Major Malaysian IT and software companies are in Bahrain to explore avenues of cooperation in smart card, biometrics, IT security, national database and e-commerce sectors. The Malaysian companies are also keen to transfer their expertise, knowledge and training to Bahrain to establish a "One-Stop-IT-Shop" in the Kingdom, writes Mehmood Rafique.
Addressing a Press conference yesterday Malaysian Ambassador Naimun Ashkali Mohammed said that Bahrain and Malaysia have been working together over the years in IT-related sectors. "The participation of the best six companies from Malaysia in Third Asian IT Ministers Summit and Telecom Arabiya will open new avenues of opportunities, bringing both the countries' private sectors closer than ever," he said.
Referring to Bahrain's major initiative on SmartCard and Malaysian companies' involvement in this strategic national project, the Ambassador said that Bahrain's initiative to embrace e-commerce and introduce SmartCard technology would offer numerous opportunities to Malaysian companies to share expertise, experience and transfer of technology.
President of HeiTech Padu Berhad, Haji Safiee Mohammed told Bahrain Tribune that his company was a pioneer organisation in Malaysia and all over the world in all vital IT security and data information fields. "We are the largest company in Malaysia to work for necessary infrastructure for the Malaysian Investment Board which has now worth of over $15 billion. We have also provided IT platform for postal services, immigration, road transport, vehicle registration, public transport, Interpol and crime-related departments," he said, adding that the nationwide project to issue identity cards was also implemented by HeiTech.
"I am visiting Bahrain for the second time and I hope that the Third Asian IT Ministers Summit and Telecom Arabiya will offer a rare opportunity to meet the decision and policy makers of various countries including Bahrain," he said.
Brands and Events Manager of Tricubes Berhard, Noor Faezah Amir said that her company had been actively involved in Bahrain's various initiatives of e-Commerce. "We have been working for quite sometime with our Bahraini partners and during the IT Summit we will sign a major agreement with a Bahraini company," she said.
Chief Executive Officer of BPOFNA, Jeff Pinkham said that his company was in the process of developing a Basel II software for the banks and financial institutions. "We are positive that our product will help Bahrain-based banks and financial institutions to implement Basel II," he said.
Executive director of Green Packet Berhad, Nik Mat Ismail termed the IT Summit and Telecom Arabiya a real opportunity for Malaysian and Bahraini companies to forge alliances.
Manager of MSC, Mohammed Radhi M. Yousif said that Bahrain's experience of working with Malaysian companies during the SmartCard initiative has helped bring both the countries' private sectors closer. "We are seeking more cooperation and help to achieve the greater goals in the IT and e-commerce areas," he said.
Vice-President of MultiMedia Corridor, Abdullah Kadir Bacha said that the Malaysian companies were keen to work with Bahraini companies in all vital sectors.
By Mehmood Rafique
© Bahrain Tribune 2005
