Despite the emergence of Application (App) developers, Malaysia is still not perceived as a country which are capable of producing softwares and Apps.
“Local companies are still the underdogs... I guess we (Malaysia) are more interested in building buildings,” said Ravishanker, founder of the Blood R2 System App.
Despite the perception, App developers such as Ravishanker are still passionate about creating Apps that make a difference.
His App connects blood donors, blood recipients and blood banks. His effort are not just for Malaysia, but is also helping blood banks around the world.
“It’s a different case in Malaysia, but in countries like Africa, the resources, the time, the effort and the doctors... these efforts are very expensive,” he said.
Also using technology to bring social change is Ker Jia Chiun, who is the founder of the EPIC Hope App.
“It’s a crowdsourcing platform whereby we find volunteers to help build houses for the orang asli. We try to make it fun by introducing badges, and we want to make volunteering fun,” he said.
Finally, Choong Chong Yew has created an App to benefit educators, students and parents.
His App, called Gnowledge, was created after realising some of our students are memorising facts and information.
“This is the best way to assess knowledge. Parents are busy these days, and educational issues arive without parents knowing it. Plus, educators do not want to spend all night long marking papers.
“Now knowledge can be assessed at your finger tips. Why do we need to go back to the dark ages when there’s technology around,” he asked.
Knowing that their App would bring social change, the three gentleman are already in talks with the relevant government agencies and corporations for a possible collaboration.
“There’s a new health Minister, so we are definitely in talks with the Ministry of Health,” said Ravishanker.
Chong Yew continued, “We plan to generate revenues through enterprised versions. If we are not making any profit than I might as well turn my company into non-profit.”
Jia Chun also said that PR1MA (Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia) is aware of his initiatives and see a collaboration in the future.
“We do not want it to be a one-time thing for our volunteers. We also notify of any updates. It’s also not just about building houses as we want to do other works as well,” he concluded.
The three gentlemen are winners for the Apps for Asia competition organised by Microsoft and Asian Development Bank to encourage the development of locally-produced Apps.
Syafique Shuib
Fri May 31 2013
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.