1Malaysia Pad: joins Malaysia’s lucrative tablet market

PUTRAJAYA: A new player has come into the country’s lucrative tablet market — the 1Malaysia Pad.

The 7-inch pad, using the Android Gingerbread operating system, was developed by MalTechPro Sdn Bhd.

It was officially unveiled at a soft launch yesterday, promising affordable mobile connectivity on a device which the developers claim was on par with those currently available in the market.

Being a new kid on the block, MalTechPro executive chairman Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan did not rule out the difficulty in breaking through the highly-competitive tablet market, but he is optimistic their business model would give them an edge over the rest.

It was reported earlier this month that Malaysia is the largest tablet market in South-East Asia, racking up sales worth US$374mil (RM1.18bil) last year.

Sohaimi said that unlike other tablet makers which only sell hardware, MalTechPro has the advantage of an in-house team that could tailor the tablet to match the business and communication needs of companies and corporations.

“We are an apps (applications) developer, and the 1Malaysia Pad can be customised according to the needs of the client.

“Let’s say a company wants 500 units. We can customise the apps to do whatever they need, and these apps will be exclusive to that particular company,” Sohaimi said after the soft launch by Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob here.

The tablet also comes with a clutch of built-in applications, the most notable being the 1Malaysia Messenger or 1MM app, which offers free messaging between users akin to popular applications such as WhatsApp and Blackberry Messenger.

Sohaimi said the 1Malaysia Pad will be in the market next month after its official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at an introductory price of RM999 for the first 5,000 units.

The tablet comes with two cameras – 3.0 megapixel device at the back and a 0.3 megapixel in the front – WiFi and 3G data capabilities, a Li-Polymer 4000mAH battery and a 32GB micro SD memory card.

*Taken from The Star Online

Nazmi Faiz Mansur: signs contract with Portuguese top flight club

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Mohd Nazmi Faiz has successfully secured a three-year contract with Portuguese top flight football club Beira-Mar yesterday. 

The 17-year-old Nazmi, who underwent a three-day trial in Portugal, has passed his test with flying colours and landed himself a three-year deal until 2015-16 season. 

His agent Marco Guimaraes confirmed the deal and the Malaysian is expected to start with his new club ahead of the new season on July 3. 

National Under-23 coach Ong Kim Swee said Nazmi’s success is a new era for Malaysian football. 

“This is the beginning for better things to come for our playes. I am proud of Nazmi’s achievement and there are several of our young players being targeted for trials in Portugal,” said Kim Swee from Slovakia yesterday. 

He said the Harimau Muda project had proved to be a success with the young players being sent for trials with Vion FC in Slovakia earlier this year. 

“The stints in Slovakia are beginning to bear fruit. Nazmi’s club is not a normal Division One club but a huge and significant one in Portugal. 

“Portugal are fifth in the FIFA ranking and this is great opportunity for our boys to prove their worth to the world,” said Kim Swee. 

Nazmi was a last minute inclusion to the national Under-23 squad prior to the SEA Games in Jakarta last November. 

He was roped in from the Harimau Muda B (Under-19) squad under Ismail Ibrahim due to several injuries to key midfielders in the Under-23 squad. Nazmi played a pivotal role as Malaysia went on to defend the gold medal. 

It is learnt the Portuguese club were impressed after seeing videos of Nazmi in action for Malaysia during the Asian Zone Olympic final round qualifiers earlier this year.

*Taken from The Star Online

Nazmi Faiz Mansor: Has chance of a lifetime

NAZMI Faiz Mansor could become Malaysia's Cristiano Ronaldo if he makes the most of his trial in Portugal.

   Nazmi, who left for Portugal on Sunday, will undergo a one-week trial at Division One club Beira Mar.

   The player is set to earn a contract after  celebrating  his 18th birthday in August if he impresses the Portuguese club.    

FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Sultan Ahmad Shah wants Nazmi to make full use of the opportunity to learn the Portuguese style of football.

   "Nazmi must try his best to secure a contract. I want him to make full use of this opportunity. He must remain motivated and determined during the trial," said Sultan Ahmad in Subang yesterday.

    The midfielder impressed in the Asian Zone Olympic qualification and also at last year's Indonesia Sea Games. He was spotted by international football agent Marco Guimaraes of FMI Sports, who offered him a trial with a Portuguese club  based in Aveiro.

   Nazmi is also a member of the Young Tigers squad, coached by Ong Kim Swee, who are involved in the ongoing S-League.

   Sultan Ahmad has also urged other youngsters to ply their trade outside the country to improve.

   "Our footballers, especially the young ones, must play in other professional leagues as it would help elevate the status of Malaysian football.

   "It will be good for them as they not only could improve their football skills but also earn good money," he added.

   It is also learnt that the Portuguese club are also keen on offering trials to two other players in Kim Swee's squad in August.

*Taken from NST Online