15/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 15, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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M’sian creates history with Apple recognition honour o Software engineer among 50 globally to be included in developer programme by tech giant

RM5 million to enhance appeal of museums National Unity Ministry has opened applications for the 2026 Museum Matching Grant, with an initial allocation of RM5 million in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. In a statement, the ministry said applications are open until July 30 and agencies, institutions and organisations are invited to submit proposals. The ministry said the grant aims to encourage participation from the corporate sector, philanthropists and cultural experts to ensure that the National Museum would remain relevant and competitive, attracting both domestic and international visitors. “Among the objectives of the initiative are to revitalise the museum through upgraded facilities and amenities, including improved landscaping, enhanced galleries and the use of new technologies in the display of collections and exhibition presentations. “This approach intends to provide visitors with fresh experiences while enhancing the preservation and conservation of museum collections and related activities,“ it said. The ministry added that collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial to help preserve the nation’s history and identity for future generations. Guidelines, application procedures and relevant forms are available on the official Museums Department website. For further information, the public may contact the department at 03-2267 1000, extension 177 or 251. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The

pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science at Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam. Hasif said over the years, he has developed several apps, including Amalan Mukmin, Vacay, Hidayah App, Lylyn App and Bantu App, with some gaining strong traction locally, especially the Bantu App during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his professional career, Hasif helped build the Boost Business app from the ground-up and was among the pioneer engineers at GXBank, Malaysia’s first digital bank, before joining Grab to develop products used by millions across the region. Reflecting on his journey, Hasif said one of the biggest challenges he faced as a developer was adapting to the rapidly evolving technology industry, with much of his learning coming through self-learning, trial and error and independently solving technical issues. Hasif believes his efforts in fostering the local developer community caught Apple’s attention, particularly through the co-founding of SwiftLah! in April 2025 as a community initiative for iOS developers and Apple enthusiasts in Malaysia. The group has since grown from seven members to over 200 through regular meetups, technical sharing sessions and networking events. “I think Apple values not only developers who build products, but also developers who contribute back to the ecosystem and help grow the community around them. “Malaysia has a lot of talented developers who are capable of building world-class products. “The challenge is usually not talent but exposure, opportunities and access to the right platforms and communities,” he said.

KUALA Software engineer Mohammad Hasif Afiq has made history as the first Malaysian to be featured in Apple’s newly introduced Developer Recognition programme. The 30-year-old, who serves as a senior iOS engineer at Grab, is among about 50 developers and community leaders recognised globally in the initiative’s inaugural batch. Hasif described the recognition from the global tech giant as a surreal and emotional moment, after being notified via an official email from Apple’s Developer Relations team on Wednesday. “My first reaction was complete disbelief. I genuinely thought I had read it wrongly, so I reread the email a few times before immediately going to the Apple Developer website to confirm it. “Once it finally sank in, I was shocked, excited and deeply grateful at the same time. Knowing that I was the only Malaysian featured made the moment even more surreal and emotional for me,” he told Bernama. He said the first people he shared the news with were his wife and parents. Hasif said the recognition represents more than just a personal achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the Malaysian developer ecosystem. LUMPUR:

Hasif said the recognition represents more than just a personal achievement and described it as a proud moment for the Malaysian developer ecosystem. – BERNAMAPIC

showcase their work and contribute to the global developer community. Talent exists everywhere, including Malaysia and I believe this recognition shows that our work can also gain international attention.” Hasif said his interest in app development began at the age of 17, driven by a fascination with Apple’s technology, which led him to build small projects through self-learning and experimentation before

“Being featured by Apple means a lot to me personally because it represents recognition from a company and ecosystem that has inspired me throughout my journey as a developer. Apple has always set a very high standard for innovation, creativity and user experience, so to be acknowledged by them is truly an honour. “I hope this can inspire more Malaysian developers to confidently

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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