ABOUT E & E PRODUCT CERTIFICATION AND THE COMPLEX JOURNEY BEHIND IT

Part 1

Representing a client and QHSEL Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.. Paid a courtesy visit to SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd., specifically to the Electrical and Electronics Certification, Product Certification and Inspection Department, where I met Mr. Zahari bin Abdul Gani, Auditor (E & E Certification, PCI). As expected, all SIRIM QAS staff I encountered were professional, courteous, and highly informative. Mr. Zahari provided an excellent briefing on the requirements for E & E product certification. It felt great to be back at SIRIM after years of handling various ISO certifications for clients and attending SIRIM STS trainings and even better to meet the new generation of auditors (where I am now sort of a veteran retired assessor)

Part 2

E & E Product Certification : A Complex but Essential Process

Disclaimer: This post is for general educational purposes only. For official guidance and detailed requirements, please refer directly to the Electrical & Electronics Certification/PCI Section, SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.

Securing Electrical & Electronic (E&E) product certification typically in Malaysia - from SIRIM QAS International is far from straightforward, it’s a detailed compliance journey, unlike certifications of ISOs QHSE/IMS.

Importers must work with licensed agents holding valid MITI import licences, manage shipping and logistics, and register across multiple official platforms including the SIRIM QAS eCertification Portal, DagangNet/ePermit, Royal Malaysian Customs (JKDM), MCMC eComM, SSM e-Info, and the Strategic Trade Secretariat (STS) for dual-use goods.

Each application demands precise documentation such as the Letter of Authorisation (LOA), technical drawings, product datasheets, and CB Reports (verified if tested outside Malaysia), along with factory audits all critical to ensuring product safety and compliance.

Under the Strategic Trade Act (STA) (see photo), additional traceability and reporting requirements apply for certain controlled technologies, often extending the approval timeline.

From sample testing to import clearance, every stage calls for meticulous coordination and regulatory awareness - one missing document or unregistered portal can halt progress.

E&E certification isn’t just a formality - it’s an ecosystem of compliance that safeguards product integrity, consumer safety, and national regulatory trust.

Photo 1: Joint Outreach Seminar on Strategic Trade Management, organized by MITI and METI Japan.

Photo 2 : I also attended the Malaysia Strategic Trade Control Community (MySTCC) Seminar on the Strategic Trade Act 2010, co-organized by MITI and the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur both insightful platforms that deepened my understanding of Malaysia’s strategic trade compliance framework.

Photo 3/4: My second visit to SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd., accompanying a prospective client.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE TO THE ASEAN FAMILY

 

Warmest congratulations to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, its President, H.E. José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister, H.E. Xanana Gusmão, and the resilient people of Timor-Leste on this momentous occasion marking a new chapter in the nation’s proud journey.

Timor-Leste stands as a testament to courage, perseverance, and unity, a nation that has emerged through adversity with an unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and human dignity. Its cultural richness, deep-rooted traditions, and collective national spirit continue to inspire the global community.

As Timor-Leste progresses toward greater social, economic, and regional integration, it is well positioned to become a key contributor to ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Its strategic maritime location, youthful and dynamic population, and steadfast pursuit of sustainable development reflect a nation ready to take on an influential role in shaping regional stability and prosperity.

The world continues to admire Timor-Leste’s resilience and vision for a peaceful and equitable future. May the continued leadership of H.E. José Ramos-Horta and H.E. Xanana Gusmão bring lasting unity, growth, and success to the nation and its people.

Congratulations once again to the Government and the people of Timor-Leste.

(humbly and on behalf of the Malaysian people - Nik Zafri)

#TimurLeste #ASEAN 

The ASEAN Equation: Unity in Uncertainty - Overview by Nik Zafri

Please also read the previous article 

Given the attendance of major powers such as President Donald Trump - United States, reps from China and Russia, the key topics agenda would likely be :

1. Trade, Economics and Supply Chain resilience

The U.S. and China are in trade talks on the sidelines. The U.S., under Trump, is threatening big tariff hikes on Chinese exports and seeking concessions; the China leadership sees ASEAN as a priority partner.

The ASEAN region is concerned about how U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade flows affect its export-and-manufacturing base. 

China is pitching its upgraded “Free Trade Area 3.0” with ASEAN, emphasising digital economy, green economy, and production/supply-chain integration. 

ASEAN is also seeking to expand partnerships beyond the traditional powers (e.g., Latin America, Africa) as host Malaysia emphasises “inclusivity and sustainability.”

2. Regional Security, Maritime Disputes and Neutrality

The summit will discuss the broadening power competition in the region: the narrowing of ASEAN’s “space for neutrality” as big-power rivalry deepens (trade, tech, security) was explicitly flagged by Malaysia’s foreign minister. 

Maritime issues especially in the South China Sea and unresolved border or access disputes will be on the table. 

Internal ASEAN conflict management remains a key focus particularly the recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysia has played a pivotal role in facilitating the ceasefire, a contribution publicly acknowledged and appreciated by President Trump. The summit is expected to witness the formal signing or endorsement of the ceasefire agreement or a broader peace framework.

3. ASEAN’s Internal Cohesion and External Partnerships

The 10 current ASEAN members plus the accession of Timor‑Leste as the 11th member will be formalised at this summit. 

ASEAN is going to meet with “dialogue partners” (China, U.S., Russia, Japan etc) in separate sessions.  It is not known if BRICS is going to be discussed.

The bloc is under pressure from multiple directions (economic, strategic) and must manage its collective identity and voice especially with members having differing alignments. 

4. Big Power Diplomacy and the U.S. - China – Russia Axis

With Trump attending, the U.S. may signal a renewed high-level engagement in Southeast Asia and trying to shore up trade and security ties. 

China will engage ASEAN pushing its economic agenda as well as its strategic footprint in the region. 

Russia and some countries will have representation (though the head of state may not attend) and is part of the conversation, especially via its linkages to China and in broader regional security issues. 

5. Other Cross-Cutting issues

Myanmar’s ongoing crisis remains a thorn in ASEAN’s unity and credibility; how the bloc deals with it will come up. 

Technology, cyber security and supply-chain issues: China has urged the U.S. to stop cyber-attacks; ASEAN will be mindful of technological dependencies and the “new economy” challenges. 

Environmental, “green economy” and “sustainability” framing (the theme of the summit is “Inclusivity and Sustainability”) though less emphasised in media, it provides an entry for ASEAN to project a positive agenda. 

6. WHAT TO WATCH

• Trade deal/announcements: Will the U.S. (with Trump) clinch new trade arrangements with ASEAN-members or announce tariff/market-access concessions? Media say yes.

• China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 implementation: Will there be formal commitment, timeline or institutional mechanism announced around the upgraded China-ASEAN free trade area? 

• Cease-fire or peace deal: Particularly the Thailand-Cambodia frontier conflict is expected to be addressed or formalised at the summit in presence of Trump via signing of Peace Deal. 

• Gaza - although President Trump has mentioned the ceasefire, it remains uncertain how extensively the issue will be discussed during the summit, as Palestine continues to face attacks despite the declared truce.

• Language on big-power rivalry: Expect statements around strategic autonomy, neutrality or how ASEAN will engage U.S., China, Russia without being drawn fully into one camp. The “space for neutrality” comment is telling.

• Commitments on supply-chain/green economy: Possibly new mechanisms or commitments to diversify supply chains, strengthen green/digital economy cooperation across ASEAN + China partners.

• Membership expansion and institutional developments: Timor-Leste’s entry, perhaps proposals about expanding ASEAN’s partnership footprint, may get spotlight.

7. Implications for Malaysia and ASEAN

For Malaysia (host): It means being centre-stage in regional diplomacy, enhancing its role as mediator and regional convenor.

For ASEAN's credibility: It’s a test of how the bloc navigates big-power competition while keeping its centrality intact.

For business/investment: Outcomes in trade and supply-chains could open new opportunities (or risks) for Malaysian and regional companies.

For security and geopolitics: How ASEAN positions itself vis-a-vis strategic competition (U.S.–China–Russia) will influence regional alignments for years.

8. Conclusion

The 2025 ASEAN Summit stands as a pivotal moment for Southeast Asia a region navigating the complex intersection of global power rivalries, economic realignments, and enduring humanitarian crises. 

With the presence of the United States under President Trump, alongside China and Russia, ASEAN faces the challenge of asserting its centrality while maintaining neutrality amid competing global interests. 

Yet, within this delicate balance lies opportunity: to strengthen internal cohesion, champion sustainable and inclusive growth, and reaffirm ASEAN’s role as a stabilizing force in an uncertain world. Whether through renewed trade cooperation, conflict resolution, or humanitarian advocacy, the summit’s true test will be how effectively ASEAN transforms dialogue into decisive, collective action for the peace, prosperity, and resilience of the region and beyond.

At the same time, I sincerely hope that the peaceful protests surrounding President Trump’s visit to Malaysia will not be met with penalties or suppression. In a true democracy, the right to express dissent is fundamental provided it remains orderly and non-violent. Many Malaysians, including the opposition and silent citizens alike, deserve the space to voice their concerns. Such demonstrations should not be seen as acts of hostility, but rather as a necessary form of check and balance one that reflects the maturity, integrity, and strength of Malaysia’s democratic spirit.

THE FIRST JAPAN WOMAN PRIME MINISTER

Congratulations to Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi on being elected as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister. This is a historic moment for Japan and a source of inspiration for women leaders worldwide. I wish her every success in leading Japan towards continued peace, innovation, and progress.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 21/10/2025

I must have spoken about this too many times but let's just do a quick reminder.

Copying and pasting content literally from ChatGPT or other AI-assisted applications can often be detected. Unique punctuation styles, language patterns, scattered emojis and image metadata make it easy to trace such material through reverse searches.

While AI tools can enhance productivity, it is essential to review, rephrase, and verify the accuracy of the generated text. As someone accustomed to traditional writing methods, I can easily identify grammatical inconsistencies, contextual errors, irrelevant data, wrong sampling, factual errors or deviations from the original topic.

It doesn’t feel organic when the person simply lets AI do the work and allows it to spread without even caring what has been written. Writing should still reflect the writer’s own thought process and understanding.

Educators and supervisors frequently emphasize comprehension over completion (of course they do have "Anti-ChatGPT/AI"), they will ask whether the writer truly understands their work. Therefore, use AI responsibly and ensure that your writing reflects your personal understanding and critical thinking.

The Algorithm Is a Strategy not Your Enemy (Overview by Nik Zafri)

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, algorithms don’t just decide who sees your content - they reflect how well you understand your audience. Every scroll, click, and linger tells a story.

In this new age, the word “algorithm” often sparks mixed emotions, fascination, frustration, and sometimes fear. Yet, behind every algorithm lies a simple truth - it’s not out to defeat us, but to understand us. Every post, click, and comment forms part of an intelligent feedback loop that rewards consistency, authenticity, and engagement.

For new-generation marketers, this means success isn’t about chasing trends or hacking visibility it’s about mastering the language of algorithms. When you treat them as your partners, not your adversaries, data turns into direction and analytics evolve into strategy.

New-gen marketers should also know that they should no longer fighting the algorithm, but feeding it the right signals - authenticity, engagement, and consistency. Whether it’s Google’s ranking logic, TikTok’s “For You” magic, or Meta’s engagement web, the real question isn’t “How do I beat it?” but “How do I work with it?”

Remember this 3 principles :

• Create for people, optimize for algorithms,

• Watch patterns, not platforms. Algorithms evolve, your strategy should too,

• Use data as intuition’s best friend. Let analytics shape creativity, not replace it.

The marketers of tomorrow won’t chase trends, they’ll understand systems.

Here's a simple example : 

The following shows how algorithms, data, and marketing tie together,  something new-gen marketers can see, analyze, and learn from.

Below is a sample dataset and Python snippet showing how marketers can use meta-data and algorithms to understand which content performs best on a website or social platform.

Another Example Algorithm (Python)

Let’s simulate a simple engagement score algorithm, how marketers could rank their posts by performance using weighted engagement.

What this does:

• Assigns weights (likes 30%, shares 40%, comments 30%),

• Multiplies total engagement by conversion rate, and

• Ranks which platform’s content gives the best return

Why New Age Marketers Should Love This

• It mixes creativity with data, storytelling backed by analytics,

• Shows how algorithms learn from engagement signals (just like social media platforms do), and

• Teaches marketers to interpret trends, not just follow them.

Another simple example : 

Run a small simulation in Python where I ranked content performance across social platforms using a weighted engagement algorithm:

engagement_score = (likes*0.3 + shares*0.4 + comments*0.3) * conversion_rate

Result?

TikTok and YouTube rise into a comfortable position - not just because of virality, but because they converted engagement into real outcomes.

Remember :

The future of marketing belongs to those who can bridge creativity and computation - storytellers who speak in both emotion and metrics. Algorithms will continue to evolve, but their purpose remains the same: to amplify what truly connects people.

So instead of asking, 

“How do I beat the algorithm?”, 

the real question should be, 

“How do I make the algorithm work with me?”

After all, the smartest marketers don’t fight the system - they understand it.

The Future Is Now: Why Agentic AI is the Sophisticated Tech to Watch in 2025 - Overview by Nik Zafri

At this moment in time, as I speak, one of the most compelling and impactful technologies emerging is Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AAI)

Agentic AI refers to systems that go beyond being passive “assistants” or co-pilots. These are intelligent agents capable of making decisions and taking actions with minimal human oversight.

1) SO, WHAT'S THE FUSS?

According to Gartner’s Top Technology Trends for 2025, agentic AI is ranked among the top transformative tech themes. 

The transition from “AI as co-pilot” to “AI as agent” signals a shift in how businesses and societies will work and compete. 

It touches multiple domains - automation, robotics, data, decision-making, human-machine collaboration making it highly strategic.

2) WHAT DOES IT UNLOCK?

• Efficiency and productivity: Agents can handle complex, dynamic tasks that go beyond scripted chatbots or rule-based automation,

• Innovation: New business models, service models and value chains emerge when intelligent agents act autonomously,

• Competitive Advantage: Early adopters will likely differentiate by how they embed agentic AI into workflows, products, services, and

• Ethical and Strategic Importance: Governance, trust, transparency and human oversight become critical as autonomy increases.

3) APPLICATION

• Operations : intelligent monitoring agents that learn, adapt and act in real-time,

• Customer Interaction: agents that proactively engage, personalize and even negotiate or transact on behalf of humans.  So no more struggling with traditional bots as they will be improved into AAI into new generation of autonomous digital agents,

• Strategic Decision Making: agents that simulate scenarios, propose actions, sometimes execute them under set controls, and

• Governance and Risk: embedding oversight about how agents behave, decisions they make, how humans remain in the loop.

Credit : Simform

4) QUICK CALL TO ACTION 

If you’re in leadership, strategy or innovation roles, now is the time to ask 4 important questions possibly will determine the future heading:

• How will agentic AI change our business model?
• What tasks or workflows could benefit from intelligent agents?
• What are the governance, trust and risk implications of deploying such agents? 
• How do we build competency now in data, algorithms, interfaces, human-agent collaboration?

5) CONCLUSION (?) - for now but I suppose more to come

In short, while many technologies vie for the “most sophisticated” label, agentic AI stands out in 2025 because it marks a turn from automation to autonomy, from assistance to agency. It isn’t just another “tool”, it’s a foundational shift.

If you’re thinking about what tech to invest in, explore, pilot or integrate this year and beyond, make agentic AI one of your top bets.

PROTECTING THE HONOUR OF THE UNIFORM : ADDRESSING ATM IMPERSONATION AND PUBLIC DECEPTION

Could you spot the real one?

Acknowledgement of Appreciation : I wish to extend sincere appreciation to the former Information Officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (J9 BHEA (PAD), distinguished members of the ex–Armed Forces fraternity, and officers from the former Intelligence Corps and other relevant enforcement agencies for their invaluable insights, factual verification, and professional guidance. Their continued commitment to upholding the honour and integrity of the nation’s defence institutions is both acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

As scams involving the impersonation of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel continue to escalate, questions arise about how public institutions can better verify identity and protect citizens. Beyond financial losses, these acts threaten the honour and credibility of genuine servicemen and veterans.

In the United States, the act of impersonating a member of the military is known as “stolen valour.” It is taken very seriously with some ex-Marines and law enforcement officers actively identifying and reporting offenders who falsely claim military service or wear uniforms they did not earn. 

In Malaysia, similar concerns are growing as individuals attempt to pass off as members of the Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), often for personal gain, social prestige, or to deceive the public. The need to recognize the difference between a real soldier and a fake one has therefore become increasingly important, not only to protect national image but also to uphold the dignity of those who have truly served.

The official and legal position in Malaysia

a. Only Authorized Personnel May Wear Armed Forces Uniforms

Under the Armed Forces Act 1972 (Act 77) and related regulations, wearing any uniform, insignia, or decoration of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) without lawful authority is prohibited.

This includes ministers, VIPs, or civilians unless they are:

• Commissioned or honorary officers, officially gazetted by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces); or

• Granted permission in writing by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for a specific ceremonial or official purpose.

b. When Non-Military VIPs May Wear Uniforms (Legally)

There are limited exceptions:

• Honorary Ranks: Some individuals (including ministers, royalty, or distinguished civilians) may be granted honorary military ranks by royal consent and through MINDEF’s recommendation, 
  
  
• Ceremonial or Joint Exercises: Civilian officials may wear designated attire (not actual service uniforms) during official joint exercises or remembrance events but these are usually clearly distinguished from operational uniforms.

c. Misuse or Impersonation

If a person wears a military uniform to gain influence, respect, or deceive others, it is an offence under:

• Section 140, Armed Forces Act 1972 – unlawful use of uniform or military emblems,

• Penal Code (Section 170) - impersonating a public servant or member of the armed forces,

Punishments may include fines and imprisonment.

d. Suppliers

Shops that sell military uniforms are required to obtain a special license from MINDEF and are strictly prohibited from selling such items to individuals without proper identification or official authorization or risk losing their licenses and blacklisted . Regular clothing retailers (online or offline), on the other hand, must ensure that their products do not replicate or closely resemble official military attire. Even footwear must not match the standard issue used by the armed forces.

8. ACTION/VERIFICATION

 If you want to verify someone’s veteran claim

• Ask for their JHEV Veteran Card (Kad Veteran ATM),

• Check with JHEV portal or hotline : they can confirm if the person is registered,

• Cross-check the unit or regiment name (e.g., 19 RAMD, 5 RRD, 10 PARA) : real veterans know details like location, motto, and camp names.

 9. COMMON FAKE EX-SOLDIER TRICKS

• Claims to be ex-Komando or ex-Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) : the most impersonated units,
• Uses veteran status to sell fake military gear or to gain trust in scam,
• Claims to have “high-level contacts” in MINDEF or the Palace,
• Tries to use “military language” to intimidate or sound authoritative.

One of the most common tactics used by fake ex-soldiers is to claim they suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often to gain sympathy, social status, or financial assistance. Some may even show edited photos or staged videos of themselves in military settings to appear convincing.

If such claims raise suspicion, the matter should be reported to the authorities such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) or the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)  for proper verification. With a court order, and in compliance with medical and confidentiality laws, the relevant agencies may verify the individual’s service and medical records through official army hospitals or other designated institutions.

This ensures that genuine veterans receive the respect and support they truly deserve, while impostors are held accountable for their deception.

10. REAL VETERANS

They rarely need to prove their service. You’ll sense it from their: (some things cannot be faked, it comes naturally with veterans)

• Discipline,
• Humility,
• Patriotism without boasting,
• Brotherhood with other ex-servicemen

11. CONCLUSION

The growing trend of impersonation involving members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) is not merely a criminal act of deception, but an affront to the honour, discipline, and sacrifice of those who have truly served the nation.

In contrast, fake soldiers often imitate what they see in movies or television dramas, mistaking fiction for reality. or they may be influenced by relatives or friends who serve in the armed forces, leading them to mimic what they only partially understand.

But the truth is - the real deal is nothing like what’s shown on screen or superficial understanding of seeing relatives or friends. Military life is built on honour, hardship, and unwavering commitment, not theatrics or borrowed glory.

Public awareness, coupled with institutional vigilance, remains our best defence against such exploitation. It is therefore essential that every claim of military affiliation be verified through proper channels, and that the public continue to respect genuine servicemen and veterans who uphold the dignity of the uniform. In protecting the integrity of the ATM, we also safeguard the trust, pride, and unity that form the foundation of our national security.