CREST, MAIA and AMMI launch US.4m grant to nurture aerospace and medical devices talent

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  • Designated as enzymatic large- value sectors, nurturing experienced workforce critical
  • targeted specialized training for scientific staff and educational institutions

(From Left): David Jones, Managing Director, Association of Malaysian Medical Industries; Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Naguib Mohd Nor, President, MAIA; Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO, CREST; Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, AMMI and Samuel Pooranakaran, Vice Chairman, AMMI.

The Malaysian government has awarded the Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre ( CREST ) a grant of US$ 6.4 million ( RM30 million ) to manage talent upskilling in response to the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries.

In order to launch the Upskilling Grant for the Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries, CREST has partnered with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association ( MAIA ) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries ( AMMI ). Additionally, the parties signed an MoU to make their relationship official and promote industry-relevant ability.

Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General ( Industry ), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry witnessed the MoU which was signed by Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO, CREST, Naguib Mohd Nor, President, MAIA, and Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, AMMI.

The government’s designation of the aircraft and medical device businesses as” catalytic high-value areas” highlights the need to foster a skilled workforce to support the fields ‘ development. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant &nbsp, is a good step in developing potential- set talent”, said Hanafi.

By carefully investing in upskilling initiatives, Hanafi continued,” We help people thrive in these dynamic companies, foster innovation, and contribute to Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable economic growth in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,”

Four initiatives address crucial aspects of skills development

The mentoring offer is supposed to be carried out in a year. It consists of four programs that are specifically designed to address crucial aspects of skill growth in both sectors.

The latest labor is the target audience for the first program. They have a chance to develop their skills to ensure they stay important in line with the changing needs of the market and stay competitive. The offer is also intended to help Malaysians who are unemployed enter the aircraft and health products sector by preparing them with the necessary technical skills.

Also, the offer is tailored to boost the technical capabilities of academic institutions in both areas, aligning closely with industry needs. This includes the creation of specific learning and education curriculum modules centered on technology in aerospace and health devices, the provision of targeted specialized training for scientific staff and employees of educational institutions in these fields, and the purchase of the tools and equipment required to facilitate teaching and training.

The Finishing School, a fifth program, serves as an early intervention initiative designed to provide students from primary institutions with essential knowledge and skills that are essential to the aerospace and health devices sectors. In collaboration with related businesses and educational institutions in these sectors, CREST, AMMI, and MAIA will spearhead this work.

Robust ability pool essential for growth and profitability

It is an honor to be given the task of nurturing a strong talent pool, which is essential for the growth and profitability of the aerospace and health devices industry, according to Jaffri. This competitiveness depends on the development of a skilled labor, which is in line with the rules of Malaysia Madani, which seeks to improve Malaysians ‘ quality of life by developing and enhancing their skill set to be relevant and globally competitive.

He expressed his hope that as MAIA and AMMI continue to grow, giving both business and individual empowerment, and boosting Malaysia’s attractiveness as it develops into a high-income nation.

This mentoring grant will aid in the development of future-ready talents to meet the growing demand in the booming sector, according to Naguib. We look forward to working with CREST to advance the development of skills in our effort to make Malaysia an appealing investment destination. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Andy Lee emphasized the value of having the right qualified individuals in place, which will help to create a skill pipeline and draw potential international medtech investors. We think that our goal of having a qualified and empowered workforce to support the growth of the health devices market will be further enhanced by this strategic cooperation with CREST.

Intellect growth is at the center of CREST. It has developed a range of expertise development programs in close collaboration with universities and leading business partners over the past 11 years. These courses are designed to bridge gaps in the sector and give students the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a changing workplace.

Through the various strategic partnerships, CREST has developed a network of experts, enabling students to gain industry- specific knowledge and skills tailored to the electrical and electronics ( E&amp, E) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI ) sectors in Malaysia.

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Futurise – shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

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  • More stakeholders have asked for help with regulatory challenges faced
  • Ecosystem still shows lack of awareness over existence and benefits of the NRS

Futurise is tasked with creating a strong ecosystem as the building blocks for Malaysia to create a world class drone sports culture and ecosystem.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscapeAs the first quarter draws to an end in approximately two weeks and Muslims have started fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to reflect on some milestones in expediting innovation to strengthen Malaysia’s future economy.

Set-up by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia in 2018, Futurise was mandated to spearhead the National Regulatory Sandbox (NRS) initiative, to provide solutions to regulatory challenges that can potentially hinder technology and innovation from operating efficiently in the market. The NRS initiative is meant to address industry and investor concerns that innovation faces challenges when deployed in the marketplace due to either the lack of, or at times, outmoded regulatory frameworks.

To a question that I get asked a lot, if I could put it in simpler terms, Futurise paves the ground for new and innovative ideas to operate in the market through safe testing of regulations and policies in a secured environment called a sandbox. The NRS brings together different groups like corporate organisations, government bodies, academia and entrepreneurs to solve regulatory challenges faced by innovative products and business models.

The existence of Futurise itself displays the commitment by the Malaysian Government to ensure that innovation within the economy can happen unhindered. In the complex national regulatory landscape across a multitude of industries and sectors, kinks in the framework can sometimes be efficiently addressed by a specialised outfit like Futurise that works closely with Government regulators and industry players to home in on specific pain points and expedite timely solutions.

The top-down approach used in yesteryears when prescribing regulatory frameworks may not be conducive to innovation. Futurise acts like a bridge, connecting different parts of the ecosystem – from regulators, industry players, organisations and relevant bodies. It is all about collaboration and ensuring that everyone can contribute to building a more innovative and advanced Malaysia.

Ultimately, Malaysia has taken significant steps in establishing a more dynamic innovation ecosystem. We are seeing ongoing NRS initiatives like the Autonomous Vehicle and Micromobility progressing steadily, while Futurise has gone into new areas like Sports Innovation, Digital Healthcare and Advanced Air Mobility or AAM. Meanwhile, our testbeds for autonomous vehicles and drone technology (Futurise together with the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia created the nation’s first drone test zone in Cyberjaya) has seen a healthy rise in activity with increased testing by companies.

Yet, with the rapid pace of innovation taking place globally, there is always more new ground to cover on our shores. Did we encounter challenges? Most certainly. Stakeholder engagements can be complex, and understandably, sometimes emotions can run high.

Overcoming the challenges add a special sweetness to the NRS success—a journey all of us can appreciate, especially for the regulators and industry players involved. Despite the differences of opinions and individual objectives, we can find a common way forward as there is already a binding intention among all parties entering the sandbox to see innovation progress in the nation. That shared commitment tends to yield meaningful solutions. 

Undoubtedly, the ecosystem has become more tightly knit than ever before too. This heightened cohesion is evident in the progress Futurise witnessed throughout 2023 as I share some highlights.

1. Advancing Malaysian Advanced Air Mobility

In March of 2023, Futurise, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), introduced the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) certification (C-UAS) and Manned Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft national regulatory sandbox (Manned eVTOL NRS). This initiative, unveiled during the RegTalk series in Cyberjaya, aimed to balance public safety with industry needs, fostering an environment for innovative air mobility solutions in Malaysia.

The C-UAS ensured UAS compliance with CAAM’s regulatory standards within the sandbox, removing bureaucratic obstacles for companies.

The potential benefits of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) include promoting faster, safer, and quieter transportation while reducing ground congestion.

CAAM CEO, Captain Norazman Mahmud underscored the importance of regulatory buy-in and experimentation to propel the local drone industry forward. The RegTalk session featured speakers discussing regulatory frameworks and the state of the drone landscape, fostering engagement and idea exchange among industry stakeholders.

This undertaking was a step forward and a resounding affirmation of Malaysia’s dedication to shaping a future where urban air mobility transcends conceptualisation to become a tangible reality.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

2. Exploring emerging technologies for Malaysia’s competitiveness

Futurise teamed up with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) in May 2023 and formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA).

The collaboration, initiated with the AAM sector, seeks to address disruptions and enhance sectors like transportation and logistics. MIGHT’s role involves leveraging its experience in identifying business prospects, fostering partnerships, and contributing to high-tech development. The collaboration anticipates identifying key drivers for change, preparing for future opportunities, and mitigating potential risks.

Also, Futurise is developing the Advance Air Mobility in Malaysia industry report, a joint collaboration between Futurise and MIGHT, likely to be announced in the middle of this year (2024).

3. RegTalk on 3D printing

In 2022, the global 3D printing market was US$19.8 billion and is expected to reach up to US$67 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 21.4% during the 2023-2028 period. Clearly 3D printing plays a pivotal role in the ‘modernisation of printing’, which is currently not properly regulated in certain sectors.

Hence, in August 2023, Futurise organised its RegTalk discussion on “3D Printing – How it Should be Regulated,” addressing 3D printing industry challenges and opportunities.  The event convened industry leaders and experts to explore the complex regulatory landscape of the burgeoning 3D printing industry.

Key issues such as legal concerns, regulatory impacts on industry development, and Malaysia’s global positioning in the 3D printing landscape were discussed with the recognition for a robust regulatory framework to balance innovation, security, and intellectual property protection.

RegTalk, a crucial initial phase within the NRS process, serves as an insightful and collaborative event for Futurise to scope out the breadth and depth of issues. Early feedback from regulators, ecosystem enablers, relevant ministries, agencies and industry players uncovers potential regulatory issues associated with the introduction of innovative products and services to the market.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

4. MyAV Guidelines and Drone Sports Roadmap

Futurise, during the Cyberjaya Innovation Week 2023 held in September, introduced two groundbreaking initiatives, the MyAutonomous Vehicle 5.0 Guideline and the National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap (NADSAR) 2023-2027.

It is expected that the Global Autonomous Vehicles Market will be worth US$325.9 billion by 2030. Furthermore, the Autonomous Vehicles (AV) Market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 47.1% through the 2021-2030 period.

Although the AV market in Southeast Asia is still in the infancy phase, a collaboration with the Ministry of Transport under the NRS established trial routes and safety standards for advancing AV solutions in Malaysia. To date, there are five AV trial routes in Malaysia, which are located in Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Selangor, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, that play an important role in expediting the development of AV technology. Next year, it is expected that AV technology in Malaysia will enter the pre-commercialisation phase.

The NADSAR 2023-2027 (National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap) meanwhile outlines the future of drone sports in Malaysia, focusing on youth engagement and skill development. Here, we are working closely with Sports Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Institut Sukan Negara mandated to accelerate sports technology adoption and creation.

Towards this end, Futurise was mandated by the Government in Jan 2022 to establish a National Drone Sports Excellence Centre (otherwise known by its Malay acronym AKSADRON), with the underlying objective of using the thrill-filled drone sports as a fertile ground to groom talent for the industry. To date AKSADRON, which was launched in March 2022,  has formed partnerships with several universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), UiTM and others to run drone sports development programs among the youth.

At the same time we have set up our Dronecubator programme with four universities namely, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), UKM, UTM and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme aims to provide a platform for students at the university and secondary school levels to get initiated into drone sports and technology to develop their skills and knowledge in drone design, building, piloting and maintenance. This programme supports current STEM and TVET modules and seeks to boost the creation of drone sports pilots and technicians in the country.

One of Futurise’s supportive university partners under the Dronecubator initiative is Prof. Madya Ts. Dr Haryanti Mohd Affandi from UKM, who believes AKSADRON and the DroneCubator initiative to be a valuable resource for universities with the program allowing students to build their own drones and even earn part-time income by conducting events.

“By expanding this program to other institutions such as matriculations and vocational colleges related to TVET, the vision and mission of higher education can be achieved in the context of the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions,” said Haryanti.

Forging international partnerships to strengthen regulatory efforts

Last June, Futurise and the UAE Regulation Lab (RegLab), under the General Secretariat of the UAE Cabinet, signed an MoU to accelerate regulatory innovation and leverage each other’s technical knowledge and experience.

The partnership will also activate co-research activities on vital areas of common interest such as the design, development and management of regulatory sandbox programmes and open innovation platforms for numerous industries. Together with UAE RegLab, two RegTalk sessions were organised, participated by industry experts on various mobility topics, including a visit to Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre.

As part of efforts to explore opportunities and collaboration within the aerospace ecosystem globally, Futurise participated in the Paris Air Show also in June of last year. A visit to Skyport’s AAM testbed was an eye opener to understand how the test bed operates and learn from it to be replicated in Malaysia. My team is still working on this.

Skyport is developing Europe’s first test vertiport (landing sites for eVTOL aircraft) in France, with an eye towards launching commercial AAM services in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Challenges

The regulatory environment is often complex, and navigating through existing regulations to create a sandbox that is both permissive and protective can be challenging.  It is important for regulatory authorities to be proactive in addressing these challenges to foster an environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding public interest and regulatory integrity.

Regular evaluations and adjustments to the sandbox framework can help address emerging challenges effectively.

Another key challenge that we have observed in Futurise, is the lack of awareness among potential participants, businesses, and the public about the existence and benefits of the regulatory sandbox. This limits participation in and dampens the impact of any outcome from our sandbox engagements. We are aware that effective communication and outreach are most essential to address this challenge.

Another challenge is in streamlining and coordinating with international regulatory bodies, aligning sandbox practices with global standards, especially when dealing with cross-border innovations.

Looking ahead

As Futurise reflects on its achievements, we look forward to the rest of the year. There will be more to do no matter what uncertainties lie in the global economy in the coming years. Already more stakeholders have approached Futurise for help to addressing regulatory challenges faced by them.

We have seen innovation remain persistent in both favourable and tough conditions. In fact, it’s been seen that challenging market situations can give rise to new technology driven solutions, products or ways business is conducted.

The strategic collaborations, innovative initiatives, and commitment to agile regulatory frameworks position Futurise as a driving force in Malaysia’s innovation landscape. The resolve is depicted by a sign outside the Futurise meeting room: “The Future Economy starts Here. Step inside.” Do join us to shape a stronger innovative future for Malaysia.

Rosihan Zain Baharudin is CEO of Futurise Sdn Bhd.

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Sunway iLabs and Jetro KL conclude green transformation accelerator

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Executives from both iLab and JETRO Japan. Matt van Leeuwen, Sunway Group chief innovation officer, as well as Sunway iLabs CEO is 7th from right.

Sunway Innovation Labs (iLabs ), a partnership between Sunway Group and Sunway University, joined forces with the 2024 Green Transformation Accelerator ( GXA ) program of the Japan External Trade Organization ( JETRO ) Kuala Lumpur for the fifth consecutive year.

The 2024 GXA program, which serves as a platform for Japanese startups and scaleups looking to enter Malaysia’s market, was intended to foster innovation and solutions in the net-zero areas like food security, solar energy, energy efficiency, round economy, and tenacious cities, to promote natural transformation.

The GXA goals, according to iLabs, include providing a platform for Chinese tech companies to showcase their modern solutions, promoting collaboration between Chinese and Malay enterprises, and advancing the creation of wise, sustainable cities in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

Five Chinese businesses were chosen for the two-month GXA.

    PEEL Lab: Offers business and brand design and production services and transforms agro waste into plant-based leather.

  • InfoRich concentrates on sharing portable battery across borders. Through its ChargeSpot community, which offers power rentals and promotion chances, and forges strategic partnerships with micro-mobility solutions, it aims to improve urban communication.
  • Integri-Culture: Produces scalable, sustainable meal protein using a low-cost, creative, flexible process that ensures efficiency and environmental responsibility.
  • Offers genetic solutions to advances in agriculture, food production, detail fermentation, waste control, and carbon reuse.
  • IDDK: Using spaceflight for creative research and development, particularly for the life science industry, by providing cheap access to space tests.

Through our engagement with Sunway iLabs, we have opened the door for Chinese startups to expand their presence in Malaysia. We are eagerly anticipating the progress the latest batch will generate through our program, said Hiroyuki Nitta, Deputy Managing Director, Jetro&nbsp, Kuala Lumpur, citing the success of the past group of companies launching their businesses in Malaysia.

The startups benefited from Sunway Group’s extensive networks and support, Jetro Kuala Lumpur, and knowledge partners, such as the Malaysia Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ), throughout the intensive two-month program. On a number of issues, including the Malay business environment, business needs, cultural differences between the two nations, Malaysia’s corporate move to net low, and potential business and investment opportunities, coaching and guidance were provided.

The program’s important accomplishments were highlighted by Matt van Leeuwen, CEO and director of Sunway iLabs, as well as Sunway Group’s chief innovation officer. More than 50 company discussions have been held, with a focus on forging strategic collaborations between Chinese companies and Indonesian corporations, traders, and startups. The GXA program fosters valuable research collaborations that promote sustainability in Malaysia and technology localization, as well as facilitating valuable business connections and enabling university researchers to learn about the most recent technologies from Japan.

” It was a top-notch program that far beyond my expectations, giving me many opportunities to speak with important participants in Malaysia, including a variety of Malay corporations,” said the author. I’ve been surprised by Malaysian businesses ‘ commitment to green transformation since I’ve moved here, said Hideaki Itami, chairman of PtBio Inc., one of the Chinese companies that took part in the GXA program.

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MyIX commences Network Infrastructure Training Programme as part of national Corporate Social Responsibility efforts

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  • The program is intended for new grads and local business owners.
  • aims to give people the tools they need to optimize community facilities.

Participants of MyIX's training programme

At its Puchong, Selangor headquarters, The Malaysia Internet Exchange ( MyIX ) just wrapped its highly anticipated network infrastructure training program. The purpose of this program, which forms the foundation of MyIX’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, is to provide Indonesian talent with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the digital economy.

The organization claims that 25 of the hundreds of candidates selected to take the” Explore the World of Network Infrastructure” program for the first diet.

Ong Cheok Seong, the association’s treasurer, praised the training program as a major achievement in its ongoing efforts to teach and create Malaysia’s workforce. We are dedicated to providing Malay with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the modern era.

He continued,” This is only the end,” and the organization looks forward to holding additional sessions to bring in more clients.

The teaching, co-sponsored by Forward College, covers important matters like Internet Network and Systems Operations, routing, BGP, RPKI, ROA, AS- SET, and peering. Individuals gained hands-on encounter with DNS, DNSSEC, customers monitoring and analysis, NMS, and DDoS protection techniques.MyIX commences Network Infrastructure Training Programme as part of national Corporate Social Responsibility efforts

The program, which is intended for new graduates and local business professionals, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to successfully manage and optimize system infrastructure, ensuring powerful, safe, and effective internet connectivity.

Howie Chang ( pic ), co-founder and CEO of Forward College, said the encouraging response from applicants demonstrates the importance of the program and the need for such a program in Malaysia’s rapidly changing digital landscape.

Working with MyIX allows us to make a significant contribution to the development of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure talent, he said, noting that the program provides members with theoretical knowledge but likewise useful skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.

This program was made possible by MyIX people, including AIMS, CelcomDigi, Maxis, REDtone, TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, TIME startup, U Mobile, and YTL. This program, which is supported by its members, shows the value of co-operative efforts in the advancement of technical training, according to MyIX.

Efforts like these will be crucial to ensuring that Malaysia’s labor is prepared to face the problems and possibilities of the modern era head-on, promising a brighter future for all Malay, according to the company.

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Johnson Controls opens new office and innovation center in Singapore 

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  • The area will host the OpenBlue Innovation Center and can provide 450 employees.
  • Office complies with Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan, which promotes green growth.

George Oliver, chairman, and CEO of Johnson Controls at the company's Innovation Center

Johnson Controls, a leader in bright, healthy, and lasting buildings, today opened its innovative office in Singapore. The company, strategically located at One- northwest, serves as a living laboratory for collaboration, study, and development, furthering Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to its partners and community across Southeast Asia.

At the new business opening, Johnson Controls chairman and CEO George Oliver stated that” Singapore’s vibrant and innovative ecosystem corresponds with our vision for a more lasting future, where economic development goes hand in hand with economic management and social duty, ensuring a brighter and more resilient future for all.” Our Singapore company represents a fantastic next stage in our commitment to this vibrant and varied nation, he continued.

The area, which covers 3, 535 square meters, did house around 450 employees and house an OpenBlue Innovation Center that will demonstrate solutions for building owners, operators, and industry leaders to create intelligent buildings that are safe, healthy, and green.

Johnson Controls ‘ OpenBlue Innovation Center is a good example of how businesses are working with our ecosystem to advance innovation and technology growth, according to Jacqueline Poh, managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board. We anticipate the wise and environmentally conscious building solutions that this center will create and provide to the East Asian region, she continued.

One-North’s connected habitat expands the effect of the novel service, encouraging cooperation with local partners, institutions, and industry experts to advance technology and solution integration to bring cutting-edge innovation to the market.

The new business building also supports The Singapore Green Plan 2030, which strengthens Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to advancing the country’s national plan on sustainable development in the face of obstacles like climate change and urbanization, and furthers Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to advancing the wise area change in Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia.

Johnson Controls claimed, in addition to supporting Singapore’s vision for a brighter and more efficient future, it has equipped more than 40 % of the city-state’s commercial properties with wise developing solutions.

With Singapore as our proper hub, Johnson Controls is well-positioned to promote sustainable development, facilitate innovation, and form lasting collaborations that may shape the region’s and the region’s future.

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Digital Village accelerator programme announces launch of Cohort 3

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  • Six Sarawak startups have been selected to join the DiVA Cohort 3
  • Programme aims to support entrepreneurs and tech startups in Sarawak

The NEXEA team together with the six startups who have been selected to join DiVA Cohort 3

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and NEXEA have announced the next phase of their collaborative initiative, DiVA – Digital Village Accelerator, a flagship programme under the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem. The Cohort 3 orientation session began on 8th March 2024, drawing significant interest with over 190 startups applying.

DiVA aims to cultivate a thriving innovation community in Sarawak, driving the growth of digital technology and creative industries. The programme provides essential resources to entrepreneurs and tech startups in Sarawak, offering specialized mentorship, industry-specific guidance, and various supports to steer their ventures towards success. Selected participants may secure SDEC grants of US$32,000 (RM150,000) and investments of up to US$53,000 (RM250,000), providing significant financial leverage for their ventures.

Participants will engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions, workshops, and networking events featuring insights from top-tier investor mentors including James Graham, Alan Lim, Jonah Lau, and Patrick Liew.

Six Sarawak startups have been selected to join DiVA Cohort 3:

  • MyScripts – A startup delivering MyScriptsOS for community pharmacies and end-users to improve medication management.
  • Fly Technology Agriculture – A startup transforming organic waste into black soldier fly larvae feedstock.
  • Nebula – A cloud gaming platform, allowing gamers to play the latest games from any device.
  • Beli Beli SuperApp – A subscription-based super app offering delivery, ehailing, online mall, and on-demand services.
  • Satok Bridge – An AI and IoT startup solving problems with technology.
  • Formeta PLT – A startup from University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), focusing on drone, AI, IoT, Blockchain, and STEM Training.

Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC said, “We are thrilled to meet and collaborate with all talented startups that have applied for the DiVA programme. Our goal is to provide them with the right platform, resources, and guidance to shape their ideas into innovative solutions that will contribute to the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem.”

“Every applicant in DiVA Cohort 3 brings a unique story and a burning desire to make a difference. We’re here to empower them, and together, we’ll witness a collective spark of innovation that ignites Sarawak’s digital future,” said Ben Lim, CEO/Founder of NEXEA.

For more information and updates on the DiVA programme, visit https://diva.sarawak.digital/.

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Aerodyne unveils its Aerodyne Flight Institute

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  • Strives to be foremost centre for drone education, training, and research
  • Nurture industry-ready talent in drone technology, AI & data analytics

The team at Aerodyne Flight Institute. Founder and CEO of Aerodyne Group, Kamarul Muhamed is in the middle in dark polo, giving the thumbs up.

Aerodyne Group, a global leader in drone-based solutions,  opening its the Aerodyne Flight Institute (AFI) in Cyberjaya on Feb 29. The company stated that this significant development in industry-focused technological education and innovation reflects its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of industries such as AI, big data, cybersecurity, and more. 

AFI is strategically positioned to create a workforce adept at tackling these challenges, thereby contributing to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda, said Aerodyne.

Aerodyne believes that AFI embodies its vision to empower the next generation with critical skills for key domains, with an industry-driven curriculum covering emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. These offerings complement the existing CAAM-certified Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency module, aligning AFI with the forefront of industry needs and technological advancements.Aerodyne unveils its Aerodyne Flight Institute

Kamarul A Muhamed (pic), founder and group CEO of Aerodyne, stated, “At AFI, we are setting the stage to become the foremost center for AI, data, and drone education, training, and research, with aspirations to be recognized both regionally and globally.” 

He added that Aerodyne’s ambition drives it to nurture a new wave of competitive talents, industry-ready to forge ahead in drone technology, AI, and data analytics.

“The launch, joined by a diverse network of partners, including industry leaders, universities, customers, ecosystem players, and investors, and officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim, marks a pivotal step toward fulfilling our vision of positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the digital economy,” Kamarul said.

Since 2022, Aerodyne has successfully trained over 1,000 certified drone pilots and data professionals, affirming its role in shaping the industry’s future.

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Motorist appoints Angela Poh as deputy CEO  

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  • takes the new status as of March 1st, 2024.
  • Former Motorist’s general revenue official

Motorist appoints Angela Poh as deputy CEO  

With the appointment of Angela Poh ( pic ) as the company’s deputy CEO effective on March 1, 2024, Motorist, a leader in automotive technology solutions, has made an important contribution to female empowerment in Singapore’s increasingly important digital sector.

The development of a competent female professional in a rapidly expanding Singaporean company is fast and positive in light of International Women’s Day on March 8. In addition to their achievements as equal in household units, community groups, and nation as a whole, it demonstrates women’s improvement in their chosen careers.

Poh’s visit to the second-in-command senior management position at Motorist is in line with the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development, which calls for organizations to represent the country’s political principles of fairness, awareness, and progressivity. Poh has then joined the female population in Singapore in management positions. In 2021, the highest share of Taiwanese companies was held by a female CEO, according to a Deloitte statement.

Poh formerly held the position of managing Motorist’s revenue streams as the main earnings officer. The Straits Times and German-based global research agency Statista have compiled a list of Singapore’s leading 100 fastest-growing businesses for three consecutive years.

The electronic startup is presently operating in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

As the newly appointed co-driver of the company, Poh declared,” As the newly appointed co-driver of the business, I did do my best, together with all my acquaintances, to expand the business further, not only in Singapore where it all began nine centuries ago, but also in our other Asian industry.”

CEO of Motorist, Damian Sia, said,” Poh’s well-earned advertising will allow me to concentrate more on Motorist’s regional growth. By 2026, we intend to expand our world-class electrical services and excellent game to six additional nations, starting with the Philippines.

Prior to joining Motorist, Poh worked for American Express for more than 15 times, with her last position focusing on the development of the local professional payments firm. She is married, has two babies, and graduated from Australia’s Murdoch University with a bachelor’s degree in commerce.

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Telkomsel leverages Google Cloud’s AI to improve customer experience

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  • Utilizing conceptual AI in a strategic partnership across the company’s platforms&nbsp
  • Enhance the individual expertise, customer interaction, network planning andamp;, &nbsp, development.

Telkomsel leverages Google Cloud's AI to improve customer experience

Leading online company in Indonesia, Telkomsel, has just announced an innovative partnership with Google Cloud that aims to connect enterprise-grade conceptual AI into its operations and key item offerings. The organization is “delivering hyper- personal and smooth modern client experiences across its B2C, B2B, and B2B2C segments,” according to Dennis Heng, CEO of Telkomsel. &nbsp,

The inclusion of Google Cloud’s conceptual AI into Telkomsel’s platforms, which include MOANA, MyTelkomsel, MyEnterprise, and MyAds, strengthens Telkomsel’s already-established collaboration with Google. Through its integrations with Google Cloud’s innovative, safe by default, and secret by design gen AI capabilities in 2024, Telkomsel hopes to uncover more opportunities for accelerating Indonesia’s financial and modern ecosystem growth, he added.

Telkomsel aims to improve the individual experience through a general AI-powered linguistic agent within its MOANA application by utilizing Google Cloud’s Vertex AI system and foundation models. This representative aims to streamline HR-related tasks and promote a more creative work environment by offering real-time assistance and guidance to over 6, 000 workers.

AI-based research assistants

Telkomsel also intends to improve customer interactions across its digital platforms by integrating gen AI-based research assistants within the MyTelkomsel and myEnterprise apps to create a more intuitive and personalized user experience. This initiative is expected to empower users with seamless access to information, significantly reducing the time spent navigating complex menus and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Telkomsel plans to use Google Cloud’s AI to evaluate data from mobile turrets and fiber optic systems as part of the engagement, which also includes product development and community planning. In order to quickly and easily determine locations with connection gaps for upcoming network infrastructure expansion and develop fixed smart convergence offerings tailored for various customer segments, strengthening digital inclusion throughout Indonesia. According to Mark Micallef, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Google Cloud,” Telkomsel is moving at amazing speed and scale to create organization- quality general AI accessible and useful to its employees and customers.” &nbsp,

In addition to enhancing its IndiHome FMC providing with Android TV set top boxes, extending the reach of various offerings through personal ads on Android TV, and increasing the variety of modern lifestyle options available through MyTelkomsel’s existing collaborations with another Google product teams, Telkomsel’s collaboration with Google Cloud strengthens its existing collaborations with another Google product teams. Erick Thohi, Indonesia’s Minister of State Owned Enterprises, praised the acquisition of Indihome and Telkomsel in July of last year, which could create an Indonesian aggregators that could compete with international players like Google and Meta.

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CelcomDigi, China Unicom, Huawei collaborate on 5G-enabled digital business initiatives  

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  • aims to support businesses in modern transformation in order to run smoothly and sustainably.
  • Following US$ 36B purchase determination in M’sia, MoU strengthens economic ties with China.

Li Zehui, general manager of CUMY; (4th from left) Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din, chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC); (5th from left) Idham Nawawi, CEO, CelcomDigi; and (7th from left) Simon Sun, CEO, Huawei Technologies Malaysia; (8th from left) Azmil Zahruddin, chairman of CelcomDigi

With Intelligent Digital 5GtoB solutions, CelcomDigi Berhad, China Unicom Operations ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd, and Huawei Technologies ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd have collaborated to meet the digitalization needs of Malaysian businesses.

At the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din, the chairman of the board of CelcomDigi, Li Zehui, the general manager of China Unicom, and Simon Sun, the CEO of Huawei Malaysia, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU). &nbsp,

Following China’s commitment in 2023 to invest a record US$ 36 billion ( RM 170 billion ) in Malaysia over the course of five years, the three-party MoU further strengthens existing cooperative arrangements to strengthen economic ties with China.

Through the integration of CelcomDigi and Huawei solutions in 5G network access, 5G core network (5GC), and Multi-Access Edge Computing ( MEC ), CelcomDigi will leverage China Unicom’s existing ecosystem of China-based companies to offer private network connectivity services.

In addition to serving as system builders responsible for the connectivity, activities, services, and maintenance of projects, &nbsp, China Unicom’s position in the partnership will focus on relationship control between Foreign enterprises and CelcomDigi. Important components of&nbsp, China Unicom’s part in the tie-up are ensuring the smooth execution of client requirements and scope. To examine project possibilities with CelcomDigi and China Unicom, Huawei Malaysia will use its cutting-edge 5G products and solutions as well as its existing online systems.

Idham Nawawi, who spoke about the relationship, stated that “our partnership with two top technology companies for the execution of 5G solutions across Indonesian enterprises opens new opportunities for businesses to gain quicker access to cutting-edge, world-class 5G solutions. Our goal is to assist more businesses in their modern transformation and enable efficient and sustainable operations that unlock the true potential of their companies. We are dedicated to accelerating the implementation of 5G technologies across all sectors, enabling companies to be competitive and provide significant advantages for the development of the digital economy.

” Some companies have benefited from the rapid digitization brought on by 5G, AI, and IoT as information and communication technology has evolved over the years. China Unicom has a wealth of practical experience and successful research cases both domestically and internationally and has actively participated in this fundamental transformation process of the modern industrial revolution. We had the chance to create a number of successful use cases, with a focus on a variety of industries, including those in the textile, mechanical, and energy industries. We firmly believe that our partners and we will be able to contribute greatly to Malaysia’s professional development, Li Zehui said.

Huawei Malaysia will be bringing valuable insights and experience in shipping experiences and digitalization to the partnership with our international expertise in state-of-the-art 5G solutions deployment, according to Simon Sun. &nbsp,

He added that Huawei may also introduce CelcomDigi to related habitat partners and provide 5G support for business applications. ” We will draw on our experience in digital transformation alternatives, which have been adding new value to business customers,” he said.

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