The National ICT Association of Malaysia (Pikom) has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with big data analytics solution provider Fusionex for it to train local talents in the area of Big Data.

Fusionex will equip ICT professional with the right skills in line with the Government’s goal of achieving 20,000 data professionals by 2020, the organisation announced at the Pikom Leadership Summit 2017.

“We found there is a talent mismatch today as many graduates are not aware of what the industry is looking for today,” said Pikom chairman Chin Chee Seong.

“We are also working very closely with the Education Ministry and universities to design courses to align them with the demands of the tech industry.”

Fusionex managing director Datuk Seri Ivan Teh agrees, adding that many jobs of today will not be the jobs of tomorrow and the jobs of yesterday might not even exist in two or three years time.

“There is a real importance to align what the academia produces versus what the industry wants and that is an ongoing challenge and something we are really working hard to tackle now,” Teh said.

Among the skills that are in demand include data analytics and project management.

The industry body also inked an MoU with CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) to combat the recent rise of cyberthreats. It will give CSM access to security services and solutions from its members.

It also signed an MoUs with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) to promote the adoption of digital platform in the travel industry.

Chin says that most SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the travel industry have yet to embrace and reap the benefits of digitalisation.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai who officiated the event, said that with the partnership, travel and tour agents should take the opportunity to market their services online and this is a step in the right direction in embracing digital economy.

“These initiatives will certainly help in expanding opportunities for the SMEs in their respective sectors and we need to keep up and embrace change as there is a rapid convergence between the physical and digital world,” said Chin.

Read more at https://www.nst.com.my/business/2018/02/332209/fusionex-wins-mab-data-management-contract

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Fusionex Managing Director Mr. Ivan Teh was honoured by winning the prestigious Ernst & Young (EY) Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the recent 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Gala dinner officiated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed. Five hundred distinguished guests comprising entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, including EY’s Global Vice Chair for Strategic Growth Markets, Maria Pinelli, were present at the event.

Celebrating its 28th anniversary this year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurship Award (EOY) program has expanded to more than 145 cities and 60 countries worldwide. The program recognizes exceptional entrepreneurs that build a better working world for all. It honours those with the courage and passion to make their dreams a reality — to build something of lasting value that benefits everyone. Touted by many as the world’s most prestigious business accolade, it recognizes the most exceptional among a unique group of people.

Nominees were judged by an independent panel of judges comprising previous EOY winners and leading figures from the local business community based on a set of stringent globally-benchmarked criteria.

YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry said, “Since its inception, the EY Entrepreneur of the year programme has emerged as one of the most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs. More significantly, as a global awards programme, it provides a platform for entrepreneurs to be showcased on the world’s stage. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all the nominees especially the winner of this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the year award.”

When asked to share his thoughts on his latest win, Mr. Teh commented, “I am humbled to receive this great honour. It’s certainly a privilege to be standing here amongst a stellar cast of remarkable top nominees for this award, all of whom have done incredibly well in their respective industries. I would like to thank EY for organising a magnificent event, as well as the distinguished judges for this amazing recognition.”

Teh concluded, “Naturally, I wouldn’t be here without the ‘Fantastic Fusionex’ team. It is therefore only fitting that I dedicate this award to Team Fusionex and all of those who have supported us. This award is for all of you, and I’m sure this will only spur our team to do even more, and to create a positive impact to the industry, society, ecosystem and community as a whole.” https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2017/11/23/pikom-inks-mou-with-fusionex-to-achieve-goal-of-training-20000-data-professionals/

Local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are urged to get onboard China’s biggest e-commerce platform, Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd, and take advantage of the newly launched Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) to expand their business horizon abroad.

Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said via Alibaba, local SMEs could also be part of the Singles’ Day sale and promotion that is held every Nov 11.

For example, the China-based company recorded US$25 billion (RM102.88 billion) in sales during the last Singles’ Day sale, joined by as many as 60,000 international brands and merchants.

“As such, our SMEs must quickly get onboard the Alibaba platform so that we also can participate in the Singles’ Day sale next year. I am confident that it will be another sales record,” he said after launching the Ninth Pikom Leadership Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said that Malaysia’s e-commerce operator, Lazada, also experienced explosive growth in Malaysia and across the region, racking up RM96 million in sales via 6.5 million items ordered during the one day sales event.

On the Singles’ Day sale, Shopee has generated an increase in search interest by 71.4%, following by 11street (66.7%), Hermo (50%) and Zalora (25%).

“Based on the search interest on Nov 11, the five most popular e-commerce (platforms) in Malaysia are Lazada, Shopee, 11street, Zalora and Hermo,” Liow said.

The DFTZ that was launched early this month by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak together with Alibaba founder Jack Ma, is expected to provide 1,972 Malaysian SMEs the opportunity to sell their products online.

Liow added that the DFTZ will position Malaysia as the regional e-fulfilment hub for Asean consumers.

He said the existence of phase 1 of the DFTZ facility should be fully capitalised by local players to deliver their products to the Chinese market.

“Cainiao Network (Technology Co Ltd) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd will set up a 24ha e-fulfilment hub in phase 2 of DTFZ, slated to be operational by 2020,” he said.

The ministry has also targeted to increase air cargo volume in Kuala Lumpur International Airport up to three million tonnes by 2050, compared to the current 726,000 tonnes.

Meanwhile, at the launch, Liow also witnessed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pikom (National ICT Association of Malaysia), CyberSecurity Malaysia and Fusionex Corp Sdn Bhd to enhance information and communications technology and data security.

Fusionex MD Datuk Seri Ivan Teh said the MoU would pave the way to accelerate the rate of big data analytics in Malaysia.

He said the MoU will see both parties working together to provide training in the area and encouraging the building of data skillsets within the workforce.

“It will be the push needed to create, educate and inspire a new generation of data professionals in line with the MDEC’s (Malaysia Digital Economy Corp) aim to have 20,000 data professionals by 2020,” he said. https://www.crunchbase.com/person/ivan-teh