Two companies to develop Bahasa Melayu language interface for Microsoft products
Kuala Lumpur, February 18, 2004 – Following the announcement of the translation of the glossary of Microsoft Windows XP into Bahasa Melayu by Dewan Pustaka dan Pustaka, Microsoft (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has appointed two local independent software companies to provide localisation services for the user interface of Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003.
Accredo Multimedia Sdn Bhd (Accredo Multimedia) and The Name Technology Sdn Bhd (TNT) have been tasked with adapting the software to local language requirements and use.
Accredo Multimedia is responsible for the localisation of Microsoft Windows XP, while TNT will oversee the localisation of Microsoft Office 2003 and the spell-checker capability.
At a signing ceremony to formalise the appointments, Butt Wai Choon, Managing Director at Microsoft Malaysia, said that Microsoft’s localisation programme is yet another step to making technology accessible to as many people as possible.
“As an industry leader, we have a unique responsibility to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the benefits of information and communication technology, regardless of socio-economic status and background. Bridging the digital divide is one of the pillars of our business.
“The digital divide today can be segmented into many components, but there is a common element – language. While English is the main language of business today, we recognise that it is not the first language for a large majority of the world’s population.
“Today’s appointment signifies the next step of an initiative that has far-reaching impact, not only for the general Malaysian population, but also for local software developers to build new services and revenue streams.
“Microsoft is committed to working with the government and industry to build the Malaysian economy. Our contribution is manifested by alliances such as these, to create new commercial opportunities for our ISV partners,” said Butt.
Malaysia is among the first of a few countries in Asia-Pacific to take the lead in Microsoft’s local language initiative, according to Butt.
The Microsoft glossary of terms (e.g. print, save, bold) contains about 7,500 terms. The first step utilised an existing glossary of Bahasa Melayu terms developed by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. These terms were then matched to the Microsoft glossary in English, which formed the basis to develop the Language Interface Pack for both Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 applications.
Representing Accredo Multimedia was its General Manager, Jennifer Leena, who said, “Microsoft has presented a unique opportunity to engage in a project that has national implications. We’re excited at the prospect of developing a product that not only has commercial potential, but also has the ability to cast the net of technology more widely than before.”
Chiew Ruoh Peng, Executive Director of TNT, reiterated the far-reaching benefit of the initiative.
“The local interface of Microsoft Office 2003 will make it easier for those who are more fluent in Bahasa Melayu than in English to use the programs, such as senior citizens and students. Towards this end, we look forward to the day that the language and digital chasm will cease to exist.”
Completion of the work by both companies is expected to be done by the end of April, at which time the local language product will be tested over a three-week period.
Last Updated: Friday, December 17, 2004