MyKad Malaysia leverages Unisys expertise to roll out smart cards to 24 million citizens
05 May, 2006
category: Biometrics
A Unisys subsidiary, Unisys MSC has been awarded a $5 million contract as part of a national roll-out of Malaysia’s MyKad smart card. The MyKad, which uses the latest chip and biometric technology, will be offered to more than 24 million Malaysians, who will utilize the single card to conduct government and private sector transactions.
Proven track record and domain knowledge to ensure full operationability and scalability for national rollout.
Blue Bell, PA– Unisys announced that its subsidiary Unisys MSC has been awarded a two-year US $5 million contract as part of the national rollout of Malaysia’s MyKad smartcard project. This rollout was developed and implemented by Unisys and a consortium of companies on behalf of the government of Malaysia.
The breakthrough identity card is a first-in-the-world government multi-application smart card using state of the art technology and is the largest deployment of government smartcards with over 19 million cards being issued to date.
Under the new contract, Unisys will be ensuring that the MyKad application runs 24×7 at the Government Service Centre data center. This includes preventative and corrective maintenance support towards the hardware systems and software applications, including the Unisys ES7000 and ES2045 servers that are anchoring this implementation. Unisys domain expertise will also be called upon to ensure that system upgrades and card enhancements are carried out seamlessly.
The MyKad utilizes the latest chip and biometric technology, ensuring a high level of accuracy, enabling more than 24 million Malaysians to transact conveniently and securely with the government and private sectors through the use of a single smart card.
Imbedded with state-of-the-art digital technology, the MyKad dovetails into Malaysia’s e-government strategy and provides for a host of future enhancements and add-ons to drive Malaysia’s e-government and e-commerce initiatives.
This new appointment follows Unisys pivotal role in the development of the MyKad project which commenced in 1999 as the master systems integrator for the MyKad implementation. As the single point of contact and reference between the Malaysian government and five solution providers under the Government Multipurpose Card (GMPC) Consortium, Unisys domain expertise in business process re-engineering, change management and turnkey smartcard architecture was utilized to realize and ensure the on-time delivery of the multi-purpose and highly secure MyKad.
Manish Agarwal, managing partner, Unisys Public Sector, Asia Pacific, commented, “Our clients in the government sector value the customized combination of people, processes and performance that Unisys delivers to each project. Each team is able to overcome complex problems with precision thinking and relentless problem solving to ensure success.”
Lalit Gupta, country manager, Unisys Malaysia said, “This follow through award is due acknowledgment of the role and processes that Unisys has deployed to ensure the success of the MyKad project. Our team of dedicated experts have been deeply involved each step of the way since 1999 to ensure a seamless and secure rollout.”
MyKad Features
Technology:
Standard credit card sized plastic token with an embedded ATMEL 64kb EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory) chip.
Embedded Public Key Infrastructure: to enable secure transactions and authentication on the Internet, controlled by a private and public key.
Tamper Proof and Enhanced Security: Two-way challenge authentication to prevent hackers and the cloning of MyKad. This feature also helps to secure ATM transactions to prevent incidences of fraud.
Functionality:
Single card for all: The national identification card and driving license are combined in one card which also acts as the access key to other services.
Efficient exit and re-entry (Autogate feature): Instant passport information facilitates efficient exit and re-entry of Malaysians at Malaysian immigration checkpoints.
Medical emergency assistance: Health records are available for instant information during emergencies and general treatment.
Easy and flexible payment: E-cash facilities enable cashless financial transactions. Its re-loadable e-purse, branded locally as MEPS-Cash, is accepted at government agencies, restaurants, clinics, bookshops and petrol stations in designated areas. It also incorporates ‘Touch ‘n Go’ functions allowing the holder to make payment for toll, car parking, bus fares and LRT charges. It can now also be used as an ATM card for banks providing this facility.
Unisys exhibited its MyKad solution at the15th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006) in Austin, Texas, May 1-5, 2006. In addition, Unisys presented policy proposals to WCIT delegates on the need for standards around procedures and practices in global identity authentication.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide technology services and solutions company. Our consultants apply Unisys expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure, and server technology to help our clients achieve secure business operations. We build more secure organizations by creating visibility into clients’ business operations. Leveraging Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise, we make visible the impact of their decisions – ahead of investments, opportunities and risks. For more information, visit www.unisys.com/index.htm.
