing components.
Conducted among 90 households of the mainly Bidayuh agricultural community, the study was done in collaboration with local government agencies and a telecommunications service provider.
The study provided insights on how mobile data and village WiFi services are used and how they can become more affordable in the future.
In addition to smartphones, components of the model included a locally designed Tablet PC by Mimos and manufactured by i-Solutions and Computing Sdn Bhd, and an eLearning System delivered via Ericsson's PC as a Service cloud-computing solution.
The MIV also enabled people to have their health monitored remotely by doctors via Ericsson's mobile health solution, which allowed patients to send their weight and blood-pressure readings as well as electrocardiograms for analysis and management.
Ericsson said it is now working closely with various local agencies and companies to collaborate and augment its solutions.
The Unimas study found that only 11% of the participants had used the Internet before, with 50% having had a family member who has used the Internet before. The remaining 39% had only heard of the Internet prior to the study.

Url: http://techcentral.my/news/story.aspx?file=/2012/1/6/it_news/20120106131236&sec=it_news

“ICT Career Camp a great success, I can now make Android apps!” say students

Date : 15.03.11, In Electrical and Computer Engineering, Highlight News, by alex.goh

Miri – 15 March 2011 – The 2-day MSC Malaysia-Curtin ICT Career Camp held at the campus of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) from 12 to 13 March 2011 was hailed a great success by both the organisers and the 59 secondary school students who took part.
The students were from SMK Chung Hua Miri, SMK Lutong, SMK St. Joseph Miri, SMK Pujut Miri, SMK Lopeng Tengah, SMK Merbau, Kolej Tun Dato Haji Bujang, SMK Baru and SM Sains.
Themed ‘Ignite the Spark’, the camp was organised by Curtin Sarawak’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department, University Life Department and the Curtin Young Associates (CYA), the university’s club for secondary school students.
It was supported and sponsored by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the agency responsible for the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia), the national ICT initiative which will be creating 85,000 new jobs by 2015.
During the camp’s workshops, the participants learned how to use Google’s App Inventor, a mobile application development software downloadable from appinventor.googlelabs.com for creating simple applications for the Android platform.
Apart from designing and developing their own Android applications, the participants were taught how to market their applications. In between the workshops, they participated in team-building activities to build their team dynamics as they were grouped into 12 different teams comprising students of different schools.
“I was amazed at the ideas presented by the students during the camp. Coincidentally, one of their ideas is being developed by our own Dr Wong Kiing Ing,” remarked Terence Tan, an award-winning ECE lecturer of Curtin Sarawak and a facilitator for the camp.
Suresh Reuben, a fellow lecturer and facilitator, concurred. “All the teams came up with good ideas which, when summarised, all pointed to one thing – mobile phones are becoming our ‘sixth sense’. The phone of the future will likely contain things like heat and heartbeat sensors to monitor our health, terrain sensors to aid the blind, and so on,” he said.
In the presentation session at the end of the camp, a panel of judges awarded points to each team for their presentations and ideas. The winning team received RM500, while the second and third placed teams received RM300 and RM200. The prizes were presented by Associate Professor Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Head of the Department Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Team 6A comprising Fazira Bt. Nan of SMK Lutong, Rhonda Ashley of SMK Pujut, Intan Farisha Bt. Khalid of SMK Merbau, and Siti Rayhan Bt. Hasmadi and Nurhazimah Bt. Saufie of Kolej Tun Dato Haji Bujang emerged the winners. Their idea of incorporating the functions of debit or credit cards and ATM cards into mobile phones where users need only ‘swipe’ their phones over payment machines for purchases, much like ‘Touch ‘n’ Go’ cards widely used in West Malaysia, was adjudged the most innovative.
According Fazira, the idea was conceptualised to solve the problem of users forgetting their PIN numbers or not being able to locate ATMs for cash withdrawals prior to making purchases. To counter phone theft or hacking, the team suggested incorporating biometric scanners like thumb-print scanners into the phones to prevent unauthorised use.
“The idea came to me while I was having a meal. As I stared at my spoon, I suddenly thought of cards and then related it to banks. I took the idea to the team to see what we could do to address such problems,” Fazira related.
When asked whether they will continue to pursue their idea, the team members said that they would continue to work towards making the application a reality. They added that they enjoyed working as a team and greatly appreciated the knowledge they gained from the camp, especially the importance of teamwork, patience and critical thinking.
To ensure that the camp was not simply a one-off event, the organisers have set up a Facebook Group (ICT Camp Curtin Miri) for them to maintain contact with the participants and provide whatever support the participants may need in developing their applications.
The ICT Career Camp is one of the numerous collaborations between MDeC and higher education institutions to increase the awareness of ICT careers in Sarawak. Curtin Sarawak will collaborate with MDeC on a much larger-scale ICT talk for students next month. In addition to raising awareness of ICT career pathways, the talk will showcase final-year projects by ECE students of Curtin Sarawak.
For more information about Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my or call +60 85 443939.

The winning team, Team 6A: (L-R) Nurhazimah Bt. Saufie, Rhonda Ashley, Siti Rayhan Bt. Hasmadi, Fazira Bt. Nan and Intan Farisha Bt. Khalid with Suresh Reuben and Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh.

Participants at the end of the camp.

Participants carrying out teambuilding activity.

Terence Tan briefing participants on objective of the camp.

Url: http://soes.curtin.edu.my/highlight-news/2011/03/15/%E2%80%9Cict-career-camp-a-great-success-i-can-now-make-android-apps%E2%80%9D-say-students/

SEGi Produces Ethical Computer Hackers

April 15, 2011

The pervasiveness of computers is continuing to grow at an exceptional rate. As we become increasingly dependant on technology across all aspects of our life, we also become increasingly susceptible to security threats, which can occur hourly in a computers system.
Computers are systematically being victimised by epidemic hacking. As the rate of hacking attacks gradually increases around the world, it becomes a major concern within organizations regardless of their network infrastructures.
However, this threat also presents a great opportunity for those who are versed in the field of ‘ethical hacking’. Ethical hacking is the scientific approach of understanding tools, techniques and methodologies used by malicious hackers with the aim of developing a security system which is non-hackable.
In recognising this opportunity, SEGi University College collaborates with EC-Council Academy to integrate EC-Council IT Security Programme, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), into the Bachelor of IT (Hons) programme and offer the CEH course to its students as an industry skill course.
To formalise this collaboration, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between SEGi University College and EC-Council Academy was held on 14 April 2011 at the SEGi flagship campus in Kota Damansara.
Signing the MOU was Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, SEGi University College Vice-Chancellor, and Wilson Wong, EC-Council Asia Pacific Managing Director. Also present to witness the signing was Professor Dr. BC Tan, SEGi University College Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, and Chin Yuen Kin, EC-Council Academy Centre Director.
During his welcome address, Professor Muhamad said, “We are all guilty of being increasingly dependent on technology in our everyday lives. We rely on it in both our work lives and personal lives to do anything from gathering and storing information, to retrieving and sending it. I am sure that for most people present today it has become pervasive – from your smart phones and tablets to your company networks and servers.
“This increasing dependence on information technology is creating a need to improve the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information, to ensure that computer and communications systems are less vulnerable to intentional and accidental error or misuse. The key is for those professionals who are in change of overseeing the security to think like a hacker, thus always staying one step ahead.”
In addition to the CEH course, the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) offers a whole spectrum of industry-standard IT Security and E-Business programmes to address these critical issues across all industries. The EC-Council certification programmes combine both business and technical training to impart solid background necessary to build successful e-Businesses.
Following Professor Muhamad’s opening address, Mr. Wong spoke about the collaboration with SEGi and the importance of computer security.
“Cyber attacks are frequent and efficient; there are financial frauds, data beaches, cyber threats and attack news reported daily. Cyber attack towards organizations increases steadily over the years, even with increased IT infrastructure investment every year. Organizations today are taking note on the importance of well-trained IT Security professionals on maintaining and securing the business and reputation of an organization. The industry is in urgent need for cyber warriors to deal with cyber attacks that may occur anytime,” added Mr Wong.
“According to MSC Malaysia Supply-Demand Study of the ICT Industry by Frost & Sullivan, The MSC cluster is poised to add 50,000 new knowledge workers over the next three years (2010-2012). The MOU today reflects SEGi University College and EC-Council Academy contribution of producing a pool of highly skilled cyber warriors as the country gets closer towards its ambition to be a developed nation by 2020.”
To date, SEGi Education Group is the largest private institution of higher learning in Malaysia with more than 23,000 students across its six campuses in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, Sri Kenbangan and Kuching.
SEGi Education Group offers programmes from foundation and diploma level to bachelor and master degrees in information technology, medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, business, engineering, built environment, creative design, hospitality & tourism, education and social sciences. They also offer the popular American Degree Program as well as the Doctor of Business Administration.


By: http://www.segi.edu.my/happening/segi-produces-ethical-computer-hackers

Developing the ICT industry of tomorrow

Limkokwing is producing a new generation of ICT-savvy young talents that will reinvent the future. As a country with a vision of becoming a self-sufficient industrialised nation by the year 2020, Malaysia is healing in the right direction with its citizens fast gaining ground in the world of Information Communication Technology (ICT). On the same note, the nation’s premier university in creativity and innovation - Limkokwing University of Creative Technology - is taking the lead by producing graduates that are equipped with the right skills and capabilities to take on the ICT industry worldwide. The university provides cutting edge digital technology courses complete with the latest technological equipment, a combination capable of honing the next batch of well-rounded graduates that will steer   the future of this country to greater heights. Limkowing University’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology offers Internationally-recognised BSc degree in Mobile Computing, Games Technology, as well as Postgraduate studies in Computing Networking and Communication, among others. Modules include: Game programming Digital Modeling & Animation Artificial Intelligence Interactive Multimedia Real-Time System Internet Security Knowledge Grid Computing The holistic approach of a Limkowing education is designed to ensure that their graduates are industry-ready and able to blend in with diffirent cultures and nationalities, making them attractive to potential employers. Some of the career options one would consider as an ICT graduate would be: Chief Information Officers (CIO), Security Analyst and Analyst Programmer among others. Living and learning at the Cyberjaya campus of Limkowing University of Creative Technology is an experience unlike any other. Student from all over the world converge, making this a dynamic multicultural environment with 70% of the 9,000 students coming from over 160 countries worldwide. The university has some 30,000 students studying in its 12 campuses in Botswana, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malaysia and United Kingdom. A big part of its appeal is its innovation brand of creative education that merges the best of East and West education. For its role in reinventing the landscape of tertiary education in Malaysia, the university has received over 100 awards from across four continents. Today, Limkokwing University’s degrees and diplomas are delivered in 20 countries and its global network if 282 university partners covers 77 countries worldwide. With innovation as the driving force behind the university’s mission, the Limkokwing Global Experience is another unique effort in pioneering creative education. Exclusive to Limkokwing University, this is a revolutionary way of learning in several countries while en route to completing your degree. It is a different and innovative kind of learning experience specially designed for a globally focused graduate keen to tackle the challenges of a globalized marketplace. In your pursuit of knowledge, open your mind to an endless variety of possibilities when you chose to do your semesters in different countries. This will surely enhance your learning experience in the field of your choice. You will have the opportunity to interact and study with students around the world. This multicultural exposure and the highly creative and innovative experience will mould you into the most confident, accomplished and in-demand graduate in the region. In a rapidly developing world, the learning experience today has to include exposing young people to global business trends and innovation. London – one of the world’s most vibrant and lively cities – is the heart of Limkokwing’s Global Research Centre for Creativity and Innovation. Located in the heart of thriving Piccadilly, the campus provides students with a unique opportunity to cross over to nearby locations for research in business, design, multimedia or any other field of study. With a combination of the biggest companies, brands and business innovation, Limkokwing has designed an experience of London that is both class-based and complete with industry exposeure. Students attend industry dialogues and talks, and are taken on site visits to expose them to global trends and expectations in their respective area of study. Some of the famous names that were part of the industry visits are Harrods, Laura Ashley, the Royal Institute of Architects and Norman Foster. Url: http://www.limkokwing.net/media/news/developing_the_ict_industry_of_tomorrow/

4G Internet service for UTM

By Ahmad Fairuz Othman
news@nst.com.my
2010/12/07

SKUDAI: Students and staff of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) can now enjoy faster broadband speed with the introduction of 4G (fourth generation) mobile Internet services under a collaboration with YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zaini Ujang said the service would benefit the university's 2,000 doctorate students, of whom 500 were in the computer science field.

"This is one of the biggest broadband facilities among public institutions of higher learning in the country. YTL Communications selected UTM based on our progress in providing quality broadband for our students and staff.

"We are among the first to have been signed up for this, and the first to receive it," said Zaini after the introduction of the 4G YES service at the Skudai campus here.

He said UTM, which was declared a research university by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in June, would also collaborate with YTL Communications to develop 4G content.

In June, UTM upgraded its broadband capacity to 425 mbps (megabyte per second).

He said the 4G facility was already up and running at its Skudai main campus and at the Jalan Semarak campus in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaini said with the introduction of YES 4G, the university would be able to reduce capital expenditure and costs at its facilities.

Meanwhile, YTL Communications executive director Yasmin Mahmood said six other universities would receive the YES 4G services.

They are Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Teknologi Mara.

Yasmin said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris would soon receive the services, pending internal approvals.

She said YTL was working towards a 80 per cent penetration rate in the country within the next several months, and was gearing up for its YES TV in October next year.

It currently has a 65 per cent penetration rate in Peninsular Malaysia.

She said the YES 4G would benefit students as its Internet speed was not only five times faster than 3G, it would also only cost a RM30 minimum monthly fee.

 

Url: http://e.nst.com.my/nst/articles/21fasb/Article/art_print

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

by:  http://www.nst.com.my/latest/m-sia-needs-to-produce-own-cyber-security-software-1.24780

UM LECTURER WON THE 2011 MTSF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD

Professor Dr. Mary Anne Tan Jin Ai from the Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine has won the Science and Technology Award 2011 under the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF). She is an expert in the field of medical genetics & molecular biology. Professor Mary received RM30,000.

The award was given in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology. MTSF is a charitable organization formed to promote and advance science and technology in Malaysia.


Url: http://www.um.edu.my/umnews/