Situated in Malaysia, the MSC Malaysia or formerly known as Multimedia Super Corridor is a Government initiative, which is supposed to leapfrog Malaysia into the information and knowledge age. It originally included an area of approximately 15x50 km² which stretched from the Petronas Twin Towers to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and also included the towns of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. It has expanded to include the entire Klang Valley on 7 December 2006.

Purpose and Functions

MSC Malaysia (formerly known as the Multimedia Super Corridor) is a Malaysian initiative for the global information and communication technology (ICT) industry.

Conceptualized in 1996, MSC Malaysia hosts more than 900 multinationals, foreign-owned and home-grown Malaysian companies focused on multimedia and communications products, solutions, services and; research and development. Opposition politicians, such as Lim Kit Siang, have questioned these figures.

Read more: http://www.mscmalaysia.my/topic/Businesses

MSC Malaysia Status

MSC Malaysia status is the recognition by the Malaysian Government through MDeC for companies that participate and undertake its ICT activities in MSC Malaysia. MSC Malaysia-status companies enjoy a set of incentives and benefits from the Malaysian Government backed by the ten Bill of Guarantees. However, these benefits and incentives have come at a high investment cost, for example, until December 2006, companies had to be registered within the corridor, pushing up rents and real estate costs in an otherwise undesirable patch of real estate. The Bill of Guarantees has also been watered down in subsequent legislation, particularly the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which, for example watered down the guarantee against internet censorship. In the recent past, the Act itself has been used to censor the internet.

MSC Malaysia status is awarded to both local and foreign companies that develop or use multimedia technologies to produce or enhance their products and services and for process development. Applicant companies must meet the qualifying criteria and successful companies must observe the conditions attached to MSC Malaysia status recognition.

To qualify for MSC Malaysia status, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a provider or heavy user of multimedia products and services.
2. Employ a substantial number of knowledge workers.
3. Provide technology transfer and/or contribute towards the development of MSC Malaysia or support Malaysia's k-economy initiatives.
4. Establish a separate legal entity for MSC Malaysia qualifying multimedia business and activities.
5. Locate in a MSC Malaysia designated cybercities.
6. Comply with environmental guidelines.

Non-qualifying activities refer to activities that involve:

1. Manufacturing - Activity referring to the production of goods in large quantities, usually undertaken in a factory environment.
2. Trading - Activity of buying and selling especially off-the-shelf hardware and software.
3. Consultancy - Activity that is primarily providing professional advice and not tied to any new multimedia application developed in-house by the applicant.

Having qualified for MSC Malaysia status, companies are expected to operate according to the following conditions to maintain this preferential status:

1. From date of approval, any unincorporated MSC Malaysia-Status company must complete business registration of the proposed company within one month; commence operations within six months. Any changes to the approved MSC Malaysia-qualifying activities must receive prior approval from MDeC.
2. Locate MSC Malaysia-status company's headquarters and/or principal work activities of the MSC Malaysia-qualifying activities, in a MSC Malaysia designated cybercity within six months from the date of approval. Some of the notable cybercity includes Cyberjaya and quite recently the Penang cybercity (http://www.msc-status.com). The building that companies choose locate should be located in these cybercities.
3. Ensure that at all times at least 15% of the total number of employees (excluding support staff) of MSC Malaysia-status company are knowledge workers.Continuously comply with MSC Malaysia's environmental guidelines as stipulated in: a) Environmental Guidelines for MSC Malaysia Investor's Guide, b)Physical Planning Guidelines for MSC Malaysia September 2000, c)Urban Design Guidelines for Cyberjaya, September 2000 (for companies locating in Cyberjaya)
4. Comply with all such statutory, regulatory and/or licensing requirements as may be applicable.

In an increasingly demanding, competitive and sophisticated global market, MSC Malaysia Status Companies are also being given the advantage in taking part in the [MSC Malaysia Capability Development Programme (CDP)] http://cdp.mscmalaysia.my which is designed to help local ICT organisations to maximise their potentials by adopting global good practices and process improvements. CDP introduces a systematic approach in the delivery of products and services and prepares companies into the next phase of growth.CDP's programmes to empower local companies are aimed at enabling them to focus on their core competency and hone their competitive edge. This is in line with the MSC Malaysia initiatives in catalysing wealth creation for the nation.At present there are 11 organisational development programmes offered together with a new initiative for individual capability development launched early this year called the “Get IT Certified” campaign. This initiative focuses on improving the skills of ICT professionals in Malaysia in delivering world-class services.CDP not only assists companies and individuals in achieving these certifications more cost-effectively (nearly 50% cost reduction) but it also enables additional benefits from monthly dialogues, seminars, clinics and workshops developed to gear the MSC Malaysia status companies to achieve certifications that would ensure business continuity. (http://cdp.mscmalaysia.my)

The MSC Malaysia Flagship Applications

The MSC Malaysia Flagship Applications consists five type of applications:

Electronic Government

The Electronic Government initiative was launched to "lead the country into the Information Age". It aims to improve both how the government operates internally as well as how it delivers services to the people of Malaysia. It seeks to improve the convenience, accessibility and quality of interactions with citizens and businesses; simultaneously, it should improve information flows and processes within government to improve the speed and quality of policy development, coordination and enforcement.

The seven pilot projects of the Electronic Government Flagship Application are as follows;

1. Project Monitoring System (SPP II)
2. Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS)
3. Generic Office Environment (GOE)
4. Electronic Procurement (EP)
5. Electronic Services (E-Services)
6. Electronic Labour Exchange (ELX)
7. E-Syariah

Multipurpose Card

The National Multipurpose Card seeks to develop a single and common platform for a Multipurpose Card (MPC) that will enable the government and private application providers to implement smart card solutions without duplications of effort and investment. Initially, the MPC is implemented through the GMPC and PMPC projects. As a result, MyKad and Bankcard are the products developed for the GMPC and PMPC initiatives.

It has been a controversial application, given civil society concerns about privacy and the lack of protection of private data under Malaysian law, and there have been serious concerns about the safety of data stored on the card.

The objectives of the MPC Flagship Application are:

• To provide the government and payment application, and other future applications on a single MPC platform;
• To provide enhanced services to customers; and
• To enhance security and convenience of existing and new applications delivered on the MPC platform.

MyKad was developed by the National Registration Department (JPN) and private ICT developers that create a common platform for smart card solutions. The card is embedded with a security enhanced 64K microprocessor chip that is multifunctional across varying systems. MyKad applications are:

1. National ID.
2. Driving License.
3. Passport Information.
4. Health Information.
5. Touch 'n Go.
6. MEPS Cash.
7. ATM.
8. Public Key Infrastructure.

The GMPC project is developed in two phases – the initial pilot roll-out for an estimated population of 2 millions in the Kuala Lumpur, Klang valley and MSC Malaysia area followed by a national roll-out. The project issued 2.59 million cards in the Klang Valley as of October 2002.

As one of the Multimedia Super Corridor Flagship Applications, the development and implementation of the chip based Bankcard began in 2000 with the Malaysian Electronic Payment System (1997) Sdn. Bhd. (MEPS) at the helm working together with domestic banking institutions. Bank Negara Malaysia served as the lead agency whose primary function is to facilitate the implementation. The Bankcard will spur the vision of promoting electronic payment in the country. Initially the Bankcard will contain three payment applications namely:

1. ATM.
2. e-Debit.
3. MEPS Cash.

Under this initiative of implementing multiple payment applications onto a single smart card, the domestic banking institutions pioneered the chip based electronic purse during the Commonwealth Games (SUKOM) in September 1998. The full implementation of the PMPC project (ATM, e-Debit and MEPS Cash) commenced in early 2001. In August 2002, several domestic banking institutions began their pilot rollout by issuing the Bankcard to their staff and the public. On 28 February 2003, the Bankcard was officially launched.

Smart School

The Malaysian Smart School Flagship was premised on the strong belief that information and communication technology is a key enabler to imparting the learning desire to all. This has come under criticism by the Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, who has drawn attention to the number of national schools that still lack a reliable electricity supply.

It was implemented on a Pilot basis between 1999 and 2002.

Since the early 1970s, the Malaysian Government introduced various initiatives to facilitate a wider adoption of ICT to boost capabilities in every field including education. The history of the Smart School Project is rooted in the two-pronged objectives of the flagship, which are:

• To jumpstart the MSC Malaysia towards:
  • Building a knowledge-based economy.
  • Contributing to the growth of the ICT industry.
  • Creating a pool of talent resulting in high-value job creation.
• To prepare the citizens for the information age through an innovative education delivery process.

The Concept Requests for Proposals (CRFP) process was used for the first time ever in the country to establish partnerships between the government of Malaysia and the private sector to help conceptualise plan and implement the Flagship Applications of the Multimedia Super Corridor. In July 1997, the Prime Minister launched the Smart School Flagship Application documents to invite proposals for solutions from the private sector within and outside the country.

Telehealth

The Telehealth initiative aims to keep people in the ‘wellness’ paradigm, through the seamless availability of health information and virtual health services thus transforming the way healthcare services are delivered and accessed. Definition of Telehealth is a multimedia network linking all players to provide products and services in health care.

The four Telehealth Flagship Application pilot projects are:

1. Teleconsultation (TC).
2. Mass Customised / Personalised Health Information and Education (MCPHIE).
3. Lifetime Health Plan (LHP).
4. Continuing Medical Education (CME).

Technopreneur Development

Since 1996, one of the MSC Malaysia's key strategic thrusts has been emphasized on the development of Malaysian ICT Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Its approach has been to catalyze a highly competitive cluster of Malaysian ICT / Multimedia and other strategic high technology companies which can become world-class over time. The SMEs are seen as substantial contributors to economic growth as they create new wealth and job opportunities in the knowledge-based economy. As a result of MSC Malaysia initiatives, as of 31 July 2005, there were 3,413 Malaysian ICT SMEs compared to fewer than 300 in 1996.

In recognising the need to further enhance the MSC Malaysia’s efforts to develop Malaysian SMEs in strategic high technology industries, such as ICT, Multimedia, Biotechnology and other life science industries, the Government launched the Technopreneur Development Flagship (TDF) in November 2001. The lead agency driving the Flagship is the Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia with Multimedia Development Corporation acting as the implementing agency for the Flagship.

The core objectives of the Flagship are:

1. To spawn and nurture a critical mass of strategic high technology industries such as ICT, Multimedia, Biotechnology and other life science start-ups.
2. To facilitate the growth of existing ICT SMEs into world-class companies.

In order to create more Technopreneurs in Malaysia, on December 2006 MSC started a RM80million (approx USD 25 million) Technopreneur Pre-Seed Fund Programme where MSC offers up to RM150k of conditional funding to develop viable business plans into commercially focused ICT projects with prototype and detailed business plans suitable for venture funding and commercializa

Chronology

1995

• 29 August - Putrajaya, the Federal Government’s new administrative capital is launched by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.
• 1 November - The Prime Minister announces that the country has embarked on an ambitious programme to establish the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia) stretching from Kuala Lumpur City Centre to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang

1996

• 2 April - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) agrees to set up research and development (R&D) operations within the MSC Malaysia.
• 6 May - The Seventh Malaysia Plan is launched with special incentives for the MSC Malaysia.
• 28 May - The Prime Minister goes on a working visit to the United States to promote the concept of the MSC Malaysia.
• 5 June - The Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) is set up to oversee the implementation of the MSC Malaysia.
• 20 June - The Prime Minister visits the headquarters of Microsoft in Seattle, Washington, to garner support for the MSC Malaysia.
• 2 July - Final report on the concept and implementation of the MSC Malaysia is submitted to the Prime Minister.
• 4 July - Telekom Malaysia appointed as sole provider of the backbone infrastructure for the MSC Malaysia.
• 1 August - Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir launches the MSC Malaysia at the inaugural Multimedia Asia Conference and Exhibition’ 96. He also launches the MDeC, to be established with a board of 11 directors.
• 6 August - The cabinet directs the implementation of key infrastructural requirements of the MSC Malaysia, including the backbone network, the telecommunications network, cyberlaws, the Bill of Guarantees, and the hiring of knowledge workers.
• 1 September - The Prime Industries Minister Secretary General, the late Tan Sri Dato Dr. Othman Yeop Abdullah is appointed Chairman of MDeC.
• 14 September - MDeC begins operations.
• 2 October - The Malaysian Cabinet directs the Ministry of Education to prepare for the establishment of the Multimedia University.
• 12 December - The first Implementation Council Meeting (ICM) chaired by the Prime Minister

1997

• 13 January - The then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir heads an investment mission to the United States of America and Japan, and holds meetings with world IT leaders including Bill Gates, Scott McNeally, James Barksdale, Eckhard Pfeifer, Stan Shih, John Chambers and Nobuyuki Idei.
• 16 January - The International Advisory Panel (IAP) for the MSC Malaysia met for its first meeting chaired by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at the Gates Building of Stanford University, California, USA.
• 21 January - The Prime Minister continues MSC Malaysia promotional trip with three-day working tour to Japan to promote the project.
• 12 March - Cabinet announces decision to have University Telekom or Unitele set up its multimedia faculty in the country’s first intelligent city, Cyberjaya, marking the beginnings of the Multimedia University.
• April - The Digital Signature Act 1997, Copyright Act 1987 (Amendments), Computer Crimes Act 1997 and Telemedicine Act 1997 are passed by Parliament.
• 17 May - The Prime Minister performs the Groundbreaking ceremony at Cyberjaya, officially launching Malaysia’s first intelligent city.
• 20 May - An MSC Malaysia delegation heads for Europe. The Prime Minister delivers a keynote address at the Imperial College, London, and has a roundtable discussion with 25 CEOs from Europe’s leading multimedia companies. An MSC Malaysia delegation heads for Europe. The Prime Minister also meets with and promotes the MSC Malaysia to the Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair, at No. 10 Downing Street. In Eindhoven and Stockholm, Dato Leo Moggie, Minister of Energy, Telecommunication and Posts and Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Halim Ali, Chief Secretary to the Government, meet CEOs to firm up relations between the MSC Malaysia and IT leaders in Europe. In Eindhoven, Malaysia is invited to join the Advanced Networked Cities and Regions Association (ANCARA) as its seventh member. The MSC Malaysia delegation also signs several government with IT companies in Portugal, Switzerland, Germany and France.
• 25 June - In Hungary, the MDeC signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Infopark. Another MDeC delegation heads for California for a presentation to the Entertainment and Media Asia 1997 Conference organized by the Asia Society. The MDeC makes a presentation to Global Knowledge 1997 in Canada.
• 26 July - The Prime Minister launches the Concept Request For Proposals (CRFPs) for the Flagship Applications, namely Electronic Government, Multi-Purpose Card, Smart Schools and Telemedicine.
• 29 October - Datuk Law Hieng Ding, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, launches the MSC Malaysia Research and Development Grant Scheme (MGS)

1998

• 18th – 19 February - The Second International Advisory Panel Meeting, chaired by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was held at Cyberview Lodge.
• 16 July - Redtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (formerly known as VMS Technology Sdn Bhd) becomes the first MSC Malaysia Research and Development Grant (MGS) recipient.
• 22 October - The first E-Government project, Project Monitoring System (SPP II) was launched.
• 12 November - Launch of Knowledge Workers Exchange (KWX) at Mines Beach Resort, Kuala Lumpur.
• 12 November - Launch of Global Schools Network at Education Technology Division, Ministry of Education, Kuala Lumpur.

1999

• 15 February - Signing ceremony for the establishment of the Asia-Pacific MSC Malaysia Information Technology and Telecommunications Award (APMITTA) between MDeC, Australia-based Asia Pacific Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards and Asia-Pacific Information Technology Awards of Malaysia. APMITTA is now currently known as MSC Malaysia-APICTA (MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Awards)
• 29 June - Launch of Smart Labs of MDeC-adopted schools – Sekolah Menengah Dengkil and Sekolah Kebangsaan Dengkil – by Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Hj. Abdul Razak, Minister of Education.
• 8 July - Official opening of Cyberjaya – Malaysia’s Premier Intelligent City by the Prime Minister
• 8th – 10 July - 3rd MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel Meeting at MDeC Headquarters, Cyberjaya, chaired by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir. Official opening of Multimedia University by the PM. Official opening of NTT MSC Malaysia Research and Development Centre in Cyberjaya by the PM.
• 27 July - Official opening of MSC Malaysia Central Incubator by Minister of Entrepreneur Development , Dato Mustapa Mohamad at the MSC Malaysia Central Incubator, Cyberjaya.
• 5 August - Signing ceremony at MDeC Headquarters, Cyberjaya, of an MoU between MDeC and Ceylinco Consolidated Ltd. Of Sri Lanka for mutual cooperation and assistance in the development and setting up of information technology industry and/or technology park in Sri Lanka.
• 7 August - Signing ceremony at MDeC Headquarters, Cyberjaya, of a MoU between MDeC and Ajman University of Science and Technology, United Arab Emirates, for collaboration in Education, Technology and Investment.

2000

• 20 January - Telemedicine signing ceremony between MSC Malaysia and the Ministry of Health, witnessed by Health Minister Dato Chua Jui Meng.
• 23 May - The e-Services project was launched with online services for utilities, e.g: TNB and Telekom bill payments and checking JPJ/ PDRM summons.
• 25 May - MSC Malaysia International Cyberlaws Conference.
• 27 June - Launching of the pilot of the Malaysian National Digital Library (mylib) at MSC Malaysia Headquarters, Cyberjaya. MSC Malaysia Techventures Forum II
• 28th – 29 August - Korean Information Technology Symposium. MoU signing ceremony between MDeC and Korea Institute of Multimedia Contents and Software.
• 5 September - The World’s 1st Multipurpose Smart Card issued to then PM, Tun Dr. Mahathir during MSC Malaysia Expo 2000.
• 7th – 8 September - 4th International Advisory Panel Meeting
• 8th – 10 September - The 1st MSC Malaysia Expo, held at the Mines exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

2001

• 23 August - 500th MSC Malaysia-Status company certificate presentation to Biodata Information Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.
• 5 September - Government Multipurpose Smart Card (GMPC) brand MyKad officially launched by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi

2002

• 29 January - Official Announcement - Renaming of APMITTA (Asia Pacific MSC Malaysia IT & T Award) to MSC Malaysia - APICTA (MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Awards)
• 15 July - Launching of Smart School Training for Teachers from Lao PDR, Myanmar and the Philippines
• 23 July - MoU Signing Ceremony between MDeC & PIKOM (Persatuan Industri Komputer dan Multimedia Malaysia) for bid of WCIT 2008
• 5th - 7 September - 6th International Advisory Panel Meeting (IAP)
• 6 September - Launch of the MSC Malaysia Flagship Centre (now known as MSC Malaysia Innovation Centre) comprising Creative Application Development Centre (CADC) and Solution and Assessment Development Centre (SADC) in Cyberjaya.
• 28 September - "Dengkil Project Integration, Handover Ceremony" to Ministry of Education

2003

• 6 February - National Incubator Network Meeting - Inaugural Cyberjaya
• 28 February - The Bankcard is officially launched by the government
• 3 March - Launching of the Smart Community International Network SCIN) in Cyberjaya. The MSC Malaysia is one of four founding members of SCIN which included Kenniswijk (Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden) and Ottawa (Canada).
• 1 May - Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Othman Yeop Abdullah’s (former Executive Chairman) last working day in MDeC
• 16 June - YBhg Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali is appointed as the Chairman of MDeC
• 15 July - Official announcement of Malaysia to host the World Congress on Information Technology (WICT) 2008
• 1 September - YBhg Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun was appointed as CEO of MDeC
• 4 September - 7th MSC Malaysia-International Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting.
• 5 September - MSC Malaysia-Launch of Phase II (In Phase 1 (1996-2003), the MSC Malaysia was successfully created. Every milestone set for Phase 1 was surpassed. In Phase 2, a web of similar corridors will be established in Malaysia, and a global framework of cyberlaws will be passed)
• 4 November - Dato’ Seri Law Hieng Ding, Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment, launches the MSC Malaysia Strategic Thrust Areas in Research (MSC Malaysia STAR), spin-off from MGS (MSC Malaysia R&D Grant Scheme). BT Multimedia (M) Sdn Bhd becomes the first STAR recipient.

2004

• 5 February - MDeC signs MOU with the India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). The MOU aims to catalyse IT trade between India and Malaysia and encourage bilateral trade ties especially in the ICT and IT Enabled services as well as in the content sector.
• 28 March - The current Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi announces the new Cabinet reshuffle, restructuring of the Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia into Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications. MDeC is subsequently gazetted as one the agencies under the revived Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, in which all ICT related matters have been set under the purview of MOSTI, previously known as the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.
• 3 July - The launch of the MyMalaysiaMyMSC Malaysia programme and The MSC Malaysia Next Leap at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The MyMalaysia My MSC Malaysia is a nationwide program, to educate the masses on how MSC Malaysia can enrich their lives. The launch of the MSC Malaysia Next Leap,will cover the period 2004 – 2010. With the achievement of Phase 1, The Next Leap will focus on rolling out the initiative to the rests of the country. The Prime Minister officially announces the decision to roll out the MSC Malaysia initially to Penang and Kulim High Tech, as well as 10,000 schools to be made into “Smart Schools” within 2 years time.
• 2 – 4 September

8th IAP Meeting - 2 fresh elements were added to the IAP Meeting – the MSC Malaysia Technopreneur Forum and the MSC Malaysia Creative Multimedia Week. The meeting was also divided into 2 parts: The IAP Meeting and Breakout Sessions. For the first time, it was chaired by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi and held for the first time at Putrajaya.

• 28 – 30 September - The MyMalaysia My MSC Malaysia @ Terengganu at Kuala Berang and Bukit Payung, Besut respectively, which is a first campaign to be held outside of Kuala Lumpur. This effort of bringing the MSC Malaysia to the wider community is an exemplary method of how the rest of the country, especially the rural areas could experience first hand the benefits of the MSC Malaysia and in turn educate the younger generation as to the importance of ICT to better enable them to excel in life.
• 1 December - The official opening of Malaysia-MSC Malaysia Representative Office in Dalian, China. Since the first visit of the Mayor of Dalian in December 2003, a total of 23 MSC Malaysia Status companies have signed MOU or MOA with Chinese companies.
• 7 December - Official launching of the 2nd MSC Malaysia Representative Office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This would strengthen our position where it is hoped that these establishments would capture the Middle East and Asia Pacific market in our bid to export and promote the MSC Malaysia products and services globally.

2005

• 29 January - The successful roll-out of the MSC Malaysia, marked by the official declaration by the Prime Minister on the conferment of the MSC Malaysia cybercity status to the Penang state.
• 1 July - The Malaysia Brunei Frequent Traveler Card is established. The use of MyKad at Sabah / Sarawak entry points pave the way for automation and integration, which was previously done manually since 1963.
• 28 March - Launch of Malaysia Research & Education Network (MYREN) to proliferate the R&D capacity amongst the Malaysian research communities
• 29 March - MDeC signs a collaboration agreement with Creative Commons, a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that enables copyright holders to grant some of their rights to the public while retaining others through a variety of licensing and contract schemes. Malaysia is the first South-East Asian country to embrace the Creative Commons initiative.
• 1 May - Appointment of MDeC new Board of Directors
• 23 May - MDeC signs a MoU with the Korean Culture and Content Agency (KOCCA) where a strong collaboration had been sealed with one of the world’s largest cultural content exporter.
• 15 June - MDeC signs MoU with Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University for mutual cooperation in the ICT development through best practices such as SEI CMMI.
• 25-26 June - Grand launch of the MSC Malaysia ICT Recruitment Fair held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Over 11,000 job seekers thronged in to the Fair and over 7,000 on-the-spot interviews conducted to fulfill the 3,500 odd jobs offered by 70 MSC Malaysia Status companies.
• 7th June 2005 - Deloitte Consulting launches a White Paper entitled “Malaysia’s Edge in the Fast Evolving Outsource Space” where it highlighted the findings of its benchmarking exercise on outsourcing locations in the Asia Pacific region that clearly favours Kuala Lumpur as the preferred hub for companies to locate their off-shore shared service operations
• 8-10 September - The 9th MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel Meeting (IAP) - held for the first time outside the central MSC Malaysia zone in its latest MSC Malaysia Cybercity - Bayan Lepas, Penang. Penang’s Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon addressed the meeting promoting Penang as an attractive location for MSC Malaysia Status Companies and potential investors.
• 13-15 September - Malaysia hosts the Global Public Policy Conference (GPPC), jointly organized by MDeC, PIKOM and ASLI. This is the first time the GPPC was hosted in Asia.
• 13 December - The Government Portal (www.gov.my) was launched by KSN in conjunction of CIO conference.
• 31 Dec - Retirement of Y Bhg Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun, MDeC CEO

2006

• 16 January - Appointment of Encik Badlisham Ghazali as new CEO of MDeC
• 9 February - The KL Sentral building is awarded a new status, that of a Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia) Cybercentre. The MSC Malaysia Cybercentre is defined as a building or complex with basic enabling environment offering the (or partial of) 10-point MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantees.
• 16 February - Penang MSC Malaysia Cybercity was awarded the ISO 9001:2000, making it the pioneer ISO certified MSC Malaysia Cybercity Management
• 20 February - Thailand's Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) and Malaysia's Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) signs an MoU for greater collaboration between the digital content industries of each country, embracing computer games, feature films and animation.
• 7 April - Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi launches the MSC Malaysia 10th Anniversary celebrations and the MSC Malaysia Creative Multimedia Content Initiative. During the event, the PM reveals the new refreshed brand identities for the MSC Malaysia and MDeC. From this date onwards, the MSC is called MSC Malaysia and MDC is re-branded as MDeC.
• 7 December - The Klang Valley metropolitan area has been given Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status area by the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The award of these Cybercentres will be given on a stage-by-stage basis, where the first Klang Valley awarded Cybercentre is the Plaza Sentral in the heart of KL Sentral.

2007

• 17 - 19 May - 10th International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting was held in the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. 28 IAP members from all over the world attended to advise the Prime Minister of Malaysia on the global development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

External links

• MSC Malaysia website
• MSC Malaysia Capability Development Programmes (CDP)