Smart Card: Malaysia issues dual interface MyKad ID card nationwide

From Contactless News (press release), VA ... By the end of 2005, all Malaysian citizens over the age of 12 will be carrying a dual interface contact/contactless smart card as their national ID. ...

... By the end of 2005, all Malaysian citizens over the age of 12 will be carrying a dual interface contact/contactless smart card as their national ID. With a population of 23 million, the Malaysian program is both one of the world’s first national ID card programs and one of the largest issuances of dual interface technology. The multi-purpose MyKad cards incorporate both government and private sector applications onto a single card. The US$71 million project is called “MyKad.” ...

With the passing of the Digital Signature Act, Malaysia has put in place a well-mandated legal environment for the use of digital signatures. MSC Trustgate.com has been licensed under the Digital Signature Act as Certification Authority (CA) to provide digital certification services including Digital Certificates, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and cryptographic products. As a member of Verisign Trust Network, MSC Trustgate.com leverages on Verisign’s proven technology, technical expertise and brand recognition to help companies build and secure an online web presence by encrypting communications and transactions; authenticating the identities of individuals; offering secure online payment functions; and validating transactions. MSC Trustgate is the fastest growing Internet trust service company in the region.