KUALA LUMPUR, 3 MARCH 2009 - The Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) Putrajaya says that the launch of Microsoft BizSpark Putrajaya would promote local ICT startup companies to a global arena.
“Putrajaya, based in the federal administrative centre, has been appointed to be a Network Partner in Microsoft’s BizSpark Programme,” says DPMM chairman Dato’ Haji Mohamad Alayuddin bin Che Hasan. “The BizSpark Programme is designed to accelerate the success of early stage startups by connecting them to network partners who can provide mentorship, guidance and resources to BizSpark startups.”
“With an eye on the advent of the information society and the knowledge economy, DPMM Putrajaya aims for a reinvention of ICT development for its members,” says Haji Alayuddin. “This programme provides startups with opportunities in the form of world-class solutions and a worldwide marketing platform. This in turn will provide quality solutions and services to the local industries. DPMM is targeting 100 startup companies, which will translate into 1,000 jobs and about RM200 (US$54) million in revenue.”
He said that to be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Programme, startups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, in business less than three years and with revenue less than USD$0.5 million or RM1.75 million. Startups may enroll for the programme by obtaining sponsorship from a designated BizSpark network partner.
Global visibility and support
Microsoft Malaysia managing director Yasmin Mahmood said that the company is committed to helping Malaysian entrepreneurs transform their ambitions into sustainable businesses. “The BizSpark Programme provides startups with software, support and global visibility during their first three years of operations, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.”
“The broad mandate of Microsoft BizSpark is to encourage innovation, creativity and nurture entrepreneurialism amongst today’s most promising startups by providing them a solid kick-start for their businesses especially in the light of the current economic backdrop. BizSpark is providing the opportunity for startups to create “Made-in-Malaysia” intellectual property rights (or “IPR”),” added Mahmood.
“IP creation has been the backbone for success in the ICT industry, acting as a strong stimulus for innovation and competition because IP rights in software give developers an incentive to develop by providing the assurance that they and no one else will have the right to exploit the economic value of their software or software-related service in the marketplace,” said Mahmood.
