WaveJak: Sarawak introduces contactless palm vein AI system

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 4: Sarawak has unveiled WaveJak, a pioneering palm vein AI system which allows users to access services simply by scanning their palm — no need for phones, wallets, cards, or touching any surface.

The launch was officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the “Senior Citizen – We Care For You” programme held at Taman Sukma Multipurpose Hall here today.

Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the new innovation provides a practical solution for situations when people forget their phones or cards, or when machines fail to read codes or information.

“You may forget your phone, or your wallet, or card, but you will not forget your palm,” she said in her speech.

She also said WaveJak provides a high level of security as palm vein AI is well-recognised for its effectiveness in preventing scams and identity theft.

“Similar technology is already being used in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Japan, Singapore, China and Korea.

“WaveJak brings this innovation to Sarawak and is the first of its kind in Malaysia. This positions Sarawak as keeping pace with global smart AI technology trends,” she added.

Meanwhile, WaveJak project manager Nicholas Chan explained that the system identifies users solely through the veins in their palms, making it highly secure and contactless.

“In the past, people relied on MyCards, facial scans, or fingerprints, but each has its limitations. Cards get forgotten, faces can be masked, and touching scanners raises hygiene concerns.

“With WaveJak, you simply hover your palm over the scanner. It reads the veins beneath the skin, so even photos or 3D-printed hands won’t work,” he stressed.

Chan further highlighted that many senior citizens tend to forget bringing their wallet or MyCard — especially when they need to access benefits like the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC).

“With WaveJak, we are linking KGC members’ identities with their palm veins.

“In the future, if a member goes to a strategic partner like Normah Medical Centre or PMG Mydin and forgets their wallet, they just hover their hand over the palm scanner. The system instantly recognises them and applies their KGC benefits,” he explained.

Chan further said that WaveJak is set to enter a pilot phase with the Ministry, though details are still being finalised.

“We are preparing a pilot programme to test WaveJak and roll it out to more merchants,” he said.

Asked about the timeline for full rollout, Chan said it’s still to be determined.

“We need to finalise the success criteria and the rollout volume with the Ministry, so stay tuned for that. The pilot has just started very recently.

“But I think it’s going to be great because we’re trying to do it not just within Kuching, maybe elsewhere as well,” he added.

Developed by Socoe Holdings and powered by their technology partner Tencent, WaveJak is designed for inclusivity and real-world reliability. The palm-based identification remains consistent over time and works under various conditions, including wet hands, low-light environments, and as users age. Equipped with advanced anti-spoofing technology, WaveJak offers a high level of security, surpassing traditional fingerprint and facial recognition systems.

WaveJak has already partnered with key service providers, including Normah Medical Specialist Centre and PMG Healthcare Group, to provide seamless access to Kenyalang Gold Card benefits for senior citizens. – DayakDaily

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