Maxis celebrates successful inauguration of eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme, unveils new digital learning platform

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  • Out of the 60 individuals, one-third managed to increase their profits
  • Aims to provide participants with modern abilities to grow their business online

Maxis eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme graduates with (front row) representatives from the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Maxis Management team, and Institute of Continuing Education & Professional Studies (iCEPS), Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Maxis just celebrated the completion of the captain population of its eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme — a three-month modern mentoring program aimed at empowering micro, small and medium business ( MSME) companies. Launched in December 2024, the complimentary program equips participants with important online marketing skills to grow their businesses online, integrating useful applications, coaching, and performance tracking.

The annual group comprised 60 companies from the Central place, who received instruction on leveraging digital platforms and building value online relationship. Notably, by the end of the programme, one-third of the participants successfully doubled their revenue.

Three graduates were specially recognised for their outstanding revenue growth, achieved through effective use of web and social media channels. Following these promising results, Maxis announced that the programme would be expanded to include entrepreneurs in additional regions, starting with the East Coast, Southern region, and Sabah.

The graduation ceremony, themed” Kuasai Digital, Lonjakkan Kejayaan” ( Master Digital, Leap to Success ), was officiated by Noor Afifah binti Abdul Razak, deputy secretary general ( Policy and Monitoring ) of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.

Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said:” We take pride in empowering Malaysian entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence they need to tap into digital opportunities. Our goal is to provide MSMEs with fundamental digital skills and resources to support their business growth. This is especially vital for underserved entrepreneurs, as digital platforms become increasingly critical to staying competitive in the economy”.

During the ceremony, Maxis also launched the Maxis eKelas Usahawan Learning Portal, a comprehensive digital platform offering curated learning materials. Designed for self-paced learning in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, the portal includes videos, toolkits, templates, and guides to support continuous learning. The initiative aims to provide long-term, accessible digital training to all entrepreneurs, regardless of background or location.

The accelerator programme and learning portal form part of Maxis ‘ flagship eKelas Usahawan initiative, which seeks to equip entrepreneurs—particularly those from the B40 group—with the digital tools and skills necessary to enhance their online presence. Since its launch in March 2021, Maxis eKelas Usahawan has trained more than 10, 000 entrepreneurs nationwide.

Through this initiative, entrepreneurs gain knowledge in expanding their digital footprint, utilising social media effectively, and increasing revenue through online campaigns. As Maxis continues to expand its community outreach, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of Malaysia’s MSMEs in line with the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

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Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia train-the-trainer initiative brings semicon industry closer to academia

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  • In a day-long Circuit Design factory, 60 instructors from 19 Malay universities are present.
  • ASEM pledges to produce 20k industry-ready specialists in five years.

Participants at the one-day workshop.

A one-day train-the-trainer ( TTT ) workshop was held at the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre ( PFCC ) in Kuala Lumpur in order to bridge the gap between industry demands and academic preparation. The partnership was held by the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia ( ASEM) and the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, which was inaugurated last August. The Brazil by Malaysia Bilateral Semiconductor Program was a part of the factory.

The Brazil by Malaysia Bilateral Semiconductor Program is a new global effort geared toward developing skills, creativity, and global cooperation, with the style” Delivering the Second Gen of Chip Builders.” The TTT factory, which gathered 60 educators from 11 people and 8 private colleges in Malaysia for a full-day, hands-on program, served as the main objective for Day 2 of the system.

Von Braun Labs, a R&amp, D facility in Brazil with a focus on cutting-edge microelectronics, AI, and IoT technologies, led the factory. Von Braun Labs, a famous celestial scholar, was established in 1997 by Dario Sassi Thober, a scientist, as a center for cutting-edge research. The stable device used in Brazil’s national ticketing system, which used chips from Malaysia to facilitate over 5 billion transactions, was created by it.

The inspiration and motivation for the work that Brazil's Von Braun Labs does.

The session introduced Chip Inventor, Von Braun Labs ‘ cloud-based EDA ( Electronic Design Automation ) platform powered by AWS. This application runs completely within a web browser, and it has already been employed to create a working device in a few days. It replaces expensive equipment and complicated setups with a simple, browser-based chip design, simulation, and prototyping solution. Teachers discussed how to improve programs, lower costs, and much prepare graduates for high-value professions in the semiconductor industry during the program.

( A category of software tools is used to create ASIC) ) EDA is a type. These devices may range from printed circuit boards to integrated wires.

” This studio is a part of our efforts to grow Malaysia’s semiconductor sector. To maintain our school partners have access to world-class knowledge, expertise, and technology, we are developing international partnerships with Von Braun Labs, ARM, TSMC, MediaTek, Vanguard, and Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology. This marks the start of a long-term effort to make Malaysia a gateway for silicon innovation, according to Angel Low, General Manager of ASEM. This factory has been an eye-opening experience, which exposed us to web-based EDA tools that are available to anyone. It makes it possible to spread the idea of Circuit design to all levels of education. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Jasmine Hau, a teacher in electrical engineering, said.

As ASEM commits to producing 20, 000 industry-ready engineers over the next five years, this initiative supports the National Semiconductor Strategy ( NSS). By informing educators, ASEM starts the information exchange process where it matters most, in the classroom.

The TTT factory hosted by ASEM is a component of a larger effort to tunnel academia and business. The National Semiconductor Excellence Program ( NSEP), a hands-on, short-term program designed for college students and graduates who want to pursue careers in IC design, verification, and related fields, is another important effort under this vision.

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Breaking growth barriers: Scale Up by Endeavor returns to empower Malaysia’s next wave of high-potential entrepreneurs

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  • Applications are available from April 7 through May 2025.
  • Participants are given access to the Mission system, mentoring, and access to a founders ‘ community.

Scale Up by Endeavor Cohort 6 at their demo day & graduation ceremony last year

As Scale Up by Mission makes its sixth demographic debut, inviting ambitious founders to embark on a radical development journey, Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape is set to resurrect. The company stated in a statement that this lineup program is intended to help high-potential, early-stage businesses achieve flexible success.

Over 50 pioneering Indonesian startups, including CapBay, BloomThis, Kiddocare, Healthmetrics, and TRAPO, have been supported by Scale Up by Mission since its founding. These businesses have continued to receive substantial funding, grow regionally, and have a global impact. Undertaking Malaysia is now inviting the next generation of owners to add this elite group.

Why does Endeavor Scale Up?

Shan Li Tay, the program’s managing director for Endeavor Malaysia, describes the program as a “launchpad for owners major about scaling their companies with proper guidance.” She continues,” Founders gain valuable insights, accelerating their route to effective growth, and connections to Endeavor’s international network.”

Individuals in Cohort 6 may have access to:

  • A strong and enduring network of regional members, peers, instructors, and advisors, including leading business owners and entrepreneurs, is a part of the community.
  • Curated coaching: Up to four specialized mentoring sessions are included in the personalized, hands-on advice from seasoned business leaders.
  • Launchpad into Endeavor: Often the first brand for the network and network of Endeavor, the program encourages the world’s fastest-growing entrepreneurs to dream bigger, level faster, and give it back. It also shares Endeavor’s values and mission.

Making the way for Malaysia’s upcoming major success stories

The Scale Up by Mission program, &nbsp, played a significant role in developing our approach and connecting us with the appropriate people. Endeavor Entrepreneur Ang Xing Xian, co-founder & CEO of CapBay, an alumnus of Cohort 1, said,” So much so that we continued to participate in Endeavor’s Local Selection Panel ( LSP) and International Selection Panel ( ISP), where we gained even more value at each step.

” Completing both LSP and ISP gave us useful insights as well as access to outstanding officials and coaches, which have helped us size more quickly. We’re in a better position to make an impact in the finance sector with the support of Endeavor, he said.

For founders trying to navigate Malaysia’s active startup landscape, Scale Up by Endeavor has had the power to change their minds. ” We’ve seen amazing growth from our students, and we’re excited to welcome the following wave of creative members to join us,” said the president.

For this very competitive program, applicants from all sectors are encouraged to use. Software were started on April 7 and are tentatively scheduled to close on May 28. Click here for more information and to use.

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MDEC announces US.3mil funding for digital creative industry

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  • aims to promote growth in the universe, video games, and video, film, and &nbsp.
  • Since 2011, the modern creative industry has generated US$ 19.78 billion in revenue and created 11.1 000 jobs.

Anuar Fariz, MDEC CEO (seated, 4th from left) with participants at the recent industry engagement session.

The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) has announced a number of incentive programs designed to advance industry development and increase the industry’s international competitiveness as a result of Malaysia’s maturing digital creative&nbsp and industry emerging as a key driver&nbsp of economic growth.

The modern creative&nbsp industry is viewed by Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, as a strategic economic sector with strong potential to continue to generate high-quality jobs, support local intellectual property, and generate export revenue.

Through these financial incentive programs, we aim to strengthen Malaysia’s full value chain, from skill enhancement to market access, while positioning it as a&nbsp, a nationally competitive hub for digital content creation, he said.

The modern creative industry, he continued, “attracts professionals who are seriously committed to their craft” and is frequently driven by passion and imagination. &nbsp,

The programs at MDEC aim to support talent to develop economically sustainable articles for local and global audiences while building on their strengths, exploring novel concepts, and utilizing their passions.

Malaysia’s digital content market has grown significantly over the past decade, posting US$ 19.78 billion ( RM87.25 billion ) in revenue and US$ 2.68 billion ( RM11.18 billion ) in export sales, while creating employment for some 11, 154 Malaysians since 2011.

Anuar was speaking at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025, where MDEC and the CDC formally launched new financing efforts to support local studios and online content creators in vital industries like games, animation, and the universe. They include:

• The Digital Games Testbed Programme ( DGTP ) provided RM3.5 million in funding to at least five Malaysian game development companies, each eligible for up to RM700, 000. Start to Malaysian-owned game studios with a proven track record and a clear Internet growth strategy, DGTP encourages fresh game genres, strengthens local studios, and encourages international partnerships to place Malaysia as a&nbsp, competitive game development hub. ]RM1 = US$ 0.227]

• The Animation Shorts Challenge initiative, a competition-based initiative designed to promote high-quality, digital content in Malaysia. The&nbsp program assists local creators in creating impactful animated shorts through structured competition and industry mentorship.

films with strong Intellectual Property ( IP ) potential are frequently referred to as shorts. The initiative aims to strengthen skills, creativity, and global market readiness by bridging local talent with industry leaders. RM1.2 million will be used to support the development of 12 new animation shorts and IPs, and support 12 trained participants.

• The Business in Metaverse Programme aims to assist Malaysian businesses in utilizing metaverse technologies for brand engagement and immersive commerce. This program will support 200 businesses, each eligible for up to RM5,000, in implementing metaverse-based marketing strategies with a total funding of RM1 million. Businesses can increase customer engagement and brand visibility in&nbsp, the evolving metaverse landscape, by integrating digital tools like&nbsp, virtual storefronts, gamified marketing strategies, and branded digital assets. &nbsp,

Anuar reaffirmed MDEC’s commitment to advance all aspects of the digital economy, including fostering local innovation, supporting local industry players, and creating a&nbsp, resilient digital ecosystem while promoting jobs and opportunities. &nbsp,

The newly announced incentives are intended to promote sustainable industry growth, &nbsp, attracting international investment, and positioning Malaysia as a major player in the already global digital creative landscape, he said.

Visit https ://mdec.my / for more information on these initiatives, including application details and deadlines, and &nbsp.

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Sustainable farming, stronger communities

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  • entrepreneurship enables long-term community empowerment and a desire to go beyond help.
  • To assist disadvantaged parties, PWD Smart FarmAbility &amp, Sokong collaborated with PWD Smart FarmAbility &amp.

Food insecurity affects millions of people around the world, and it’s something we see these in Malaysia as well. Addressing it involves more than just having access to meals; it also involves making sure it’s healthy and a part of a long-term answer that strengthens community resilience while providing opportunities for communities.

Heineken Malaysia is a partner in the Heineken Cares initiative, along with PWD Smart FarmAbility and Sokong. What started as a food aid program during the Bendera Putih activity in 2021 has since grown into a constant determination to advance food security and enable areas.

Dr. Billy ( pic ), the founder of PWD Smart FarmAbility, is one of the key partners in this endeavor. He founded the People with Disabilities ( People with Disabilities ) Smart FarmAbility Centre in Subang Jaya as a social enterprise that grew out of a straightforward drawing at the rehabilitation facility. He made the decision to use his unique aquaponics and earth technology to gain thousands of PWD and underrepresented communities.

” Through Heineken Cares, w.To help less-vulnerable areas, electronic work with partners like PWD Smart FarmAbility and Sokong. These positive alliances help us focus on long-term options that motivate and inspire communities rather than just responding to immediate needs. By supporting these initiatives, we are continuing to pursue our goal of promoting improved food security and community resilience while remaining true to our mission, which is to “brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world,” said Renuka Indrarajah ( pic ), Heineken Malaysia’s corporate affairs and legal director.

Expanding efforts for sustainable gardening

Heineken Malaysia and PWD Smart FarmAbility constructed seven aquaponic satellite farms in order to provide fresh, healthy, and nutrientent meat and vegetables to welfare centers spread over seven regions of Peninsular Malaysia, moving from fast foods help to long-term foods help in 2022. The program grew to include the start of three additional dish farms in 2024:

  • En Yuan Old Folks Home
  • Sri Muda, Rumah Kebajikan Wargamas Charis
  • Yayasan Sunbeam Home

En Yuan Old Folks Home’s first dish land has already had victory. En Yuan, which has more than 30 elderly residents, previously had monthly expenses of up to US$ 7,700 ( RM34, 000 ). Residents of the land have access to fresh develop, and any surpluses are sold to B40 communities for less money, giving families in need of healthy food. The land sales revenue contributes to the home’s operating charges, creating a self-sustaining economic loop.

The implementation of our Soil-U-tion Aquaponics Satellite Farm Proprietary System to underserved communities, particularly senior citizens ‘ homes, a well-balanced picture of able asli communities, orphanages, and migrant schools, was one of the most significant efforts. Through renewable, nature-based techniques that are diverse and sustainable, these systems empower disadvantaged groups to cultivate leafy vegetables and morally farm freshwater tilapia, according to Dr. Billy.

” We also introduced the HOPE Box Terrariums, compact regenerative organic vegetables climate-action plants. These miniature food systems promote land regeneration, increase access to nutrition, and provide therapeutic tools for people who are older, older, and children. They are light on the budget, have no artificial ingredients, and provide an entry point into green meal production for everyone, he said.

More than 8, 000 HOPE Boxes have been distributed thus far, immediately healthy lifestyles, providing purpose-driven experience, and providing access to climate-action cultivation for vulnerable populations.

Modifications that Awaken on the Ground
The results have been amazing. We’ve seen how regenerative agriculture may transform lives, from seniors who eventually discover their purpose to young migrants who cultivate their own gardens. &nbsp,

Residents of Rumah Kebajikan Wargamas Charis enjoyed making tasty distinct fish ball soup using newly harvested New Zealand spinach grown naturally in their HOPE Box Terrarium. The spinach, which hasn’t been reheated, retained its vivid green color and remained so for the time being. The residents may actually taste the difference, showcasing the fulfilling advantages of homegrown clean produce.

A senior citizen citizen of the facility shared his positive experience, noting that he frequently felt lost and listless before taking on the project. He found fresh fulfillment and purpose by caring for the fish pond and tending to the greens.

Another recipient also expressed her excitement about learning how to waste, grow produce, and help the environment. She described how the project has given her the power to influence both her home and the society.

The addition of the presence of Y enhanced the establish celebration at Rumah Charis. B. Tuan Preakas A/L Sampunathan and ADUN Kota Kemuning, whose aid increased the value of the situation.

” We have so far been able to collect US$ 3,700 ( RM16, 500 ) in donations from the general public, which is a testament to the generosity and kindness of our community.” We thank people who contributed, because your generosity is truly transforming the life of those in need. I appreciate you taking part in this effort to promote conservation and endurance. Dr. Billy said that. &nbsp,

A Celebration of Community Endurance
The battle benefited from Heineken Malaysia’s engagement with Sokong and PWD Smart FarmAbility by cultivating ecosystems that go beyond just providing food by promoting self-sufficiency, restoring dignity, and bringing about substantial change with a long-term impact.

Heineken Cares and Sokong by Malaysiakini collaborated to aid NGOs and social enterprises in fostering stronger communities. &nbsp,

The impact of the campaign continues even after it has ended. Find out more about Heineken Malaysia’s sustainability initiatives and PWD SmartFarmAbility.

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Malaysia semiconductor IC Design Park strengthens global semiconductor collaboration with Brazil and AWS

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  • Collaboration shows M’sia’s push to result in transistor innovation &amp, talent
  • Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia associates with ChipInventor on expertise programs

Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park marked a key milestone in global semiconductor collaboration with new strategic partnerships involving Brazil, Chip Inventor, and Amazon Web Services ( AWS). Supported by the Embassy of Brazil in Malaysia, Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Innovation Diplomacy Programme, the announcement was made during the” Delivering Next Gen of Chip Builders” function, focused on business coaching, personal conversations, and cross-border assistance.

This partnership underscores Malaysia’s motivation to result in semiconductor development and talent development. The Malaysia-Brazil collaboration aims to strengthen ties in IC design and manufacturing, combining Malaysia’s strong ecosystem with Brazil’s design expertise to help joint investments, technology transfer, and local leadership.

Highlighting local innovation, Alphaswift Industries—a top winner of the 7th Selangor Accelerator Programme ( SAP ) by Sidec—successfully designed and prototyped a silicon chip using Chip Inventor’s cloud-based EDA platform. The device is now available for processing at Silterra, showcasing Malaysian startups ‘ growing function in the global device business. The progress was demonstrated lived by Alphaswift CEO Dr Shian Lee and ChipInventor development boss Dr Rafael Vidal Aroca.

To further create native talent, the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia is partnering with ChipInventor on programs like the National Semiconductor Excellence Programme and Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme. These aim to provide students and professionals with important skills in microprocessor style, testing, and confirmation.

Chip Inventor’s system, hosted on AWS’s high-performance facilities in Malaysia, enables safe and flexible chip design processes. This not only strengthens Malaysia’s online ecosystem but also supports international implementation of cloud-based semiconductor devices. The AWS Asia Pacific ( Malaysia ) Region plays a key role in accelerating local digital transformation.

Together with Brazil, Chip Inventor, AWS, and ASEM, Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park continues to position itself as a catalyst for global semiconductor growth—driven by innovation, skilled talent, and international collaboration.

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MyEG and Beitou IT Innovation to establish flagship China – Asean AI lab

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  • For cross-border, geographically appropriate use, Lab will combine bitcoin, AI, and automation.
  • Deepseek, DJI, Leju Robot, Huawei, Alibaba &amp, Heitech Padu, and other key people are involved.

MYEG group managing director, TS Wong (second from the left), signs the partnership agreement with Beitou IT Innovation group chairman, Lai Shuiping (second from the right), witnessed by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (first from the left), and the Governor of Guangxi Government, Lan Tianli (first from the right).

MY E. G. Services Berhad ( MyEG), one of Malaysia’s top digital services providers, has agreed to jointly establish the Malaysia–China AI Innovation and Cooperation Center as the flagship China–Asean AI Lab under the terms of the agreement signed with Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Investment Group Co., Ltd. ( Beitou IT Innovation ). This engagement supports the governments of Malaysia and China’s desire to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence.

Lan Tianli, the government of the Guangxi state, and Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the minister of purchase, industry, and industry, both publicly witnessed the trade of the agreement.

MyEG and Beitou IT Innovation, a wholly owned position sector of the Guangxi Autonomous Region Government, were chosen to collaborate on the creation of a unique G2G test in conjunction with the drafting of a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on AI growth. Leading AI organizations from China and Asean are collaborating on the development of localized AI solutions and cross-border applications through the program.

Major players like China’s Deepseek, technology and aircraft manufacturers DJI and Leju Robot, Huawei Technologies, Alibaba Group, and Malaysian IT service company Heitech Padu Berhad, among another, will also be a part of the AI laboratory, which will be spearheaded by MyEG.

The facility, which is located at Petaling Jaya’s Zetrix Tower ( previously MYEG Tower ), will concentrate on integrating generative AI, technology, and blockchain technologies with an emphasis on cross-border use cases and AI customization that are rooted in local values and culture. The second service, which will start with Guangxi Province, will be a result of Malaysia and China’s agreement to recognize federal online IDs.

With the help of this service, Malaysian people can use their MyDigital ID for a variety of Guangxi-related ID verification purposes, especially for KYC needs at financial organizations and tourist attractions. In Malaysia, Chinese immigrants’ digital IDs will also be recognized.

The Guangxi provincial government has set aside US$ 1.38 billion ( RM$ 6.14 billion ) through an investment portfolio to create these tasks as part of the China-Asean program to help this work.

As Guangxi’s most important digital technology company, we are happy to link China’s Artificial resources, including open-source LLMs, AI applications, and talent, with use cases from both the public and private sectors, as well as education in Malaysia and Asean. We are convinced that AI will increase productivity across the area by working closely with our colleagues in China and Malaysia, according to Beitou IT Innovation team president Lai Shuiping.

” MyEG is honored to be chosen by both institutions to lead this important initiative. We are well-positioned to provide next-generation, state-of-the-art solutions as a result of the integration of blockchain, robotics, and AI, which is launching a new wave of revolutionary services. We look forward to extending this agreement to another Asean nations, according to MyEG team managing director TS Wong.

The Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China are among the key Chinese government organizations and organizations that have established exclusive partnerships with MyEG to position Zetrix, its open layer-1 bitcoin system, as the chosen platform for developing cutting-edge Web3 and AI programs that can enhance cross-border transactions.

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TECHtalks: Malaysia tackles AI adoption fears amid push to become high-tech nation

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  • Malaysia leads region in tech talent despite local doubts over AI readiness
  • Minister urges the workforce to embrace AI as an enabler while building technological sovereignty

Malaysia aims to become a high-tech nation by 2030, but must overcome challenges of scepticism and AI anxiety while leveraging its strengths in science and engineering talent.

During the TECHtalks event held at Universiti Malaya yesterday, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, addressed concerns about Malaysia’s technological readiness while highlighting the country’s current ranking of 33rd out of 133 countries in the 2024 Global Innovation Index.

“We want to be a high-tech nation by 2030,” Chang stated, while confronting several challenges facing the nation’s technological ambitions.

Dispelling local talent cynicism

Chang countered widespread scepticism about Malaysia’s talent capacity by highlighting that within the Global Innovation Index’s 82 sub-indicators, Malaysia ranks first in three categories: percentage of science and engineering graduates, high-tech exports, and creative goods exports.

“Our problem is fear. We always fear that we are losing out,” Chang said. “We thought that we are not good enough, that others are better. This is a very wrong perception.”

Addressing AI workforce anxiety

The minister also addressed anxieties surrounding AI potentially replacing the Malaysian workforce.

“Whenever there’s new emerging technology, people would be really anxious about being replaced, but I can assure you that is not going to happen. AI is an enabler,” the minister assured.

“We have the ability to continuously learn, which cannot be replaced by any technology,” he added.

With 97% of Malaysian companies being SMEs and only 13% having adopted AI technology, Chang emphasised the importance of maintaining an open mind and learning new skills such as AI, robotics, or coding.

“You just need to know a little bit more than your profession,” Chang advised.

The real impact of AI on employment

Ts Habsah Nordin, Petronas’s Head of AI Centre of Excellence, shared key findings from Talentcorp during the event. “620,000 jobs, about 17-18% of the 3.5 million jobs, are expected to be impacted,” she said, clarifying that “impacted” doesn’t necessarily mean job losses, but rather the creation of new types of jobs.

According to the World Economic Forum, 22% of global jobs will undergo restructuring by 2030. A Forbes article further indicates that 70% of jobs will experience skill shifts by 2030 due to AI impact, with 29% of core job skills changing due to AI advancements.

“Therefore, if we do not disrupt ourselves, AI will disrupt us,” Habsah warned.

“Even at my age, in order to undertake the role of being the Head of AI Centre of Excellence, I felt that I needed to equip myself with the right competency, so I went for my certification as an AI transformation leader in the US,” she added.

Five types of agility needed

Habsah outlined five essential types of agility needed to navigate the paradigm shifts caused by AI:

  1. Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own capabilities and limitations
  2. Mental agility: Thinking critically and navigating complexity
  3. People agility: Working differently and collaboratively across changing roles
  4. Change agility: Navigating through evolution of change through both mindset and productive learning
  5. Results agility: Rapidly building results with tangible outcomes

Malaysia’s nascent AI sovereignty

While the government remains committed to transforming Malaysia into a high-tech nation, scepticism surrounding AI adoption and advancement persists among Malaysians, alongside concerns about overdependence on foreign investors for technological development.

During a Q&A session, Zach Othman, co-founder and CEO of AI startup Lekir Tech, raised concerns about Malaysia’s AI sovereignty, noting the country’s dependence on foreign technology such as Amazon Web Services, which forms the core framework of many local products.

Chang acknowledged this challenge: “At the moment, it’s not easy to talk about AI sovereignty because we are at a very nascent stage where our priority is to develop the technology, make our population more AI-savvy, and increase the adoption of AI, as well as trying to help our AI startups to flourish.”

“However, we are also developing our own large language model so that we can have our own set of data instead of relying entirely on our foreign investors,” he added.

Government investment in AI education

The minister also revealed that following last year’s RM20 million allocation to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to establish an AI faculty, the government will commit an additional RM50 million to five universities for specialised AI development in different sectors.

These include Universiti Malaya (AI in medicine), Universiti Putra Malaysia (cybersecurity), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (large language models), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (semiconductors).

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Empowering Asean micro, small and medium enterprises on TikTok Shop

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  • aims to give MSMEs the ability to use electronic skills
  • Parties will work together to bring together their expertise to help the region advance modern transformation

Through a new collaboration with the Asean Foundation and the Asean Business Advisory Council ( Asean-BAC ), TikTok Shop is furthering its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ) in Southeast Asia. This partnership brings the Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers ( SOAR ) Together initiative of TikTok Shop to the region, which aims to provide MSMEs with essential digital skills.

MSMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth, especially within underserved communities, as the foundation of Asean’s business. Through our relationship with the Asean Foundation and Asean-BAC, we are continuing our determination to advance these businesses by providing practical training in e-commerce, life marketing, online advertising, and business growth through the TikTok Shop platform, said Chanida Klyphun, director of Southeast Asia public policy at TikTok.

It is appropriate that we are launching this program during Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 in support of the theme of” Inclusivity and Sustainability,” she continued with the intention of bolstering businesses and encouraging greater inclusivity and sustainable growth.

Through this partnership, TikTok Shop, the Asean Foundation, and Asean-BAC will use their complementary expertise to promote digital transformation and economic inclusion in the region. Through TikTok Shop, the program will provide customized support to the participating MSMEs, enabling them to grow both their local and regional operations and creative ventures.

This initiative also aligns with the Asean Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025, which aims to develop SMEs into globally successful and innovative businesses, and with the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025, which emphasizes information and communication technology ( ICT) as a key driver of regional economic and social transformation.

MSMEs continue to be a significant contributor to employment growth, income contribution, and economic resilience. Around 70 million MSMEs make up 97.2 % to 99.9 % of the total business establishments in Asean, accounting for roughly 70 million. Despite their significance, many MSMEs still face persistent challenges, including those relating to limited funding, business development skills, and market connectivity. These issues are issues that the SOAR Together programme aims to address.

The application process is open to eligible MSMEs in Asean countries. Participants will get access to targeted capacity-building workshops on digital business skills, in-depth analysis from TikTok Shop experts, hands-on live selling training, networking opportunities, and policy-making opportunities with other business owners, policymakers, and stakeholders from the region.

Here is more information about the Asean SOAR Together program. Business owners may apply here.

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Hoopi secures seed funding led by Creative Gorilla Capital

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  • In 2025, expand to Indonesia & Thailand from Malaysia & Singapore.
  • Funds will be used to increase the system’s user base and promote regional growth.

Hoopi Holdings Pte Ltd ( Hoopi), a platform for collectibles and trading cards, has completed its first institutional funding round led by Creative Gorilla Capital ( CGC), a Jakarta-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer-facing businesses. The investment may help Hoopi expand its core services and user ecosystem, facilitating growth in Southeast Asia.

Hoopi’s founders identified a business opportunity in Southeast Asia’s scattered doll collectibles and buying cards marketplace, which is characterized by concerns over authenticity and transparency. They had considerable innovative backgrounds in the gaming industry. The company offers a comprehensive set of services, including a consumer-to-consumer industry, native card grading services, and gamified experiences for unique, high-value collectibles.

Also, Hoopi is working with Robbi Art, a superior toy collectable brand known for its limited-edition figurines for the East Asian market.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is estimated to be worth US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, and it is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 3 %, increasing to US$ 7 billion ( MYR 31.50 billion ) by 2030. There are several important factors that are driving this progress. The prominent position of sentimentality and emotional connection that are essential to the industry’s expansion are frequently invoked by cherished memories and a sense of individual history. Collectibles and childhood trading card games frequently help people feel nostalgic and connected to their past. These things offer stability and comfort, which keep many people coming back for more despite economic confusion.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is expected to grow to US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, growing to US$ 31.50 billion by 2030, with a 3 % Rate. The main vehicles are personal associations and memories, as collectibles evoke fond thoughts and a sense of personal history.

Also, the market benefits from a community-driven tradition, with passionate fans participating in tournaments, forums, and events that maintain interest and inspire creativity. Also, items are increasingly viewed as other investments, with unique items increasingly being viewed as assets with long-term price. These elements aid in the market’s endurance in the face of economic issues.

Hoopi has gained popularity since its official release in September 2024, and as of February 2025, it had roughly US$ 2.25 million in gross products value as a result of more than 40, 000 paid orders placed. More than 3, 000 registered retailers and more than 20, 000 active users are currently a part of the program. It is already in use in Singapore and Malaysia, and it intends to expand there in April 2025, with Thailand expected to follow later this month.

Michael, the company’s CEO and co-founder, praised this progress, saying,” The funding from CGC has strengthened Hoopi’s primary corporate pillars and supported the establishment of its growing presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and immediately Indonesia, marked by the upcoming release of the Hoopi Store in Jakarta.

I’m confident that Hoopi and its integrated ecosystem are uniquely positioned to redefine and lead the collectibles experience in Southeast Asia, he said, supported by an established supply and distribution network, consistent GMV growth, soon-to-be-launched offline physical stores, and our proprietary in-house grading service, Grade Master.

Meanwhile, Benz Julio Budiman, managing partner at CGC, stated that he is confident that Southeast Asia’s trading cards and collectibles market will experience significant growth, helped by the region’s dynamic gaming culture, and by the region’s rapid digital adoption. Hoopi’s creative strategies, commitment to community engagement, and focus on sustained value creation enable it to succeed in generating sustainable revenue streams despite the region’s macroeconomic volatility.

I have full confidence in the founding team’s ability to address market complexities and propel Hoopi toward profitability because of their deep industry expertise and proven success scaling previous ventures. I’m confident that Hoopi will continue to innovate in the trading cards and collectibles industry, leading to significant market share and contributing to shaping Southeast Asia’s future,” he added.

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