Software testing: Time for industry to play greater role

• Govt intervention has led to industry growth; but programmes are going to be reduced
• Software Testing Straight Talk forum on Nov 19-20 for stakeholders to give feedback

GOVERNMENT intervention has led to the growth of Malaysia’s software testing industry, but industry players must keep the momentum going and drive towards self-sustainability as such intervention programmes, by design, will eventually be reduced to a minimum if not totally ceased, according to the Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB).
 
Programmes to promote appreciation and adoption of Software Quality Assurance (SQA) practices and to facilitate the creation of environment conducive for industry growth are on track, MSTB said in a statement.
 
The ecosystem is starting to take shape but stakeholders must to play greater role to ‘stitch’ the ready components into a sustainable ecosystem, said Mastura Abu Samah (pic), president of the MSTB, an industry-driven national body.
 
Since 2009, various programmes have been introduced under the Malaysia Software Testing Hub (MSTH) initiative, a public-private collaboration helmed by MSTB., to develop and enhance the elements necessary for a sustainable software testing ecosystem to take shape, she said.
 
These include areas of capability development for current and future software test professionals, cross-industries awareness, demand generation and supply market readiness, as well as incentives, policies and legal frameworks.
 
Most recent is the revision of the Public Sector IT Procurement guidelines where Independent Verification and Validation (IVV) for software is to be included in IT projects by government organisations.
 
“We are definitely seeing a growing demand for certified software testers as evident by several open tenders having specific requirements on IVV services,” said Mastura.
 
In anticipation of further growth in demand, we are working to ensure that there is a healthy supply of services to meet this demand through the MSTH IVV Cluster development programme,” she added.
 
Straight-talking forum
 
The Software Testing Straight Talk (STST) 2013, a national-level forum on software testing being held at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel from Nov 19-20, will provide the platform for relevant and interested parties give feedback on existing programmes and prove input for future development programmes.
 
Having the theme of Realising the Ecosystem, STST 2013 is jointly organised by the MSTB, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Standards Malaysia under the MSTH initiative. The annual forum was first introduced in 2010.
 
“Moving forward, refinements are necessary and new initiatives may be needed,” said Mastura.
 
“STST forum is the platform for stakeholders to highlight their needs and interests. They should take the opportunity to provide input for these refinements and new plans,” she added.
 
Related Stories:
 
Building blocks for software testing niche coming together
 
Software testing getting visibility boost
 
Preparing IT graduates for careers in software testing
 
 
For more technology news and the latest updates, follow @dnewsasia on Twitter or Like us on Facebook.