Malaysia is number one in a connectivity study - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Jun 12, 2008 By STEVEN PATRICK

Malaysia is number one in a connectivity study, beating economic powerhouses China and India, in the efficiency-driven market segment of the Connectivity Scorecard study.

The study (www.connectivityscorecard.org) was done by the London Business School and US-based economic consulting firm LECG.

It studied two segments — efficiency-driven markets, such as Malaysia, and innovation-driven economies, like the United States and Japan.

The Connectivity Scorecard measures the extent to which governments, businesses and consumers make use of connectivity technologies — the copper wires, fibre-optic lines, mobile phones and personal computers.
The study was commissioned by Nokia Siemens Networks and published last month. Malaysia was the highest scorer in the emerging economies segment of the study, with a score of 7.59 out of 10, beating China (4.45) and India (1.83) in the process.

According to the study, Malaysia may soon be “knocking at the door” of the “innovation-driven” economies.

Malaysia leads the efficiency-driven segment with high broadband subscription levels, high mobile network coverage and subscriptions, and scores very highly on business usage of mobile e-mail and Internet too, the study said.

Malaysia also did well as it has high ICT (Information and Communications Technology) literacy rates and usage scores, comparable in some cases to innovation driven economies, said the survey.

The Connectivity Scorecard could help governments in assessing how ICT policy can be advanced.

In Malaysia’s case, the study states that the country needs to improve connectivity by further expanding broadband penetration.

Bill Chang, country manager of Nokia Siemens Networks said that perhaps the Government could subsidise broadband Internet.

“It all boils down to high-speed broadband for the masses. When this is achieved, there will be a need for broadband applications and this will generate more economic activity,” he said.

Currently, Malaysia has a broadband penetration rate of 3.5 per 100 people, said the survey.

Thingamajiggy: A toast to radio - NST

Jun 11, 2008 By RIDZWAN A. RAHIM


The icons on the radio toaster are not very user-friendly.

RIDZWAN A. RAHIM found a radio that also makes toast.

WHAT: Ariete radio toaster
IT’S LIKE: A toaster that uses radio waves to toast your bread.
PRICE: RM349
AVAILABILITY: Courts Mammoth

Q: Wow, that’s a very retro-looking radio you have.

A: Cool huh? And get this: it’s not just a radio. It also makes toast.
Q: Really?

A: Yes. In fact, it uses radio waves to make toast!

Q: All right, now you’re scaring me.

A: Kidding! This appliance is actually a toaster with a built-in FM radio — two things commonly found in the kitchen. So with this combo product, there is no need for two separate appliances anymore in the kitchen.

Q: Cool. Is it easy to use?

A: Yes, it’s pretty straightforward as there are not that many buttons to push.

Q: Let me guess: this huge knob in front is for volume control?

A: Err, no. That’s actually the browning control for the toast.

Q: Oh my, I could’ve burnt my toast while attempting to increase the volume of the radio.

A: I forgot to tell you: you need to read the manual the first time you use it. The controls may not be what you think they are. The radio toaster has confusing icons. See the button labelled with what looks like a burnt toast?

Q: Yeah.

A: It’s actually for heating. The other button on the left, the one with a snowflake icon, is the button for making toast.

Q: Strange.

A: And the button in the centre is for ejecting the toast manually.

Q: So, which are the buttons for radio then?

A: They’re all located on the lower part of appliance. The small knob is for volume control and to its left is the station search button. You have to keep pushing the button until you can hear what sounds like your favourite station. There’s no other way.

Q: This is such a funny-looking contraption but in a good way. Ariete should’ve included another knob.

A: What?

Q: One that doesn’t really do anything. You can play with it while waiting for your toast.

A: Yeah, and label it with a picture of an alien so you can pretend as though you’re trying to make contact with Mars.

Solar-powered parking meters - The Star

Solar-powered parking meters

Jun12, 2008 By FAZLEENA AZIZ

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will replace the present parking meters with the new electronic parking system SLKE in the city by next week.

The new Pay and Display scheme will see electronic machines placed at strategic locations to allow motorists to pay parking fees using cash or on credit via the Mykad.

Cash or credit: The new Electronic Parking System (SLKE) machine that will be installed at strategic locations in the city.

According to KL mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan, the solar-powered system is user friendly.

The operation period is from 7.30am to 10pm and the hourly parking rate is maintained at 80 sen in the city centre and 50 sen outside the city centre.

The first phase for the new system covers Bukit Bintang, Masjid India, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kampung Baru, Chow Kit, Pudu, Kompleks Damai and Loke Yew, which will be operational from next Monday.

The second phase and following phases will be implemented progressively according to areas by August.

“There is no cost on the part of the DBKL part but we have an installer and operators for the parking system,” Hakim said during a meet-the-press session yesterday.

Hakim also said that the system would be helpful in areas where they were illegal operators and jockeys.

The machines will be stationed at every 20 parking spaces and 50 enforcement officers will be on duty at four main zones, where the parking meters are installed.

The DBKL will pay RM1.50 a day to the system installer company for each parking space. An operator will be hired to handle collection and maintenance at every parking zones.

Asked about his recent “study trip” to Europe and Canada organised by the Federal Territories Ministry, the DBKL and Putrajaya Corporation, Hakim said the ministry would submit a report to the cabinet.

On the current government belt-tightening measures, Hakim said the DBKL would adhere to the cost-cutting and cost-saving agenda.

“We will save electricity by minimising the use of lights and air conditioners.

“The use of stationeries, events and the use of office vehicles will be minimised,” Hakim said.

“We will evaluate the need for having courses, overseas and local trips as well as other programmes,” he said.

Bendable Clock

E-Ink and Citizen Watch announced their bendable clock yesterday. The thing is just 3.0 mm thick, and 1.5 kg in weight. The battery life is also reportedly 20 times that of convential digital clocks. Due to the use of electronic ink, the clock is also viewable at almost 180 degrees.

Electronic Ultrasonic Clothing Stain Remover

Electronic Ultrasonic Clothing Stain Remover
SKU: A-TK248

World's best stain-removing device can now be yours. Remove spaghetti sauce, coffee spills, blood, and blacktop dirt with the Sonic Stain Remover.

This amazing new device will remove virtually any clothing stain, no matter how stubborn. We tried it ourselves, putting it through the most rigorous tests, and it passed them all. The Sonic Stain Remover is one of our most impressive products and looks to be a sure-fire hit with consumers.

Try it on all types of stains. You won't be disappointed. All it takes is a few drops of water and some rubbing and the stain will be gone.

It utilizes ultrasonic technology-120 vibrations per second. Not a trace will be visible. It'll work better than any laundry detergent like Tide or Cheer.

And don't be concerned about the Electric Stain Remover fading color. It won't harm your clothing's color integrity at all. This ingenious gadget utilizes ultrasonic technology and a "sprayer."

Hidden Wall Outlet Mini Wall Safe

Hidden Wall Outlet Mini Wall Safe
SKU: SDHWS

What looks like an ordinary socket is actually a mini-wall safe!

An unlikely place for thieves to look. Keep your money, jewelry, and other valuables in the compartment behind the socket.

Easy to install.

Super Door Stop Alarm

Super Door Stop Alarm
SKU: C-SDS85
Simply place the alarm behind any door. If an intruder attempts to open the door, the wedge-shaped design will prevent it from opening and activate a 120 dB alarm. The alarm will scare off the would-be intruder and alert you to the attempted entry. An adjustable sensitivity switch prevents tampering.

When traveling, just toss this lightweight unit in your luggage. The on/off switch will prevent the unit from accidentally sounding.

Requires one 9 volt battery. Cutting Edge Products