The much-anticipated SURI Incentive Programme which enables housewives to gain access to quality social security and enhanced income security will start next week, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

To be implemented in three phases, Dr Wan Azizah announced the first phase would start on Aug 15. It means SURI members could save a minimum of RM5 monthly in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account, and the government would then contribute RM40 monthly.

The National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) is appealing to the Government to urgently address areas of concerns that could have long-term impact on the growth of Malaysia’s ICT industry. As the new government takes stewardship of the country, emphasis and time should be accorded to implement initiatives for the growth of the ICT industry as well as to offer various benefits for other industry sectors. This is a timely appeal with positive implications and practical solutions to ensure the least disruption to ongoing business operations.

PIKOM CHAIRMAN Ganesh Kumar Bangah said, “As the voice of the ICT Industry, PIKOM is seeking clarity on these concerns for the benefit of the association’s 1,000 plus members who contribute 80% to the industry’s revenue, which in turn, makes up about 19 per cent of the GDP of the country. The ICT industry is also one of the fastest growing industries in Malaysia.

The rapid advancement of technology has made animation and creative content industry a very lucrative economic enabler for the region said Datuk Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer of The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Noting the remarkable transformation of South East-Asia’s creative content industry over the last decade, Ng added that there is an emerging trend of production companies moving from outsourcing and co-production model, towards focusing on their original content for international consumption.