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Advancing identity for digital governance

Advancing identity for digital governance

The Star11-07-2025
Malaysian-owned Zchwantech showcases National Digital Identity platform to the Government of Timor-Leste.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian-owned technology firm Zchwantech Titan Lda has successfully held a high-level technology showcase for the Government of Timor-Leste, featuring its flagship National Digital Identity platform.
The presentation aligns with Timor-Leste's broader vision to modernise public services and advance digital governance.
The strategic engagement took place during an official working visit to Malaysia by senior representatives of the Timor-Leste Government.
During the visit, Zchwantech demonstrated its secure, biometric-powered digital identity solution, designed to seamlessly integrate key public and private sectors, covering banking, healthcare, telecommunications, education and civil registries.
Trusted solution
Zchwantech's presentation was well received, with government officials expressing strong interest and confidence in the platform's potential to support Timor-Leste's E-Governance Roadmap and Vision 2025 for a more inclusive and connected society.
The system is built to deliver unique digital identifiers linked to biometric and demographic data, enabling secure and seamless access to services for over one million citizens.
Zchwantech chairman Datuk Seow Gim Shen said, 'We are honoured to be given the opportunity to present our vision and capabilities directly to the Government of Timor- Leste.
'This is more than just a digital ID — it's about empowering people, creating transparent institutions and laying the foundation for inclusive digital growth. We commend the government's leadership in prioritising national digital transformation and are ready to support Timor-Leste every step of the way.'
Seow added: 'We believe in building technology that scales with purpose. By focusing on inclusive design and national priorities, we aim to enable long-term value creation for governments and citizens alike.'
Zchwantech executive director Alex Chan Chau Loong emphasised the delivery commitment: 'This project is where vision meets execution — we're turning Timor-Leste's Digital Revolution goals into reality.
'Our Digital ID platform is built to be both agile and rigorously secure – ensuring fast deployment while safeguarding citizen trust. Critically, it is future-ready for connectivity to Asean systems, so Timor-Leste grows hand-in-hand with the region.'
Strategic rollout
As part of the proposed phased deployment model, Zchwantech unveiled Oecusse —Timor-Leste's Special Administrative Region — as the ideal pilot location for launching the Digital ID platform. The initiative positions Oecusse as a controlled, scalable testbed to demonstrate tangible benefits before a full nationwide rollout.
The pilot initiative supports Timor-Leste's strategy of building trust in new technologies through live demonstrations, active stakeholder engagement and a phased rollout across government ministries and institutions.
Regional leadership
If implemented, Timor-Leste could become one of the first Asean nations to roll out a nationwide digital identity framework powered by biometrics and secure data infrastructure —positioning the country as a regional leader in digital public service innovation.
The proposed platform aligns with Timor-Leste's aspirations for Asean accession, while advancing national objectives such as financial inclusion, transparent governance and cross-border digital interoperability.
Supported by a potential investment of up to US$13.8mil (RM58.2mil), the platform is fully prepared for implementation, pending government approval and compliance with national procurement protocols.
To learn more about the company, its solutions and services, visit https://zchwantech.com/.
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