KL launches world's first 'smart-card' for citizens<\/p>\n
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia launched the world's first
\nnational "smart-card" for citizens Thursday as Prime Minister
\nMahathir Mohamad held talks with global hi-tech chiefs to
\naccelerate development of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).<\/p>\n
The smart-card wraps passport, identification, driver's
\nlicense, medical and other personal details into one piece of
\nplastic the size of an ordinary credit card.<\/p>\n
There are plans to expand the use of the card, which contains
\nfeatures such as thumbprints and holograms to prevent forgery, to
\ninclude security access to homes and offices, and to pay for
\npublic transportation and tolls.<\/p>\n
Named "MyKad," it signals Malaysia's determination to embrace
\nthe information age five years after it launched the MSC, a hi-
\ntech enclave modeled after California's Silicon Valley.<\/p>\n
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the "world's
\nfirst multi-application" card was part of the MSC's initiatives
\nto use cutting edge technology and expertise to make Malaysia a
\nmajor IT producer.<\/p>\n
The New Straits Times said another smart card -- the Payment
\nMultipurpose Card -- would be launched in November with features
\nincluding debit and credit card facilities.<\/p>\n
The launch of "MyKad" coincided with annual talks Thursday
\nbetween Mahathir and members of his MSC International Advisory
\nPanel to woo investors and speed up the development of the zone
\namid the U.S. slowdown.<\/p>\n
The MSC, which stretches about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south
\nfrom Kuala Lumpur to the new international airport, is the
\nbrainchild of Mahathir who wants to turn Malaysia into a
\ndeveloped nation by 2020.<\/p>\n
While physical infrastructure has been largely put in place,
\nthe MSC has been slow in attracting substantial investment from
\nglobal technology companies.<\/p>\n
Mahathir earlier this year admitted that the hub had not
\ncontributed to the economy as much as he expected. Critics
\ncomplained of a lack of focus, excessive bureaucratic red-tape
\nand a shortage of skilled labor.<\/p>\n
There are 488 companies operating in the MSC, including 46
\nworld-class firms with most of the rest local companies, the
\nMultimedia Development Corp (MDC) said in a statement Thursday.<\/p>\n
MSC-status firms enjoy a host of tax and other privileges.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kl-launches-worlds-first-smart-card-for-citizens-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }