Gamification in Malaysia: A Potential Game Changer

Gamification is 75% Psychology and 25% Technology – Gabe Zichermann

What is Gamification?

Contrary to popular belief, the term “Gamification” does not mean building games for business purposes. However, it is no surprise that many think that way. Gamification is a technological buzzword like e-learning and real-time. The problem with buzzwords is that, more of that not people read very little about them. This leads to not fully understanding the word. However, gamification is simple. Gabe Zichermann, the world’s foremost expert on the matter, defines gamification as the “process of using Game Thinking and Game Dynamics to engage audiences and solve problems”.  

Gamification in Malaysia

Gamification is making waves in the western countries, with many organizations able to testify to its effectiveness. Comparatively, here in the east, especially in Malaysia, gamification is not a popular method of choice. However, Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) is looking to change that. MDec is encouraging companies to adopt gamification as they believe it is a potentially disruptive technology that can transform their businesses. Correspondingly, they are also encouraging Malaysian ICT companies to explore the gamification market.

MDeC COO Ng Wan Peng states that Malaysia is in the early stages of incorporating gamification into the workplace. She goes on to state that there are opportunities for growth should the companies choose to tap into gamification. Furthermore, Ng further states that gamification can be a significant tool for Malaysia. She explains that it is a disruptive model. Companies that are involved in game development, entertainment, digital animation and others have an opportunity to tap into bigger markets.

Gamification is incredibly versatile and effective. It presents an opportunity for companies in the creative fields to diversify beyond just entertainment. Moreover, it allows them to venture into new industries. In Malaysia, MDeC believes gamification has the potential to transform five industries; education, healthcare, industrial, oil and gas and the finance sector.
 

Gamification Examples in Malaysia

  1. Standard Chartered Bank recently introduced mobile gamification that instantly rewards clients when they shop. This allows them to engage with its users digitally and evaluate customer loyalty. The bank is able to engage its clients while rewarding them since combining mobile gamification with shopping.
  2. Terato Tech incorporate gamification techniques in their applications. Their fitness app, Move and Burn and F&B app,Slurp both have gamification elements within them.
  3. Nettium, an e-commerce solutions provider, developed the Atas system. In essence, it is a gamified performance management system. Atas involves the issuing of badges to staff for their achievements or milestones. 

In conclusion, gamification in Malaysia is at its infancy but it has enormous potential to be a game changer. In the years to come, gamification could be creating big waves, not just in Malaysia but in eastern countries.

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