ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 Certification in Malaysia – Translation Services, AI Post-Editing, Cost and Requirements

SCS Certification – Malaysia Office

SCS Certification
Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

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Enquiry: Contact SCS Certification

Malaysia's translation and language-services market is becoming more technology-driven. Translation companies now handle everything from technical manuals and corporate documents to software, websites, product information and multilingual digital content.

At the same time, machine translation and AI-supported language tools are being used for high-volume projects. This creates a practical need for companies to clearly define how translation work is performed, reviewed and delivered to customers.

ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 address two related but different areas.

ISO 17100:2015 specifies requirements for translation services, including relevant processes and resources used by translation service providers. ISO states that the use of raw machine-translation output followed by post-editing is outside the scope of ISO 17100:2015.

ISO 18587:2017 focuses on the process of full human post-editing of machine-translation output and the competence of post-editors.

For Malaysian translation agencies, localization providers and businesses offering AI-assisted language services, understanding this distinction is important before deciding which certification route is appropriate.

Get ISO 17100 or ISO 18587 Certification in Malaysia

For certification requirements, scope and quotation, contact SCS:

http://www.scscertification.com/contactus.php

What Is ISO 17100 Certification in Malaysia?

ISO 17100 is an international standard specifically addressing translation services.

For a Malaysian translation service provider, certification can demonstrate that its defined translation activities are managed through an appropriate and controlled process.

The standard addresses the core processes, resources and other aspects needed for the delivery of a quality translation service that meets applicable specifications.

Depending on the organization's activities, this can involve areas such as:

• Customer requirements
• Translation project management
• Translator competence
• Revision
• Linguistic resources
• Technical resources
• Project records
• Customer feedback
• Complaint handling
• Corrective action

The important point is that ISO 17100 is concerned with the translation service process, rather than simply whether an individual can speak or write another language.

What Is ISO 18587 Certification in Malaysia?

ISO 18587 addresses a more specific activity: full human post-editing of machine-translation output.

ISO 18587:2017 states that it provides requirements for full human post-editing of machine translation output and post-editors' competences. It is intended for translation service providers, clients and post-editors and applies to content processed by machine-translation systems.

A typical workflow might look like this:

Customer content → Machine translation → Human post-editing → Quality review → Final delivery

The human post-editor is responsible for examining the machine-generated output and improving it so that the finished translation meets the applicable requirements.

This can include checking:

• Meaning
• Grammar
• Terminology
• Context
• Consistency
• Names
• Numbers
• Technical terminology
• Customer instructions
• Readability

ISO 17100 vs ISO 18587

The distinction between the two standards should be clear before a Malaysian company begins certification.

ISO 17100 is therefore not simply an alternative name for ISO 18587. They address different activities.

Which Malaysian Companies Should Consider ISO 17100?

ISO 17100 can be relevant to Malaysian organizations providing professional translation services, including:

• Translation agencies
• Language-service providers
• Localization companies
• Technical translation providers
• Corporate translation providers
• Software localization businesses
• Multilingual content providers
• Specialist translation companies

The most important consideration is the actual service being delivered.

A company in Kuala Lumpur providing technical English-to-Malay translation has a different operating model from a company using machine translation and then performing human post-editing on thousands of product descriptions.

The certification scope should reflect that difference.

Which Malaysian Companies Should Consider ISO 18587?

ISO 18587 can be relevant to Malaysian organizations that provide full human post-editing of machine-generated translation.

Potential users include:

• AI-assisted language-service providers
• Localization companies
• High-volume translation providers
• Digital-content localization businesses
• Multilingual website providers
• E-commerce content providers
• Technology-enabled translation businesses

ISO 18587 should not be described as a certification of an AI application or machine-translation engine. Its focus is the human post-editing process and the competence of the post-editor.

Why ISO 17100 Matters for Malaysian Translation Businesses

Malaysia has a broad business base that creates demand for multilingual content.

Translation providers may support companies involved in:

• Electronics
• Semiconductors
• Manufacturing
• Medical devices
• Technology
• Logistics
• Financial services
• E-commerce
• Professional services
• International trade

A translation project for a semiconductor manufacturer can involve highly technical documentation.

A financial-services customer may require corporate or business documents.

An e-commerce company may need thousands of product descriptions.

The language requirements are different, but the common business challenge is the same: the translation provider needs a reliable way to manage customer requirements and deliver the agreed service.

ISO 17100 for Kuala Lumpur Translation Companies

Kuala Lumpur is a major centre for Malaysian corporate and professional services.

Translation companies operating in Kuala Lumpur may work with:

• Financial institutions
• Technology companies
• Professional-services firms
• International businesses
• Corporate headquarters
• Digital businesses
• E-commerce companies

For these providers, ISO 17100 can be considered where professional translation services form part of the organization's defined business activities.

The certification scope should identify the actual translation services being assessed rather than simply stating that the company is a “translation business.”

ISO 17100 for Selangor Businesses

Selangor provides another important market for translation-service providers because of its manufacturing, commercial, logistics and technology activities.

Relevant business areas include:

• Shah Alam
• Petaling Jaya
• Subang Jaya
• Klang
• Cyberjaya

A translation company supporting manufacturers may handle technical documents, operating instructions and training material.

A provider working with technology businesses may instead handle software content, websites or digital documentation.

ISO 17100 can provide a framework for managing applicable translation-service processes across these different projects.

ISO 17100 for Penang Translation Providers

Penang has a strong connection with Malaysia's electronics and semiconductor industries.

Translation providers working around:

• George Town
• Bayan Lepas
• Batu Kawan

may encounter specialist technical content.

Examples include:

• Equipment documentation
• Engineering information
• Product specifications
• Training material
• Manufacturing documentation
• Supplier information
• Technical instructions

In this environment, terminology and reviewer competence can matter just as much as basic language accuracy.

ISO 17100 can therefore be relevant to translation providers serving technical customers when the applicable requirements fit their service model.

ISO 18587 for Johor Bahru and Iskandar

Johor has significant cross-border commercial activity, particularly around the Johor-Singapore economic corridor.

Translation providers serving businesses in:

• Johor Bahru
• Iskandar Puteri
• Pasir Gudang
• Senai
• Sedenak

may support multilingual business communication, websites, product information and digital content.

Where a company uses machine translation as part of its delivery model and provides full human post-editing, ISO 18587 may be relevant.

ISO 18587 for Malaysian E-Commerce Content

E-commerce companies can generate very large volumes of language content.

A business may have:

• Product descriptions
• Product specifications
• Category pages
• Customer-support information
• Website content
• Search information
• Marketing content

Machine translation can help process large volumes, but machine output may still require human attention.

A post-editor may need to identify an incorrect product description, inappropriate terminology or wording that does not make sense in the target market.

For a language-service provider selling this type of service, ISO 18587 can be a relevant certification consideration.

ISO 17100 for Malaysian Manufacturing Translation

Manufacturing businesses frequently work with technical documents.

A translation provider may be asked to translate:

• Work instructions
• Equipment manuals
• Product information
• Technical specifications
• Supplier documents
• Employee training material
• Corporate documentation

The provider needs to understand what the customer expects before the work starts.

That can include the target audience, terminology, delivery format, deadline and review requirements.

A structured translation-service process can help manage those requirements.

ISO 17100 for Medical and Healthcare Translation

Malaysian healthcare and medical-device organizations can require specialist language services.

Translation projects may include:

• Technical information
• Product documentation
• Training material
• Corporate documents
• User information

ISO 17100 can be relevant to the translation-service provider.

However, certification to ISO 17100 does not replace any Malaysian healthcare, medical-device, regulatory or legal requirements that may apply to a particular document.

The intended use of the translated material should therefore be considered separately.

Malaysia Personal Data Protection Considerations

Translation projects can sometimes involve information that should be handled carefully.

Depending on the project, a language-service provider could receive:

• Employee information
• Customer information
• Contracts
• Contact details
• Financial information
• Commercial documents
• Other confidential material

Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act 2010, Act 709, establishes a legal framework for personal-data protection in commercial transactions. The official Personal Data Protection Department also publishes information concerning the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 and related regulations and guidance.

This becomes particularly relevant when translation workflows involve external cloud systems, machine-translation platforms or AI-based tools.

A translation company should consider practical questions such as:

• What information is being submitted?
• Who can access the information?
• Where is information stored?
• How long is information retained?
• What does the customer contract require?
• Are external technology providers involved?
• What Malaysian data-protection requirements apply?

ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 should not be presented as substitutes for Malaysian privacy legislation.

ISO 17100 Certification Requirements in Malaysia

The exact requirements depend on the organization's activities and certification scope.

A translation-service provider should be prepared to explain how it manages areas such as:

Customer Requirements

The organization should establish what the customer expects from the translation project.

This can include:

• Source language
• Target language
• Subject matter
• Intended audience
• Terminology
• Formatting
• Delivery requirements
• Confidentiality requirements

Translator Competence

The people assigned to translation work should have competence appropriate to the assignment.

Specialist technical content may require different knowledge from general business material.

Translation Process

The organization should have a defined process for receiving, assigning, translating, checking and delivering work.

Revision and Review

The organization should determine how completed translations are checked against applicable requirements.

Terminology Management

Specialist customers may have approved terminology that needs to be maintained consistently across projects.

Customer Feedback

Customer comments, complaints and other feedback should be handled systematically.

ISO 18587 Requirements in Malaysia

For companies providing human post-editing, the workflow should be clear.

A practical process can involve:

Source content → Machine translation → Human post-editing → Review → Final delivery

The organization should be able to demonstrate how post-editors are selected and how their competence relates to the work they perform.

For example, a person post-editing semiconductor documentation may need specialist knowledge that is not necessary for general consumer content.

ISO 17100 Certification Process in Malaysia

A Malaysian company can approach certification through a structured preparation process.

1. Define the Certification Scope

Identify the translation services that the organization wants covered.

2. Review Existing Processes

Examine how translation projects are currently received, assigned, translated, reviewed and delivered.

3. Identify Gaps

Compare existing arrangements with the applicable requirements.

4. Implement Improvements

Address identified gaps and establish appropriate controls and records.

5. Operate the Process

The system should be used as part of normal business operations.

6. Review Readiness

Conduct appropriate internal checks before the certification assessment.

7. Certification Assessment

The certification body evaluates the organization against the applicable requirements and agreed scope.

8. Address Nonconformities

If issues are identified, the organization addresses them through the applicable certification process.

9. Certification Decision

After successful completion of the required process, certification can be issued for the agreed scope.

ISO 18587 Certification Process in Malaysia

The process is similar in overall structure, but the organization must clearly demonstrate its human post-editing activities.

The business should be able to explain:

• How machine translation is used
• Where human post-editing begins
• Who performs the post-editing
• How competence is established
• How post-editing quality is checked
• How customer requirements are controlled
• How records are maintained

The certification scope should accurately describe the activity being assessed.

ISO 17100 Certification Cost in Malaysia

There is no single fixed price for ISO 17100 certification in Malaysia.

The quotation can depend on:

• Company size
• Number of employees
• Number of locations
• Certification scope
• Complexity of services
• Existing management arrangements
• Audit requirements

A small Kuala Lumpur translation company and a larger multilingual service provider with several operating locations should not automatically expect the same certification cost.

For an accurate quotation, the company should provide its actual business details and proposed scope.

ISO 18587 Certification Cost in Malaysia

ISO 18587 certification costs can similarly vary.

Factors may include:

• Number of employees
• Number of post-editors
• Number of locations
• Machine-translation workflow
• Service scope
• Existing processes
• Certification assessment requirements

If a business wants to consider both ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, it should mention both standards when requesting a quotation.

How Long Does ISO Certification Take in Malaysia?

There is no universal certification timeline.

A company with established procedures, competent personnel and appropriate records may be better prepared than an organization developing its processes for the first time.

The preparation period can depend on:

• Company size
• Scope
• Number of locations
• Existing processes
• Employee competence
• Operational complexity
• Readiness

A certification provider can provide a more useful estimate after reviewing the organization's actual circumstances.

Is ISO 17100 Mandatory in Malaysia?

ISO 17100 should not be described as a universal legal requirement for every Malaysian translation company.

A customer, tender, supplier-qualification process or international business relationship may require or prefer certification.

The specific requirement should always be checked against the applicable contract or tender.

Is ISO 18587 Mandatory in Malaysia?

ISO 18587 is also not a universal legal requirement for all Malaysian translation companies.

Its relevance depends on the services provided and the commercial requirements of customers.

Companies using machine translation followed by full human post-editing can consider whether certification is appropriate for their business model.

Current Status of ISO 17100 and ISO 18587

Businesses preparing certification content in 2026 should pay attention to the current status of these standards.

ISO currently lists ISO 17100:2015 as the published standard, while ISO/AWI 17100 is under development as a future replacement.

ISO also lists ISO 18587:2017 as the published standard, while ISO/DIS 18587 is currently under development.

The draft documents should therefore not be presented as though they are already the final published editions.

What Should a Malaysian Translation Company Prepare?

Before approaching SCS or another certification provider, it is useful to prepare basic company information.

For example:

• Company name
• Business location
• Number of employees
• Number of operating locations
• Translation languages
• Translation services
• Machine-translation activities
• Human post-editing activities
• Customer industries
• Existing procedures
• Proposed certification scope

This information helps establish whether ISO 17100, ISO 18587 or both standards should be considered.

Why Certification Scope Matters

Certification should describe the activities that the organization actually performs.

For example:

Example 1 – Translation provider

A Malaysian company provides professional English-to-Bahasa Malaysia technical translation.

Its certification scope should reflect its applicable translation services.

Example 2 – AI-assisted provider

A company uses machine translation and provides full human post-editing.

ISO 18587 may be relevant to that activity.

Example 3 – Combined provider

A language-service company provides conventional professional translation as well as human post-editing of machine-generated output.

The organization may consider both standards where applicable.

A clearly defined scope reduces confusion and gives prospective customers a better understanding of what the certification covers.

Benefits of ISO 17100 for Malaysian Translation Companies

When properly implemented, certification can help a translation business establish a more organized service process.

Potential benefits include:

• Better control of customer requirements
• Defined responsibilities
• Structured competence management
• More consistent translation processes
• Improved terminology management
• Defined review activities
• Better project records
• More systematic customer feedback handling

The commercial value is strongest when certification reflects genuine improvements in the company's day-to-day service.

Benefits of ISO 18587 for Malaysian AI-Assisted Translation Providers

For businesses using machine translation, the human element remains important.

ISO 18587 can help organizations establish a more structured approach to:

• Post-editor competence
• Human review
• Post-editing responsibilities
• Customer requirements
• Quality controls
• Project records

It is important to keep the terminology accurate: ISO 18587 is not certification of an AI system. It addresses human post-editing of machine-translation output and post-editor competence.

ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 for Malaysian Business Locations

Businesses across Malaysia can evaluate these standards according to their activities.

Potential locations include:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Petaling Jaya
• Shah Alam
• Subang Jaya
• Klang
• Cyberjaya
• George Town
• Bayan Lepas
• Batu Kawan
• Johor Bahru
• Iskandar Puteri
• Pasir Gudang
• Senai
• Melaka
• Ipoh
• Kuching
• Kota Kinabalu

The location itself does not determine whether certification is appropriate.

The important consideration is the organization's translation or human post-editing activities and the certification scope requested.

Get ISO 17100 or ISO 18587 Certification in Malaysia

If your company operates as a translation agency, language-service provider, localization company or AI-assisted human post-editing provider, the first step is to define exactly what your business delivers.

SCS can discuss the applicable certification requirements based on:

• Your services
• Organization size
• Locations
• Number of employees
• Translation workflow
• Machine-translation use
• Human post-editing activities
• Proposed certification scope

Start Your ISO Certification Enquiry

For ISO 17100 or ISO 18587 certification requirements and quotation in Malaysia:

http://www.scscertification.com/contactus.php

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