FTEC & MIMOS TO EXPLORE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER INITIATIVES
Collaboration for PC-based computing device - iDola - and Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

Kuala Lumpur, June 18, 2008

FTEC System Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTEC Resources Bhd, and MIMOS, the premier applied research centre in frontier technologies, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint development of business plans and to explore technology transfer initiatives.

The joint development of business plans is primarily for product development and commercialization of MIMOS’ PC-based computing device – iDola – and Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) technology.

iDola, previously code-named CyberTablet and powered by Intel’s ATOM low power processor, is designed to bridge the digital divide. Developed in collaboration with Intel Malaysia, iDola is targeted at the lifestyle market, education sector, and those with a limited budget but who want basic computing and Internet accessibility. As a tablet PC, iDola boasts of touch-screen features as well as full-fledged PC capabilities including Wi-Fi, WiMAX and Bluetooth connectivity and IPv6 technology.

“MIMOS’ collaboration with FTEC System is another step closer in our efforts to move Malaysia’s information and communications technologies (ICT) industry higher up the value chain and stimulate Malaysia’s economic growth through the development of innovative technology platforms. The ultimate aim is to grow globally competitive indigenous industries by licensing and/or transferring MIMOS technologies or Intellectual Properties to qualified indigenous companies, like FTEC, to further develop products and services to meet market demands,” said MIMOS President & Chief Executive, Dato’ Abdul Wahab Abdullah.

iDola will be the key enabler for the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation’s K-School project aimed at improving education delivery and school administration through information and communications technology (ICT)-based systems and tools. The K-School project designed to ensure Malaysia’s continuous competitiveness in the Knowledge economy will enhance ICT and school facilities and develop an ICT culture within the K-School community. The provision of innovative smart solutions, like iDOLA, will ensure the efficient management of schools which will in turn increase productivity and performance of students, teachers and administration staff.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) selected FTEC Systems as MIMOS technology recipient for iDOLA in line with the government’s effort to bridge the digital divide.

The commercialization of MIMOS’ applied research output is in line with the government’s aspiration of Malaysia becoming a net exporter of ICT products by 2020.

Mr. Tang Boon Koon, Managing Director of FTEC Resources Berhad, said, “The signing ceremony today can be regarded as an ideal scenario for the advancement of the ICT agenda for the nation, where a premier research and development entity joins hands with a homegrown industry leader to bring forth advanced technologies to narrow the digital divide for the betterment of the society at large.”

Tang believed that equipping schools with ICT is an important step towards initiating all schoolchildren, rural and urban alike, to embrace ICT as an integral part of their lifestyles, and play an early role in creating a knowledge-based generation.

“We are keen to leverage on the iDola technology to integrate it onto our existing product roadmap. We plan to develop a pipeline of ICT products to cater for those who require basic computing and Internet accessibility, and bring about further commercialization of this made-in-Malaysia technology.”

“As a homegrown IT brand with 14 years of experience in the industry, we believe we are more than familiar with the industry terrain ahead. With our extensive clientele base and wide distribution network in Malaysia and across the region, we are confident that our wealth of experience would indeed enable us to ably commercialize this homegrown technology for the nation and the wider region in a timely manner,” added Tang.

At the signing ceremony, FTEC Resources Berhad was represented by its Managing Director, Tang Boon Koon; while MIMOS was represented by its President & CEO, Dato’ Abdul Wahab Abdullah. Present as witness was the Secretary-General of the Ministry Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Abdul Hanan Awang Endut.

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