Author: Dimple

MOU SIGNING AT POLITEKNIK SEBERANG PERAI (PSP) ON 19th APRIL 2019.
Politeknik Seberang Prai recently tied the knot of partnership with 13 industries and one academic institution in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Ceremony. This strategic partnership is designed to strengthen the symbiosis and birth forth graduates that are equip in to drive innovation.
This partnership includes nine companies, four self defence association, the Budaya Warisan Melayu Jawi as well as Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor. Acknowledging that Industry 4.0 has already hit Malaysian shores, this partnership will prepare students to upskill and grow in parallel with the upcoming technological growth. Elements of IR4 highlighted are critical thinking and problem solving, communication as well as collaboration and creativity. With benefits to approximately 4600 recipients revolving around 12 programs, this partnership would benefit all levels involved.

List of Industry Partner

1. Agensi Pekerjaan Job Focus Sdn Bhd
2. Knowledgecom Corporation Sdn Bhd
3. Entohgiene Service Sdn Bhd
4. Leader Plastic Packaging
5. Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim
6. FBX Enterprise
7. Roda Prestasi Sdn Bhd
8. Penang Port Sdn Bhd
9. Sinar Bumi Didactic Enterprise
10. Persatuan Silambam Pulau Pinang
11. Persatuan Taekwon-do Pulau Pinang
12. Persatuan Kabaddi Pulau Pinang
13. Perrsatuan Seni dan Budaya Warisan Melayu Jawi (Warisam Alam)
14. Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor

KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): RHB Banking Group (RHB) has launched Malaysia’s first-of-its-kind SME connected banking ecosystem, featuring the enhanced RHB SME e-Solutions platform.

This RHB SME e-Solutions platform offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) complete interoperability to achieve greater business efficiency through its first collaboration with Financio, a business solutions partner offering cloud-based accounting software which will eliminate the need for SME customers to navigate multiple systems.

Under the integrated Financio accounting software solutions, SMEs will benefit from the following;

• Direct integration with third party accounting software using secured Application Programming Interface (API)

• Real-time view of their bank account balance, within the accounting software

• Facilitation of payment initiations directly from SME customers’ accounting software

• Automated reconciliation process by leveraging on direct bank feeds

• Request for on-demand/ periodical bank account statements from the accounting software as well as view their financial accounting dashboard within the banking platform

The enhanced RHB SME e-Solutions is one of the components of the RHB SME ecosystem providing SME customers with value added features on a single platform that include seamless integration of banking activities.

The RHB SME e-Solutions addresses challenges faced by SMEs in cash flow and financial resource management by integrating RHB Reflex and Financio. RHB Reflex is an online integrated service that combines cash management, trade and payment solutions, designed to cater to the operational needs of SMEs and corporate customers.

“With enterprise system being too complex and costly, RHB has developed a connected banking ecosystem that simplifies cash flow and financial management for our SME customers. In rolling out this platform, RHB is the first bank to use Application Programming Interface (API), to integrate RHB Reflex with a financial accounting system.

“Currently, there are 90,000 SMEs within our SME ecosystem, of which we are targeting to have at least 10,000 SMEs participate in the SME e-Solutions by 2020,” said Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, Group Managing Director, RHB Banking Group.

“RHB’s approach towards SME Banking is to provide a holistic ecosystem that makes everyday business for SMEs simple and convenient, thus improving their productivity and enabling them to further improve their business. This is in line with our FIT22 strategic road-map which outlines a structured direction in boosting RHB’s penetration of the SME segment in Malaysia and become an SME ecosystem bank by 2022,” he added.

Over the next 12 months, RHB will introduce more business-friendly features on SME e-Solutions to enable customers to make direct payment through FPX and DuitNow. RHB will be expanding tie-ups with new business solutions partners to include point-of-sale solutions, e-wallet operators, payroll providers and inventory management solutions.

RHB SME ecosystem offers a line-up of cloud-based business solutions aimed at empowering SMEs with versatile solutions comprising the following;

• RHB SME e-Solutions – all-in-one solution designed for SME customers including Accounting Software, e-Point of Sale and Human Resource Management.

• RHB SME Online Financing and Online Business Current Account Opening — a customer self-initiated online loan application portal that allows small businesses to apply for financing in a few minutes and receive cash within a few days.

• RHB Financial Supply Chain (FSC) – offers business solutions that optimize working capital and provide liquidity to business through ecosystem financing by which suppliers and retailers can perform payment for goods and services through RHB’s platforms.

• RHB Biz Power — a business lending solution which provides SMEs the flexibility to obtain financing with a customized combination of Term Loan, overdraft (OD) and trade facility based on needs.

PETALING JAYA, May 16 (Bernama) — Century Software (M) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad is pleased to announce that it had entered into a Share Sale and Purchase agreement to acquire 51% stake in a Singapore-registered enterprise software applications and services provider, Netsense Business Solutions Pte Ltd. This timely move will help Century Software to expand its strategic footprint to the commercial market and its product  portfolio while underpinning the growth strategy especially in its cloud ERP business.

Founded in 2013, Netsense Business Solutions is the fastest growing ERP software provider in the Singapore enterprise market, and currently has offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The company currently supports around 90 reputable clients across Singapore and in Malaysia. Netsense provides software and IT consulting services to more than 15 industry verticals.

Netsense Business Solutions offers the widest array of business solutions ranging from Acumatica Cloud ERP Software, Intermediate Accounting Software, CRM, HR Solutions, Payroll, Project Management, Business Intelligence Tools, Customised Dashboards, Mobile Apps and e-Commerce Solutions.

Acumatica is the fastest-growing provider of Cloud ERP software that is feature rich with seamless integration. Built on the world’s best cloud and mobile technology, it’s adaptable and integrated applications deliver modern solutions for ERP. Cloud-based ERP systems are becoming more relevant for SMEs in recent years, due mainly to the possibility of getting started at a low cost and a small scale. Many SMEs adopt information technology solutions, such as ERP systems, to efficiently manage their business processes and to collaborate with suppliers, partners, and customers. Therefore, the successful adoption and deployment of ERP systems are crucial for the competitiveness and survival of these organizations.

Censof Group Managing Director, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin said: “We are extremely excited about our investment in Netsense Business Solutions. This is a logical step in terms of meeting the rising expectations of clients in the cloud ERP market as Netsense aligns well with Century Software’s strategy to grow its cloud and software business”.

Century Software currently has a long-term OEM partnership with Acumatica Inc. Using their state-of-the-art Acumatica ERP and xRP platform, Century Software were able to develop customisable platforms to suit customer needs for various markets. Century Software will also be launching an updated version of their Government Resource Planning (GRP) system soon.

“SMEs are key to strengthening productivity, delivering more inclusive growth and adapting to the major transformations of our time. We believe this can be achieved through our innovative business solutions. It is imperative for SMEs to embrace digital revolution swiftly to boost growth”, said Netsense Director – Business Development, Abdul Rehman.

Putrajaya, May 2nd, 2019 – Century Software (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad announced today the completion of a large-scale project that has transformed and represents an evolutionary step in Malaysia’s implementation performance based budgeting.

Across the world, performance-based budgeting has been a main agenda of reform for most ministries of finance. In many countries, however has been overly ambitious, and as a result difficult to administer.

In Malaysia, some first steps to improve performance-based budgeting have already been taken as the government has undertaken a more outcome-based approach to the annual budget process. By using outcome-based budgeting (OBB), Malaysia has helped successfully link high-level national strategies to specific budget programs and activities using a common results framework to define accountability.

Budget activities are mapped to a single program to enhance transparency and accountability. To support the implementation of OBB, Ministry of Finance embarked upon development of an integrated IT platform called MyResults, an online information system that captures the mapping of programs or activities and the complete set of results frameworks. This online application is intended to eventually serve as a complete, integrated results and budget management information system.

Censof Group Managing Director, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin said: “Outcome based budgeting requires a shift in mindset from a short term ‘outputs’ mentality to a medium term focus on economic and social outcomes. Outcomes are harder to deliver than outputs, and by their nature will be publically communicated, requiring resolve from leaders to see the transition through.”

The main emphasis under the OBB approach will be the effectiveness and the overall impact of projects and programmes, as opposed to expenditure and output. The focus on results and outcomes will now allow for better resource management and this will subsequently provide greater value for money in terms of public investments and reduce ad-hoc spending.

“This approach aims to shift the conversation from “How much did you spend?” to “How well did you spend it?” or “What did you achieve with it?”, he added.

The aim of OBB is to assist Ministry of Finance in reducing wastage and ensure that the nation’s resources are optimised and allocated according to its priorities. A formal project completion ceremony was held with brief remarks from officials of Ministry of Finance and Century Software (M) Sdn Bhd.

Singapore, April 25th, 2019 – Cendee Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad and Chainstack Pte Ltd announced a strategic alliance to collaborate in the area of Blockchain and decentralized application as well as Digital and Automation Solutions. The companies will be focusing on projects to enhance the existing centralized process and experience for various ministries and government agencies in Malaysia.

Cendee Sdn Bhd, provides realistic and secure technology solutions for a wide range of use cases in government, banking, shipping and manufacturing. Cendee’s focuses mainly on Blockchain solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence.

Chainstack is a leading provider in blockchain PaaS and the Chainstack platform is the foundation of the company’s vision. It features enterprise tools allowing companies to easily form consortia and deploy private blockchain networks. Decentralized application developers can also leverage Chainstack to deploy public nodes for testing and production.

Censof Group Managing Director, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin said: “We are excited to enter into such MOU with Chainstack. Cendee’s core objectives are to deliver impactful blockchain based applications for Malaysia, in particular, the government sector. Through this strategic collaboration, Cendee will be able to accelerate its positioning of its blockchain solutions platform.”

Chainstack is cloud and blockchain agnostic. Today, the platform allows deployments on Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services and supports Ethereum, Multichain and Quorum protocols. More cloud providers and blockchain protocols will be added in the coming months. On Chainstack, developers can create decentralized services in minutes and integrate their applications with existing solutions, facilitating large scale deployments.

“We envision a world where modern enterprise infrastructure will incorporate smart contracts and decentralized services in a secure and stable way”, said Laurent Dedenis, CEO of Chainstack.

Through this collaboration, Chainstack will be giving Cendee early access to Chainstack Platform as a Service and its upcoming features. Chainstack will also be sharing their knowledge regarding enterprise blockchain technology and other similar software solutions with Cendee.

Singapore April 18th, 2019 – Today, Knowledgecom Corporation Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad and Millet World Pte Ltd announced a strategic partnership. The companies will collaborate and develop business in education, training and skills development in emergent technologies.

Armed with more than twenty-five years’ experience in building communities, Millet World has domain expertise in teaching children the Arts and Emerging Technologies with territorial know how and network connecting business in Singapore.

Millet World Digital Chief Executive Officer, Mr Aravind Vasu said: “Our goal as a placemaking company is to build a digital-forward community and we believe that the way to achieve that is to start with disrupting the education sector.

By developing cutting-edge learning materials and IPs with our partner, Knowledgecom, we hope to empower the young to see themselves as global citizens, essential for the growth of society. This collaboration comes at an exciting time as the transformative digital drive is taking place massively in Singapore and Malaysia. The complementary strengths of the two organisations further reinforce our commitment to our digital transformation agendas.”

Known for their training and skills development expertise in the IT and Industry 4.0 area, Knowledgecom specialises in designing and delivering programs that will create high income, high employability and efficient workforce in all sectors.

CEO of Knowledgecom Corporation Sdn Bhd, S T Rubaneswaran said: “This partnership will ensure that bright motivated students have the skills, mentors, and confidence needed to begin careers in technology.”

This collaboration will see Millet World and Knowledgecom Corporation join forces with to jointly develop and own courses on emergent technologies. In partnership with Millet World, Knowledgecom will also facilitate in producing trainer’s manual and learning guide suitable for marketing based on the course structure and lesson plan provided by Millet World.

Censof Group Managing Director, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin said: “The world is changing and becoming more digitally inclined. As this happens so do our learning and teaching habits, hence the need to be more innovative.”

Kuala Lumpur, March 22nd, 2019 –  Some local and foreign technology service companies are collaborating with each other to enable small and medium enterprises (SME) in Malaysia to transform their traditional manufacturing sites into smart factories.

Knowledgecom Sdn Bhd (KCom) Chief Executive Officer ST Rubaneswaran said the adoption of factory automation would ultimately enable companies to maximise resources and produce higher-quality goods more efficiently.

“Now, it seems possible for Malaysian manufacturing industries adopting the internet of things, wearable technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence and some of the other technologies implemented to transform traditional factories into smart ones.

“We will map the journey every step towards digitization,” he said at the signing ceremony of MoU between KCom and other nine technology service companies.

KCom signed a memorandum of understanding with YGL Convergence Sdn Bhd, Monitor ERP Sdn Bhd, Ingram Micro, Solara Systems, Cognitive Consulting, Fast Track Sdn Bhd, Lava Protocols Sdn Bhd, SysArmy Sdn Bhd and Century Software (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Rubaneswaran said the partnership is the first of its kind in the country and will be a game changer to empower Malaysia as a leader in digital economy in Southeast Asia.

He said the cost to automate a factory is between RM200,000 to RM500,000, depending on the size of the factory.

“If local manufacturers don’t adopt the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0), they will lose out on market share. Based on our survey, smart factories can enable the Malaysian manufacturing industry to immediately increase their return on investment in overall productivity within six-12 months.

“Smart factories can also reduce capital and inventory costs compared with traditional factories,” he said.

Rubaneswaran said in total, stockholding and overhead cost saved can be as much as RM500,000 and that could easily cover the installation of smart factory technology.

“According to a KCom’s study, 85 per cent of more than 2,000 manufacturers in Malaysia are expected to see cost reductions and revenue gains from digitisation efforts in the next five years,” he said.

Petaling Jaya, March 5th, 2019 – Century Software (M) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad has secured a RM4.27 million contract.

Under the terms of the contract with PERKESO, Century Software’s scope of work includes comprehensive maintenance for Standard Accounting System for Government Agencies (SAGA) compliant accounting software and also to provide an application server with disaster recovery solutions. The contract will be for 3 years.

Censof Group Managing Director, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin said: “This contract award demonstrates that our platform portfolio, technology expertise and ability to understand customer needs set us apart from the competition.”

“Our goal is to be able to provide our clients with expert guidance, state-of-the-art tools, and exceptional knowledge to solve their technology challenges. This goal continues today and we have grown and currently have over 80 government agencies as clients. Each of these groups has different needs, and we always work to meet those needs, by innovating new solutions to make things easier, faster, better, and more effective. “he added.

With more than 20 years supporting government agencies around the country, Century Software continues to be recognized as the leading government financial management solutions provider. Century Software also provides digital platforms and services for businesses and governments by leveraging on the power of cloud and mobile, combined with technologies such as automation, cognitive and blockchain to elevate and drive modern digital experiences that are more efficient, helpful and satisfying.

January 24th, 2019 – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”), (SIX: WIHN) a cybersecurity IoT platform company, today announced a strategic partnership with Cendee Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary company of Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof) to deploy WISeKey`s Cybersecurity Vertical Platform and Blockchain stack to address PKI, IoT and blockchain opportunities for a list of identified projects across Censof’s client ecosystem.

Cendee and WISeKey will establish a Center of Excellence in Malaysia to support the creation of a tailored “Trusted Blockchain as a Service Platform.”

This initiative will help in facilitating and providing easily integrated enterprise blockchain solutions for financial institutions, corporates, regulators and governments. As a first milestone, WISeKey and Cendee have already deployed a local “WISeKey Malaysian Root of Trust (RoT),” a critical step for the establishment of the Blockchain Center of Excellence in Malaysia.

This partnership will complement and expand Cendee’s capabilities to successfully address the requirements of a number of identified projects in various areas with select government entities in Malaysia.

In the last few months, WISeKey has also announced the creation of Blockchain Centers of Excellence in USA, China, India, Africa, Latin America and is now in Malaysia, a South East Asian country to host such a powerful ecosystem. To support this endeavour, WISeKey announced several strategic partnerships and is working with experts in industry, government, and academia to address the most relevant Blockchain developments with practical, standard-based solutions.

At the heart of this strategy is the OISTE-WISeKey Cryptographic Root of Trust which has been actively used since 1999 by over 2.6 billion desktops, browsers, mobile devices, SSL certificates and Internet of Things / Semiconductors devices. The OISTE WISeKey Cryptographic Root of Trust is ubiquitous and universal, and a pioneer in the identification of objects.

“We are proud to collaborate with Censof, a market leader and a trusted partner in providing financial and business management solutions specifically geared to the needs of government agencies. This strategic agreement allows Censof and in particular Cendee to leverage their Cybersecurity and blockchain expertise by combining WISeKey’s broad Cybersecurity portfolio and strengthen Censof’s offering among government and enterprise clients,” said Carlos Moreno, VP Corporate Alliances and Partnership of WISeKey.

“The potential benefits of blockchain will help drive efficiencies to our clients. This collaboration is another example of our continued commitment to introduce new financial innovations for the betterment of their business,” said Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director.

Censof Holdings is proud to announce that we have won two awards at the recent Malaysia Excellence Business Awards 2018 (MEBA 2018). It was a double celebration as Censof Holdings Berhad’s Independent Non-Executive Director, Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Mohd Shukor Bin Hj. Mahfar won the Lifetime Achievement Award and Century Software’s Chief Executive Officer, Zainul Ariffin Harun won the Masterclass Bumiputra CEO of The Year Award.

Held in conjunction with The CEO Innovative Disruption Forum the MEBA 2018 recognizes companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development.

The prestigious awards programme was co-organised by Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) and The Leadership Post and supported by the Ministry of Federal Territories Malaysia and United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia (UNGC).

The awards objective is to recognise accomplishment of individuals and businesses for their contributions to the nation’s economy and progress. MEBA 2018 is an awards programme designed to promote excellence, innovation and best practices in business entities and is widely regarded as the definitive showcase of outstanding businesses and personalities in Malaysia and global. The award is also a commitment to the Government’s call recognizing and supporting home-grown businesses in showcasing its capabilities; services and products to the world yet acknowledging the role play by international community in making Malaysia competitive in the business world.

Other winners include Grab, Air Asia Malaysia, Tesco, Westport Malaysia and Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad.