Paynet Digital Campus 3.0 breaks records with 24 million cashless transactions

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  • Initiative included 25 people and 5 private institutions
  • Disbursed US$ 231, 000 in 2024 to support school online transaction activities

Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd ( PayNet ), a national payments network and central financial institution provider, has had success with its PayNet Digital Campus 3.0 ( PDC3.0) campaign, which has generated 24 million digital payments across Malaysia’s participating higher education institutions.

The action, involving 30 institutions—25 public colleges and five personal higher education institutions marks a major growth from its forerunner. PayNet stated that it disbursed a total of US$ 231, 000 ( RM1.02 million ) in sponsorship funds to participating universities between August and September 2024 to support digital payment initiatives.

UiTM Cawangan Perak came in first with 66 transactions per capita in the category of public universities ( UA), followed by UiTM Cawangan Sabah and UiTM Cawangan Johor. In the Private Institution ( IPTS ) category, Universiti Teknologi Petronas emerged as the champion, with Asia Pacific University taking second place.

Additionally, student authorities received praise for their creative electronic payment campaigns. In the UA Student Council group, UiTM Cawangan Johor clinched the best position, while Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and UiTM Cawangan Perak placed second and third, both. Universiti Teknologi Petronas led the IPTS Student Council type, followed by Asia Pacific University and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

For surpassing one million purchases during the campaign, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia were given special recognition awards, which show they are extremely committed to promoting the implementation of electronic payments in their school communities.

Farhan Ahmad, party CEO of PayNet,” The extraordinary growth in transactions and participating institutions underscores the strong speed toward Malaysia’s digital change in the learning market.” By supporting digital schools, we are also fostering greater financial inclusion while also preparing students for a modern potential. Empowering learners with modern monetary skills ensures that all learners, regardless of background, you join in and profit from Malaysia’s growing digital economy. At the same time, we are creating safer, more effective learning conditions by reducing rely on money deals”.

PDC3.0 continued the popular” Shark Tank”-inspired file from the past, where student councils presented their adoption campaigns for online payments to get funding. The successful efforts were finally carried out between October and December 2024. PDC3.0 delivered excellent outcomes, with the highest-performing organization recording 1.5 million purchases. The programme achieved a peak transaction rate of 66 transactions per student, while the most cost-efficient campaign reduced costs to just US$ 0.0113 ( RM0.05 ) per transaction.

The program is in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026, which aims to promote a digital payments culture and encourage e-payment implementation. With over one million individuals at higher education institutions, the program serves as a critical catalyst for fostering a” cashless-first” thinking through student council independence.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman, producer standard of Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education, highlighted the project’s part in Malaysia’s digital transformation. By encouraging a cashless-first tradition, we are even modernizing college ecosystems and training students in key financial literacy and digital skills that will help them prepare for the upcoming economy.

This program supports Malaysia’s devotion to integrating technologies into education, and it is in line with the country’s” Digital Economy Blueprint,” which promotes a society that is empowered by smooth online transactions. I encourage more universities to take advantage of this opportunity and advance our country’s transition toward a digital and online diverse Malaysia, he said during his presentation address.

At the occasion, PayNet even unveiled the third edition of the project, PayNet Digital Campus 4.0 ( PDC4.0), which retains the successful construction of its predecessor. Higher education institutions with scholar populations greater than 3 000 are now eligible for enrollment.

” The Malaysian training sector’s next step in accelerating digital conversion is PayNet Digital Campus 4.0,” says the company’s CEO. By giving universities the support and tools they need to implement digital policies, we are even modernizing campus transactions and creating a generation of online empowered leaders. As we expand this action, we look forward to seeing yet greater advancement from students in driving Malaysia’s development into a completely digital nation”, said Firdaus Ghani, PayNet’s top director, Government Digitalisation Division.

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Malaysia’s digital investments hit record US.7bil in 2024

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  • Working with MIDA and MDEC unwaveringly to reach the 5 % growth target for 2025
  • Data center, cloud equipment account for 77 % of total approved purchases

Strong infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships have strengthened investor confidence in Malaysia as a leading digital hub.

In a media release the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) announced that digital investments hit a record US$ 36.7 billion ( RM163.6 billion ) in 2024, compared to US$ 10.5 billion ( RM46.8 billion ) in 2023. The organization, which is run by the Digital Ministry, attributed the report investments to a stable government and business-friendly policies that strengthened the nation’s status as a provincial tech hub.

Investor assurance in Malaysia as a leading online hub has increased thanks to strong infrastructure and proper public-private collaborations. A friendly regulatory framework and Malaysia’s drive into AI more accelerated growth, attracting high-value world opportunities, said MDEC.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ) announced that Malaysia secured RM378.5 billion in approved investments last year, the highest level in the country’s history, which is an 14.9 % increase from the previous record of RM329.5 billion in 2023.

According to Anuar Fariz Fadzil ( pic ), MDEC CEO,” MDEC continues to work closely with MIDA and other government agencies to attract more strategic investments.”

” Malaysia’s active investment environment cultivates strong cooperation among government departments and agencies, ensuring a coordinated effort to drive innovation, online growth and long-term financial prosperity for the nation”, added Anuar.

Foreign investor confidence in Malaysia’s digital sector remains strong, with substantial foreign direct investments ( FDI) inflows with the top five FDI coming from Singapore ( RM57 billion ), the United States ( RM23 billion ), China ( RM12 billion ), Australia ( RM2.6 billion ) and India ( RM2 billion ).

However, local direct investments ( DDI) continue to rise, with MDEC playing a key role through tactical initiatives and programs. The top five states by MD companies ‘ inflows were recorded in the Klang Valley ( RM136 billion ), Johor ( RM22 billion ), Penang ( RM3 billion ), Sabah ( RM423 million ) and Sarawak ( RM280 million ), reflecting a nationwide push for digitalisation and economic expansion beyond central regions.

[Ed: Note  that the majority of the DDI purchases made by Malaysian Digital businesses are from foreign company subsidiaries with MD position.

In 2024, 76.8 % of all digital investments were approved, a sharp increase from 55.5 % in 2023, making up 76.8 % of those investments. &nbsp,

]Ed: Notice that when it comes to FDI, approved investments announced do not always understand the real expense made&nbsp, as these investment figures&nbsp, are made based on projections of potential growth&nbsp, and business conditions may change, thus affecting the eventual investments made. In some circumstances, the actual purchases made may be more than the stated images.

The formation of a dedicated Data Center Task Force, led by MITI Minister Zafrul Aziz and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, will help the company advance deeper while maintaining a healthy balance between growth and economic role.

” MDEC will work closely with MIDA to achieve the 5 % investment growth target in 2025,” said Anuar,” stretched in maintaining this strong investment momentum.”

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inDrive partners with Fingular, launches its first APAC fintech service in Indonesia

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  • Driver have access to up to US$ 607, 500 funded by Ammana
  • Direct drivers to cover immediate expenses like automobile repairs &amp, everyday necessities

inDrive, a global mobility and industrial services system, in strategic cooperation with Fingular, a Singapore-based global economic group, and Indonesian licensed halal peer-to-peer lending platform Ammana, has launched inDrive. Cash in Indonesia, a monetary service designed to support vehicles. Through the inDrive app, drivers can access cash funding of up to US$ 607, 500 ( RM2.7 million ), funded by Ammana, and repay it seamlessly through their rides.

InDrive’s first APAC market to offer this economic solution, which helps drivers pay for urgent expenses like car repairs and routine necessities, is after effective launches in Mexico and Colombia.

Indonesian drivers make no exceptions when it comes to Gig workers ‘ access to financial services. Traditional financial institutions frequently require income verification, which makes it challenging for gig workers to safe funding and requiring them to rely on other lenders with large commissions.

To solve this gap, inDrive and Fingular, focused on financial inclusion and improving the quality of life for the fiscally underprivileged, present a general, robust technology that delivers good and open financial services. Drivers are immediately able to access funds for immediate expenses thanks to the solution, which is integrated directly into the inDrive software.

Payments are deducted per walk at a 10–15 % commission, with a three- to five-month payment period and personalised monthly payment. Leveraging a generation of practice with its driver habitat, inDrive uses ride frequency, monthly income, and other important data points to examine drivers ‘ creditworthiness, allowing its partners to offer fairer funding terms.

” We’ve already disrupted the ride-hailing industry by introducing a people-centric pricing model, allowing passengers and drivers to negotiate fares instead of relying on opaque algorithms”, said Mark Loughran, group president at inDrive. We are now addressing a similar injustice in the financial services sector, where gig workers frequently are exempt due to outdated credit scoring systems that do not meet their needs.

Strong demand was identified from an early marketing survey of inDrive drivers, with 80 % of drivers expressing interest in the sector-tailored financial product after receiving promotional offers.

The pilot phase of inDrive. Late in 2024, partners began receiving funding to fine tune Fingular’s embedded financing technology and refine product parameters based on local drivers ‘ needs. After a gradual rollout in major cities, the service is now available in Pematangsiantar, Purwakarta, Sukabumi, Makassar, Ternate, Garut, Bali Island, Palembang, Bukittinggi, Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta.

Drivers who received funding reported higher engagement and retention, sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback, and using the service as a lifeline when there were unexpected expenses to keep driving without interruptions.

” We are excited to support inDrive in our common mission to challenge financial injustice by offering the most accessible, transparent, and people-centric financial technologies and services”, said Maxim Chernuschenko, CEO of Fingular.

” This strategic partnership is not just about achieving immediate financial goals but reflects a long-term vision for the financial future—where justice, innovation, and customer satisfaction drive every decision”, added Vadim Gurinov, a Cypriot investor and strategic backer of Fingular.

Beyond this initiative, Indonesia remains a key strategic market for inDrive. The business sees strong growth potential in urban and ride-hailing services, and it intends to expand its offerings in the nation.

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Enter the Upin & Ipin Universe for global gamers

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The open-world Upi & Ipin Universe will launch this year.

Leading South Asian animation studio Les ‘ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd, the creators of the globally acclaimed Upin &;, made a pioneering move for the South Eastern entertainment and gambling sectors. Ipin company, has commissioned Streamline Studios, a wholly owned system of US business, Streamline Media Group, to create the Upin & Ipin system activity. Les ‘ Copaque and Streamline Media Group have therefore agreed to form a partnership to simultaneously submit Upin & Ipin Universe.

Upin & The second open-world unit and PC game to feature the precious twins is Ipin Universe. Built in False Engine 5, it offers a magnificent next-generation experience. Launching in 2025, Upin & An optimistic open-world game called Ipin Universe may appeal to gamers around the world with its beauty and ferocity.

With Upin & The company has captivated audiences across the globe and is featured on major streaming services like Netflix, Disney , and Amazon Prime, and has gained enormous popularity in Southeast Asia, specially in Malaysia and Indonesia. This agreement marks a ground-breaking development, extending the franchise’s scope beyond traditional media and licensing to the cutting-edge interactive entertainment market.

“For times, Upin & Ipin has been about celebrating family, friendship, and community, ” said Burhanuddin Md Radzi, Managing Director of Les ’ Copaque. Viewers will have a chance to interact with Upin and Ipin’s globe like never before thanks to our relationship with Streamline Media Group. ”

We are thrilled to work with Les Copaque Production to deliver Upin &;; &;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Ipin into the international gaming light,” said Alexander Fernandez, CEO of Streamline Studios and Streamline Media Group. We saw this as an opportunity to develop the company into a fully realized open-world experience that offered the depth and soaking players had come to expect from a superior system and PC game. By merging Les ’ Copaque’s rich storytelling with our expertise in world-class game development, Upin & For both the company and South Asian content as a whole, Ipin Universe will be a transformative project. ”

Discover the miracle of kampung lifestyle: A villager’s adventure

In Malaysia ,’kampung ‘ refers to a village—a way of life steeped in tradition, community, and warmth. Developed in Malaysia, Upin & Ipin Universe is a gift to Southeast Asian town life, inviting people to discover its scenery, stories, and customs, crafted by creators who grew up immersed in this society.

Add the growing anticipation for Upin &; Ipin Universe. the web for the game, and

conflict are now exist, featuring unique idea art, behind-the-scenes updates, and a blueprint of what’s to occur. Follow# UpinIpin Universe and take part in the adventure! Stay tuned for big reveal announcements and community events! “

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Ficus Capital leads the charge into Web3 with investment in Morpheus Labs

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  • Expanding into Malaysia and Indonesia will be fueled by cash.
  • Additionally, Startup Five Investment participated in the pre-agreement as an beginning trader.

Ficus Capital, an ESG-compliant Islamic venture capital firm, has announced a strategic investment of US$ 430,000 ( RM1. 9 million ) in Morpheus Labs, a Singapore-based AI-powered Web3 implementation program, as part of its Pre-A money square.

This expense, made through Ficus’s premier Ficus SEA Fund, aims to support Morpheus Labs in simplifying bitcoin execution, enabling businesses and developers to create, deploy, and control decentralised applications more quickly. By reducing time-to-market and streamlining processes, Morpheus Labs is driving development in the Web3 place.

According to Custom Market Insights, the world Web3 market is projected to grow from US$ 4. 8 billion ( RM21 billion ) in 2021 to US$ 69 billion ( RM30 billion ) by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 68 %, underscoring the rapid expansion and opportunities in this sector.

Rina Neoh, managing partner of Ficus Capital, said: “Our funding in Morpheus Labs reflects our opinion in the transformative potential of Web3 and our trust in the business ’s ability to lead this trend. Their extensive software and ecosystem-first approach align with our vision of fostering green, flexible, and effective industrial solutions. ”

Morpheus Labs is an award-winning head in the Web3 room, offering an AI-powered software that simplifies Web3 deployment for firms and designers. Its essential features include:

  • Smart Contract Studio, which makes it simple to use AI to create intelligent deals.
  • Workflow Studio, a drag-and-drop resource for integrating Web3 capabilities into existing systems.
  • In order to speed up the creation of decentralized applications (dApps ), Web Studio ( UI/UX) offers customisable templates.

Pei-Han Chuang ( pic ), founder and CEO of Morpheus Labs, said: “Ficus’s investment is pivotal in fuelling our growth and expanding our capabilities in the Web3 space. With their help, we are also expanding into important markets like Malaysia and Indonesia, where a fresh, tech-savvy community is driving online implementation.

“Ficus Capital’s responsibility as an ESG-i VC aligns completely with our objective to encourage decentralisation and diversity. As we strive to provide visible and sustainable bitcoin answers, their emphasis on Shariah-compliant ESG investing is in sync with our principles. Additionally, Ficus’s involvement in this round enhances our access to the Malaysian market and its growing technology ecosystem, ” he added.

In addition to Ficus Capital’s purchase, Startup Five Investment, a store account and part of AVA Angels specialising in electronic change, ESG, and Web3 investments, has even joined the Pre-A round as an early investor, following Ficus’s lead. Chuang is investing alongside both firms, reinforcing confidence—both internal and external—in Morpheus Labs ’ potential to transform Web3 development.

Jeffery Yang, managing partner at Startup Five Investment, said: “We are excited to support Morpheus Labs as they shape the future of Web3 technology. Their platform’s cutting-edge features and seamless integration align perfectly with our investment strategy, and we believe this partnership will drive significant innovation in the Web3 ecosystem.

In addition, we are pleased to make an investment in Ficus Capital, a reputable venture capital firm in the ESG and Shariah-compliant space, furthering our shared commitment to supporting sustainable and impactful technologies. ”

With this strategic investment, Morpheus Labs is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation. It has already secured a key collaboration with Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, to pioneer new Web3 experiences for users and content creators. By leveraging blockchain technology, this partnership aims to enhance content monetisation, digital rights management, and user engagement across media platforms.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, Chuang continued. Together, we can unlock new potentials in the Web3 space, expanding our platform’s scope and accelerating blockchain adoption in the entertainment industry.

“With our AI-powered platform, we are empowering businesses to build and scale blockchain solutions more efficiently. This collaboration marks a significant step in the direction of redefining digital experiences for users and creators all over the world. ”

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Cloudflare appoints Goran Risticevic as vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific

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  • Over 20 times of strong and stream sales experience
  • Visited Cloudflare in Nov 2022, growing APAC’s consumer success group

Cloudflare, Inc., a leading connectivity cloud company, has appointed Goran Risticevic ( pic ) as vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific ( APAC ). He brings 20 years of experience in strong and network sales, as well as service, having worked at AWS, IBM, and NetApp. Since joining Cloudflare in November 2022, Risticevic has been expanding the User Success and Services group in the area. He is based in Sydney, Australia.

In 2010, shortly after launching, Cloudflare expanded its channel into Tokyo after almost 15 years of investment in APAC. Now, its global network spans more than 335 locations across 125 states, including 111 places in Asia Pacific.

” Asia Pacific is home to over 4.5 billion people—more than half the world population—and 66 % of them are online. It hosts some of the fastest-growing economies and is a gateway of technology, driving advancements in industries such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and e-commerce, all of which require strong, smooth, and highly stable internet connectivity. With Risticevic’s authority, I am assured we will continue to help our customers remain protected and connected with people worldwide”, said Mark Anderson, president of earnings at Cloudflare.

Every day, millions of online challenges are blocked by Cloudflare. In Q4 2024 only, it blocked an average of 227 billion digital risks per day worldwide. According to Cloudflare’s Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Readiness Survey 2024, 47 % of respondents experienced more than 10 data breaches in 12 months, with 87 % indicating that AI has contributed to more frequent or sophisticated attacks.

” Asia Pacific’s growth prospects are incredible, fueled by quick business growth and an expanding website business. Nevertheless, this growth comes with significant cybersecurity challenges, as businesses may defend vast amounts of data, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats—all while striving for innovation and expansion. I’m excited to work with our partners to help our customers navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving threat landscape and lead a diverse team,” Risticevic said.

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ICAEW partners SC to strengthen expertise in sustainability disclosures

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  • Concentrate on capacity-building &amp, conservation credentials programmes.
  • Emphasis on officials ‘ roles in conservation policy and practice, and customer involvement

(From left) Neetasha Rauf, chief sustainability officer, Securities Commission Malaysia; Alex Ooi Thiam Poh, executive director and head, Audit Oversight, Securities Commission Malaysia; Azalina Adham, managing director, Securities Commission Malaysia; Dr. Ernest Kan, ICAEW council member for Southeast Asia; Mohammad Faiz Azmi, executive chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia; Alan Vallance, chief executive, ICAEW; Shenola Gonzales, head of Malaysia, ICAEW; Zain Azhari Mazlan, executive director, Corporate Finance & Investments, Securities Commission Malaysia; Khairul Ridzwan Abdul Kuddus, general manager, International Affairs, Securities Commission Malaysia; at the signing ceremony on collaboration between Securities Commission Malaysia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

A collaboration between the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales ( ICAEW ) and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC ) aims to increase knowledge of sustainability disclosures. This collaboration focuses on capacity-building through professional training on climate-related economic disclosures and conservation certifications.

This partnership coincides with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, which emphasizes equality and conservation.

As part of this initiative, ICAEW conducted a factory at the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Chairs Meeting in Penang. The workshop covered important topics like the impact of global climate regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ( CSRD ) and the IFRS S1 and S2 standards for climate and sustainability disclosures.

Continue reading at https ://oursustainabilitymatters.com/icaew-partners-sc-to-strengthen-expertise-in-sustainability-disclosures / for the full article as DNA is transitioning our sustainability coverage to a standalone news site.

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CelcomDigi earns ISO certifications for robust data security and business management systems

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  • Customers are assured of data protection andamp; company reliability during disruptions thanks to certifications.
  • Accolades validate CelcomDigi’s robust data security &amp, business continuity steps

Left to Right: CelcomDigi chief enterprise business officer Afizulazha Abdullah, CelcomDigi chief transformation officer Kamal Khalid, British Standards Institution Sdn Bhd managing director Evelyn Chye, TUV Nord (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd general manager Eva Soo, and CelcomDigi chief technology officer Kesavan Sivabalan at the ISO Certifications Conferment Ceremony at CelcomDigi.

CelcomDigi Berhad has received two prestigious global certifications—ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Privacy Protection – Information Security Management Systems ( ISMS ) and ISO 22301: Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS ) —demonstrating its compliance with international best practices in data and cyber security, operational resilience, and business continuity.

The company claimed in a statement that these accreditations demonstrate how reliable and prepared it is to manage business disruptions, ensure ongoing data protection, and provide exceptional service in today’s digital landscape.

TÜV Nord Cert GmbH, a famous independent accreditation body that reviews control systems across sectors, including data and computer security, is the recipient of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification. This emphasizes CelcomDigi’s robust surveillance controls, management, and compliance in handling sensitive details, protecting customer data, and limiting digital risks. The accreditation process involved a complete review of CelcomDigi’s data security policies, risk evaluation procedures, and program security measures to ensure compliance with global best practices.

The American Standards Institution ( BSI) Group awarded CelcomDigi the ISO 22301 BCMS documentation, demonstrating that the company is well-equipped to anticipate and deal with problems or business problems with the necessary emergency preparations in area. This ensures minimal impact on businesses, services, clients, and partners within its value chain. To ensure uninterrupted service delivery even in times of crisis, CelcomDigi underwent a thorough evaluation of its risk management frameworks, recovery strategies, and business continuity protocols.

CelcomDigi’s chief transformation officer, Kamal Khalid, said:” Trust is the cornerstone of our business. We work hard to create a name that Malaysians can rely on and trust. Our relentless pursuit of operational resilience and data security is demonstrated by the ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 22301 certifications. These certifications validate our efforts to continuously maintain and enhance our practices to meet globally benchmarked standards, ensuring our partners, employees, and customers experience reliability, trust, and minimal disruption in the event of a crisis”.

These certifications, in CelcomDigi’s opinion, reassure customers that their data is safeguarded by effective security measures and that services will continue to operate as planned despite unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, they enhance the company’s credibility and integrity, strengthening confidence among business partners and investors. For employees, they reflect a workplace committed to continuous improvements in internal processes and controls, fostering a safe and stable working environment.

As operational risks and cyber threats grow, CelcomDigi emphasized that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of business continuity and information security while creating a resilient, secure, and trusted digital ecosystem for everyone.

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Digital Edge announces leadership updates 

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  • Samuel Lee ascends to the position of senior table consultant.
  • Samuel Lee to be succeeded to John Freeman as CEO in Q2 2025.

Leading developer and operator of interconnection and hyperscale edge data centers across Asia and a Stonepeak portfolio company, Digital Edge ( Singapore ) Holdings Pte Ltd. has announced that John Freeman, the group’s president, will take Samuel Lee’s place as CEO effective in the second quarter of 2025. In tandem, Lee will move to the responsibility of senior consultant to the board. Additionally, Digital Edge announced that market veterans Eanna Murphy and Maile Kaiser may serve as non-executive managers.

Freeman is an expert head with more than two and a half years in the information center and Firm economy, leading international groups across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and MEA. He was a founding member of Digital Edge, a member of the company’s board since its foundation, and held positions as adherence officer and chief legal & before assuming the position of group president in 2024.

The club’s two new non-executive managers, Maile Kaiser and Eanna Murphy, furthermore have considerable information centre experience. Kaiser is now chief revenue officer at CoreSite, having joined in 2012, and recently held jobs at IO Data Centers, AboveNet, and Oracle. Murphy is a mature working partner at Stonepeak and formerly served as Yondr’s chief operating officer. He founded Yondr’s program in the Americas. Additionally, he spent more than ten years on Google’s data center team in top positions.

Their appointments, along with Freeman’s shift to CEO, promote Digital Edge’s commitment to excellence in management and development, positioning the business for continued progress in the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

Freeman stated in a statement regarding his visit,” I am honored to move into the role of CEO and excited about the opportunity to work alongside our partners and the extremely talented team at Digital Edge to provide our customers with timely and various AI- and cloud-ready data centers and connectivity solutions.”

Lee remarked,” I take great pride in what we have built and with great confidence in the future of Digital Edge as I move to the position of senior advisor.” I am honestly grateful for the support of our people, customers, and associates throughout my career. Freeman is a revolutionary leader with a passion for the crew, our clients, and the communities we serve, and I look forward to the company’s ongoing accomplishment under his leadership”.

We are quite appreciative of Lee’s leadership as the company has expanded over the past five years, according to Andrew Thomas, top managing director at Stonepeak and chairman of Digital Edge. Additionally, we are delighted to welcome Kaiser and Murphy to the table, both of whom bring world-class business expertise as we expand.

To support its next growth phase, Digital Edge recently secured more than US$ 1.6 billion ( RM7 billion ) in new capital through a combination of equity and debt financing. With this funding, the business can expand more quickly and effectively in response to the region’s growing and changing demand for cloud and artificial intelligence.

Founded in early 2020, Digital Edge now owns and operates 21 data centres, delivering over 500MW of critical IT weight in company and under building across Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, the company has a further 300MW of development available for strategic locations.

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Empowering rural communities, one harvest at a time

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  • Invested US$ 407, 400 with regional Organizations to support vulnerable populations
  • collaborated with SIrom on climate initiatives for underprivileged areas.

Heineken Malaysia Berhad ( Heineken Malaysia ) is attempting to positively affect the communities in which it operates. The brewer has long worked with like-minded participants to promote this work and has collaborated with them in this endeavor. With almost six years of operations in Malaysia, he has long sought to make lasting change that benefits the neighborhood areas.

Heineken Cares was established in 2021 as a reaction to the pandemic’s soaring need for assistance. Through the programme, Heineken Malaysia has invested US$ 407, 400 ( RM1.8 million ) in cooperation with several local NGOs to address the needs of vulnerable communities.

One of its most notable partnerships has been with the impressive group of women who have led diverse initiatives to support marginalized communities through mentoring and environmental projects.

The firm’s roots trace back to Kampung Gana, Sabah, in 2018, where Heineken Malaysia and Sirom introduced natural gardening on two acres of land, supported by a gravity-fed liquid system. This action promoted both well-being and economic resilience by empowering women in the community to sell surplus produce at local industry, as well as providing nutritious food.

” Our collaboration with Sirom has improved significantly since our initial collaboration with the Sabah project began in 2018.” Sirom has been a valuable companion, bringing not only their skills but also a thorough understanding of the societies they serve. Together, we’ve been able to go beyond short-term aid, to focus on making a long-lasting impact”, said Renuka Indrarajah ( pic ), Corporate Affairs and Legal director of Heineken Malaysia.

Band up to make a distinction
In 2021, this engagement extended beyond organic gardening. Heineken Cares and Sirom mobilized quickly to provide necessary foods and emergency care to the destroyed Kampung Jawa in the Klang Valley. &nbsp,

Their target then transitioned to long-term lasting solutions in 2022, introducing other water systems and organic gardening in Long Tanyit, Sarawak, and Kota Marudu, Sabah. Through this, the societies were given the tools and training to develop endurance so that they could live independently. Women, in particular, found fresh roles as businesses, earning wages that improved their families ‘ livelihoods.

Bringing together for a common cause
In 2023, Heineken Cares and Sokong by Malaysiakini partnered to create a lasting effect in nearby communities, reflecting Heineken Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and society improvement. Their support was crucial to a Kampung Sg program in December 2023. Lebak, Bentong, Pahang, where Sirom led a task to enable the Orang Asli area through gardening farming, promoting self-reliance and green development.

We continue to have a positive effect wherever we are, staying true to our goal of fostering genuine community and creating a better earth, Renuka said.

Through the engagement, Sirom continued to expand their work, supporting more Orang Asli people in 2024. The efforts focused on tackling food insecurity, economic obstacles, and enterprising spaces, laying the groundwork for lasting change.

” Through Heineken Cares, we’ve been able to scale our efforts and achieve communities that often go unnoticed. Joanne Yeoh from Sirom said,” A simple act can assist those in need.

Cultivating desire: The rockmelon planting project
” At the heart of Kampung Sg. Lebak’s conversion is a thriving rockmelon land. This opportunity addressed vital issues like food uncertainty, lack of lasting incomes, and minimal entrepreneurial skills. Girls from the town took the lead, managing the land, tracking crops, and gradually transforming their roles from quiet participants to confident, ready farmers”. said Yeoh. &nbsp,

The results speak levels. By August 2024, the community had generated US$ 8, 700 ( RM37, 000 ) in sales, with 15 % coming from fish farming—a testament to the project’s diversified approach. &nbsp,

]RM1 = US$ 0.22]


Beyond figures, the true impact was seen in the villagers ‘ growing confidence, especially among women. Working on the land has been more than simply a job, according to Nuar from Kampung Sg Lebak; it also serves as a sense of purpose. She appreciates having the hands-on responsibilities of farm life while earning money that helps her home. Every day brings new classes, and being an associate superintendent, she can continue teaching and guiding people.

Looking forward: Step two and the gardening development

Sirom is gearing up for Phase two, which will introduce hydroponics farming to further strengthen food safety, with the base set. This step aims to:

  • Enhance incomes by providing regular pay to Kampung Sg Lebak farm workers.
  • Promote children involvement with the Geran Agropreneur Muda offer.
  • Promoting sustainability through the use of other animal feed sources like composting and composting in kitchens.
  • By donating farming vehicles and saving rockmelon seeds, to promote self-sustainability.
  • Improve community health by maintaining a constant source of wholesome meal.

” Alliances are the foundation of change. Cooperation with Heineken Cares and Sokong have provided essential sources, from funding to administrative assistance. For partnerships change benevolent efforts into lasting, effective change, ensuring that communities are not just fed but even empowered to grow independently”, Yeoh reflects.

Join the movement
Your support can help areas like Kampung Sg grow from a single plant, which every successful harvest begins with. Lebak. For every RM10 you donate, HEINEKEN Malaysia will add RM40, amplifying your influence and nurturing green future.

Join us today: https ://sokong .org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024&nbsp ,&nbsp,

Discover more about Heineken Malaysia’s conservation journey and how you can make a difference.

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