U Mobile, SDEC partner to drive Sarawak’s digital transformation and bridge Malaysia’s digital divide

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  • Aims to promote 5G implementation and answers among Sarawak’s SMEs
  • Collaboration uses the Multi-Operator Core Network to expand 4G cover to remote Sarawak.

From left to right: Kueh Lei Poh, Mukah Resident; Haji Ahmad Johnie bin Zawawi, member of Parliament for Igan; Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Junaidi, deputy minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak (Utility); Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC); Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak; Abdullah bin Haji Saidol, deputy minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) and ADUN N.42 Semop; Alex Tan, chief sales officer of U Mobile; Haji Yusuf bin Abd Wahab, member of Parliament for Tanjung Manis; and Neil Tomkinson, chief information officer of U Mobile.  

In order to support the goals of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, U Mobile, Malaysia’s future second 5G network provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad ( SDEC ). By 2030, according to this blueprint, the state will have a strong digital economy and an equitable digital society. U Mobile will collaborate with SDEC on efforts to promote digital conversion for Sarawak’s small and medium-sized businesses and to close the modern split in underserved areas.

The partnership may rely on driving 5G implementation among Sarawak’s Entrepreneurs by providing community connectivity, educational programmes, devices, and modern use-case solutions. These initiatives are intended to advance local organizations and strengthen their position in the modern economy.

U Mobile and SDEC will look into ways to expand online access to remote and underserved populations in light of the success of a Little Cell Proof of Concept&nbsp that provided connectivity to a homestead in Long Lawen.

” U Mobile is committed to playing a crucial part in Malaysia’s trip towards becoming a online enabled, high-income state. Our mission and the partnership with SDEC lead to the achievement of broader nationwide objectives. By collaborating with SDEC, we aim to enable Sarawak’s communities and businesses with 5G technology and modern solutions, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey towards a connected potential”, said Alex Tan, U Mobile’s key sales officer.

” We are proud to support Sarawak’s vision of building an inclusive and green digital economy by 2030″, he added.

Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to facilitating strategic partnerships that contribute to Sarawak’s digital development. ” As Malaysia advances digitally, fostering industry collaboration, including exploring 5G use cases with U Mobile, is crucial to ensuring Sarawak remains at the forefront of technological innovation. He said,” Our goal is still to give Sarawakians access to cutting-edge digital solutions to promote sustainable growth and innovation.”

The Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication 600 project, which uses Multi-Operator Core Network technology to increase 4G coverage in rural areas, is a collaboration between U Mobile and SDEC in addition to the MoU. This demonstrates U Mobile’s commitment to enhancing Sarawak’s digital connectivity.

The MoU was formalised during the launch of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network’s ( MySRBN ) new coverage at Kampung Betanak, Pulau Bruit in the Mukah division, witnessed by Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Sarawak’s minister for Utility and Telecommunication.

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Asia Mobiliti, Triterra announce partnership for DRT Service in KL Metropolis

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  • In KL Metropolis, Trek Rides did debut in the first half of 2025.
  • Partnership improves first-and-last-mile communication in the growing city

From left to right: Zulkifli Fitri Ismail, chief financial officer of Triterra; Michael Yam, joint chairman of Triterra; Christopher Lim Hwa Seong, CEO of Tritterra; Ramanchandra Muniandy, CEO & co-founder of Asia Mobiliti; Daniel Lim Hwa Yew, deputy chairman of Triterra; and Vicks Kanagasingam, chief commercial officer at Asia Mobiliti

Asia Mobiliti, Malaysia’s leading Mobility-as-a-Service ( MaaS ) company, and Triterra, the developer of The Met Corporate Towers, have announced a strategic partnership to introduce innovative and sustainable mobility solutions to KL Metropolis, the International Trade &amp, Exhibition District of Kuala Lumpur. This partnership highlights the growing interaction between freedom and real property in creating connected, green, and modern industrial communities, the organization stated in an announcement.

The partnership will co-fund and implement Asia Mobiliti’s Trek Rides Demand-Responsive Transit ( DRT ) service within the KL Metropolis zone to address first- and last-mile connectivity gaps in the rapidly expanding mixed-development district.

Designed to reference the city to essential public transport stations and hubs, including MRT Sentul Barat, KTM Segambut, and Duta Bus Terminal, Trek Rides will provide a sustainable public transportation option for residents, workers, and visitors. Notable destinations within the area include The MET Corporate Towers, the Malaysia International Trade &amp, Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ), government offices such as Matrade, MITI, LHDN, and JPN, the KL High Court complex, as well as shopping malls like Publika, Solaris Mont Kiara, and 1 Mont Kiara. Educational organizations such as Mont Kiara International School, the French School of Kuala Lumpur, and local public schools will even profit, alongside residential areas in Mont Kiara, Dutamas, Jalan Kasipillay, and Taman Segambut SPPK.

Asia Mobiliti, Triterra announce partnership for DRT Service in KL MetropolisRamachandran Muniandy ( pic ), CEO and co-founder of Asia Mobiliti, stated,” This partnership with Triterra reflects our shared vision for digital, inclusive, and sustainable cities, enabled by the integration of innovative mobility technology with iconic real estate. The future of our settlements may be shaped by this new type of a flexibility ecosystem that recognises communication, integration, and sustainability”.

In KL Metropolis will be a new version of Trek Rides, which is already in use in a number of Klang Valley regions, in the first fourth of 2025. The company will offer residents and firms with a practical, eco-friendly alternative to personal cars, helping to reduce traffic congestion. Users of the Trek software can guide DRT rides in all Trek Rides operating zones and access a complete bidirectional journey planner for the Klang Valley.

Triterra CEO Christopher Lim underscored the importance of partnerships in driving metropolitan development, stating,” This engagement with Asia Mobiliti corresponds with our goal to integrate freedom with urban creation, creating areas that are much connected, more sustainable, and inclusive. Collectively, we are paving the way for smarter, greener places that prioritise people and the environment”.

The collaboration between Triterra and Asia Mobiliti demonstrates the potential for property developers to incorporate smart transport options into their projects, bringing benefits to the local community as a whole. This program serves as a template for current urban preparing, showcasing the rise of online locations powered by mobility-as-a-service.

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Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator hits 10th anniversary with 6 startups awarded total US1k at Cohort 19’s Demo Day

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  • Midwest Nanomaterials and Shadebase AI were given more funds.
  • Companies have raised US$ 58 million investments and US$ 185 million in revenue since commencement.

Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator hits 10th anniversary with 6 startups awarded total US$241k at Cohort 19’s Demo Day

” Malaysia has made great strides in establishing itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and programs like the Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator ( CLLA ), are instrumental in achieving this mission”, said Chang Lih Kang, minister of Science, Technology and Innovation ( MOSTI ) at the accelerator’s cohort 19 Demo Day in Cyberjaya, yesterday. The 19th Demo Day likewise marked the accelerator’s 10th anniversary.

” Since its inception in 2014, the accelerator has been instrumental in empowering over 129 startups, securing more than US$ 58.40 million ( RM263 million ) in investments and generating an impressive US$ 185.88 million ( RM837 million ) in revenue”, he said.

Remaining unwavering

Regardless, he also said,” we remain steadfast in the commitment to creating an environment that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap ( SUPER ) 2021-2030 and the My Startup Platform, aiming to empower startups, facilitate collaboration and drive commercialization of innovation solutions” .&nbsp,

The secretary also emphasized the significance of Cyberjaya, which is Malaysia’s world’s leading technology hub and playground, and how important it is to fulfill this mission.

” It is not just a physical spot, but a living, breathing habitat where thoughts flourish, alliances are forged, and options are scaled. By bridging the gap between technology and effect across all balance sheets, Chang praised the Cyberview Living Lab program.

Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator hits 10th anniversary with 6 startups awarded total US$241k at Cohort 19’s Demo Day

Cohort 19

Romli Ishak ( pic ), chairman of Cyberview, in his remarks, said,” Over the past decade, this program has gone on to become one of Malaysia’s longest running accelerators, serving as a launchpad for local tech startups to bring their ideas to life and accelerate their journey towards commercialization”.

For Cohort 19, around 90 companies had applied for the system with 24 chosen. As part of CLLA 19, they were finally given access to resources and seminars.

After a five-month progressive support and approach, 10 startups were chosen for the video time:

  • Midwest Nanomaterials
  • Pixelence
  • Shieldbase AI
  • IOXTECH Global
  • Reyhut
  • Wiser Machines
  • Airlytic
  • ALT Synergy
  • Vee Smart Home
  • Vidanex

Out of the top ten, six obtained a total investment sum of US$ 241, 181 ( RM1.085 million ):

  • Midwest Nanomaterials (RM240,000)
  • Shieldbase AI ( RM225, 000 )
  • IOXTECH Global ( RM100, 000 )
  • Reyhut ( RM320, 000 )
  • Wiser Machines ( RM100, 000 )
  • Airlytic ( RM100, 000 )

Shieldbase AI received more recognition as both judges and group favourite, receiving an extra RM5, 000 and Baht, 3000 both.

Midwest Nanomaterials was awarded an additional RM3,000 for being a partner’s favourite by Leave a Nest Malaysia, a unit of Leave a Nest, a leading Japanese startup ecosystem partner.

Muhammad Adrian Wong, who was a part of CLLA’s first group back in 2014 and attended the 19 Cohort Demo Day, said,” The occasion was great, the quality of startups that had pitched are more developed now in the sense that the founders, CEOs, and CTOs are quite experienced, their products are very developed”.

He also noted that the startups have gained market recognition as a result of winning competitions and receiving grants in addition to seasoned leadership teams. These startups have also previously won numerous awards and competitions, according to Adrian.

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Malaysia’s being juice raises US mil In seed funding for simultaneous local and regional expansion

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  • plans to introduce a mobile apps to enhance user experience
  • appeals to Malaysians ‘ growing need for healthier meals options.

Sayantan Das, founder of being juice at being juice’s Nu Sentral outlet

The newcomer juice venture, being juice, has secured US$ 1 million ( RM4.5 million ) in seed funding, led by multi-stage venture capital firms 500 Global and BEENEXT. With plans to open 30 new outlets in Malaysia in 2025 and its first international store in the Philippines this month, the cash may expand its local and regional growth.

being wine is tapping into shifting health priorities, especially among Malay, two-thirds of whom presently favour healthier foods choices. Launched in April, the domestic company offers smoothie made from 100 % real fruits and vegetables. Its 16 distinct aroma combinations are crafted to provide tasty, guilt-free blends inspired by South Asian palates.

Sayantan Das, original CEO of foodpanda in Malaysia and Brunei, is the company’s leader. Commenting on the company’s path, Sayantan stocks,” This seed money square is a big step, connecting us with investors who share our perspective. We’re appreciative of our clients and eager to expand throughout Malaysia and the area, making healthier alternatives accessible to more people.

Being Juice plans to launch its own mobile apps to strengthen customer experience, both internationally and locally. The application aims to provide a seamless user experience with the aim of creating a devoted community across industry.

Being juice is updating its branding to further enhance its appeal as part of its growth strategy.

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MDEC launches latest initiative to accelerate SME digital transformation

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  • Penang’s recently opened Digital Ministry company will begin the nation-wide strategy in the first week of February.
  • US$ 6.9m awarded to Penang-based MD award recipients, 173 have MD-status

To further encourage more companies to embark on the MD status and enjoy its benefits, Anuar said an initiative will be unveiled by the Ministry soon that aims to help SMEs enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs by up to 20% through customised digital solutions.

Starting with the northern state of Penang this Monday, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ), under the direction of the Ministry of Digital, aims to accelerate the digital transformation of small medium enterprises ( SMEs ) nationwide.

Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo announced this program on Monday, aimed at providing SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and assistance needed to accept digitalization and thrive in the modern economy.

In the recently opened Zon Utara Office of the Ministry of Digital in George Town, there is a program to engage Penang-based SME organisations.

The program addresses SMEs ‘ state-specific issues in adopting and implementing digital change. Additionally, it aims to collaborate with stakeholders to develop practical solutions, foster a friendly ecosystem for digital enterprises to flourish, and strengthen partnerships for the benefit of the SME community.

In his address, Anuar Fariz Fadzil ( pic above ), CEO, MDEC, said that SMEs should view technology as an investment for unlocking growth, enhancing competitiveness and future-proofing their businesses.

” Technology is a necessity in today’s quickly evolving landscape. By adopting modern tools and modern solutions, SMEs can drastically increase their effectiveness, achieve and resilience in the global market – while likewise realising greater productivity and functional efficiencies”, said Anuar.

” At MDEC, we are dedicated to providing SMEs with practical online options to increase productivity and competitiveness”, he added.

To date, US$ 6.88 million ( RM30.96 million ) has been awarded to Malaysia Digital ( MD) grant recipients in Penang, with 173 companies in the state already achieving MD status.

” We look forward to welcoming more businesses to MD standing, encouraging greater development, and making a clear path for growth and competitiveness,” said Anuar.

Businesses that engage in online and technological activities are supported by the Director position. It offers a variety of benefits to companies with the Director standing, including tax incentives, grants and financing, business corresponding and entry to networks.

A new program from the Ministry that aims to help SMEs increase efficiency and reduce operating costs by up to 20 % through personalized digital solutions will be unveiled in order to further promote more businesses to apply for the Director position and reap the benefits.

” It requires understanding their “pain positions” and providing targeted options that are in line with their business objectives and business needs,” said Anuar.

For more information on online sector initiatives and programs, visit mdec. my or give requests to]email&nbsp, protected].

Kementerian Digital’s Zon Utara Office, located at Bangunan U., is open to visitors to Penang. A. B., Scores Lebuh China, George Town, Penang.

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Avanade appoints Megawaty Khie to lead Southeast Asia region

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  • formerly oversaw Google Cloud’s Programs and Partnerships in SEA.
  • Tasked to generate growth, strengthen Avanade’s Microsoft management in SEA

Avanade appoints Megawaty Khie to lead Southeast Asia region

Avanade, the world’s leading Microsoft expert, has appointed Megawaty Khie ( pic ) as its new regional managing director for Southeast Asia, effective immediately. Megawaty will be in charge of Avanade’s business expansion and strengthen its position as the region’s major Microsoft solutions provider.

In the Artificial age, she will also serve as the head of Avanade’s team of online qualified professionals and innovators across Southeast Asia, combining native expertise with global reach to deliver value and impact to customers, ecosystem partners, and native communities. Based in Singapore, she did document to Bhavya Kapoor, senator for Asia Pacific at Avanade.

” We are thrilled to allowed Megawaty to Avanade and had her guide our Southeast Asia business,” said Bhavya Kapoor, president for Asia Pacific at Avanade.” At a time when enterprises and mid-market organizations are quickly embracing modern innovation and artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, create future readiness, and drive sustainable growth,” said Kapoor.

I’m convinced that Megawaty will take Avanade Southeast Asia to new heights and proceed to motivate our people to do what matters, he said,” with her proven track record as a people-first head and her deep knowing of the powerful South Asian markets.”

Commenting on her visit, Megawaty said,” Avanade is renowned for its market-leading Microsoft knowledge and advancement, and I am very honoured to direct its Southeast Asia local business. I strongly believe in technology’s role in unlocking potential for people and businesses and, equally important, in driving socioeconomic prosperity and progress. As Southeast Asia accelerates its journey to becoming the world’s leading AI hub, I look forward to the positive impact we at Avanade will deliver for our clients, partners, and communities”.

Megawaty led the Google Cloud business’s Southeast Asian channels and strategic partnerships before joining Avanade. She also spearheaded the launch of Google’s Cloud Region in Jakarta while serving as Indonesia and Malaysia’s Regional Director. With 30 years of experience driving growth across the enterprise, SMB, and consumer segments, she has held various leadership roles at Microsoft, SAP, IBM, HP, Dell, and Singtel.

She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.

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Bythen raises US mil in seed funding to democratize virtual influencers

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  • aims to introduce classic and/or collaborative Internet collections with renowned IP owners.
  • Funding will move towards a global start, targeting 15, 000 online influencers&nbsp,

Bythen's Founders & Investors

Bythen, the pioneering platform that creates unique, ownable digital characters to empower virtual creators, has announced it has raised US$ 5 million ( RM22.5 million ) in a seed financing round led by Vector Inc. and Skystar Capital, with participation from East Ventures, BEENEXT, OSK, and AppWorks. Renowned angel investors, including William Tanuwijaya, co-founder of Tokopedia, and Ryan Lee, co-founder of Pinkfong Company, also took part in the round.

With this financing, Bythen is poised for a worldwide launch and aims to ship 15, 000 digital influencers this year across different sectors, including Web3, gaming, and other common verticals. The business will release its first initial Internet collection in the coming months, along with work by established worldwide IP owners.

Founded in 2024, Bythen enables users to create articles, video, and change tailored figures into AI-powered digital twins called” Bytes”, unlocking new opportunities to improve their online presence and advertise their effect. Using AI-powered content generation to help 24/7 engagement across various social media platforms, the platform makes it easier for users to access online influencers all over the world.

Operating on a revenue-sharing design, Bythen channels earnings up to its originator neighborhood, fostering an ecology that shares growth and success worldwide.

Bythen claims that the software empowers users to use their Bytes as distinctive social media representations, enabling intelligent articles creation and video replies across various platforms to increase their influence and uncover potential for profit. People can also use their Pixels for manual or automatic livestreaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch as well as for movie names on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Users may create and save customised content featuring their Bytes using its AI-powered tools to increase their online presence and expand their reach.

The foundation crew of Bythen has co-founded and collaborated on projects for the past 16 years, including Bridestory and Magnivate, which WPP acquired in 2019 and Tokopedia acquired in 2019. The staff includes long-time partners Kevin Mintaraga, Erick Saputra, Ferry Dianto, and Nathalia Isadora, joined by William Nagata, who leads business development following command jobs at Shopee and a major company aggregate in Indonesia.

In response to a significant shift in the market toward pseudonymous social media personas and changing consumer attitudes, including a preference for privacy, freedom of expression, and the ability to create digital identities that are distinct from physical characteristics, the team established Bythen. These evolving preferences intersect with the rapidly expanding global creator economy, valued at US$ 325 billion ( RM1.4 trillion ) and encompassing over 200 million content creators—a space that Bythen aims to redefine.

” Bythen is all about amplifying creators ‘ potential. By providing an accessible platform and a revenue-sharing model, we’re cultivating an environment where anyone can thrive as a virtual creator”, said Kevin Mintaraga, co-founder of Bythen and former CMO of Tokopedia.

” Vector Inc. is proud to support a visionary serial entrepreneur who promotes innovation and empowers creators. Through our extensive expertise and global network, we are committed to assisting Bythen in acquiring high-value content and building strategic partnerships, both in Japan and international markets”, said Ryo Umezawa, vice president of Vector Inc.

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Seek announces leadership appointments to drive further growth of Jobstreet in Singapore and Malaysia 

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  • Lam joined Seek in 2018, overseeing user experience in 6 areas
  • Vic led M’sian businesses since 2021, almost doubling the country’s income

Vic Sithasanan, managing director, Singapore, Jobstreet by Seek (Right) & Nicholas Lam, managing director, Malaysia, Jobstreet by Seek

Top leadership changes have been made to support the region’s growth agenda, according to Seek, the parent company of Jobstreet and Jobsdb, the largest online marketplaces in Asia.

Vic Sithasanan, who led the Malaysian operations since 2021, will step into the role of managing director ( MD) for Jobstreet in Singapore. Vic’s knowledge from his prosperous career in Malaysia is used in this strategic decision to improve operational efficiency and spur growth in Singapore. In addition, Nicholas Lam, who was formerly the regional manager of development and crowdfunding for Asia at Seek, has been appointed as the new MD of Jobstreet in Malaysia.

In their roles, Vic and Lam will guide the business development and operations in Singapore and Malaysia, both, leveraging Jobstreet’s strong appearance of over 25 years to generate continued growth and market leadership.

Over his three-year career as MD of Malaysia, Vic shut to doubled the revenue of the business in the country, achieving significant economic growth and shaping Jobstreet’s authority in the market. Additionally, he established long-standing partnerships with renowned businesses in a variety of industries, strengthening Jobstreet’s status as Malaysia’s go-to recruitment system for both job seekers and companies.

Vic served as a top leader in digital technology companies throughout Asia before joining Seek, where he successfully led regional and local operations.

” I’m excited about this new book in Singapore. With Singapore being one of the top business and skill centers not just in the area but in the world, the possibilities in this industry are enormous. Vic stated,” I look forward to utilizing my knowledge to advance our corporate vision while bringing value to talent and employers across the country.”

Lam, who recently assumed the position of MD for Malaysia, brings a wealth of experience and proper insight that he developed from his previous position, where he was instrumental in developing and executing the business strategies that helped Seek’s regional expansion. He initially joined Seek in 2018, where he oversaw and set up the local customer experience and support functions functions in each of Seek’s six Eastern markets. Due to Find, Lam worked as a management consultant with a focus on strategy and operations transformation in various sectors. He held top leadership positions in the media sector.

It’s a pleasure to step into this position and lead the charge in advance of our quest, Lam said. I’m excited to work with our brilliant Malaysian team to influence significant changes in the job market. Collectively, we may enable individuals to access their full possible, connect them with opportunities that transform their lives, and build a stronger, more powerful labor for the future”.

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Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital base

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  • Malaysia has overcome logistics challenges, develop to accomplish its potential
  • Singapore leads, with 59 % of experts citing system &amp, federal aid

Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital base

Malaysia is a key person in this modern rebellion, and Southeast Asia is experiencing a revolutionary e-commerce boom. Blackbox Research has launched its latest white paper, titled” Grasping the e-commerce option in Southeast Asia”, which sheds light on Malaysia’s proper position, abundant growth hopes, and the important part of public-private alliances in shaping the country’s modern economy.

In a statement, the business noted that the report highlights the key chances and issues shaping Malaysia’s e-commerce environment, based on 30 days of in-depth conversations with 17 leading voices in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce and logistics habitat.

To reach its full potential, Malaysia must overcome major logistics challenges and accelerate innovation. It added that overcoming these obstacles may be essential to enhancing the nation’s functions and strengthening its position as a chief in Southeast Asia’s expanding e-commerce market.

Paving the way for Malaysia’s e-commerce hegemony

According to researchers surveyed in the study, Malaysia has consistently held its position as a leading participant in Southeast Asia’s electronic business, ranking following in local e-commerce performance behind Indonesia and Thailand. Malaysia stood out for its strategic location, strong equipment, and reasonable business size, making it a healthy hub for local e-commerce trade. Singapore outperforms Malaysia in terms of promising growth, with 59 % of experts putting it first in e-commerce as a result of advanced infrastructure and strong government support.

Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital base

Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital baseAccording to our study, Southeast Asia’s e-commerce story is an intriguing one. The experts we spoke to were optimistic, and it’s easy to see why—gross merchandise value is on track to hit US$ 159 billion ( RM717 billion ) in 2024 and double by 2030″, said David Black ( pic ), CEO and founder of Blackbox Research. Malaysia has the chance to capitalize on its momentum and emerge as a regional leader. To make it happen, businesses need to juggle how they adapt to changing customer habits while staying resilient and cost-efficient”, he added.

” Logistics players will be essential to this, making quicker, more seamless connections between sellers and buyers through creative and affordable solutions. And let’s not forget policymakers—they have a big role to play in encouraging growth with smart regulations and focused investments”, Black said.

E-commerce thrives on efficient logistics
Logistics has become a crucial area that needs urgent attention as Malaysia focuses on strengthening its e-commerce ecosystem and strengthening its position as a regional leader. Significant obstacles remain as a result of high logistical costs and inconsistent delivery results among service providers, particularly those involving shipping between Peninsular and East Malaysia, which cause bottlenecks that affect efficiency and stifle growth in the sector.

Only six out of 17 industry experts believe that Malaysia’s current e-commerce framework supports sector development, according to findings from the white paper. Layered costs—courier charges, import taxes, and challenges posed by a weak currency —are cited as major barriers to cost competitiveness for businesses in the digital economy. Malaysia will have a strategic advantage in the increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape by adopting advanced logistics technologies, optimizing delivery routes, and establishing multi-region distribution centers.

Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital base

Public-private partnerships are essential for advancing e-commerce in Southeast Asia
Advancing Malaysia’s digital economy and e-commerce sector will require strong public-private collaboration. Inclusive dialogue is crucial, with policies shaped by input from all stakeholders, including e-commerce platforms, sellers, and logistics providers. Encouragingly, the government is already addressing these challenges, with deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching highlighting in October 2024 that Malaysia’s courier and parcel market is projected to reach US$ 1.58 billion ( RM7.1 billion ) by 2025. She praised the development of infrastructure and urged loo.Malaysia poised to lead e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia with strategic location and growing digital basecal businesses can use government initiatives to expand their operations. Meanwhile, programmes like the Digital Free Trade Zones streamline cross-border trade and expand global market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The study found that encouraging collaboration among stakeholders and adopting a unified approach will strengthen the ecosystem, encourage innovation, and promote sustainability as Malaysia prepares to become a leading regional e-commerce and logistics hub. This concerted effort is necessary to ensure Malaysia’s position as a potent leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy while achieving inclusive, long-term growth.

Click here to learn more about Blackbox Research’s survey.

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PropertyGuru announces leadership transition and a new board

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  • In March 2025, Lewis Ng may assume the position of CEO of the company.
  • Hari Krishnan may move down as CEO to do new hobbies.

PropertyGuru announces leadership transition and a new board

PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology ( proptech ) company, has announced the change of CEO and the appointment of a new board of directors.

After a century of strong leadership and notable accomplishments, Hari V. Krishnan has made the decision to step down as party CEO and seek new pursuits. He has played a significant role in the transformation of PropertyGuru from a company to the leading proptech organization in Southeast Asia.

Hari has played a key role in achieving significant accomplishments, including establishing a recognizable place as the market leader in Southeast Asia. He oversaw PropertyGuru as it created new businesses and answers that addressed the overall consumer trip. He oversaw numerous financing rounds, including the New York Stock Exchange’s public listing, and led the business until EQT Private Capital Asia successfully acquired it.

Hari will continue to be strongly involved with PropertyGuru as the new CEO’s senior advisor to the table once the new CEO is in place.

In March 2025, Lewis Ng ( pic ) will step down as PropertyGuru’s CEO. A trained head with over two decades of experience across Asia and the tech sector, Lewis has held leadership responsibilities at global companies like Apple, TripAdvisor, and Southeast Asia’s rainbows Carousell and PropertyGuru.

Ng led the group’s progress and helped create a customer-centric tradition while serving as the group’s managing director of Singapore and key business officer from 2014 to 2019. Most recently, as chief operating officer at Seek Asia, he transformed the country’s leading work industry into a best-in-class job system. Additionally, he serves as a board chairman at Zhaopin, a well-known career platform in China.

With knowledge stretching sales, customer services, method, and operations, Ng has scaled businesses from the ground up, transformed start-ups into unicorns, and driven effective, robust growth in well-established companies. Ng is uniquely positioned to guide the company into its upcoming growth and innovation, in addition to his prior work at PropertyGuru.

In contrast, Trevor Mather has assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors. He has extensive experience scaling market businesses, having formerly served as the CEO of Auto Trader, where he successfully transformed the company into a completely digital platform and made it a head in the UK automotive market. Matthew is already the president of Baltic Classifieds Group, which further demonstrates his experience in leading and expanding market businesses.

PropertyGuru board of directors include:

  • Janice Leow, head of EQT Private Capital Southeast Asia and a member of the expert team for EQT Private Capital Asia
  • Ed Williams, creator and ex-CEO of UK’s leading house marketplace- Rightmove, president of Trade Me in New Zealand, and ex-chairman of Auto Trader

Hari explained his decision, saying,” After a remarkable decade, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to pursue new interests and change the business to new leadership. I’ve had the honor of working with incredible teams to accomplish some major milestones while creating a culture that promotes participation and innovation, which I consider to be our competitive differentiation.

” I have known Ng for more than ten years and had the honor of working with him for more than three times. I have faith that he will take a new perspective to our company while remaining profoundly in tune with our values and perception. I look forward to guiding him and the staff through this and subsequent move.

Ng said,” I am thrilled to return to PropertyGuru, a business that has always held a special place in my heart. During my previous time around, I experienced personally the amazing culture of collaboration, technology, and customer-centricity that sets PropertyGuru off. I’m excited to build on Hari’s solid foundation as we look to the future because the company’s growth over the past ten years has been outstanding. I’m honored to be the leader of PropertyGuru’s upcoming chapter and to collaborate with our brilliant teams to maintain fostering development and delivering value to our customers in Southeast Asia.

” PropertyGuru is a powerful and innovative company that has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s top proptech system, with a proven track record of delivering benefit and fostering progress,” Mather continued. I’m thrilled to work alongside the table and the brilliant management team to keep developing on this speed and looking for fresh opportunities for the party. I want to acknowledge Hari’s contributions over the past ten years, which have laid a solid foundation for upcoming success. I’m confident that PropertyGuru will achieve even greater milestones in the years to come with Ng’s resumption as CEO, who will bring his vast experience and enthusiasm for the company.

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