PETALING JAYA: Integrated computer systems design company Willowglen MSC Bhd is looking to capitalise on sustainable developments in various industries using advanced Scada with data processing and analysation capabilities.

       In accordance with the Malaysian and Singaporean governments’ support towards the growth of the sustainable energy industry, the company believes there will be more business opportunities for solar power systems, alternative power systems, electric vehicle charging facilities and other energy recovery systems.

       Additionally, the company is also looking forward to integrate its Scada system into new buildings or facilities, as well as existing buildings and factories, to help achieve the green building mark.

       “The growth in the electronics and precision engineering industry supported by increased global demand for semiconductor and semiconductor equipment respectively has created demands for new buildings or facilities that require our solutions,” it said in its annual report 2021.

       The company said advanced Scada will make use of ready solutions such as machine learning, deep learning and neutral networks processing.

       This is to upgrade its offerings to integrated supervisory and control system (ISCS) and integrated security systems with more advanced features or functions for its clients.

       However, cybersecurity in system design and deployment will be required as more network connectivity between various kind of systems from operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) enterprise systems.

       “Critical systems will constantly enhance or upgrade their network and systems with relevant cyber security protection solutions so as to mitigate the potential risks of disruption,” it said in the report.

       “Ensuring cybersecurity in Scada and physical security for devices continues to be a key concern,” it added.

       Moving forward, the company will continue to pursue for business opportunities in the transportation, power, flood mitigation and water markets.

       The company said it will develop new hardware and community-driven solutions along with their strategic partners using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, Internet of things (IoT), robotics and other means to merge with sensor data.

       “Income from maintenance will continue to contribute a substantial portion of the earnings of the company,” it said.

       In 2021, the group invested RM4.45mil in research and development activities.

       “Willowglen has identified AI features such as image recognition and detection, and industrial data analytics as important for industrial application,” it said.

       The group is said to be working with experts to develop ISCS and AI solutions for its clients.

       In addition, there is a dedicated team that is conducting proof of concept projects with industry leaders in security and transportation to verify the suitability of the solution.

       Meanwhile, another development includes the company’s flagship software, Xentral 7.

       It is being designed as an ISCS software where it can function as both Scada master and control centre software.

       “The Xentral 7 has features that support seamless integration with other operational and IT subsystems such as cloud applications and edge devices.

       “This allows operators to use a single unified interface to all their operational systems,” it said.

       There will also be a new remote terminal unit or RTU released in the second quarter of this year, according to the company.

       The company recorded a 17.21% increase in revenue to RM171.30mil in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2021 compared with RM146.15mil in the previous year.

       However, its profit reduced by 16.24% to RM15.22mil from RM18.17mil in the previous financial year, mainly due to lower contribution from its associate in Canada and lower government grants received in the current financial year compared to 2020.

       The company’s main markets continue to be Malaysia and Singapore.

       The Singapore operations contributed 70.30% of the firm’s revenue.

       “Revenue contributed by the Malaysia and Singapore operations has increased by 18.36% and 16.74% respectively compared to the last financial year,” it said.

       “Contribution from our associate in Canada has reduced to RM910,000 compared with RM3.97mil in the last financial year.

       “This was mainly due to a one-off sale of software licences to a customer in 2020,” it added.

       In terms of operations, the company is busy implementing projects on hand to catch up with the delay in project schedule as a result of the movement controls in Malaysia.

       According to the company, it has continued to pursue opportunities in the transportation, power and water industries. It said a few higher value sales orders only came in after the current financial year.