MYStartup accelerator picks 25 startups for Cohort 3 with US$52k funding and grants up to US$209k available

On: April 19, 2024

4-month program designed to promote growth and innovation
Increasing Malaysian companies ‘ chances of becoming global leaders in the future

The chosen 25 startups with Cradle execs.

MYStartup, in partnership with NEXEA, a venture funds and company pedal company, has launched its second accelerator program where over 900 programs were received with a 60 percent, ensuring the final choice with 25 appealing tech companies chosen to be onboarded comprising four main industries: artificial intelligence, machine learning, care, and application development.

[Ed: Para updated for reliability. The number of uses received was omitted in an earlier type. ]

The top 25 startups may be subject to a four-month enrichment program, according to MYStartup, designed to promote innovation and develop significant changes in Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.

The preceding cohort saw some startups securing up to US$ 146,400 ( RM700,000 ) worth of investments within the past six months. These companies, which include Parkit, Engagelife, iJalan and EB Tech, even achieved an consolidated full assessment of 290 %, growing from US$ 2. 3 million to US$ 6. 7 million ( RM11 million to RM32 million ) over the same period.

MYStartup accelerator picks 25 startups for Cohort 3 with US$52k funding and grants up to US$209k available Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke ( pic ), Group CEO of Cradle, said, “Startups are one of the fundamental building blocks in Malaysia’s economic development. Based on the Global Startup Ecosystem Report ( GSER ) report in 2023, Malaysia’s startup ecosystem was estimated to be worth US$ 4. 6 billion. At Cradle, we recognise the important need to develop a great performing, diverse, globalised, and green startup ecosystem in the country to enable these ventures for regional and global expansion. ”

Additionally, Normanan noted that Cradle’s objectives extend far beyond economic, with intensive mentorships and extensive resources, as the primary agency promoting the creation and growth of upcoming leading Malaysian tech companies. Through these initiatives, we hope to give our startups the necessary exposure and support to expand their businesses, thereby promoting Indonesian startups as potential future foreign leaders. ”

The MYStartup Accelerator programme is designed for scalable and technology-driven startups, either in the revenue-generating stage or with a minimum viable product ( MVP ). To day, the MYStartup Accelerator has effectively empowered 58 companies, across two groups. ” The next two groups of MYStartup Accelerator, guided by our investor-mentors and Cradle’s assistance, have on ordinary doubled their progress year-on-year. 25 of the 940 applications accepted this year will compete to become the best finalists and receive first funding of RM250,000 with offers up to RM1 million. Along with Cradle, we look forward to creating a bigger effect, accelerating their development and, finally, cultivating an equitable and sustainable business ecosystem in the country, ” said Ben Lim, founder and CEO of Nexea.

Eeyong Ho, chairman of Otter Barista, one of the 25 selected companies said,” Otter Barista aims to bring value espresso closer to you, making your experience more smooth and easy. With our superior robotics, consumers you easily connect with the system to place orders, and the machine handles the end-to-end process of newly brewing beverages, all at a lower cost. We are looking forward to taking part in this throttle program, particularly the one-on-one training sessions with our leader mentors and investors. Through the tutoring and designated seminars, we aim to better reinforce our company’s ideals and business unit, accelerating our progress across Malaysia. “

The 25 companies that were chosen for the MYStartup Accelerator Programme Cohort 3 are:

Otter Barista, an automated mechanical coffee brewing encounter with high-quality and new recipes.
Ollie & Hana, the largest dog grooming and hotel board professional.
ALT Synergy, a proper application of biology to increase product performance.
WeAssist, mobile applications developer focusing on connecting people to healthcare services.
Messengerco, a one-stop platform for corporate gifting.
EasyRenz, an automated & smart tenant management solution.
a mother who specializes in maternity and baby products with a focus on breastfeeding support.
Resitku is a taxation solution as well as an application for expense receipts and income records.
Dreamory, an all-in-one business event platform.
Heycast. me, a casting platform for entertainment industry.
Property Lab, AI-driven platform for precise property investment insights.
DeepLogi, a smart shipping gateway for small and medium-sized business.
A safety application called Siriren Networks connects users on a platform with emergency and care service providers.
Axtraction AI, B2B document AI Software as a Service ( SaaS ).
Quasa. ai, provides regulatory and compliance tech solutions to businesses.
Infinitlab, a modular SaaS ERP solution empowered by an AI-ready framework for seamless and efficient business management.
Choladeck, A web app that creates customized, brand-aligned presentations and offers insights on audience engagement.

Dialog, Axiata Group and Bharti Airtel sign Definitive Agreement to merge operations in Sri Lanka

By: Mary Blight

On: April 18, 2024

In: Technology

acquisition to provide outstanding experience and boost shareholder returns
Integration did unlock new possibilities for creativity, growth & gain shoppers

Colombo at sunset, the capital of Sri Lanka.

A Clear Agreement was signed between Bharti Airtel Ltd., Axiata Group Bhd., and Dialog Axiata PLC. In exchange for receiving 100 % of the issued stocks in Airtel Lanka, Dialog will matter to Bharti Airtel ten common voting stock in the amount of 10. By way of a share transfer, 35 % of the entire stock of Dialog are issued. The transaction is pending the completion of the specific conditions set forth in the Share Sale Agreement, including obtaining Colombo Stock Exchange ( CSE ) clearance and completing other applicable legal, corporate, and regulatory compliance procedures. The proposed merger has been approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka ( TRCSL), underscoring its commitment to promoting the adoption of telecommunications services throughout Sri Lanka. This consolidation will make it possible for the merged entity to obtain scale savings and administrative efficiency, as well as reduce duplication of infrastructure and obtain synergies in terms of technology and capital expenditures that may improve high-speed broadband connectivity.

Dialog, Axiata Group and Bharti Airtel sign Definitive Agreement to merge operations in Sri Lanka The merger between Dialog and Airtel Lanka is in line with Axiata’s strategy of market consolidation and resilience, according to Vivek Sood ( pic ), Group CEO and Managing Director of Axiata Group. Through attainable synergies, the consolidation did bring value to Dialog Axiata PLC and Axiata Group’s owners. We have the greatest admiration for Airtel Lanka and its workers, and we look forward to collaborating on the integration of the two businesses. ”

This acquisition, according to Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, CEO of Axiata’s Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director, is a positive step forward for Sri Lanka’s premier telecoms sector’s growth and sustainability. We anticipate the company’s fresh user experiences and innovations to be of use to Sri Lankan businesses and consumers. ”

Gopal Vittal, MD & Bharti Airtel, the CEO, stated,” We are glad to combine our activities in Sri Lanka and Dialog. We can assure our customers that despite their size and unique propositions, they will continue to receive cutting-edge services over a smooth system. ”

Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata, praised the staff at Airtel Lanka as a “priority addition to the Dialog family” and said,” We take a major step forward in our commitment to providing excellent telecommunications companies in Sri Lanka.”

“The integration of Dialog and Airtel Lanka operations will unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth, and this will benefit consumers, ” said Ashish Chandra, CEO, Bharti Airtel Lanka ( Private ) Ltd.

Edotco Malaysia appoints Tengku Arif Bendahara Pahang as chairman of Shahzan Alam Muda

By: Mary Blight

On: April 16, 2024

In: Technology

Edotco owns 80 % of Shahzan Alam Muda.
Pahang lags at 65 % of the 5G coverage in densely populated areas as opposed to 80. 2 % regional average

Edotco Malaysia appoints Tengku Arif Bendahara Pahang as chairman of Shahzan Alam Muda

Tengku Arif Bendahara Pahang and Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Riayatuddin Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah ( pic ) have been appointed by Edotco Malaysia; as the president of its company, Shahzan Alam Muda Sdn. Bhd.

The state of Pahang Darul Makmur has one of the only One Stop Agency ( OSA ) responsible for all telecommunications infrastructure development. Following Edotco Malaysia’s merger of Touch Mindscape Sdn. Bhd. In addition to Touch Group Holdings, Edotco then owns 80 % of Shahzan Alam Muda.

Under the direction of Tengku Muhammad Iskandar, the business said, Shahzan Alam Muda is poised to revolutionize its operations and set itself as the standard for OSA models global, fueled by data and digital technology. Shahzan Alam Muda is committed to spearheading the organized communications system implementation in Pahang, giving priority to conservation and natural infrastructure while streamlining permitting techniques.

The company added that it will help the state achieve its sustainability goals by implementing online demand planning to use advanced analytics to determine network coverage gaps, facilitating infrastructure-sharing opportunities, eliminating overlapping telecom towers, and improving the state’s landscape aesthetics.

We are sincerely honored to have Tengku Muhammad Iskandar as Shahzan Alam Muda’s president, according to Adlan Tajudin, CEO of Edotco Group, and we have a firm belief in his leadership of the state’s modern facilities. With the most recent increase in the government’s least get requirements to 7, 7mbps from 2. The need to tackle accessibility issues in Pahang has grown even more acute at 5 mbps. ”

He added that presently, Pahang lags at 65 % 5G coverage in crowded areas, compared to the national average of 80. 2 %. Therefore, more engagement between partners is urgently required to close this digital divide. Edotco, the largest 5G implementation partner, will continue to work with Digital National Berhad, cellular system operators, municipal councils, and regulators to ensure equal online access for all of Pahang, Adlan said.

Tengku Muhammad Iskandar, who was quoted as commenting on his visit, said,” I am honored to direct Shahzan Alam Muda in our effort to accelerate the development of modern communication across Pahang. We will use our expertise and resources in a strategic partnership with Edotco Group to gate the modern divide, advance modern infrastructure, and help Pahang move toward a productive digital future. ”

The University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and Tangku Muhammad Iskandar, who has a bachelor of arts in global reports, have an affiliation with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia with special interests in economics, industry, regional connectivity, foreign policy, and safety studies. He also serves with the Pahang State Customs Council as a representative of the royal household.

APU’s winning streak continues

By: Mary Blight

On: April 15, 2024

In: Technology

The school’s 5 honors are the most won by any organisation in the 2023 Awards
The School of Computing at APU stands out among 42 specialized characteristics teaching digital technology.

APU’s vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan (4th from the left) celebrates the multiple wins under the MDEC PDTI Outstanding Awards 2023 with senior academic staff and student-winners. (From the left) Nixon Cheng Yi Heng, assoc prof Dr Thang Ka Fei, prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam; (From the right) Chang Shiau Huei, Jack Lai Yong Geat, assoc prof Dr Tan Chin Ike, prof Dr Murali Raman.

The Asia Pacific University of Technology &; Innovation ( APU) continued to expand its winning streak with numerous accomplishments under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC )’s Premier Digital Tech Institutions ( PDTI ) Outstanding Awards 2023, which were announced on March 21, 2024.

Its School of Computing, which is located in Malaysia, has won the MDEC PDTI Outstanding Faculty ( University Category ) Award 2023 and has established itself as the top performer among 42 faculties/schools spread across 24 public and private higher education institutions specialising in digital tech education.

Also, Jack Lai Yong Geat, a teacher from APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design, stood out as one of the Excellent University People among the contenders by winning second place in this group.

Rounding up the win, APU’s students won three honours in the Excellent Student Category. This includes Chang Shiau Huei, a student majoring in computer games development, and Nixon Cheng Yi Heng, a student with a Bachelor of Science ( Honours ) who won the Outstanding Student Award. Loh Kae Shyan, a student of Information Systems Security, won a compassion reward in this category.

These five awards show the most wins by any college in the 2023 Awards and demonstrate the commitment, passion, and large drive of APU’s accomplished academic staff and students.

Since 2017, under the supervision of the next Ministry of Communication and Multimedia with the help of the Ministry of Higher Education, MDEC has spearheaded the PDTI program, aiming to boost Malaysia’s digital technology industry.

The inclusion of APU as one of the annual party of PDTIs by MDEC in 2017 underlines its commitment to advance online education, a position it has maintained to day. The PDTI program plays a crucial role in nurturing highly experienced professionals for the modern market by acting as a bridge between native talent need and local talent supply. Annually, these prizes recognise administrative and people’ outstanding contributions and advancements.

Throughout 2023, the School of Computing, under the command of Associate Professor Dr. Tan Chin Ike, showcased its award-winning credentials by forging partnerships with over 11 key industry players in the technology, systems, and game growth sectors. Additionally, its students and academic staff won more than ten top awards in various regional and national competitions.

The participation of Chen Yi Heng in nine international competitions, including the DB-SNUbiz Global Startup Challenge 2023 and the 2023 4th All-American DAVINCI International Innovation and Invention Expo, earned him the Outstanding Student Award. On the other hand, Chang Shiau Huei attained first runner-up status with her participation in 11 international and eight national competitions, including the 2023 Women’s Society Of CyberJutsu ( WSC ) CTF, winning five championships in total. In addition to other notable victories, Loh Kae Shyan won three national championships at CYDES 2023, Hack A Day – Securing AI: PwC CTF 2023, and APU Internal CTF 2023.

The recognition of Jack Lai as the 3rd Place Award winner of Outstanding Faculty Member demonstrates his commitment to developing and applying cutting-edge knowledge to animation, enhancing student learning experiences, and supporting research projects.

Reflecting on these accomplishments, Dr. Tan noted that” the 2023 Outstanding Faculty Award confirms that the school is meeting the evolving needs of society and industry by fostering and developing innovative talents in the fields of computing and creative technology.” “

He added that APU has excelled in the field of job-ready graduates for over 30 years and that the PDTI initiative aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of job-ready graduates capable of meeting industry demands. According to the proverb at APU, we do not just produce graduates; we rather cultivate talents that provide top-notch value to the sector. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle wrote – ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. APU instills this quality in both its staff and students. ” Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, vice-chancellor of APU, echoed this sentiment, underlining APU’s commitment to providing practical industry knowledge and fostering employable talents. He emphasized the importance of producing graduates who are highly valuable to the sector under the APU brand.

We at APU have always prioritized providing our talents with the best possible tertiary experience and the most practical industry knowledge and skills. APU has a strong culture that encourages the development of employable talents. ”

The APU’s success at the MDEC PDTI Outstanding Awards 2023 demonstrates its commitment to excellence in digital technology education and to supporting Malaysia’s digital economy’s growth. As its CEO Parmjit Singh noted, “Being part of MDEC’s Premier Digital Tech Ecosystem, APU collaborates with key stakeholders in prioritising student transformation into highly employable, competent, and future-proof professionals. Our key industrial partners offer our academic staff valuable insights into industry practices, which are then incorporated into our curriculum. Our faculty and students ‘ outstanding accomplishments in 2023 truly give us a sense of pride. ”

KL20 Summit hopes to boost Malaysia’s startup ecosystem with ambitious top 20 target by 2030

By: Mary Blight

On: April 12, 2024

In: Technology

Startups may benefit from the Summit’s ability to connect them with a wide range of funding options.
Allows traders to gain valuable insight into Malaysia’s modern surroundings

KL20 Summit hopes to boost Malaysia’s startup ecosystem with ambitious top 20 target by 2030

Malaysia is attempting to become one of the top 20 global business ecosystems by 2030 in terms of growth in its business landscape. Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli just announced the KL20 Summit, with the aim of stimulating Malaysia’s business field. &nbsp,

In a statement, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation ( Mosti ) stressed the Malaysian government’s commitment to making the country a hub for startups. It said the business scene may look forward to a surge in action during the KL20 Summit&nbsp, and beyond- including 10 star initiative launches, fuelled by friendly government policies, a growing talent pool and a vibrant innovative ecosystem.

At the same time, it acknowledges that obstacles remain, especially in accessing money, navigating governmental restrictions and attracting top talent.

Creating a blooming habitat

Mosti says investors are drawn to Malaysia’s vibrant startup field because it offers a wide range of opportunities across a range of industries, from finance to e-commerce, and that this diversity is appealing.

Mosti believes that activities like the KL20 Summit taking place on April 22 through April 23 will help accelerate Malaysia into the best 20 global business communities by 2030 because the government is playing a crucial role in creating a conducive atmosphere for startups. Startups can flourish more in a more supportive environment thanks to efforts to simplify regulations, promote useful resource management, and modernize public services.

The Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap ( SUPER ) has been developed as a guideline to help our nation’s startup ecosystem become a regional hub. &nbsp, SUPER addresses important areas like skill development, funding mobility, ensuring market admittance, and driving innovation in technology and social impact”, said Chang Lih Kang, Mosti Minister.

By streamlining procedures and combining tools under one software, Malta will be launching the Single Window Initiative to develop Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.

This program will eliminate bureaucratic strain, make certifications quicker, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to get started. This is important in boosting our development field towards achieving KL20’s objectives”, Chang added.

Addressing Funding Hurdles

Access to funding remains a hurdle for some business entrepreneurs, especially during the earlier rounds. KL20 and other activities aim to close this lull. The conference will assist businesses in establishing connections with a variety of financing sources, including government grants, venture businessmen, and angel investors. Pitching options, networking situations, and showcasing of success stories is further enable businesses to secure the funds needed for development.

” The Malaysia Venture Capital Roadmap ( MVCR ) and MyDigital initiatives, alongside incentives for foreign investment, makes Malaysia an attractive proposition for digital businesses seeking a regional foothold. Participation in the KL20 Summit allows international investors to gain valuable insight into our electronic environment, regulations and purchase opportunities”, said Chang.

Investing in talent and collaboration

Malaysia has a young, dynamic and tech- savvy workforce. To further enhance their skill sets, the government is investing in education and training programs. Additionally, initiatives are in place to attract international talent and encourage knowledge transfer, creating a robust talent pool that fuels our digital ecosystem.

For maintaining a vibrant startup ecosystem, education and knowledge sharing are essential. KL20 brings together thought leaders from the industry and experienced business owners to exchange their knowledge and best practices. Panel discussions and keynote presentations provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and abilities necessary to navigate the difficulties of entrepreneurship and build profitable businesses.

A collaborative culture is essential to maximizing Kuala Lumpur’s potential as a leading startup hub. Collaboration between government agencies, investors, educational institutions, corporate entities, and startup founders is vital to create policies, programmes and initiatives that address the needs of entrepreneurs and foster innovation. By working together, stakeholders can position Kuala Lumpur as a premier destination for startups, driving economic growth and job creation.

The government is also supporting local innovation – through MDEC, Cradle, MRANTI and other agencies, providing startups with crucial financial and technical support. The implementation of clear guidelines is also among the government’s priorities, ensuring a more conducive environment for startups to operate and comply with requirements.

By addressing challenges, fostering collaboration and capitalising on the government’s supportive initiatives, Malaysia is poised to become a leading startup hub in Southeast Asia said Mosti.

Banks clarify that sensitive customer information is never requested via phone calls

By: Mary Blight

On: April 12, 2024

In: Technology

Banks always request CCV, website banking credentials, or OTP figures from customers
Banks perform confirmation checks to protect customers ‘ accounts, ensure ongoing security

The member banks of the Association of Banks in Malaysia ( ABM ) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia ( AIBIM ) have reiterated that they will not call in sensitive customer data, such as credit or debit card numbers. &nbsp,

However, in certain scenarios, such as evaluating suspicious transactions, banks may contact customers to get clarification and perhaps do verification checks using fractional personal information, such as the last four digits of the NRIC, to confirm the customer’s identity.

This action is taken to protect customers ‘ financial data and ensure its continued protection. Customers who believe they have been called by fraudsters who pretend to be bank officers should hang up and dial the bank’s established customer service call right away.

Businesses emphasized that they never will ask customers for the following details:

Credit/ debit card number and card verification value ( CVV ) number
Online banks username and password
SMS OTP/ TAC statistics

The finance industry collaborates closely with regulators and police agencies to secure banking systems and electronic platforms, improve safety measures in accordance with the most recent scam practices, and detect and freeze bank accounts associated with scammers and animal account holders in ongoing efforts to protect the financial well-being of customers.

The banking sector has implemented five important measures since July 2023 to protect against scams, including replacing SMS OTP with a more secure authentication process, tightening fraud detection regulations, putting in cooling-off periods for first-time online banking access registration, allowing registration to be registered on only one cellular or safe device, and setting up a 24/7 dedicated complaint channel for customers.

For assistance, victims of scams should immediately dial the National Scam Response Centre at 997 or their banks ‘ 24/7 customer service hotlines at 997. Customers can use the Kill Switch feature via the online banking platform or mobile banking app to deactivate access to online banking or block credit/debit cards linked to fraudulent transactions. Customers can visit www. customerservice .com to find the bank’s customer service hotline and learn how to spot the most recent scams. JanganKenaScam.com.

Customers can also choose to use the Kill Switch feature on the online banking platform or mobile banking app to quickly deactivate their access to credit/debit cards that have been linked to fraudulent transactions.

BAC team wins TCS Sustainathon Malaysia 2024 focused on bridging gender gap in STEM

By: Mary Blight

On: April 12, 2024

In: Technology

Teams developed innovative ways to increase the gender picture in STEM.

The winning teams comprised of students from Brickfields Asia College (the three in the middle) who placed 1st, the 2nd place team from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (the three students from the right) and 3rd place Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (the three from the left).

The finalists of TCS Sustainathon Malaysia 2024, a problem-solving contest that helps students to find creative options to real-world problems using technologies, were announced by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Ten finalists shared their ideas for making the most of technology to close the gender gap in STEM fields and give people identical opportunities for advancement in these areas. The finalist candidates addressed three issue remarks in their ideas in response to the style” Embracing Women in STEM,” using technology to enhance the STEM education, encouraging successful people in STEM as role models, and supporting women in STEM as they advance in their careers.

The aim of this year’s theme was to raise awareness among young people about the gender gap in STEM and to motivate them to use technology to close the gender gap.

In Malaysia, more than half of the local STEM graduates are women ( 53.2 % in 2021 ) but men outnumber women in employment, according to research by the Khazanah Research Institute. In contrast to the 72 % of men, only 69 % of women who graduated were hired. At the leadership level, the challenge is even more acute globally, with women constituting only 19 % of board members and 3 % of CEOs in STEM companies.

Students Claudine Ivancka Netto, Chow Xin Ying and Fatima Safiya Fauzy from Brickfields Asia College ( BAC ) took home the grand prize for their solution, VirtuLearn. Their proposal aimed to transform education by creating interactive e-books with a focus on STEM subjects, making STEM education more immersive and engaging. This is anticipated to spur more female students on to grow interested in the field and work for the company.

Second place was won by Team SrikandInTech from&nbsp, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Aisya Batrisyia Azley, Nur Adilah Zainal Abidin, and Mohammed Zaid Ahmed Alshami.

Team Grow Your Own STEM from the University of Malaysia, led by Muslihah Mohd Norhisam, Siti Nor Syafiqah Muhammad Hanafiah, and Siti Nur Syafiqah Abd Latif, won third place. The winning team received RM10, 000, the second and third placed teams were awarded RM7, 000 and RM5, 000 respectively. In its second edition, 204 students from 30 universities and colleges in Malaysia submitted proposals, making 76 out of 76 total.

Chow Xin Ying, Team Lead of champions VirtuLearn, said,” We’re delighted to win the TCS Sustainathon Malaysia 2024. This victory is a fantastic boost to one’s self-assurance. We are excited to help close the STEM gender gap in the future, in our own small way, because learning from the mentors really opened our eyes to how we could use our idea to produce more effective results. We should make full efforts to use the women’s potential to contribute to STEM fields to improve society. Additionally, we would like to thank Malaysia Airlines for the return tickets and TCS Malaysia for the cash prize. We will undoubtedly make use of these resources.

Jeevan Rajoo, Country Head, TCS Malaysia, said, “TCS is committed to supporting youth empowerment by engaging them in nation- building initiatives. One such avenue is the TCS Sustainathon, which encourages young people to develop ideas for solutions to socioeconomic issues. Our youth are well-positioned to influence societal progress and implement the paradigm shift required to make the STEM field more gender balanced. They are our future leaders. We are already walking the talk at TCS by having more women in our workforce to elevate innovation, creativity and competitiveness. In addition to meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals objectives like equitable education and economic opportunities, research has shown that closing the gender gap in the workforce is related to a rise in gross domestic product ( GDP ), labor productivity, and socioeconomic development.

The finale was attended by Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, the Deputy Minister of National Unity, who said, “TCS Malaysia’s contributions to our nation’s growth embody the power of public- private partnerships in driving sustainable development and nation- building. Their efforts to promote innovation and support STEM education perfectly align with our national priorities, highlighting the crucial role that these collaborations play in moving Malaysia toward a more inclusive and prosperous future, a goal that the government, and specifically the Ministry of National Unity, strive to achieve.

The TCS Sustainathon Malaysia 2024 is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ), Astro, CelcomDigi, Khazanah Research Institute, Malaysia Aviation Group, Maybank, SEEd. Malaysia and Brunei are members of the UN Global Compact Network.

The TCS Sustainathon initiative was first introduced in Singapore in 2020. Since then, it has gone global, with 12 editions across 10 countries, including Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and Ireland. The youth have the opportunity to work with private companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to come up with solutions through the competition.

More details about the TCS Sustainathon Malaysia 2024 can be found here.

WORQ and Sunway Putra Mall enter strategic partnership for new upcycled coworking space

By: Mary Blight

On: April 9, 2024

In: Technology

In M’sia, developing a future-of-work and flex-office facilities to provide remote work options

WORQ is steadily working towards connecting all of Klang Valley via Transit-Oriented coworking spaces.

WORQ, Malaysia’s leading working and wiggle room service, joined with Sunway Malls, one of Southeast Asia’s leading store groups, to demonstrate its latest coworking space, located in Sunway Putra Mall on the PWTC LRT train line. The page was opned on 25th March.

This stands as White Q’s eighth shop and its seventh shop in Klang Valley’s interstate travel rail system as it works to connect all of Klang Valley via Transit- Oriented coworking spaces and spans 20, 000 square feet of upcycled space.

Sunway Malls & Theme Parks ‘ Chief Executive Officer, HC Chan, stated,” Sunway Malls is committed to leading with conservation, and we are delighted with this strategic relationship with WORQ. Through our joint attempts at Sunway Putra Mall, WORQ has effectively demonstrated that intelligent renovations may both preserve the environment and increase profits. By reusing and repurposing existing fit-out, this effort also creates new standards for the lifetime of workplace spaces. This agreement is a sign of our common conviction that business success and environmental stewardship are comparable in fact.

There is a unique opportunity to leverage Indonesian human capital as the global workforce transitions to remote work by attracting more remote-work opportunities to our shores and encouraging global firms to get Malay. By providing carefully located stretch headquarters at Transit-Oriented Developments, the business is where work is done and jobs are created. Many of our coworkers are more effective then that they no longer drive, but instead do so while on the way to labor, in between sessions in the area, and on their way back home, according to Stephanie Ping, CEO and co-founder of WORQ.

(From the left): Andrew Yeow, Co-founder and CFO of WORQ, Clement Chen, CEO of Sunway REIT, Stephine Ping Co-founder & CEO of WORQ, Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Dr. Prodyut Dutt, Group COO (Strategy and Development), Danny Lee, General Manager (Centre Manager) of Sunway Putra Mall.

This transit-oriented development ( TOD ) approach liberalizes real estate, reducing people’s dependence on cars while allowing them to move between various offices and locations. This is in line with the demands for flexible working arrangements.

By connecting workspaces with transit lines, WOR Q’s collaboration with Sunway Group and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd exemplifies Malaysia’s transition toward a transit-oriented community. This strategic action not only makes commutes more successful, but it also significantly improves the government’s sustainability goals by reducing vehicle dominance and improving employee well-being, according to Anthony Loke, Malaysia’s minister of transport who witnessed the announcement of the partnership with Sunway Malls.

WORQ claimed that it has established a unique cloud office infrastructure, enabling professionals to seamlessly move from one outlet to another, creating a dynamic and flexible work environment by linking these train lines with Google-like offices. With the help of this cloud-based office infrastructure, both local and international employers can quickly hire professionals from all over Klang Valley.

We applaud WOR Q’s commitment to creating a cloud-based workplace infrastructure that connects employees from all over the world. This perfectly reflects Prasarana’s commitment to making the Klang Valley’s use of public transportation the preferred mode of transportation. WORQ promotes the use of public transportation by liberalizing real estate and facilitating seamless transitions between outlets, according to Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, President and CEO of Prasarana.” By enhancing accessibility and flexibility, WORQ increases access and flexibility to meet the needs of the modern workforce.

Additionally, the project uses an existing space’s layout to creatively transform it into a contemporary coworking space. This exercise enables WORQ to capitalize on the location and ease of the mall by revitalizing existing infrastructure and spaces in Malaysia’s retail landscape.

Transforming malls with innovative space usage, sustainably

Due to the significant shift in real estate demand, malls are evolving in the post-pandemic landscape. These locations are being transformed into vibrant mixed-use projects that will be successful, and mall owners should capitalize on the growing need for community-oriented coworking spaces by working with established operators to create vibrant work environments that draw customers even on weekdays.

This shift to flexibility leads to an annual reduction of about 118 metric tons of carbon emissions and promotes recycling and reusing practices, facilitating effective office repurposing without extensive reconstruction.

Setting a sustainability standard and acting as a model for other coworking industry players, WOR Q’s facilities at Sunway Putra Mall feature high-quality, overstocked construction materials from HOMA. WORQ can use the location and convenience of the mall to revitalize existing infrastructure and spaces in Malaysia’s vast retail landscape.

Pulsifi brings generative AI to its talent acquisition platform

By: Mary Blight

On: April 9, 2024

In: Technology

Strengthens its capability to offer science &amp, study- backed perspectives to enterprises
Give more information about the abilities and work experience needed for a particular position.

Pulsifi brings generative AI to its talent acquisition platform

On Pulsifi’s Talent Acquisition Platform, conceptual AI functions have been made available. The conceptual AI solution, which is supported by science and research, adds new capabilities that enable more powerful candidate insights and enhance the platform’s already-existing features.

The new generative AI solution, which has been made available globally since yesterday ( 8 April ) via ^the Pulsifi website, ga^thers perspectives and data to assist employers in addressing questions like: how to choose from among multiple applicants for a position based on a candidate’s fit score.
This new alternative marks Pulsifi’s foray into the world of relational AI to further improve the company’s quality in HR technology, especially, providing science and research- backed insights to enterprises. With the help of more than 50 years of client-based organizational psychology research and confirmation, Pulsifi’s AI is driven by data and knowledge.

options that are worldwide benchmarked and place a strong emphasis on people

Based on customer comments and the company’s employee performance information, Pulsifi, which was founded in 2017, claims that its remedies are benchmarked to international business requirements.

Pulsifi brings generative AI to its talent acquisition platform ” At Pulsifi, we recognise that individuals are comprehensive, with different skills, experience, characters, interests and values. Businesses who value and exploit the multi-dimensionality of their employees find that these employees exhibit better work performance and satisfaction. Our research, for instance, demonstrates that businesses that use Pulsifi’s AI-powered analytics platform have seen significant performance improvements, according to Christine Sterk, chief business officer of Pulsifi Malaysia ( pic ).

” The platform’s predictive analytics, coupled with AI, boasts a 97 % accuracy rate in predicting culture and values fit, and an 81 % accuracy rate in predicting competencies and behaviors. For efficiency creates learning and development, cultivating a more aligned and coherent workforce”, Christine added.

While Pulsifi’s recent AI-driven insights provide framework and clarity, conceptual AI aids in deepening insights into the abilities and work experience needed for a distinct role, Christine said. ” All these person data factors work together to give organizations the ability to make more accurate and informed hiring selections.”
According to Pulsifi, businesses will gain from the fresh conceptual AI alternative by:

Understanding exactly how a candidate’s role-fit rating is determined by adding up their ratings for each job aspect.
having a quick view of a candidate’s performance in relation to the most crucial aspects of the work.
Accessing AI- backed part fit insights to get a quantitative analysis of the president’s role fit breakdown.
Having the ability to assess whether a candidate’s abilities are in line with those needed by the work.
obtaining more information about how well the candidate’s skills compare to those needed by the work by using a color-coded heatmap.
Understanding a president’s relevance to the part they are applying for is a matter of course.
Understanding a president’s previous work experience in relation to the experience needed for the position they are applying for and using AI to provide more context.
Having access to more detailed member information.

Navigating the job market: Challenges and advice for the employment ecosystem

By: Mary Blight

On: April 8, 2024

In: Technology

Mandatory internships does help graduates with their lack of work experience.
Collab with institutions, sectors &amp, governments may improve student employment practices

Navigating the job market: Challenges and advice for the employment ecosystem In today’s job market, many local graduates face difficulties transitioning from undergraduate to respectable job. Despite their credentials, a significant portion practice unemployment or underemployment. &nbsp,

Let’s examine these varied concerns and possible solutions.

1. Why do regional graduates have trouble locating positions that match their skills?

A significant factor is the persistent problem of knowledge incompatibility. Many graduates possess conceptual knowledge, but employers are looking for practical skills and work experience. Also, rapid technological advancements usually provide qualifications outdated, widening the space between schooling and industry needs. &nbsp,

The issue is made worse by the lack of networking opportunities and poor job advice. Graduates struggle to find employment and successfully market themselves to employers without the help of professional networks or advice.

The absence of work experience among graduates could be addressed by compulsory internship or apprenticeship programs. Moreover, college programs may strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience to better prepare students for the workforce.

2. Over skills or under?

Some graduates have to choose between being overqualified or underqualified for the jobs that are available. Some have credentials beyond entry-level needs, while people lack the necessary skills to meet changing business demands.

Employers may turn away from candidates with high-quality backgrounds because they fear they may rapidly transcend positions or demand higher salaries. In contrast, applicants with poor qualifications struggle to find employment in a field with specialized skills and experience.

Therefore, it is crucial to get advice before enrolling in a course to ensure that skills are still important after graduation. Private interests alone may not maintain employability. Additionally, universities should work with industry standards to avoid skill mismatches, perhaps by involving business advisors in college boards.

3. If first-time work offers be accepted by graduates?

Accepting the initial work offer can provide quick relief from employment forces, but it’s a choice that warrants careful thought. Graduates must consider the long-term effects on their job prospects.

Related career objectives or hobbies may prevent people from getting along and limiting their potential improvement. Instead, graduates really analyze job offers based on alignment with their beliefs, development potential, and opportunities for skill development.

4. What is the longer- word impact on the economy?

Significant and long-lasting effects are being caused by the skills gap between graduates and labour market requirements for both cultures.

High levels of student unemployment or underemployment also prevent innovation and productivity growth, as well as causing talent wastage. Underutilization or a lack of important skills in the workforce is hinder economic growth potential and impede competitiveness. &nbsp,

However, while the job economy offers tempting employment alternatives with pliable working conditions, it may unwittingly undermine traditional employment opportunities, affecting graduates ‘ long- term employability.

5. What does universities do to maintain greater employment?

To increase student employability, universities must prioritize both intellectual knowledge and practical skills. Working with industry partners may incorporate real-world experiences into the curriculum to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the labor.

Additionally, colleges should exercise greater prudence and forethought when preparing and planning their program offerings. Instead of just providing popular programs and training, they should also provide programs that have long-term advantages for both the students ‘ employment and society. This prevents an oversupply of alumni in some professions.

Also, universities should also participate in extensive career development services that provide students with guidance on job search strategies, begin writing, and interview preparation. Internship programmes, industry placements, and cooperative education initiatives can also provide valuable hands- on experience and industry connections.

Comprehensive career development services are essential, offering guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation. Internship opportunities are provided by cooperative education initiatives and internship programs, as well as industry placements and partnerships with NGOs like Pikom.

6. What is available to the government?

Governments can help address the difficulties faced by graduates who are employable. The gap between education and employment can be bridged by policy initiatives like incentives for industries to offer apprenticeships and vocational training programs. Graduates are taught relevant skills by investments in technology and emerging industries.

To provide graduates with alternative employment options, governments can also promote entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. Entrepreneurial initiatives like startup incubators, access to venture capital, and business support services can help graduates pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and aid in economic growth.

7. What are the potential uses for NGOs like Pikom?

By providing specific assistance and resources to increase graduate employability, NGOs like Pikom can complement government efforts. This includes skills development workshops, mentorship programmes, and job placement services tailored to the needs of graduates. Collaborations with universities, industry partners, and government organizations can increase the impact of NGO initiatives and foster the dissemination of best practices and knowledge.

8. Is graduates ‘ ( perceived low salary ) starting salary a deterrent to employability?

Graduates ‘ starting pay may have an impact on their employability, but that’s just one factor. While competitive pay can attract candidates, other elements like job satisfaction, career growth, and work- life balance also matter. &nbsp,

Employers should provide competitive salaries and other benefits, while graduates should take into account various factors when evaluating job offers.

9. What are some of the key elements that a graduate’s job offers?

A higher starting salary can attract graduates, especially those motivated by financial incentives. Companies that offer competitive salaries find it simpler to find top talent, especially in high-demand occupations.
The starting salary reflects the role’s perceived value and the candidate’s qualifications. Higher-paying positions are frequently seen by graduates as more prestigious or a sign of the employer’s commitment to their talent.
For many graduates, getting a job with a competitive starting salary is essential to maintaining financial stability. Making the job more appealing, thanks to a higher starting salary, lessens worries about student loan debt and living expenses.
According to research, employees who receive fair pay are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with their employers for the long run. Offering a competitive starting salary can increase retention rates and lower turnover costs, in turn.

In conclusion, addressing graduate employability challenges demands a collaborative effort among universities, governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders. In order to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning education with industry demands, and promoting robust career development support, can foster a more inclusive and resilient job market, enabling graduates to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Woon Tai Hai is head of&nbsp, PIKOM Research Committee. He is also a past Chairman of the organisation.

Mary Blight (Page 2)