Ceremony of Certificates of Appreciation for the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP)

4^th July 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), in collaboration with Technology Depository Agency (TDA) Berhad, held a Presentation Ceremony of Certificates of Appreciation for the completion of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) KDN to companies that successfully implemented the ICP Programme under KDN contracts for the years 2015 to 2021.

The ceremony aimed to recognise the efforts and commitment of the companies involved in the successful implementation of the ICP Programme, while also demonstrating that KDN takes the execution and completion of the ICP Programme by the involved companies seriously in supporting government policies and directives.

The ceremony involved seven (7) supply/service contracts as follows:

1. ICT Main Business System (SBU) Contract: Heitech Padu Berhad
2. Monitor, Control and Analysis System (MCAS): Commercial Circle (M) Sdn Bhd
3. Police Crime Investigation Response System (PCIRC) Phase II Contract: Aspek Tumpuan Sdn Bhd
4. Six (6) Patrol Vessels (NGPC): Destination Marine Services (DMS) Sdn Bhd
5. Two (2) Medium Category Helicopters (AW139): Galaxy Helicopter (M) Sdn Bhd
6. Special Project for the Integrated Investigation Team (PKSB): Commercial Circle (M) Sdn Bhd
7. Raw Cards and Consumables for MyKad: Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd (DTSB)

The brief ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Hj. Ruji bin Hj. Ubi, Secretary General of KDN, accompanied by Tuan Haji Khairuddin bin Bakar, Procurement Division Secretary of KDN, Mr. Fakhrunrozi bin Jamaludin, Deputy Secretary of Government Procurement Division, Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MoF), and Dr. Sharoul bin Jambari, Chief Executive Officer of TDA Berhad. The ceremony also served as a platform to acknowledge the achievements of the companies in the ICP Programme, which indirectly benefit the country’s economic and technological growth.

YBhg. Datuk Secretary General of KDN also expressed his hope that the success of these companies would inspire the local industrial community to participate in driving continuous innovation and development for a brighter future of Malaysia in the upcoming ICP Programmes.

Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA) has launched an initiative through the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) to spearhead research and development efforts focused on a Framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the Sabah Maritime Industry. This endeavor aims to modernise methods for evaluating corporate risk, meeting contemporary investors’ needs. The ESG Framework serves as a pivotal tool for investors to assess companies, analysing material risks and growth opportunities before making investment decisions.

In recent years, the maritime industry has faced various challenges, prompting increased emphasis on ESG practices and scoring accuracy. This scrutiny is essential to attract investors and meet stakeholders’ expectations. The maritime sector, characterised by its diverse players and roles, poses a unique challenge in developing a unified ESG Framework suitable for all stakeholders. Despite their interconnectedness, each player in the sector fulfills distinct roles across various activities.

This research project, undertaken in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB), and Lembaga Pelabuhan – Pelabuhan Sabah (LPPS), aims to develop three design policies for ESG performance tailored to the Marine Sector, including the Shipping Industry, Port Industry, and Marine Industry. The research will employ a quantitative-qualitative approach, focusing on the Malaysian Maritime Industry.

Two main activities are planned as part of this initiative. TDA hopes that the developed framework and report findings will serve as valuable references for the future of ESG in the maritime sector.

SHAH ALAM, 22 SEPT 2023 – A new Center of Cybersecurity was officiated by Dr. Sharoul Jambari, Chief Executive Officer of the Technology Depository Agency (TDA) at the College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics Studies (KPPIM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The facility, which will also become the Cybersecurity Center at UiTM, is one of the projects that arose from government procurement under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and has been required to fulfill the obligations of the Industrial Collaboration Program (ICP). The facility was developed by Datasonic Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (DTSB) as the ICP provider and the project was aimed at improving local efficiency in preventing cybersecurity threats.

The laboratory equipped with advanced equipment and software specialized in the field of cybersecurity has been developed with three main focuses which include technology and knowledge transfer, human capital development, as well as research and development (R&D) and commercialization.

Through the procurement by KDN that exceeds the threshold value for the need to implement ICP, DTSB as an ICP provider has agreed to upgrade the cybersecurity laboratory at KPPIM, UiTM so that the existing laboratory can be used as a response and prevention hub for cybersecurity threats. While TDA, which is the ICP authority, has taken on the role of managing and monitoring the implementation of this project in line with the ICP policy that has already been outlined by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

In the effort of supporting the 4th Pillar of Malaysia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020-2024, there is a need to strengthen capacity development, awareness, and education about cybersecurity. Therefore, this Cybersecurity Center will play a role not only in driving academic excellence, but also skills and strategic needs in cybersecurity and big data analytics.

Chief Executive Officer of TDA, Dr. Sharoul Jambari said, “This project is one of the good examples to illustrate how ICP can generate investment cooperation between universities and industry. With the technology and knowledge transfer process that has been carried out, we hope that this project will have an impact and return that gives added value to the country, especially in the field of cybersecurity.”

The Vice Chancellor of UiTM, YBhg. Professor Datuk Dr. Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor said, “The expert workforce resulting from this center will provide a secure cyber ecosystem and be able to defend cyber assets such as networks, information systems and programs or application systems from any threats such as data theft and cyber-attacks. This will in turn give an advantage to the national cybersecurity development and defense process and indirectly attract foreign investors to invest in Malaysia.”

In developing local capacity and expertise, the Cybersecurity Center also offers specific training that will empower local skills and talents. Among the training courses offered are the Data Analytics (BDA) course, the Security Operations Center (SOC) course, and the Certified Network Defender (CND). These certification courses are not only of international standard, but also cheaper by 25% to 40% as compared to the market price. In addition, this Cybersecurity Center can also be used by any ministry or government agency to conduct any course and training with the assistance of experts from UiTM.

In addition, the strategic collaboration in developing this Cyber Security Center has opened up space for the development of an application known as UiTM Digital Sandbox, a dashboard that will be commercialized. This application has been developed by researchers at UiTM together with DTSB which will work as a defense system to monitor any intrusion in the network of computer systems, and also detect any cyber threats.

“We hope that the launch of this project will be beneficial and will be utilized in the best way by each party in gaining practical experience and a practical overview of the latest technology that will strengthen the nation’s cyber defense collectively. It is also hoped that this project will produce a generation of cybersecurity experts who can safeguard our digital landscape,” said YBhg. Datuk Hanifah Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Datasonic Group Berhad in his speech.

KLANG, 14 SEPT 2023 –

A total of 20 participants have officially received a letter of offer to participate in the Bridging Electro-Technical Officer (BETO) Training Programme at the official launch of the BETO 2.0 Training Programme held on the MV Polaris, MATRAIN Port, Klang, Selangor. The event was officiated by Puan Rohayah Mohd Zain, Deputy Director General, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). Also present at the opening ceremony was En. Nordin Mohamadin, Deputy Director General (Planning), Malaysian Marine Department (JLM), and Dr. Sharoul Jambari, Chief Executive Officer, Technology Depository Agency (TDA).

The BETO Training Programme is a training course that has been introduced by JLM and run by TDA to help diploma and bachelor’s degree students majoring in electric or electronics or mechatronics to get job opportunities in the shipping and maritime industries.

“The idea of implementing this BETO Training Programme was sparked through the ICP Strategic Document (ISD) for the maritime industry that was developed by TDA in 2016. Through the development and implementation of this program, TDA has outlined a strategy to develop human capital that focuses on creating a quality workforce with skilled workers through specific training programs based on industry demand which will ultimately improve the ability and capacity of the nation’s maritime industry,” said Dr Sharoul Jambari, TDA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2017, new competency standards and certifications have been introduced and become mandatory thus creating a need for qualified electro-technical officers to be placed in the shipping industry. Due to the lack of skilled local manpower as well, the country’s shipping industry is forced to hire about 7,193 or 46 percent of foreign seafarers to comply with these international requirements.

This programme which started in 2018 has involved more than 60 participants sponsored by MARA. To date, a total of 45 certified electro-technical officers have graduated and successfully settled and continued their careers in the shipping industry with a gross income exceeding RM30,000 per month. The BETO 2.0 Training Programme that was officiated today is a continuation of the previous three intakes by giving the opportunity to 60 new participants and has opened its participation to all.

“The BETO Training Programme has not only improved the skills and marketability of local graduates, but has also opened up opportunities for lucrative income returns while also helping to improve the country’s socioeconomics,” said Mr. Nordin Mohamadin, Deputy Director General (Planning), JLM.

“Not only that, this programme is also expected to help JLM in achieving the target of producing 1,000 graduates to meet the needs of the local shipping industry while empowering the Malaysian maritime industry,” he added.

PAGOH, 29 AUGUST 2023 – The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Technology Depository Agency (TDA), an agency under the Ministry of Finance (MOF) that acts as the Industrial Collaboration Program (ICP) authority for Government Procurement at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Pagoh Campus.

This MOU aims to explore cooperation opportunities in coordinating and increasing the involvement of institutions under MOHE in the implementation of ICP for government procurement. This is in line with efforts to empower the Higher Education Policy under the MADANI Economy Framework which will focus and prioritize talent readiness, research & innovation, knowledge transfer and internationalization of higher education. TDA, which manages and monitors the implementation of the ICP for government procurement, will attract commitments from local and foreign industries to collaborate with local institutions to meet the needs of the national objectives including transfer of technology & expertise, investment promotion and market access.

The MOU was signed by Prof. Dr. Azlinda bt Azman (Director General, Department of Higher Education), Dr. Haji Mohd Zahari b Ismail (Director General, Department of Polytechnic Education & Community College) and Dr. Sharoul Jambari (Chief Executive Officer, TDA). YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (Minister of Higher Education) witnessed the KPT-TDA MOU signing ceremony together with YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin (TDA Chairman) and YBhg. Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar (Secretary General of MOHE).

“I am confident that following the signing of the MOU today, and the coordination that will be made at MOHE and TDA level later, will open up more opportunities for the involvement of IHLs and related institutions to collaborate with the industry with quality and expertise,” said YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in his speech.

“TDA aims to produce a more skilled workforce as well as services based on digital technology in line with Industrial Revolution 4.0 to meet and complement the demand for foreign and local investment under the implementation of the ICP”, said YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Chairman of TDA.

MSU serves as a complementary asset to the Malaysia Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA), currently under the purview of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia).

With its ability to provide maximum sensor coverage, MSU expands maritime coverage by displaying captured areas more accurately and in real-time, such as surface pictures, facilitating efficient patrol operations and search-and-rescue efforts.

The handover ceremony of the respective unit was witnessed by the Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The MSU handover was completed by the Chief Executive Officer of AMP Corporation (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dato’ Sri Mustaffa Hj Abd. Rahman, to the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Datuk Haji Ruji Haji Ubi, and subsequently, the vehicle key was handed over by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Deputy Director-General (Logistics) who concurrently holds the position of Chief of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Rear Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim.

Also present at the session were the Deputy Director-General (Operations), Rear Admiral (Maritime) Hamid Haji Mohd Amin, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Technology Depository Agency (TDA), Dr. Sharoul Jambari.

For information, MSU is a system capable of detecting suspicious activities in inaccessible areas, known as “rat routes,” which were previously beyond the reach of SWASLA.

Therefore, it has been adapted to a four-wheeled drive vehicle to be utilized in all types of terrains and weather conditions. In addition, MSU is a mobile radar system capable of detecting any objects or images during search-and-rescue operations (CARILAMAT).Through its implementation, Maritim Malaysia hopes to expedite the detection of victims at sea, thereby reducing the loss of lives.

For the record, MSU is a local company development project resulting from the collaboration with Maritim Malaysia. Taking 12 months for construction, it is expected to assist Maritim Malaysia in reducing reliance on air and sea assets in preventing crimes such as illicit trade, drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime pollution.

Langkawi, 24 May 2023 – Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA) and Turkish Aerospace
Malaysia (TUSAS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering cooperation and advancing the aerospace industry in
Malaysia.

The purpose of this MOU is to facilitate a strategic partnership between TDA and TUSAS Malaysia, leveraging the Industrial Collaboration Programme  (ICP) as an enabler for collaboration. Both organizations recognize the importance of sharing technical and non-technical expertise, promoting technology and knowledge sharing, and driving the growth of the aerospace industry in Malaysia.

“The signing of this MOU represents a significant milestone for the aerospace industry in Malaysia,” said Dr. Sharoul Jambari, CEO of Technology Depository Agency Berhad. “By joining forces with Turkish Aerospace Malaysia, we are capitalizing on our collective strengths and resources to drive innovation, enhance the capabilities of our local aerospace suppliers, and propel Malaysia’s position as a global player in the aerospace sector. This collaboration, enabled by the Industrial Collaboration Programme, will enable us to leverage each other’s expertise, networks, and resources to nurture a vibrant and competitive aerospace industry ecosystem in Malaysia.

“Under this agreement, TUSAS Malaysia and TDA will jointly undertake several initiatives, with a specific focus on supply chain development. Recognizing the critical role of a robust and resilient supply chain, both organizations aim to identify, evaluate, assess, and develop a shortlisted group of companies to become aerospace suppliers and globally competitive entities. By leveraging their collective knowledge and experience, TDA and TUSAS Malaysia will work closely with these companies to enhance their capabilities, improve operational efficiencies, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

The collaborative efforts will encompass comprehensive assessments of potential aerospace suppliers, taking into consideration factors such as technical expertise, quality management systems, production capabilities, and adherence to international standards and certifications. TDA and TUSAS Malaysia will provide technical and non-technical advice, mentoring, and training programs to assist these suppliers in achieving global readiness and competitiveness.

Furthermore, TDA and TUSAS Malaysia will actively explore opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships between local suppliers and international aerospace companies. This will help facilitate technology transfer, foster knowledge sharing, and open doors for Malaysian suppliers to participate in global supply chains. By actively promoting collaboration and engagement between local and international players, TDA and TUSAS Malaysia seek to enhance the capabilities and market access of Malaysian aerospace suppliers, thus contributing to the growth and sustainability of the aerospace industry in Malaysia.

The MOU signing ceremony took place at the TUSAS Pavilion during LIMA 2023, a prestigious event that brings together leading industry players, government officials, and key stakeholders in the aerospace sector. Dr. Sharoul Jambari, CEO of TDA, represented TDA in the signing ceremony, while Mohd Shahiman Sulaiman, CEO of TUSAS Malaysia, represented TUSAS Malaysia. The presence of esteemed industry representatives and dignitaries underscored the significance of this collaboration and highlighted the commitment of both organizations to drive the growth of the aerospace industry in Malaysia.

This partnership between TDA and TUSAS Malaysia, enabled by the Industrial Collaboration Programme, marks an important milestone in the development of Malaysia’s aerospace industry. By combining their expertise, resources, and networks, TDA and TUSAS Malaysia are poised to drive innovation, create business opportunities, and promote the sustainable growth of the aerospace sector in Malaysia. This collaboration sets the stage for fruitful cooperation that will benefit the entire ecosystem of the aerospace industry and contribute to Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global aerospace arena.

Langkawi, 24 May 2023 – The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 2023) bore witness to a historic event, as the Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA) and Malaysia Aerospace Industry Agency (MAIA) ceremoniously exchanged Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This significant occasion signifies a substantial leap towards strengthening collaborations and propelling the aerospace industry in Malaysia to new heights.

Distinguished representatives, including Dr. Sharoul Jambari, the Chief Executive Officer of the TDA, and Naguib Mohd Nor, the President of the MAIA, graced the MOU exchange ceremony at LIMA2023. This ceremonial exchange serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of these organizations to foster innovation, forge robust partnerships, and cultivate unparalleled growth within the aerospace sector.

The primary objective of this MOU is to establish a collaborative framework that enables the identification of avenues for development, facilitation, and promotion of collaborations between the parties involved. Anchored in mutual benefit, this collaboration seeks to provide comprehensive technical and non-technical advice, facilitate technology and knowledge sharing, and drive the seamless development of the aerospace industry. Leveraging the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) platform, this partnership is poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and progress.

Reflecting on the profound significance of this collaboration, Dr. Sharoul Jambari, CEO of TDA, expressed his utmost enthusiasm, stating, “The exchange of MOUs with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Agency (MAIA) marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to fortify the aerospace industry in Malaysia. Through this transformative collaboration, we endeavor to harness the potential of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) platform, fostering innovation, enhancing technical capabilities, and unlocking new avenues of growth for the local industry.”

Under the MOU, TDA and MAIA have established a comprehensive framework that encompasses joint initiatives and proactive measures, further amplifying the development of Malaysia’s aerospace industry. This collaborative venture, fortified by the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), acts as a catalyst, propelling this partnership forward. By synergizing their respective expertise, resources, and extensive networks, both organizations are steadfastly committed to driving advancements in research and development, fostering skill development initiatives, and unlocking enhanced market access within the industry. This concerted effort paves the way for novel opportunities within the local aerospace ecosystem while reinforcing Malaysia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Dr. Sharoul Jambari added, “Through this MOU, we will proactively engage in ICP programs managed by TDA to invigorate the development of strategic local industries. Our focus will be on facilitating technology acquisition and matching, and when necessary, expediting commercialization activities to bolster the development of locally-based products, seamlessly aligning with the ICP Program. Furthermore, we will fervently encourage MAIA members to pursue OEM approval, enabling them to participate in the manufacturing and MRO supply chains, with the OEM serving as the ICP provider to an ICP Program.”

The momentous MOU exchange at LIMA2023 signifies a significant milestone in the journey of these esteemed organizations. It reinforces their resolute commitment to driving the growth of Malaysia’s aerospace industry through strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and the seamless exchange of knowledge. By combining their strengths and harnessing the power of the ICP platform, TDA and MAIA are poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities, propelling the aerospace industry to new heights.

Langkawi, 23 May 2023 – Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA) and SIRIM Berhad are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting technological advancement within Malaysia. The MOU exchange took place during the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to propel industrial growth and innovation.

The primary objective of this MOU is to establish a strategic partnership between TDA and SIRIM, focusing on several key areas of collaboration. Firstly, the two entities will work together to facilitate and promote the Industry Collaboration Program (ICP) in alignment with the policies and guidelines set by the Government of Malaysia. This program serves as a vital catalyst for national industry development and facilitates global strategic cooperation.

Moreover, TDA and SIRIM aspire to become strategic partners in technology development and enhancement initiatives, empowering industry sectors to optimize their capacities and capabilities on the global stage.

Recognizing the significance of knowledge sharing and networking, TDA and SIRIM will collaborate in organizing seminars, talks, sharing sessions, and relevant forums to promote the ICP and identify technology and industrial needs, fostering innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

Furthermore, SIRIM will provide valuable assistance to industry sectors through services such as testing, inspection, calibration, product development, training, consultancy, accreditation, and certification, enhancing the capabilities and quality of Malaysian industries.

To ensure continuous improvement and technological progress, SIRIM will conduct technology audits and intervene where necessary, addressing technological gaps and challenges faced by industries, ultimately driving technology adoption, process optimization, and overall industrial performance.

Dr. Sharoul Jambari, CEO of TDA, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This MOU represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of technological advancement and industry growth in Malaysia. By forging a strategic partnership with SIRIM, we aim to enhance the competitiveness of our industries and foster a thriving technology ecosystem. Through joint efforts, we will propel Malaysia towards becoming a global technology leader.”

The signing of the MOU between TDA and SIRIM Berhad, witnessed by  Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, marks a significant milestone in the advancement of technology and industrial development within Malaysia. This partnership sets the stage for enhanced collaboration, innovation, and progress, supporting the nation’s industries in thriving on the global stage.