Scicom pursues overseas border technology contracts with financing model
The company could finance much or all of a project's initial development, then earn transaction-based revenue during the concession.
Scicom (MSC) Bhd is seeking government contracts for immigration and border technology in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa, offering a financing structure intended to reduce governments' upfront spending, chief executive officer Datuk Seri Leo Ariyanayakam said.
Speaking to Bernama, Leo said Scicom could, where appropriate, finance a substantial share or potentially the whole initial development under a public-private arrangement. The company would earn its return from transaction-based revenue during the concession.
Leo said the company's platform covers immigration controls, biometrics, travel documentation, visas and permits, passenger screening, enforcement and case management. It also incorporates artificial intelligence to help assess traveller risk.
GovTech already makes a significant contribution to Scicom's business and earnings, according to Leo, who expects its share to increase in the coming years. He said concession-based platforms could provide recurring or transaction-linked income over extended periods.
Leo acknowledged that the approach requires careful balance-sheet management and patience: government purchasing processes can be lengthy, while investment comes before revenue. He said Scicom was prepared for that commitment under its strategy leading into 2030.
For FY26, ending June 30, 2026, Scicom reported net profit of RM46.927 million, compared with RM20.63 million in FY25. Revenue reached RM301.80 million, against RM198.59 million a year earlier.
