HIRING talents and keeping them has always been a great challenge for many tech companies.
Now with the ringgit at a record low against the Singapore dollar, more locals are crossing the Causeway to find employment.
For Infoline Tec Group Bhd, it has started cultivating talents through collaborations with educational institutions such as HELP University.
Through the partnership, outstanding students and graduates get access to practical industry experience, full-time job placement and career development opportunities.
"We feel that cultivating and nurturing the right talents is winning half the battle," said Infoline chief marketing officer Arthur Too.
Infoline, an information technology (IT) infrastructure solutions and cybersecurity solutions provider, now has a workforce of 60 compared to only 31 last year, and the team is still growing in line with its expansion drive.
To embrace an open culture and positive working environment, Infoline encourages its employees to share their ideas so that "everyone can think, learn and grow" as a team.
"We value employees for their efforts. In this company, everyone works together to bring out better outcomes," said Too.
"We believe that when we keep learning, we will have a more constructive view and will grow further. We want the team to explore and not be afraid of facing problems as the management will be their strong support.
"We focus on problem-solving, instead of finger pointing and we promote inclusion, foster teamwork and reward on merits," he added.
Infoline, which was formed in 2013, is optimistic about achieving a double-digit growth this year.
The company has invested about RM4.3 million on Network Operations Centre (NOC) enhancement and RM4.4 million on Security Operations Centre (SOC) establishment using a part of the proceeds from its initial public offering.
It aims to achieve sales growth from its three core business segments of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity and managed IT services.
A NOC is a centralised location from which activities are performed to ensure smooth running of the company's client's network, while a SOC is a centralised location from which activities are performed to monitor, analyse, prevent and protect the client's network from cyber threats and attacks.
Chief executive officer Choo Wei Chuen said the company had incorporated a new entity in Singapore that was expected to generate revenue this year.
Choo, along with Too and chief operating officer Loo Wai Hong, had started the venture together in 2013.
In 2015, Infoline penetrated the China market via Infoline Shenzhen. Two years later, they had set up their first NOC to facilitate better management for their clients' IT infrastructure.
In 2021, the company obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for their managed services.
Over the years, Infoline has built its strong track record as a reliable IT infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions provider.
Last year, the company listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.
Loo said the company planned to expand its footprint to Beijing and Shanghai.
It will also explore opportunities in Indonesia, India, Japan and Australia.
"In light of the recent layoffs in the tech industry, numerous tech giants are now turning to outsourcing as a more cost-effective option. By capitalising on this trend, we can offer our technical know-how and valuable services to clients, allowing them to concentrate on their core business.
"Our primary responsibility will be helping clients to facilitate the seamless operation of their applications running on IT infrastructure through vigilant monitoring and maintenance."
On ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI), the trio said it was crucial to acknowledge that AI itself relied on robust IT infrastructure, network connectivity, and cybersecurity measures.
As a result, the demand for advanced IT solutions would only continue to grow in the future, they added.
The writer was a journalist with the 'New Straits Times' before joining a Fortune Global 500 real estate company. This article is a collaboration between the 'New Straits Times' and Tradeview, the author of 'Once Upon A Time In Bursa'.