AIMST University signs cooperative MoU with MMU

Asia -
Monday, December 6th, 2010
by Subhash J. Bhore

Melaka, Malaysia: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 ― AIMST University, Kedah-based University dedicated to high-quality value-based education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Multimedia University (MMU) in Bukit Beruang, Melaka to promote cooperation between both educational institutions.

Under the accord of the MoU, the two universities will engage in joint research activities, organizing training programs and workshops, exchange visits by academic staff, researchers and students, exchange relevant information, and developing and implementing R&D projects of mutual interest. The research activities plan and their implementation will be mutually developed on a 'project by project' basis. AIMST University Chief Executive & Vice-Chancellor Prof Frederick Charles Smales and MMU President Prof. Dr. Zaharin b. Yusoff signed the MoU on December 1, 2010.

In northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, AIMST University is playing an important role in training students in the field of Biotechnology, in addition to Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Engineering and information technology and Business. Currently, AIMST University has about 3,000 students. Postgraduate program such as M. Sc Biotechnology is becoming popular among students, and Ph. D (Biotechnology) program is approved in last year by the Ministry of Higher Education. “The AIMST University has been instrumental in developing and promoting university education in northern corridor of the Malaysia through its various educational, research and development activities and exceptional academic programs. The recent survey of the graduated students in Biotechnology program from AIMST University indicates that placement rate is 99 %. This partnership between AIMST University and MMU will enable us to consolidate our strengths and maintain our distinctive status as leading institutions in our respective areas and our fields of specialization. We are also planning more cooperative agreements

  similar to this MoU with other institutions to strengthen our capabilities by smart partnership to contribute for the overall development of the society," said Prof Frederick Charles Smales, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of the AIMST University.

In Malaysia, MMU is the first private university; MMU developed the pioneer model for the successful establishment of private universities in the nation. As the university at the heart of the Multimedia Super Coridor (MSC), MMU also serves as a catalyst in the development of the high tech ICT industry of the nation, parallel to the Silicon Valley-Stanford model in the United States. Currently, MMU have altogether approximately 20,000 students in Melaka and Cyberjaya campus. MMU is known for wonderful achievements in a relatively short period of time. The university runs in two campuses, its original campus in the historical city of Melaka, and the campus in Cyberjaya that was opened by the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. A recent survey indicates that 93% students of the MMU secure employment within 6 months of the completion of their studies. MMU have more than 4,200 international students from 75 countries. In short time MMU has established itself as a major player in research and development, and maintaining excellent ties with the strategic partners through smart collaborations and research partnerships.

The AIMST University commenced operations in year 2001 as the first private university in northern part of peninsular Malaysia and has emerged as one of the top private educational institutions. Currently, the AIMST University offers four (4) diploma courses, nine (9) degree programs, and six (6) postgraduate programs under 7 faculties namely, Applied Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Allied Health Professions, Engineering and Computer Technology, Business and Management. The AIMST University is particularly renowned for internationally qualified academic staff and quality of their graduates.

Articles from Post Your News 

Axiata & Ericsson Enter Into Long-Term Strategic Cooperation

Kuala Lumpur 3rd November 2010 - Axiata Group Berhad, one of Asia’s largest telecommunications companies, today announced that it has entered into a five-year strategic global framework arrangement with Ericsson, a leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services. In the agreement, one of the most comprehensive and advanced in the industry, both Axiata and Ericsson have agreed to work together to establish a streamlined procurement platform which will realise business efficiencies and competitive advantage through cash flow improvement and timely purchasing. The agreement will also enable Axiata to leverage on its volume, across five countries in the region, for pricing arrangements which will ultimately translate into cost savings for Axiata Group.

Specifically, the Axiata-Ericsson framework agreement will provide Axiata and the Axiata group of Companies (OpCos) a common platform for the purchases by Axiata and its group of Companies (OpCos) of telecommunications and other products as well as the provision of related works and services from Ericsson. This cooperation which will improve engagement and further strengthen the relationship between the two companies, will involve the regular exchange of information on technical and technology areas relating to products, works and services purchased by Axiata and the Axiata Companies. Axiata will therefore have better visibility of Ericsson’s roadmap and be able to leverage off this knowledge base and target its spend more efficiently.

President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Axiata, Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim said “Speed is crucial in the telecommunications industry and this agreement reduces the time required by each of the companies in purchasing products and services thereby translating into faster time to market which will ultimately benefit customers. We look forward to working closely with Ericsson, towards a mutually beneficial agreement”

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson said; “Leveraging our long successful partnership with Axiata group, the agreement will streamline the procurement process while achieving time and cost savings – true win-win situation for both of the companies. We’re proud of being chosen as the first vendor to be awarded this credibility by Axiata group.”

About Axiata

Axiata is one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies, focused on high growth low penetration emerging markets. Axiata has controlling interests in mobile operators in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cambodia with significant strategic stakes in India, Singapore and Iran. India and Indonesia are amongst the fastest growing markets in the world. In addition, the Malaysian-grown holding company has stakes in non-mobile telecommunication operations in Thailand.

The Group’s mobile subsidiaries and associates operate under the brand name ‘Celcom’ in Malaysia, ‘XL’ in Indonesia, ‘Dialog’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Robi’ in Bangladesh, ‘HELLO’ in Cambodia, ‘Idea’ in India, ‘M1’ in Singapore and ‘MTCE’ in Iran (Esfahan).

The Group, including its subsidiaries and associates, has over 130 million mobile subscribers in Asia. The Group revenue for 2009 was RM13.1 billion. The Group provides employment to over 25,000 people across Asia. Axiata’s vision is to be a regional champion by 2015 by piecing together the best throughout the region in connectivity, technology and talent, uniting them towards a single goal: Advancing Asia.

Axiata was awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2009 and 2010 Asia Pacific ICT Award for Best Telecom Group and the Telecom Asia Best Regional Mobile Group 2010 for its operations in multiple Asian markets.

For further information on Axiata visit www.axiata.com

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with featurerich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 80,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 206.5 billion (USD 27.1 billion) in 2009. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

Articles from AXIATA

Boustead launches war on Gothere.sg with new site

Popular street directory site Gothere.sg may soon face tough competition.

Mainboard-listed Boustead Singapore, under its subsidiary Geologic, has launched a new interactive map portal of Singapore with uncannily similar name, WhereTo.sg.

The site draws information from government sources such as the Singapore Land Authority and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”), unlike gothere.sg which draws information from users and other sources such as Hungrygowhere.com. When asked how the site would be different from competitor sites like gothere.sg and Google Maps, General Manager of Geologic, Mr Thomas Pramotedham said: “Because we get data from the SLA and it is also updated on a quarterly basis, it will be more accurate. We expect that it will also fill out missing gaps (of information) that Google (Maps) misses.” He added that the site would cut down the number of sources a user would have to go to. For example, if a user was looking how to get to a post office, he would not only be able to find out instructions on the shortest way to get there, but be able to get information on the nearest buildings and the nearest distance needed to walk there.

Apart from that, the site also offers business owners an edge over competitors, as the site is able to track down the locations of retail outlets of a competitor business.

Users can track the nearest amenities such as buildings, businesses, banking facilities, MRT stations, petrol stations, public amenities, schools and weather in their vicinity by a quick search.

Geologic will soon embark on a joint marketing with 7-Eleven campaign to build awareness of its site. The site runs on ESRI’s ArcGIS technology and Boustead’s expertise in Geo-Spatial Technology.

However, Gothere.sg has been having a good year, according to director Toh Kian Khai. “Our site traffic has gone up by 10 times since January this year. We don’t think the new site will have a big difference on our business, but no one knows what the effect will really be as of yet.” He added that Gothere.sg was not thinking of starting any new plans for its website as of now.

Consumers have mixed reviews. Says product designer Cheryl Lin, 25: I just checked out the website and I don't really like it. Gothere.sg has a much simpler and user friendly interface that makes it work. Whereto.sg has a more complicated or rather messy interface that makes me not feel like using it after the first try.

Project engineer Michael Tan, 31 says: It’s (Whereto.sg) more detailed than other street directory websites. However, it’s rather hard to navigate.”

Articles from Singapore Business Review

Bank Islam Unveils Malaysia's First Mobile Banking Without Internet Access

Works on all mobile phones and with all major telco providers KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday, [20 October 2010] - Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) scores another first today, offering consumers Malaysia’s first truly mobile banking service. With Transact at Palm or TAP Mobile Banking-i, account owners can perform banking transactions anywhere and anytime, without internet access. It’s unique ability to work without internet access, its compatibility with all mobile phones, via all major telecommunication providers and the dual authentication security that differentiates TAP Mobile Banking-i from its competitors. Y.Bhg. Dato’ Sri Zukri Samat, Managing Director of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad who launched the TAP Mobile Banking-i today, said: “This product is an innovation by Bank Islam’s team to specially meet the lifestyle needs of today. It is truly banking on the move!” He said to activate TAP Mobile Banking-i customers need only two items. The first is a special chip co-developed by the Bank, which needs to be affixed to the SIM card of the phone. Secondly, customers are required to have either a Current or a Savings Account with Bank Islam. Once affixed, customers can proceed to perform banking transactions, which under the initial phase will cover bill payments, prepaid airtime reload, interbank GIRO, intrabank (fund transfers), balance inquiries and sms alerts. He said: “We are proud to be the first bank in Malaysia to offer our customers a mobile banking service, without an internet requirement. It provides our customers the convenience of managing accounts while actively on the move.  Customers can save time and effort and ultimately ringgit and sen.” “This innovation also reflects the bank’s strategy of staying at the forefront of business and technical innovation to benefit our customers. In a year, we target to acquire a minimum of 100,000 users to subscribe to our TAP Mobile Banking-i.,” he added. According to Dato’ Sri Zukri, the launch of TAP Mobile Banking-i heralds the Bank's  strategy to move towards branchless banking; where customers will use the mobile phone as a banking channel and payment device. “This is a very cost-effective distribution channel to improve accessibility to financial services to the unbanked and underserved segment of the population,” he added. TAP Mobile Banking-i is made possible by the use of a chip which contains a menu of customised banking applications to enable the customer to perform transactions without having to download any applications or be linked to the internet.  It is a plug and play banking approach. In terms of security, TAP Mobile Banking-i is secured by a 2-level authentication (PIN and password). Bank Islam’s charge is minimal and affordable for on demand transactions and information. They range from RM0.20 for an SMS Alert to RM2.00 for Interbank GIRO. The list of charges for other transactions is as per Appendix 1. Bank Islam sees great potential in mobile banking services, as they leverage on current technology; and these services are expected to evolve and transform in tandem with increases in functionality and application capabilities of mobile phone technology. Articles from Bank Islam

Tabung Haji Capitalise on Information Technology

MECCA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) capitalises on information technology (IT) to ensure smooth operations of haj services for Malaysian pilgrims.

Its IT operations director, Roslan Saad with the data centre and the main server housed at the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the IT system facilitated counter, medical and administrative services.

"For the first time, we are using the WiMAX wireless 4G broadband as well as the 3G I-Go STC (Saudi Telecommunications Company) connectivity as a back-up," he told the TH media team covering the haj pilgrimage here Friday.

Roslan, who is also TH IT Department strategic planning and governance general manager, said the system contained data on pilgrims' flights, finance and accommodation.

He said the TH Pilgrim Health Information System was linked to its two hospitals in Mecca - Syisya and Aziziah -- and clinics.

However, TH is not providing internet facilities to pilgrims to lessen the load on the system, he added.

Roslan said the IT system was being managed by 14 technical staff, of them ten in Mecca and two each in Medina and Jeddah.

-- BERNAMA
From Zainal Abd Jalil

SeNd yOuR GrEeTiNgS WiTh KaD RaYa ApPlIcAtIoN

Kad Raya app

PETALING JAYA: M3 Technologies Asia (M3Tech) has developed an application called Kad Raya for iOS devices that allows users to send greetings to family and friends.
With this application users can create a Hari Raya greeting card with a personalised message while on the go and in as little time as possible and share it with friends and loved ones.
Kad Raya comes with a simple and easy-to-use user interface. It allows users to use an existing photo or take a snapshot using the built-in camera of a smartphone, for example, to embed and merge with the existing frames on the greeting card.
Another main feature includes sharing the finished greeting card with your loved ones via Facebook and e-mail within the application itself.
Users can also purchase extra frames and icons, and create greeting cards by paying 99 cents (RM3) through the in-app purchase option in the application.
To date, M3Tech has released three greeting card applications, namely for Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.

Articles from ThE StAr

New touchscreen BlackBerrys being launched

TOUCHSCREENS GALORE: RIM is unveiling five new BlackBerrys with touchscreens, including the Torch 9850/9860 seen here, to compete with iPhone and Android smartphones. - Research In Motion

NEW YORK: Research In Motion Ltd unveiled five new BlackBerry phones with touchscreens, as it hopes to revive the line's dwindling appeal in the face of competition from the iPhone and Android smartphones.
The new phones had been expected earlier this year, but were delayed. Though the company is profitable and seeing growing sales, it is increasingly seen as a has-been that missed the chance to parlay the BlackBerry's popularity as a corporate e-mail device into mass-market dominance.
The Canadian company, which is based in Waterloo, Ontario, is updating its high-end Bold models to include touchscreens. It's also launching two Torch models with big screens but no physical keyboards, mimicking the basic design of the iPhone.
RIM launched a keyboard-less touchscreen phone called the Storm in 2008, more than a year after the first iPhone, but the Storm's quirky design and poor software made it a flop.
"The all-touchscreen Torch has been a while coming as a natural successor to the disappointing Storm, particularly when the smartphone market has gone touchscreen mad over the past 18 months," said Malik Saadi, an analyst at Informa.
The phones run a new version of the BlackBerry operating system, which RIM said is much faster, particularly for web browsing.
The Bold models will be the first BlackBerrys to include so-called Near-Field Communications chips, so they can be used in place of credit cards by swiping them across properly equipped payment terminals.
Many companies, including cellphone carriers like AT&T and web companies like Google Inc are promoting the idea of using phones as digital "wallets." - AP 


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