(Kuching, 5th) Sarawak has taken a significant step forward in its digitalization process by officially launching Malaysia's first artificial intelligence (AI)-based contactless identity verification technology—WaveJak.
This technology is specifically designed to enhance both the convenience and security of identity verification for senior citizens.
This highly impactful initiative was launched by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi and the First Lady, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah, yesterday at the Athletes' Village Garden Multi-Purpose Hall, in conjunction with the 'Senior Citizen: We CARE for You' event.
Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that WaveJak is an innovative product by local tech company SOCOE Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (SOCOE), aimed at providing practical and secure solutions for daily life—especially for the elderly.
She said that the Palm Vein AI technology enables identity verification simply by scanning the palm veins, without the need to carry a phone, card, or make any physical contact.
“You might forget to bring your phone or wallet, but you will never forget to bring your own hand. Most importantly, WaveJak offers extremely high security, as AI palm vein technology is widely recognized for its effectiveness in preventing scams and identity theft. Similar technologies are already in use in the UAE (Dubai), Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea. WaveJak is bringing this innovation to Sarawak, making it a first in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, WaveJak Project Manager Nicholas Chan explained that the platform confirms identity by recognizing the palm vein pattern, making it even more secure than traditional methods, including MyKad, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition.
“With the WaveJak we launched today, all you have to do is 'wave' (WaveJak)—simply hover your palm above the scanner without making contact, and it will identify who you are. Its principle is not just taking an image of the hand, but it can scan deeply into the veins of the palm to recognize identity. For example, even if someone takes a photo of your hand or 3D prints it, those won't work, because the system needs to identify your palm and its internal vein patterns.”
He further revealed that WaveJak will be implemented gradually through pilot programs in collaboration with various departments, including integration with the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), allowing seniors to access benefits without carrying a physical card.
This technology is specifically designed to enhance both the convenience and security of identity verification for senior citizens.
This highly impactful initiative was launched by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi and the First Lady, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah, yesterday at the Athletes' Village Garden Multi-Purpose Hall, in conjunction with the 'Senior Citizen: We CARE for You' event.
She said that the Palm Vein AI technology enables identity verification simply by scanning the palm veins, without the need to carry a phone, card, or make any physical contact.
“You might forget to bring your phone or wallet, but you will never forget to bring your own hand. Most importantly, WaveJak offers extremely high security, as AI palm vein technology is widely recognized for its effectiveness in preventing scams and identity theft. Similar technologies are already in use in the UAE (Dubai), Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea. WaveJak is bringing this innovation to Sarawak, making it a first in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, WaveJak Project Manager Nicholas Chan explained that the platform confirms identity by recognizing the palm vein pattern, making it even more secure than traditional methods, including MyKad, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition.
“With the WaveJak we launched today, all you have to do is 'wave' (WaveJak)—simply hover your palm above the scanner without making contact, and it will identify who you are. Its principle is not just taking an image of the hand, but it can scan deeply into the veins of the palm to recognize identity. For example, even if someone takes a photo of your hand or 3D prints it, those won't work, because the system needs to identify your palm and its internal vein patterns.”
He further revealed that WaveJak will be implemented gradually through pilot programs in collaboration with various departments, including integration with the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), allowing seniors to access benefits without carrying a physical card.