SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, March 30, 2007 - Cisco® and i-City Properties Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of I-Berhad, today announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining their plans to work together to deliver world-class infrastructure and services to i-City, the first "digital city" in the state of Selangor. The companies intend to implement Cisco Connected Real Estate (CCRE) solutions in i-City, which is expected to start operations in early 2008.
CCRE is a framework that uses the power of the network to reduce capital and operating expenditures for key stakeholders over the lifecycle of a building to create a more productive and flexible workplace through scalable collaboration, mobility and remote connectivity tools. It also enhances the health, safety and security of the building's occupants.
The MoU between Cisco Systems® International BV and i-City Properties Sdn Bhd was unveiled today in the presence of Selangor Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Dato' Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
"i-City is being developed from a start to offer not only world class infrastructure and services but also a demonstration of how a digital community works, plays and lives," said Eu Hong Chew, chief executive officer of I-Berhad.
As a "digital city", i-City would be a place where information and communication technology (ICT) is used to create a more convenient, comfortable and safe environment not only for residents and visitors alike. More importantly, i-City would be a place where the knowledge industry flourishes. It would be a place where people in the knowledge industry establish their operations; it is an investment location for the ICT industry.
"The race is on for nations and cities around the world to build the best facilities and infrastructure to attract not just businesses but also talented individuals. I-City is in a great position not just for the state of Selangor but for Malaysia as a flourishing center for ICT, and for ICT to be used as an energizer for other industries as well as important segments such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," said Kumaran Singaram, Cisco's managing director for Malaysia.
The first phase of i-City would focus on the SMEs, and with many of the manufacturing industries and their supporting SMEs being located in Shah Alam, i-City would be a catalyst for greater adoption of ICT among these companies.
Under the MoU, Cisco technology, solutions and thought leadership expects to play a key role in developing infrastructure and services for i-City. The two companies may also engage in joint marketing activities including i-City housing a demo showcase using Cisco solutions for a "digital city" experience.
"Cisco has played a key role in many ICT hubs around the world such as the Dubai Internet City, Hong Kong Cyberport and Belgium I-City. We are honoured to enter into this strategic relationship with Cisco and bring its knowledge and industry-leading technology to i-City," added Eu.
About I-Berhad
I-Berhad, the global Malaysian company was established on February 2, 1967 and listed on the Main Board of the Bursa Malaysia on 29 September 1969. The Company produces a wide range of digital, electronics and electrical appliances which include digital cameras, digital camcorders, DVD players, home digital entertainment products, dect phones, plasma and LCD TVs and latest IT fashion gadgets such as i-flash, a HDD storage watch, and i-partyTIME, an MP3 watch under the i-brand name. More information available at: www.i-digital.com.my/.
