Axiata Digital Challenge: An opportunity for Malaysian tech start-ups to shine

Axiata Digital, the digital services arm of Axiata Group Berhad, will extend the services of its Application Programming Interface (API) platform, known as Mobile Internet Fulfilment Exchange (MIFE), to Malaysian businesses as a gateway into the regional marketplace across its footprint countries in ASEAN and South Asia.

Collaborating with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) via its Malaysia Digital Hub initiative, the extension of Axiata Digital’s MIFE platform will enhance regional market access for Malaysian businesses consisting of domestic and global tech companies.

MDEC’s Malaysia Digital Hub provides start-ups and tech entrepreneurs the connections and dynamic workspace to achieve rapid growth. It also offers incentives for growth to start-ups, investors, global tech companies, accelerators, and talent builders to help businesses achieve scale.

Chief Executive Officer of Axiata Digital, Mohd Khairil Abdullah said, “We are excited to partner with MDEC and jointly fast-track the digital transformation amongst Malaysian businesses".

Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC said "through this collaboration with Axiata Digital, Malaysian digital and online businesses can offer better consumer experience and better monetisation opportunities."

About the Axiata Digital Challenge

The Axiata Digital Challenge was conceptualised with the sole intention of unearthing innovative solutions and ideas from Malaysian tech start-up community.

The objective was for tech start-ups to present their ideas on effective utilisation of MIFE’s APIs from a concept to a functioning product, to a panel of judges.

The Challenge was first announced at the Introduction to MIFE event on August 22, 2017.

Participants of the Axiata Digital Challenge were expected to comply with the following criteria:

1. Clear demonstration of business idea
2. Pitch to demonstrate quality and innovation of business idea
3. Compelling use of MIFE’s APIs to demonstrate tools and technologies
4. Passion and commitment to drive and accelerate market growth as part of market reach expansion strategies

The panel of judges consisted of representatives from MIFE, Axiata Digital, Axiata Digital Innovative Fund (ADIF), and WORQ.

Leading to the Challenge, MIFE organised a Technical Deep Dive that attracted the participation of 50 start-ups. A series of demonstration and consultative sessions were organised for the participants.

Participants had the opportunity to learn more about MIFE’s Access Gateway (MAG), and the sandbox that would allow them to experience MIFE’s APIs in a test-bed environment.

MAG is an online self-service gateway which allows start-ups to sign-up, purchase packages, and utilise services such as SMS, Voice, Direct Operator Billing, and soon, Mobile Money.

The panel of judges have selected five winners who will stand to enjoy the following prizes:

1. Two x 1 month Hot Desk memberships at WORQ per winner
2. RM 1,000 worth of free APIs
3. Mentorship by Axiata Digital and ADIF
4. RM 2,000 cash prize

Winners of the Axiata Digital Challenge 2017 are:

1. Vectory Innovation Sdn Bhd
2. Silentmode Sdn Bhd
3. PicHere
4. Moneybay
5. CanBoleh