NEC Selected to Implement Biometric Solutions for Malaysian Immigration System 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 19, 2022 – NEC Malaysia has been awarded a sub-contract for the implementation of its class leading Automated Biometric Identification System (NEC ABIS) and Border Control Solution (e-Gate) by the main project contractor for Malaysia’s National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), IRIS Information Technology Systems Sdn Bhd (IITS), a wholly owned subsidiary of IRIS Corporation Berhad (IRIS). NIISe is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs to modernize the Immigration Department of Malaysia with advanced digital technology.

Subcontract handover ceremony. Credit: NEC

The subcontract handover ceremony at Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur was witnessed by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mohamad Fauzi bin Md Isa, Deputy Secretary General (Policy & Control), Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, Yang Berusaha Puan Supiani Binti Sibin, Project Director (NIISe), Immigration Department of Malaysia, H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia, and Mr. Akihiko Kumagai, President of Global Business, NEC Corporation, among other distinguished guests.

When IRIS created the world’s first ePassport in collaboration with the Immigration Department of Malaysia in 1998, it necessitated the introduction and deployment of eGates to read and verify ePassports via traveler thumbprint. Today, 24 years later, NEC will be providing the NEC ABIS and NEC e-Gate systems, featuring highly accurate and reliable multi-modal biometrics authentication, as one of the key technology partners subcontracted for the NIISe project.

NEC’s biometrics technology uses fingerprint, iris, and face recognition to authenticate identities of visitors and residents at air, sea, and land immigration checkpoints. The NEC e-Gates, a component of NECs Border Control Solution will be deployed at all immigration checkpoints to enable smoother passenger experiences.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based multi-modal biometric authentication system features NEC’s face and iris recognition technologies, which both have ranked the world’s No. 1 in benchmark tests for identification technologies conducted by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

"With advanced biometrics technology in immigration checkpoints, residents and travelers to Malaysia will experience improved quality of travel. Biometrics technology will also enhance security and efficiency while providing travelers a secure and seamless experience when going through the e-Gates at immigration checkpoints. We are confident that the NEC ABIS, as an important component to the backbone architecture of NIISe, will also provide effective and efficient processing of all related transactions for the Immigration Department of Malaysia," said Mr. Chong Kai Wooi, Managing Director of NEC Malaysia.

Mr. Shaiful Zahrin Bin Subhan, Chief Executive Officer, IRIS Information Technology Systems Sdn Bhd, said, "NEC’s stellar track record in deploying biometrics solutions globally speaks volumes. As our technology partner, NEC has provided invaluable feedback and ideas during our initial discussions and helped identify potential pain points in modernising the immigration system. We are thrilled to partner with NEC to work with the Immigration Department of Malaysia to enhance the security and efficiencies in Malaysia’s immigration system."

NEC has implemented over 1,000 systems with its fingerprint and face recognition technologies in more than 70 countries and regions, including systems for approximately 50 airports around the world.

"Advancing Malaysia’s border control system also generates positive social-economic impacts. Through the NIISe project, both IRIS and NEC Malaysia will be able to create job opportunities. Beyond developing solutions that propel Malaysia’s progress, we also work closely with our partners and stakeholders to support talent development in the digital space," added Mr. Chong.

Both IRIS and NEC are committed to develop skilled talent in the areas of digital transformation, and both companies will also nurture young Malaysians under the Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ) Ready-to-Work program by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC).

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

Source: NEC