Malaysian-owned Zchwantech showcases national digital ID platform to Timor-Leste
The company presented its flagship national digital identity platform as part of the country's broader vision to modernise public services and accelerate digital governance.
The strategic engagement took place during an official working visit by senior representatives of the Timor-Leste government to Malaysia.
Zchwantech demonstrated its secure, biometric-powered digital identity solution designed to integrate key public and private sectors, spanning banking, healthcare, telecommunications, education, and civil registries.
"Zchwantech's presentation was well received, with government officials expressing strong interest and satisfaction in the platform's potential to support Timor-Leste's e-governance roadmap and its vision 2025 for an inclusive and connected society," the company said.
"The system is designed to provide unique digital identifiers linked to biometric and demographic data, enabling secure, seamless access to services for over one million citizens," it added.
Zchwantech chairman Datuk Seow Gim Shen said the initiative 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.
"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," Seow added.
Alex Chan Chau Loong, executive director of Zchwantech, reaffirmed 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."
As part of the proposed phased deployment model, Zchwantech introduced Oecusse, Timor-Leste's special administrative region, as the ideal pilot location to launch the digital ID platform.
The showcase envisions Oecusse as a controlled, scalable testbed that can demonstrate tangible benefits ahead of a full nationwide rollout.
"The pilot concept aligns with Timor-Leste's strategy to build confidence in new technologies through live demonstrations, stakeholder engagement, and phased adoption across government ministries and institutions," it said.
If adopted, Timor-Leste stands to become one of the first Asean nations to implement a nationwide digital identity framework powered by biometrics and secure data infrastructure, positioning the country as a regional trailblazer in digital public service innovation.
"The proposed platform supports the country's aspirations toward Asean accession, while reinforcing national goals for financial inclusion, transparent governance, and cross-border digital interoperability," the company said.
Zchwantech said backed by a potential investment of up to US$13.8 million (RM58.2 million), the platform is ready for full implementation pending government approval and alignment with national procurement protocols.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
44 minutes ago
- The Star
Smarter machines coming to Penang factories
Participants of the AI showcase looking at a demonstration of artificial intelligence at work. — Courtesy photo BIG changes are coming to Penang's manufacturing sector involving artificial intelligence (AI) that can spot problems, make decisions and take action without waiting for human instructions. Global tech giant IBM and Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association introduced agentic AI at a recent showcase event in Penang. Unlike older automation systems, agentic AI does not just follow strict coding. It can detect patterns, set its own goals and adjust its actions in real-time, making it ideal for complex manufacturing environments where speed and accuracy matter. This means that local factories could soon rely on machines to predict breakdowns before they happen, inspect products for defects on the spot or manage the flow of materials through supply chains, all without human input. The technology is being pitched as a major productivity booster, especially for Penang's export-driven industries. 'Agentic AI isn't just another upgrade,' said IBM Malaysia country manager Dickson Woo. 'In manufacturing, it's a game-changer helping companies make faster, smarter decisions and automate entire processes. 'This leads to smarter factories, fewer delays, better quality and a stronger global edge for Malaysian-made goods,' he said. The event drew business leaders, tech providers and policymakers looking to future-proof Penang's industrial backbone and keep pace with a fast- moving global market where intelligent automation is now essential.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
M'sian developers bag nine global awards in Lagos
Projects recognised for innovation, sustainability and community impact MALAYSIAN developers achieved significant recognition at the 33rd FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards in Lagos, Nigeria, securing nine accolades – five gold and four silver. These awards celebrate excellence in real estate development, recognising projects that prioritise innovation, sustainability and community impact. This year, Malaysian developers were honoured across various project categories, including affordable housing, office spaces, industrial parks and environmentally focused developments. FIABCI World president Ramon Riera Torroba commended the winners, stating that the awards celebrated developments that went beyond beauty and function. 'These are projects that embody innovation, sustainability and community impact – developments that give back to the environment and society in meaningful and lasting ways,' he said. FIABCI Prix d'Excellence committee president Laszlo Gonczi emphasised the awards' global reach, noting the rise of national competitions inspired by earlier efforts in Brazil, Malaysia and Singapore. 'This is more than a contest. It's a global forum where quality outweighs size and where David can truly defeat Goliath,' he said. He added that developers from countries without national competitions were encouraged to enter directly, many of whom later became the catalyst for the formation of local chapters. The Prix Secretariat secretary Dr Yu Kee Su, praised this year's entries for setting new industry benchmarks. 'Let us reaffirm our shared mission to shape spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and future-ready,' he said. 'The integration of green building practices and smart technologies has never been more critical, and your work exemplifies the transformative power of these principles.' One of Malaysia's celebrated developers, SP Setia Bhd, stood out with two accolades at this year's ceremony. The group received a Gold Award for Sapphire by The Gardens in Melbourne, Australia (a residential high-rise) and a Silver Award for Amantara at Setia Eco Templer (residential low-rise). 'Let us reaffirm our shared mission to shape spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and future-ready.' - Dr Yu Kee Su SP Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai, who attended the gala and received the awards, expressed his gratitude. 'We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition for both of our flagship developments and to be benchmarked by global industry standards. 'Both wins are a testament to our hard work towards creating sustainable communities,' he said. With this achievement, SP Setia now holds the world record for the most FIABCI World Gold Prix d'Excellence Awards – a total of 19 wins, further cementing its position as a leader in global property excellence. At the FIABCI elections for world vice-president (2025–2026), Yu was appointed for the role during the 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress in Lagos. 'I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for your trust and support,' said Yu, after two rounds of online voting via the FIABCI App. 'This recognition makes my 25-year journey in FIABCI, serving in various roles, all the more meaningful. 'The path was never easy, but your belief in me has made the journey worthwhile,' he said. This appointment comes as FIABCI-Malaysia prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary – a golden jubilee, to be marked by an event on Oct 9, at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama, Selangor. The celebration will highlight five decades of dedication to promoting real estate professionalism, elevating Malaysian developers onto the world stage and fostering strong international ties. The event will also honour Datuk Alan Tong, a past world president (2005–2006), who turns 90 in September, as well as remember the late Michael Geh Thuan Peng and Yeow Thit Sang, two past presidents, whose legacies continue to inspire the FIABCI community in Malaysia and beyond. Yu also extended his thanks to Malaysian delegates who travelled to Lagos to attend the congress. 'Your dedication and sacrifice, overcoming distance, logistical challenges and personal commitments truly reflect the spirit of our Malaysian chapter,' he said. Malaysia's World Gold Winners Affordable Housing: I-Santorini by Ideal Property Group Environmental: Iringan Bayu Wetland Park by OSK Holdings Bhd Industrial: Nouvelle Industrial Park@Kota Puteri by EXSIM Development Sdn Bhd Office: TSLAW Tower by Pedoman Cekap Sdn Bhd Residential Low-Rise: The Light Collection IV by IJM Land Bhd Malaysia's World Silver Winners Hotel: Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu by Hap Seng Land Sdn Bhd Office: Sentul Works by YTL Land & Development Bhd Residential High-Rise: SkyLuxe on the Park Residences by SkyWorld Development Bhd Residential Low-Rise: Setia Eco Templer – Amantara by S P Setia Bhd
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar to push inclusive trade, AI governance
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver two country statements at the 17th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government, focusing on strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and artificial intelligence (AI). Themed "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance", the summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6 and 7. Malaysia's Acting Head of Mission in Brazil, Datuk Mohammad Ali Selamat, said Anwar began his working visit to Rio de Janeiro yesterday and will remain there until Monday for the summit. He said Anwar's attendance follows an invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. "The prime minister will present Malaysia's perspective on the importance of reinforcing multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing global challenges, particularly in areas such as the economy, international trade and AI. "As the current Asean chair, Malaysia is promoting regional cooperation through digital transformation, AI governance and more inclusive trade," he said at an online press conference on Thursday. He said Anwar will focus on global health and climate change challenges, as well as efforts to address them through international cooperation, when delivering Malaysia's country statement during the environment, COP30, and global health sessions on the second day of the summit. "The prime minister will also highlight efforts to strengthen climate financing and ensure a just and sustainable transition," he said, adding that Anwar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member states and partner countries on the sidelines of the summit. He said Anwar's country statement reflects Malaysia's commitment to strengthening multilateralism and championing the voice and interests of developing nations, in line with the core objectives of BRICS. "As the Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia will strive to enhance cooperation between Asean and BRICS to boost regional economic collaboration, contributing to a collective effort towards a fairer and more sustainable global economy." He added that Malaysia's participation in the summit is in the capacity of a BRICS partner country and as the Asean chair, and that there is no clear direction yet regarding full membership in BRICS. "Full membership is a matter to be decided by consensus among BRICS member countries, and as of now, Malaysia has not reached that stage."
