Mary Blight – Page 25

How Kim Lian is new Tune Protect Group, Group CEO

On: July 29, 2024

Replaces Rohit Nambiar who stepped down in May
Strengthen Tune Protect into being a stronger sales and service organisation

How Kim Lian is new Tune Protect Group, Group CEO

Tune Protect Group Bhd has announced the appointment of How Kim Lian as its new Group CEO, effective 29 July 2024.

How joined Tune Protect in 2020 as the Group CFO. He succeeds Rohit Nambiar who stepped down in May 2024 after his Oct 2020 appointment.

How’s new role as group CEO will involve deepening Tune Protect’s penetration into the lifestyle ecosystem and engaging with key regional players to establish Tune Protect Group as a leading regional insurance provider in the travel sector. He will focus on showcasing the Group’s capabilities as a comprehensive service provider, encompassing technology and reinsurance, to deliver a consistent customer experience and a global product offering.

Mohamed Khadar Bin Merican, Chairman of Tune Protect Group Bhd, said, “We are delighted to welcome How as our new GCEO. His extensive experience and proven track record in financial management and strategic development make him the ideal leader to advance Tune Protect as a key regional player. We are confident that How will strengthen Tune Protect into being a stronger sales and service organisation which will continue to grow and achieve greater heights under his leadership.”

In his previous role as group CFO, How played a key role in overseeing the Procurement, Legal, and Corporate Secretarial portfolios, alongside his core responsibilities. He was responsible to review and establish key financial strategies in aligning to the Company’s Corporate Strategy by evaluating financial operational trends, measurements, and productivity levels, aside from looking at acquisition and expansion prospects, identifying areas for improvement and accumulating capital to fund expansion.

How said, “Together with our talented team, I am committed to driving sustainable growth and profitability across the region, delivering exceptional value to our customers, strengthening partnerships, and maximising returns for our investors. By leveraging technology and our deep industry knowledge, especially in the travel sector, we will solidify our position as a leading insurance player in the travel ecosystem.”

In addition to his role as group CEO, How also serves as a Director in Tune Protect Re Ltd., and Tune Protect Thailand.

Prior to joining Tune Protect, How was the Group Deputy Chief Financial Officer at AirAsia. He is a member of the Australian Society of CPAs (ASCPA), the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

Supportive semiconductor policy, ecosystem draws French IC design firm, Weeroc to invest US.3mil into Malaysian expansion

Supportive semiconductor policy, ecosystem draws French IC design firm, Weeroc to invest US$4.3mil into Malaysian expansion

By: Mary Blight

On: July 29, 2024

In: Technology

Q1 ‘25 operations to be launched at IC Design Park in Selangor
Investment to be funded from internal funds and new investment round

(L2R): Dr. Salleh Ahmad, CTO of Weeroc; Hasan Azhari, CEO of Invest Selangor; Johary Anuar, Deputy State Secretary (Development); Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar Selangor; Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility; and Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec.

It is not a billion dollar commitment into Malaysia’s growing semiconductor space but in the long run will prove as important as the hardware investments made, since it augments the critical software side of the semiconductor value chain via creating products that generate demand for the chips produced by the semicon fabs. Last Friday, in a boost to the recently announced Malaysia Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Design Park in Selangor, Sidec (Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation) signed a Letter of Intent with Weeroc, a French IC design company that spun-off in 2012 from Omega laboratory, a French governmental agency for fundamental research in astrophysics, particle physics and nuclear physics. With a headcount of over 10 people, Weeroc designs and provides analogue and mixed ASICs for industry use.

“Choosing Malaysia to set up a new design centre is in line with our strategy to expand our IC design team for Aerospace products,” said Dr Salleh Ahmad, CTO of Weeroc who also announced that the company would invest US$4.31 million (RM20 million) into its operation in Malaysia with the investment to be, “a mix of funding, including internal funds.” Operations are expected to launch next year.

Salleh started with Weeroc since its launch as a mixed signals engineer and became CTO in 2016 as the company expanded its services beyond its core IC design.

“I am not the founder but am part of the co-founding team,” said Salleh who is Malaysian.

“Choosing Malaysia to set up a new design centre is in line with our strategy to expand our IC design team for Aerospace products,” he explained, adding that the government’s support with the National Semiconductor Strategy and the launching of the IC Design Park in Selangor gave them the encouragement as well.

“We believe that Malaysia could move up in the semiconductor industry value chain and has an untapped potential of IC design talent.”

Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec, said “We are excited to welcome Weeroc to Selangor. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to foster technological advancements and economic growth that will benefit both our community and the global semiconductor industry.”

Sidec will assist in Weeroc’s operational launch and provide facilities at the Integrated Circuit Design Park. These facilities will include Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, intellectual property (IP) services, multi-project wafer (MPW) services, testing tools, talent and industrial training, and office facilities.

“We expect to be able to start a new design company in the first quarter of 2025. Starting a new venture in collaboration with Sidec at the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, Selangor will allow us to conduct technology transfer, IP development, and transfer know-how of the IC design,” said Salleh. “The support from Sidec and the robust ecosystem in Selangor make it an ideal location for our growth.”

The ceremony featured the official signing of the LOI by Mr. Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sidec, and Dr. Salleh Ahmad, CTO of Weeroc, witnessed by Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, Menteri Besar Selangor, Yang Berhormat Tuan Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, and YBhg Dato’ Hasan Azhari Bin Haji Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Selangor Berhad.

Equinix acquires land to expand digital infrastructure in Malaysia

By: Mary Blight

On: July 29, 2024

In: Technology

New land will expand Equinix’s ecosystem for service providers and enterprises
This follows the launch of Equinix’s International Business Exchange in Johor & KL

Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad, CEO, Cyberview Sdn. Bhd., exchanging documents with Cheam Tat Inn, managing director of Equinix Malaysia, at the document exchange ceremony between Equinix and Cyberview.

In the rapidly growing digital landscape, Malaysia is experiencing a surge in demand for data centers across various industries. Recognising this potential, Equinix, Inc., a digital infrastructure company, has announced a US$5 million (RM23 million) investment to acquire land from Cyberview Sdn Bhd in Cyberjaya, expanding its data center capacity in Malaysia.

Following the launches of its International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) in Kuala Lumpur (KL1) and Johor (JH1), the additional land will be instrumental in addressing the rising demand for reliable, high-performance data center services in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region, the company said in a statement.

Malaysia’s data center market is rapidly expanding due to its strategic location, supportive government policies, and increasing demand for digital infrastructure. As Southeast Asia becomes a significant hub for digital transformation, Malaysia is emerging as a key player, aspiring to transform into a digitally-driven, high-income economy. Factors such as geopolitical stability, a skilled workforce, improved connectivity, and a focus on renewable energy sources are propelling the data center market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 14% and reach an estimated US$3.97 billion (RM18.4 billion) by 2029.

Located in Malaysia’s Global Tech Hub of Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur, the acquired land is less than one kilometre from the existing KL1 facility. With a total area of 14,300 square metres, the newly acquired land will serve as a strategic complement to KL1, enabling Equinix to further enhance its ecosystem in Malaysia to cater to a wide range of network and cloud service providers, as well as enterprises spanning various industries.

Amirudin Shari, Chief Minister of Selangor, participated in the document exchange ceremony between Equinix and Cyberview. At the ceremony, he said, “Selangor aims to accelerate the pace of digitising our economy, and data center are a key component of the digital economy backbone. Equinix’s investment, renowned for its global expertise in building resilient digital infrastructure and fostering a robust network ecosystem, is poised to contribute significantly to the adoption of cloud technology by Malaysian companies.”

“Malaysia boasts a substantial Internet user base, with a staggering 96.8% of the population actively engaging in various digital activities such as video streaming, online shopping, online banking, and gaming. Consequently, businesses operating in Malaysia are increasingly seeking secure and scalable data center services and access to digital ecosystems to meet the demands of this tech-savvy consumer base. Equinix’s unique positioning and competitive edges make it the company of choice,” said Cheam Tat Inn, Managing Director, Equinix Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad, CEO of Cyberview, said, “The digital economy contributes 23% to the country’s GDP and with Cyberjaya having the highest concentration of tech companies in Malaysia, the city plays a pivotal role in contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy. Last year alone, Cyberjaya saw a rapid increase in data center investment and today, with the land expansion of Equinix, this is a testament to Cyberview’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring that Cyberjaya continues to be the preferred investment location for tech companies.”

Equinix currently has two data centers in Malaysia, JH1 and KL1. JH1 offers 500 cabinets and 1,960 square metres of colocation space, while KL1 will provide 900 cabinets and 2,630 square metres of colocation space once fully built. These facilities have already attracted various network, content, fintech, gaming, and AI companies to deploy their IT infrastructure.

In Asia-Pacific, the company currently has 56 data centers located in key metropolitan areas across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Its global presence with 260 data centers across 71 metropolitan areas continues to support over 10,000 leading businesses worldwide.

Sustainable Brands Kl ‘24 agenda and speakers announced

By: Mary Blight

On: July 29, 2024

In: Technology

Ninth edition to focus on tech and AI for sustainability
Will feature hands-on workshops, in addition to plenary and panel sessions

Sustainable Brands Kl ‘24 agenda and speakers announced

The Sustainable Brands Kuala Lumpur Conference 2024 (SB’24 KL) will be held this August 13 and 14. An annual event since 2015, and held under the auspices of Sustainable Brands Worldwide, SB’24 KL will be held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur with the theme of ‘Technology and AI in service of Sustainability and Regeneration’.

The conference will highlight how brands and organisations are utilising technology and AI to support and advance their sustainability initiatives. It will also showcase technology and tools available from tech providers both large and small, that can assist organisations in getting started and progressing on their sustainability journeys. The conference is jointly hosted by Acacia Blue and Sime Darby Property.

Sime Darby Property’s general manager of Sustainability Dr. Yasmin Rasyid said: “Sime Darby Property is redefining what it means to champion urban biodiversity. We’re not just protecting nature, we’re pioneering innovative approaches for co-existence. And to succeed, we must collaborate and the first step is by sharing the business case of our actions with peers, as we need more organisations to follow suit. Nature and urban biodiversity cannot be compromised. Conserving, regenerating, and strengthening nature and urban biodiversity are crucial collective efforts that will help reduce climate risks, improve air quality, and capture carbon. Platforms like SB’24 KL provide opportunities to amplify this message”

This year’s event will include an exciting line-up of over 30 international and local speakers delivering thought-provoking content designed to inspire participants to enhance and evaluate their own sustainability strategies and journeys.

Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC, said, “MDEC is proud to support the Sustainable Brands Kuala Lumpur 2024 Conference as it provides a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share innovative solutions, and drive action towards promoting sustainability. Our support for this conference aligns perfectly with the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative, which aims to elevate Malaysia’s position as the digital hub of Asean while fostering a sustainable and digitally empowered future for Malaysia.”

More information on SB’24KL including its full list of speakers and agenda can be found at https://sustainablebrandskl.com/ Tickets are claimable against companies’ Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) contributions.

Raymond Victor was the consummate enterprise tech salesman, and friend to all

By: Mary Blight

On: July 28, 2024

In: Technology

Steller career with over 20 stops, the envy of today’s Gen Z
Everybody Loves Raymond was a sitcom, but Raymond experienced it

Raymond with his wife, Karen Narian on vacation in Pangkor Island in 2017.

Raymond Victor was one of those people put on earth to be a friend to all. From the Indian barber in his neighbourhood, to the cook at the warung next door to the laundromat he ran, to the customers of his laundromat, and No, you didn’t have to be a regular customer for Raymond to befriend you.

Professionally, he left a mark in every organisation he worked at across a long and successful career starting from 1993 and spanning three decades at over 20 organizations (he was the original Gen Z in Gen X clothing), including some of the top enterprise tech companies in the world, holding AsiaPac leadership roles; to working at local champions, and with a short but rewarding stint at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. He only fell short at becoming Malaysia country manager. But he gave it his best shot. No regrets, he told me.

Achievements in the world of enterprise tech are fleeting, measured on a quarter to quarter basis and rewarded monetarily. No framed congratulatory cert or momento from the bosses. But there are some actions a person can do that reveal a bit about their mindset.

A former exec from a IT distributor told me that Raymond, after being turned down by his bosses at a global tech company, persisted over the next 12 months to convince them that the company should send its distributors to a yearly event in the US and to see it as an investment in its partners and not an expense.

Raymond Victor was the consummate enterprise tech salesman, and friend to all “It was the first time in the history of that company in Malaysia that they sponsored two people from their distributors to their tech forum. I was one of them. I owe it to

Raymond for being persistent and making the case for his distributors to travel to the USA to uplift their knowledge and skills.”

Still, Raymond wouldn’t want me or anyone who knew him to dwell on his career here. Rather on how he touched hearts throughout his 56 year life before a heart attack suddenly took him away from loved ones last month.

Blessed with a kind, calm, gentle demeanour and a warm smile, Raymond also had a giant heart. During the early dark days of Covid, some tech executives came together to arrange for food supplies to be sent to some rural families in need. According to a friend, Raymond immediately offered his laundromat (which he ran on the side of his busy corporate life. Recall what I said earlier about Raymond never planning to fully retire) as a store, sorting and packing location. But that’s not all.

“He carefully kept all the contacts of the needy and made sure they received all the food and also captured what they needed next.”

Where most people would have patted themselves on the back for doing good, Raymond had to make sure that the families got what they needed and not what what some well meaning urban folks thought they needed. Reflect on that as the measure of a man’s heart and soul.

On a personal basis, Raymond cracked the wall I had erected as a tech journalist to keep professional relationships at that.

He could effortlessly draw you into orbit, using any common link. In my case, the birth of my first born, within months of his first born, both boys.

And thus began a two decades friendship and with both of us born in Ipoh, I had expected a fun and community engaged retirement with him. Those who know Raymond though will tell you that full retirement was not on the cards for him. Not for the man who in his last LinkedIn post encouraged, “I realise some of the best days of our lives have not happened yet.. so we got to keep moving .. there are also a million reasons why life is amazing. All you have to do is find a few of them to remind you of how blessed you are to be alive.”

Raymond wasn’t supposed to go so soon, but the good Lord decided he was needed and took Raymond into his embrace while he was enroute to celebrate his first son’s graduation in Scotland.

With a work ethic inspired by his mum, who raised Raymond and his two siblings on her own after the passing of her husband when the kids were still very young, Raymond was also a devoted and loving son who became the leader of his family.

This was no surprise to his Andersonian classmates from Ipoh.

Raymond (3rd from left) with his Andersonian buddies.

“In so far as our group was concerned, he was the alpha male of the class, automatically chosen as class monitor year after year. Our teachers recognized from the get-go this leadership and dynamism about him. To us, he was also the fun guy to sit next to in class.

He did not just know everyone, he took the trouble to actually know everyone,” they wrote in a tribute to him, adding, “What stood out most however was his ability to be friends with everyone. It seemed everyone was his best friend, such was his personality. But it was not something that just came by. He invested in friendship and fellowship.”

Paradoxically, for someone so steeped in tech, Raymond nurtured his friendships the old school way – meeting you face to face over a drink and always with a smile. Mr Rolodex, one friend called him.

Those meets didn’t just happen in the Klang Valley. An ex-colleague turn friend (a constant theme in Raymond’s life) from over two decades ago shared a picture of him and Raymond catching up over a pint in Stockholm last year. Raymond had reached out prior to his travels.

A common theme also emerges from conversations with and emails from Raymond’s close friends. To rejoice and celebrate his life and continue his legacy of ‘ doing good for all’, we too should try to do that little bit more for others and to be a better friend ourselves. I can see Raymond smiling down and giving us his trademark two thumbs up.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO shared in 2020 that his father once had told him, “life is a terminal condition, and no one makes it out alive. But one’s life can speak to us by passing on what is most important about being human and how to live.”
Raymond’s life personified what was said by Satya’s father, said a close friend.

And in that same last posting on his LinkedIN just before his passing last month, Raymond ended his post with:

I am thankful, grateful and blessed for all the good things in life ..
Seize the Day .. Carpe Diem

Cradle leads Asean startup initiative to foster regional collaboration, innovation, and growth

By: Mary Blight

On: July 26, 2024

In: Technology

Initiative focuses on policies, habitat eagerness, and development facilities
1st stage to push off with the Asean Startup Portal to support local businesses, owners

Chang Lih Kang, minister of Technology, Science and Innovation (MOSTI) delivering his keynote speech titled “Malaysia: On Becoming ASEAN’s Next Startup Powerhouse” at the Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation ( MOSTI ) as the National Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation ( COSTI ) Chair of Malaysia has mandated Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd., the focus point company for Malaysia’s business habitat, to guide the Asean Startup Initiative under the Science, Technology and Innovation business.

With the purpose to develop greater collaboration, technology, and rise among startups in the region, our important initiatives under the Priority Economic Deliverable have been presented and endorsed by the Asean STI Ministers, setting the stage for major advancements in the Asean business ecosystem, the agency said, in a statement. &nbsp,

The Asean Startup Initiative, led by Malaysia, addresses three main concerns: increase” startup-friendly” policies to create a conducive environment for startups to grow, increase ecosystem readiness among Asean Member States to maintain a supportive infrastructure for business growth, and encourage collaboration to develop effective partnerships and synergies in the region.

” After KL20, we all witnessed the Tech in Asia Conference, which was held for the first time in Kuala Lumpur, at the pinnacle of Southeast Asian technology. Moving forward, Mosti, through Cradle, will kick off the Asean Startup Portal by Q4-2024, reflecting our commitment to fostering a robust and collaborative startup ecosystem within Asean”, Chang Lih Kang, minister of Mosti said. &nbsp,

He added” With Malaysia taking the chairmanship in 2025, Cradle plans to lead the way in implementing Asean Technology Startup Ignite as Malaysia’s 2025 Priority Economic Deliverable, which has been endorsed by the 85th Meeting of the Asean Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation ( COSTI-85 ) and the 20th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation ( AMMSTI-20 ) in Siem Reap, Cambodia recently. By addressing key areas such as policy, ecosystem readiness, and regional collaboration, we aim to position the Asean Member States as leading players in the global startup landscape” .&nbsp,

Cradle leads Asean startup initiative to foster regional collaboration, innovation, and growth According to the Priority Economic Deliverable 2025,” We are thrilled to announce our main Cradle deliverables.” Each of these deliverables has been carefully selected to address both regional and local issues. By acting as one entity, we hope that all Asean Member States can draw on our shared strengths, address common difficulties, and create a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all member states. Our concerted efforts will help us secure a prosperous and sustainable future, according to Cradle Group CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke ( pic ).

Cradle will start implementing the Asean Startup Initiative in phases starting in 2024. The Asean Startup Portal, a pillar for regional startup collaboration and a valuable resource for startups and investors across Asean, will be the first phase of development.

In 2025, the second phase of the Asean Startup Initiative will commence, focusing on capacity-building programmes. This phase will coincide with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 and include pitch competitions, startup accelerator programmes targeting Asean-themed and corporate-based challenges, Startup Village, the Asean-India Startup Festival 2025, and a declaration by established leaders to expand the global startup network and strengthen cross-border ties.

7th cohort of Selangor Accelerator Programme open for applications

By: Mary Blight

On: July 26, 2024

In: Technology

Applications are available until August 9th, 2024.
The program aims to promote Indonesian tech startups ‘ growth.

7th cohort of Selangor Accelerator Programme open for applications

The 7th Cohort of the Selangor Accelerator Programme ( SAP24 ) has been announced by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation ( SIDEc ) as the official launch of the program. This program aims to push Malaysia tech startups towards accelerated development, providing detailed support, global mentoring, and expansion opportunities, positioning them for international market success.

SAP24 runs from August to November 2024 and is focused on areas such as Synthetic Intelligence ( AI), Biotech, Net-Zero Solutions, Mobility, and Life Sciences but is also available to different categories. The program includes a variety of workshops, market visits, authorities connections, and expert-led funding guidance. Applications are then open until August 9th, 2024.

According to Sidec, participants will compete for prizes which includes mentorship, brand exposure, and business training worth up to US$ 53, 700 ( RM250, 000 ) in total. Finalists will need to win over a panel of judges who will choose the top 20 businesses for the last pitch circular in October 2024.

” Our purpose with SAP24 is to create an environment where companies can grow and achieve their full potential”, said Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec. ” We are committed to providing the necessary tools, coaching, and opportunities to help these impressive businesses succeed on a global level. We are excited to see the revolutionary effect this group will have on the business ecosystem, with the assistance of our partners.

The program also includes business trips, allowing startups to observe established companies, learn from business experts, determine partnership opportunities, and be updated on industry trends. The opportunity to promote improvements at the exclusive 9th Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention 2024, which will take place from October 16 through October 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, comes with top-tier cloud providers, exclusive membership in the CXO Club for networking opportunities, and access to top-tier cloud providers. Individuals will also have excellent locations in the Selangor Sandbox, promoting creativity and engagement, and the opportunity to promote their services to a large community through Sidec’s collection.

According to Sidec, SAP has nurtured 190 startup companies since its inception, with 41 % securing financing from 2018 to 2023. Notable alumni have expanded globally, including Nexmind AI, Seed Dream, Borong ( commonly known as Dropee ), GFI Fintech, Pomen, GoTech, GA Alliance, Entomal, Homa2U, and QMed Asia. Also, past participants have achieved a significant global footprints, extending their reach to areas including USA Silicon Valley &amp, Washington D. C., Japan, China, Taiwan, Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and above.

Main partner Affin and proper pay partner Fiuu support this program. The efforts and help from Invest Selangor and a group of supporting companions ensure that businesses receive the best possible resources, coaching, and opportunities to level their innovations worldwide.

Applications open for the 2024 Cycle of the Mranti Global Accelerator Programme

By: Mary Blight

On: July 26, 2024

In: Technology

Aims to address pressing world problems
Project targets to engage 20 businesses, provides masterclasses with industry experts

Left to Right: Redza Shahid, manager of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Asia School of Business; Sarah Cragg, head of Asia Pacific, The Earthshot Prize; Hassan Alsagoff, regional head of Loyalty & Marketing, Grab; Dr. Nick Boden, CEO, Klean; and Jared Ho, head of Sustainability, POS Malaysia

Continuing its mission of accelerating the development of demand-driven R&amp, D efforts, The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology &amp, Innovation ( TIPM/MRANTI), Malaysia’s central research and innovation commercialisation agency, has officially launched the 2024 cycle of its Global Accelerator Programme ( GAP ). With a focus on addressing pressing global problems, TIPM/MRANT I GAP invites enterprising firms to embark on a trip to scale up their innovative solutions, providing contributors a unique combination of support, funding opportunities, and international recognition.

The Asia School of Business ( ASB ) was one of the attendees at the launch of the program, along with representatives from this year’s GAP collaborators. Through its collection of degrees, professional education, study, and micro-credential programmes, ASB spearheads the development of lean, revolutionary, and philosophical leaders toward the advancement of the emerging world, in areas that include sustainability, AI, business governance, finance, operations management, and leadership.

At least 20 businesses are expected to be enrolled in the program this season, giving them access to industry-specific learning opportunities through seminars and workshops. Through team-building and relationship activities, participants also have the opportunity to form relationships with other participating companies, which will help to create inter-industry systems. Additionally, being a part of the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS ) gives businesses the opportunity to test and validate their tech solutions in a controlled, live environment under relaxed regulations. &nbsp,

With the focus on Tech for Impact, GAP 2024 aims to identify the potential of local and international businesses in three crucial thematic domains relevant to the UN Sustainable Development Goals ( UN SDGs ). These include Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3 for food security andamp; sustainability; Healthcare ( UN SDG 3 ); and Renewable Energy ( UN SDG 7 ). These topics have been identified as the most pressing problems, both nationally and internationally, through intensive study. Development in these three regions has stagnated despite changes in general conservation work on a national level. Through the pedal program, participating companies gain access to various support mechanisms. This includes money from global and local shareholders, and backing from R&amp, D and business management companies. &nbsp,

” The primary goals of GAP are autonomy and problem-solving. It serves as a motivator for businesses, providing them with the tools and system required to navigate the complexities of growth and expansion. GAP assists them in making a significant difference in their business and beyond by addressing persistent issues that affect the people in real-time. V-Farm, for instance Applications open for the 2024 Cycle of the Mranti Global Accelerator Programme ” We introduced a successful vertical gardening solution that addressed food security and environmental concerns,” says Safuan Zairi ( pic ), chief ecosystem officer of MRANTI.” We help our participants use resources at their fullest potential for maximum impact, both for national development and the benefit of the rakyat,” he adds.

This program, which will be hosted at ASBhive, will be overseen by ASB’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, which is a crucial hub for Malaysia’s innovative habitat. Asked by Joseph Cherian, assistant CEO of ASB,” We are eager to establish with MRANTI to simultaneously run this program, and are pleased to work with the company on their endeavors by providing our valued university members, and experts who have won worldwide acclaim in fields like AI, Sustainability, Organizational Behaviour, and Matching Platforms. Our collaboration includes including coordinating mentorship and progress tracking, as well as overseeing the program’s strategic planning and execution and development. As collaborators, we want to cultivate entrepreneur-leaders who consistently tackle demanding issues and challenge the status quo, with agility, creativity, and resourcefulness”.

The nomination for the 2018 cycle of ASB’s collaboration with MRANTI includes being included in the ASB’s annual cycle’s nomination for the prestigious global sustainability award The Earthshot Prize. The Prince of Wales established The Earthshot Prize in 2020 to find, highlight, and scale creative solutions that restore and regenerate our planet. Five winners will receive the award annually. Companies that take part in the 2024 GAP cycle now have the chance to be nominated for the The Earthshot Prize. The partnership also serves as a testament to ASB and MRANTI’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding innovative solutions that address pressing environmental issues.

As of the last cycle, the programme has successfully impacted 20 companies and 50 entrepreneurs, amassing a value creation totalling US$ 4.8 million ( RM22.42 million ), with US$ 4.6 ( RM21.63 ) million in revenue and US$ 168, 000 ( RM790, 610 ) in investments. Some of these successes include Luwjistik, VStream Revolution, Sonicboom Solutions, and Izmir Technologies Industries in 2022, whilst 2023 saw Entomal Biotech, CS Leaflabs, WeAssist, and Mobiva making their mark. These accomplishments motivate MRANTI to strive harder in promoting the development of local and international businesses as well as developing novel solutions. GAP 2024 will run from September to November, and all interested businesses are encouraged to apply and make the most of this unique opportunity to advance their growth and advance their innovations.

For more details on GAP 2024, please visit http ://mranti.my/gap

Singtel partners AIS and Maxis to fight rising digital scams

By: Mary Blight

On: July 25, 2024

In: Technology

World’s second global Telco API union, involving telcos from 3 states
Cooperation may help 45 million users in Thailand &amp, 12 million in M’sia

Singtel partners AIS and Maxis to fight rising digital scams

Singtel and ASEAN’s leading telcos, AIS and Maxis, have signed two Memoranda of Understandings to allow network-based identification for wireless subscribers in Thailand and Malaysia using SingVerify, a suite of solutions that enables the authentication of digital identities stored on customer services or platforms against company data. SingVerify, a Singtel invention, is based on interoperable and compliant telco application programming interfaces ( APIs ) that adhere to the GSMA’s set of industry standards and protocols.

According to the parties in a statement, this is the first foreign union of Telco APIs to be formed, involving telcos from three different nations working together to enable businesses to gain access to real-time provider system data to improve identification and fight scams.

The general strike price for mobile applications in Asia Pacific is higher than the world average, according to a statement from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, with the majority of attacks being carried out by automated bots that target e-commerce pay transactions.

Singtel partners AIS and Maxis to fight rising digital scams Ng Tian Chong ( pic ), CEO of Singtel Singapore, said,” The rise of e-commerce in the region has opened more avenues for digital fraud, significantly impacting consumers and businesses. Along with AIS and Maxis, we can overcome this growing online scams and better defend our clients. By tapping into our telco data and social expertise, we will be able to easily confirm, protect, and mitigate economic fraud so our customers across Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia you enjoy a secure online lifestyle. We will continue to lead the charge against digital fraud and support the recruitment of more MNOs to join the effort to build a more effective defense for everyone.

SingVerify will help reduce the number of unauthorized transactions and account takeovers brought on by phishing and malware app scams. Additionally, it makes the multi-factor authentication process simpler because consumers ‘ digital identities are instantly verified between the telco and service providers. Number Verify, a program that matches customers ‘ phone numbers with their registered account details on the service provider’s platform, and Device Location are the two APIs that will be first federated by AIS and Maxis.

Asnee Wipatawate, head of the Enterprise Telecom Technology Product Department at AIS, said,” This partnership is a significant milestone in our commitment to safeguarding our customers and the digital ecosystem.” We are building a powerful platform that will increase trust and security for businesses and consumers in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore by combining our expertise and resources with Singtel and Maxis.

She added that the joint Number Verification API will give organizations and platforms a powerful tool for verifying user identities both regionally and domestically through real-time phone number verification. The API will provide a comprehensive and secure solution to protect against a wide range of fraudulent activities, including account takeovers and phishing attacks, by leveraging the combined strengths of these telcos. The Number Verification API will be available to businesses across multiple industries, including financial services, e-commerce, and online gaming. Businesses can significantly lower the risk of fraud and increase customer trust by incorporating this API into their systems, according to Wipatawate. &nbsp, Singtel partners AIS and Maxis to fight rising digital scams

Meanwhile, Goh Seow Eng ( pic ), CEO of Maxis, said,” As Malaysia’s leading integrated telco, we provide fast, reliable, and secure connectivity that meets the needs of customers. This partnership allows customers to move forward on their digital transformation journey with peace of mind by protecting them from online threat actors.

These partnerships will benefit 12 million customers in Malaysia and over 45 million in Thailand. In the future, all three telcos will look into ways to federate more APIs.

Singtel and M1 in Singapore have previously signed a MoU to combat the global issue of digital fraud at a national level in Singapore. The federation operates in accordance with the GSMA Open Gateway framework, a recognized initiative that aims to facilitate quick deployment and integration across various mobile networks, giving more service providers and end users the opportunity to benefit from the solution.

The GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which is led by Julian Gorman, the head of Asia Pacific, is a success, says Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific.” I’m delighted that three of Asia’s most cutting-edge mobile operators have joined forces to help increase consumer confidence in new digital services across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Fraudulent attacks can have a significant impact on victims, including financial losses and distress, leading to a decline in trust in digital platforms. It is crucial that mobile operators and digital service developers come together to promote a common approach to fraud prevention wherever they are in the world because cybercriminals operate beyond national borders.

TM, Singtel’s Nxera break ground for sustainable, hyper-connected data centre campus in Johor

By: Mary Blight

On: July 25, 2024

In: Technology

Aims to support the president’s push to change M ‘sia&nbsp, into modern commercial hub
Through collaborations between universities in Singapore and Singapore, and M’sia, JV will help to develop data center skills.

TM and Nxera, the local information center arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo system, held a pioneering service for their information centre school in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. One month later, a shared venture was announced to create data centers in Malaysia and improve Johor’s reputation as a modern hub.

This 64MW state-of-the-art, green, hyper-connected, AI-ready data centre school supports Malaysia’s high-quality modern facilities. It also supports the administration’s efforts to generate the modern economy and change the country into a hub for business growth, AI development, and innovation.

Malaysia’s Digital secretary, Gobind Singh Deo, said,” This expenditure by TM and Nxera supports Malaysia’s status as the modern hub in Southeast Asia, more advancing the nation’s economic growth. Based on advance estimates, Malaysia’s economy expanded by 5.8 % in the second quarter of 2024, and such investments are in line with projections that Malaysia’s digital economy will contribute 25.5 % to the nation’s GDP by the end of the year”.

He added that Malaysia and Singapore serve as a successful working relationship between two ASEAN member state, as well as the relationship between TM and Nxera.

Onn Hafiz Ghazi, kepada besar of Johor, said,” TM-Nxera’s future data centre school, located in Iskandar Puteri, holds particular value as one of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone’s initial investment projects. We welcome the complete range of their purchase with respect to high-quality system, sustainability, as well as employment and skilling opportunities which supports our emphasis on talent development, clean technology, and green energy”.

This school at the data center will act as a motivator for financial growth and help firms harness the potential of AI and cloud computing. We hope that this will help create a vivid business ecosystem, where more high-tech and high-value content companies may be drawn to their locations within the exclusive economic zone, and provide Johor’s digital economy a boost, he continued.

However, older minister of State, Low Yen Ling, said,” Data facilities are essential enablers of our electronic market, powering our market’s data-driven needs. As technology advances, strong, next-generation electronic system like the TM-Nxera Data Centre will be essential to support AI progress and develop value creation. I look forward to the outcomes we can achieve through close collaboration as a result of today’s groundbreaking, which is a milestone in the deepening economic relations between Singapore and Malaysia.

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO, said,” Today marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to becoming a digital powerhouse as we break ground on this cutting-edge AI-ready data centre. This facility exemplifies our commitment to fostering industry growth, driving innovation, and enhancing socio-economic development. With support from the Federal Government, and Johor state agencies and authorities, we are confident that this AI-ready data centre will equip businesses with unparalleled computing power, AI capabilities, and other cutting-edge technologies. We are eager to set the stage for a future in which AI and data analytics create transformative solutions, transformative products, and advance both our country and the world.

This state-of-the-art data center campus, which is one of Nxera and Singtel’s largest investments in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, is a key component of our strategy to empower digital economies and communities in the region while making sure energy and water resources are used responsibly and effectively, said Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit. It expands our regional data centre platform’s strategic presence in this fast-growing Asia region”.

Our campus will spur economic growth by assisting businesses that use AI and cloud computing to increase efficiency and accelerate their business transformation, with Malaysia embracing AI to drive competitiveness and innovation. Our investment is n’t just about the campus, it is about bringing benefits to the local economy through digitalisation, developing local talent, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing international connectivity”, he added.

This cloud-enabled Tier 3 data center campus, which is scheduled to start commercial operations in 2026, will use liquid cooling to support higher power density AI workloads. The facility will be designed, built, and certified to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, incorporating energy and water-efficient solutions to optimise the use of resources. This underscores the joint venture’s commitment to long-term sustainability goals. To support the new data centre campus, the joint venture plans to expand submarine cable connectivity, enabling a thriving and vibrant digital ecosystem.

Customers can seamlessly expand their infrastructure from the city-state and the rest of the region thanks to the data center campus, which is only 16 kilometers from Singapore. Further, the data centre can be scaled up to 200MW in response to market demand.

The joint venture will encourage collaborations between universities in Singapore and Malaysia in addition to creating new employment opportunities that are crucial for nation-building. It aims to create comprehensive courses with specialized curricula that will give students the necessary skills and knowledge to help Malaysia advance its growth goals. For communities and the region, this means superior country-to-country connectivity and a smarter, more resilient digital economy.

This joint venture is subject to approval from TM shareholders in the upcoming EGM, as announced in Bursa.

Mary Blight (Page 25)