KUALA LUMPUR (June 8): Malaysian technology firm Microlink Solutions Bhd and Danapuri Sdn Bhd — a member of Bangladesh-based Dipon Group — have formed a strategic joint venture (JV) to pursue digital transformation projects in Bangladesh and the West Africa region.
Microlink said in a statement that a JV entity, Microlink Technologies Sdn Bhd — in which Microlink will own a 51% stake while Danapuri will hold 49% — has been set up for the collaboration.
The JV will leverage the extensive expertise of Danapuri and the wider Dipon Group in information and communications technology project investment and management, e-government, e-commerce, e-payment and e-financial services implementation, said Microlink. "This combines with the comprehensive track record of Microlink in providing technology solution delivery (software and hardware), consultancy, maintenance and project management services," it added.
Under the JV, the parties will work together to secure and execute contracts for clients in both the public and private sectors, and will cover key territories like Bangladesh and the West Africa region, including but not limited to the Republic of Guinea, and other countries as may be mutually agreed.
Microlink said the initial focus for the new JV will be the provision of digital courts technology and a digital business registry platform, leveraging proprietary solutions as developed by Microlink's parent company, Omesti Bhd.
“This JV represents an excellent opportunity for our homegrown digital technology to bring significant benefits to countries such as Bangladesh. Our e-courts 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," said Microlink executive director Gerard Monteiro.
Other potential avenues of business for the JV include financial reporting systems and e-commerce solutions complete with eKYC, digital payment services, microfinancing and order management capabilities. "These e-commerce 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," Microlink's statement read.
Microlink chairman Tun Arifin Zakaria said the formation of the JV represents an important step in bringing the group’s technology solutions for digital transformation projects to the regions. “We are confident that the impressive pedigree of Danapuri and the wider Dipon Group in e-government projects, plus their hands-on knowledge of these territories, will be key in ensuring the JV achieves success,” said Ariffin, formerly a chief justice of Malaysia.
Microlink closed one sen or 0.4% higher at RM2.54 , valuing the group at RM610.46 million.