MICROLINK IN STRATEGIC JV WITH DANAPURI FOR MAJOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS

A strategic joint venture (JV) has been formed between Malaysian listed technology company Microlink Solutions Berhad (Microlink) and Danapuri Sdn Bhd (Danapuri), a member of the Dipon Group, to pursue digital transformation projects in selected target territories. A specific entity – Microlink Technologies Sdn Bhd – has been established for the purpose of the collaboration, with an equity shareholding of Microlink Solutions Berhad: 51% Danapuri Sdn Bhd: 49%.

The JV will leverage the extensive expertise of Danapuri and the wider Dipon Group in ICT project investment and management, eGovernment, eCommerce, ePayment and eFinancial services implementation. This combines with the comprehensive track record of Microlink in providing technology solution delivery (software and hardware), consultancy, maintenance and project management services.

Key territories to be covered by the JV include the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the West Africa region, including but not limited to the Republic of Guinea, and other countries as may be mutually agreed. Pooling their respective resources and efforts, the JV parties will work together to secure and execute contracts for clients in both the public and private sectors.

Microlink Chairman Tun Arifin bin Zakaria, former Chief Justice of Malaysia, said, “The formation of this JV represents an important step in bringing our technology solutions for digital transformation projects to these upcoming regions. We are confident that the impressive pedigree of Danapuri and the wider Dipon Group in eGovernment projects, plus their hands-on knowledge of these territories, will be key in ensuring the JV achieves success.”

Rashed Mahmud, Executive Chairman of Danapuri, [pictured above left] said, “This is a timely strategic venture that will enable us to leverage our Group’s eGovernment knowledge and expertise together with Microlink’s leading-edge technology solutions to deliver much-needed digital transformation in these important territories. We look forward to working with the Microlink team in this endeavour and building our track record further.”

Danapuri, which specialises in G2C solutions and strives to be the preferred delivery partner of government agencies, is currently engaged in a series of notable contracts. These include: E-Passport Professional Management & Support Services in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for a 10-year concession from September 2019; and National Population Management System in the Republic of Guinea for a 15-year concession, also from September 2019. It also holds a 15-year concession for the National ID Smartcard System in the Republic of Guinea.

The initial focus areas for the new JV will be on the provision of digital courts technology and a digital business registry platform, leveraging on proprietary solutions as developed by Microlink Solutions’ parent company OMESTI.

Microlink Executive Director Gerard Monteiro [pictured above right] added, “This JV represents an excellent opportunity for our homegrown digital technology to bring significant benefits to countries such as Bangladesh. Our eCourts solution has been deployed here in Malaysia since 2009 and has achieved a number of milestones over the years, including a drastic reduction of case backlog and great improvements in case management efficiency. And with the restrictions and court closures caused by the ongoing pandemic, it has also allowed the administration of justice to continue by enabling online filing and other virtual facilities.”

Other potential avenues of business for the JV include financial reporting systems and eCommerce solutions complete with eKYC, digital payment services, microfinancing and order management capabilities. These eCommerce solutions will be expandable to include other functionalities such as digital wallet, mobile services, loyalty and insurance features, tailored to suit the operating environment of the respective territories.

Danapuri will be responsible for providing local know-how, knowledge and expertise on the ground, as well as arranging for local employees and/or third-party service providers to render services as required for execution of the JV contracts. Microlink’s role will be to provide technical support, knowledge and expertise for delivery of the contracts and supplying the appropriate products and solutions as required. This may involve development of new systems or solutions, as necessary, including delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, execution, completion and maintenance.

This latest initiative further adds to the Microlink portfolio following the recent announcement of the Group’s strategic tie-up with global software giant Chinasoft International.

About Danapuri & DIPON Group

Danapuri Sdn Bhd is an eGovernment services provider specialising in G2C solutions such as National Registry, Criminal Clearance Credentials, Work Permit, and other forms of digitisation of government services. It is 50% owned by Dipon Group (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DIPON Group of Bangladesh. DIPON was first founded in 1970 to provide end-to-end solutions in oil and gas pipeline construction works. It has since diversified into various fields including Engineering & Construction, Project Investment & Development, Shipping & Logistics and IT & ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services). With an established presence in Bangladesh, India, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and African countries, it has led the way in the use of internationally practiced construction techniques, the latest construction equipment, and computer-aided techniques for design and project management. www.danapuri.com www.dipongroup.com