[July 05, 2011] MDeC expands training programmes [New Straits Time (Malaysia)] Tweet (New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) KUALA LUMPUR: Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) wants more talented Malaysians to create world-class local contents through the second MSC Malaysia Integrated Content Development Program (ICON2). MDec chief executive officer Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said 80 per cent of mobile applications accessed in Malaysia is currently from abroad. "None of the top revenue earners are Malaysians, so we need to start producing applications that are globally viable," he said at the pre-launch of ICON2 yesterday. He added that Malaysians are willing to spend between RM3 and RM60 for a mobile application. MDeC has allocated RM5 million of funding for ICON2. It will be spread across its three programmes, namely ICONapps, ICONdap and ICONex. "The funding will be spread across the programmes. But a major portion will be utilised to fund developers on the ICONapps and ICONdap programme," Badlisham said. MDeC is also talking to local telco providers to give another new dimension to domestic mobile contents. ICONapps acts as a platform to help individuals enrol in MDeC's training programmes which educate and teach ways to create and develop applications. Badlisham said there will only be a commitment fee of RM500 for interested participants, while training and software developmental kits will be provided. "Participants stand to be reimbursed with funds of up to RM10,000, if their applications go online and are available for download by the public," he added. Meanwhile, ICONdap offers funding services of up to RM200,000 for online and mobile content developers. "Developers need to pitch their business plan to our evaluators. We will decide on the funding needed based on the viability and commercial attractiveness of the business proposal, and disbursements will be given out on a milestone basis," Badlisham said In addition, ICONex will provide cost-effective high bandwidth hosting capabilities for those who do not have the means to fund or manage their high bandwidth content online. ICON2 is a continuation of the first ICON programme, which was launched in 2009. "The continuation of the programme will focus more on the creative and technical aspects of projects instead of business as in the first ICON programme," he said. (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]