Technology – Sure A Not

Prudential launches global AI Lab in Singapore

On: November 21, 2024

Lab may make Artificial solutions to improve customer experience, generate business impact
Since August, more than 100 AI use instances have been submitted to the test by Prudential staff.

Prudential limited has launched the Prudential AI Lab in Singapore, with the aim of accelerating the implementation of AI, conceptual AI, and system teaching organisation-wide.

In a statement, the business said its AI Lab will hatch AI-powered remedies designed to deliver a better user experience and important business influence, while integrating AI capabilities into its operations, services, and products. Following its delicate start in August 2024, more than 100 Artificial use instances have been submitted to the Lab by people across Prudential’s 24 industry in Asia and Africa, it added.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, the Economic Development Board of Singapore, and other organizations have all contributed to the creation of the Prudential AI Lab. It was developed in partnership with Google Cloud, which gives Prudential people access to cutting-edge AI answers and end-to-end technical assistance.

The Lab may prioritize solutions that improve Prudential’s functional excellence and improve patient access to high-quality care. With enhanced consulting capabilities, AI will also help economic representatives provide better, faster customer service. A dedicated staff of Singapore-based AI engineers and data scientists may work in the laboratory.

Anil Wadhwani, CEO of Prudential corporation, said,” Data, advanced analysis, and AI are critical to the distribution of our corporate objectives. The AI Lab will electrify the development of interesting applications such as predicted analytics, hyper-personalised customer relationship, and real-time advice for agents”.

” I think the enormous potential and significance of this technology are only beginning to be explored.” The Prudential AI Lab will substantially improve our ability to offer our clients, agents, and economic representatives in all areas, he added.

Wadhwani said in a statement about the partnership with the Singapore authorities that” Prudential’s global AI Lab is located in Singapore because of its powerful system and friendly atmosphere for AI development, noted by its National AI Strategy. Our relationship with EDB and MAS allows us to click into Singapore’s rich community of tools and skills from academia, business, and state. This partnership will significantly advance our ability to create novel solutions that improve business and customer experiences while enhancing AI capabilities.

Meanwhile, Gillian Tan, assistant managing director ( Development and International ) and chief sustainability officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS ), said,” Prudential’s AI Lab is aligned with Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 goal to encourage businesses to utilise AI and technology to raise productivity, transform, and serve customers better. Financial institutions will continue to benefit from AI as they develop capabilities and use it to increase their client and consulting services, detect fraud, and generate danger insights.

fostering an effective ecology to support AI inventors

According to Prudential, the Lab will collaborate closely with ecosystem partners, such as institutes of higher learning ( IHLs ), research centres, government agencies, and technology partners.

It has already entered into contracts with some IHLs, including Singapore Management University School of Computing and Information Systems, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and the National University of Singapore Asian Institute of Digital Finance. By providing hands-on experiences and nurturing information sharing and innovation, The Lab will join students from these neighborhood schools in order to prepare the next generation of AI specialists.

Students on jobs with Prudential and those whose final-year projects are selected will work alongside the Lab, its mate ecology, and Prudential’s company units to develop proofs-of-concept for selected use cases.

Commvault expands APAC leadership to drive innovation and regional growth

By: Mary Blight

On: November 21, 2024

In: Technology

Craig Bastow will serve as ANZ’s place vice president.
appoints Alice Macmurchy as APAC’s key client officer.

Craig Bastow, area vice president for ANZ (left) & Jill Macmurchy, chief customer officer for APAC

With the recent session of Jill Macmurchy as APAC’s general consumer officer, Commvault, a leading provider of computer endurance and data protection solutions for hybrid sky organizations, has expanded its APAC leadership team. Craig Bastow assumed the position of area vice president for Australia and New Zealand ( ANZ ) earlier this year. Together, these visits underscore Commvault’s commitment to addressing consumer needs with tenacious, tailored data safety, protection, and recovery solutions.

Based in ANZ, Macmurchy will support APAC’s customers and development objectives while assisting organizations in achieving modernization objectives. She has extensive management experience from top positions at Confluent and New Relic, as well as strong technical expertise in solutions architectural and pre-sales.

” I’m excited to collaborate with our customers to give tenacity a competitive edge. Beyond just protecting information, our goal is to empower businesses in APAC to return and prosper quickly, according to Macmurchy.

Craig Bastow, a veteran of Commvault with more than a decade of practice at the company, took over the position of neighborhood vice president for ANZ earlier this year. Bastow has helped to improve local operations and user engagement with his breadth of knowledge in the ANZ technologies sector, including IT industry and the public sector.

” It has been an outstanding season leading Commvault’s work in ANZ. Commvault is determined to face these issues head-on and is faced with an ever more sophisticated risk profile in our area. With our group’s dedication and innovative answers, we’re poised to set new standards in cyber resilience across ANZ”, Bastow said.

These appointments come at a crucial moment as organisations across ANZ explore an extremely difficult business landscape, characterised by rising cyber threats, strict regulatory requirements, and a growing need for resilient, robust data protection solutions.

” Commvault’s growth across APAC reflects our global reputation as a leader in cyber resilience. These new strategic positions strengthen our commitment to our customers and advance our mission. Our customers provide the insights necessary for us to navigate the changing landscape of data security and recovery. And together, we’re ensuring that Commvault remains at the forefront of providing robust and scalable data security solutions”, Martin Creighan, vice president of Asia Pacific at Commvault said.

BlackBerry welcomes Canada’s support to enhance cyber resilience in SEA via Malaysian Cybersecurity Center of Excellence

By: Mary Blight

On: November 21, 2024

In: Technology

In partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada will engage$ 3.9M CAD
To arrange local incident response and address digital threats from a single location.

BlackBerry welcomes Canada’s support to enhance cyber resilience in SEA via Malaysian Cybersecurity Center of Excellence

At the APEC Leaders ‘ Summit last week, NYSE-listed BlackBerry Ltd, expressed its gratitude for the Government of Canada’s announcement to invest Canadian$ 3.9 million ( RM12.48 million ) in Malaysia. The money will go toward strengthening Southeast Asia’s capacity-building and threat intelligence initiatives. &nbsp,

Canada’s support will be delivered by BlackBerry in partnership with the Toronto Metropolitan University’s ( TMU’s ) Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, with a goal to train 3, 500 cyber-defenders from Malaysia and other ASEAN members. Aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific approach, the program establishes Malaysia as a gateway of local security superiority in Southeast Asia, said BlackBerry in a speech.

The government of Canada will help with the creation, development, and delivery of a comprehensive security education, including programs for women, while expanding the offerings from the world-class Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE ), which was co-founded in Cyberjaya and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The goal is to promote the CCoE as a regional hub for learning and intelligence-sharing, enabling government and industry to greater stop, hinder, and organize responses to incidents that may influence operational resilience and national security, and to help more men and women take advantage of the region’s most in-demand cybersecurity roles.

Role-based learning and professional tracks as well as certifications in security and women in security management courses may be offered at the Malaysia CCoE. In line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to promote and attach people, funding from the government will also help Malay and local participants gain bursaries and bursaries to take courses at the CCoE and obtain security certifications from respected business bodies. &nbsp,

The Cyber Security Center of Excellence has the potential to become a global destination for emerging cyber threats, according to Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who inaugurated the facility on March 26 in Cyberjaya. To share knowledge, threat intelligence, and collaborate on developing methods and strategies to strengthen national and regional cyber-resilience, Malaysian and Canadian universities, research institutions, and skilled practitioners.

BlackBerry welcomes Canada’s support to enhance cyber resilience in SEA via Malaysian Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Justin Trudeau ( pic ), Prime Minister of Canada said, “Cybersecurity is a pillar of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. With our government’s investment in Malaysia’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in collaboration with BlackBerry, Canada will share cyber-expertise, train the cyber workforce across ASEAN countries, increase public-private sector collaboration, and strengthen our collective capacity to counter, deter and respond to cyber threats”.

BlackBerry CEO, John Giamatteo, added,” BlackBerry is honored to partner with the Governments of Malaysia, Canada, and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to establish the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. This top-notch facility also serves as a global hub for coordinating regional incident response and training and upskilling Malaysian and regional cyber workforces. No matter how advanced your cybersecurity arsenal is, countries need a well-trained cyber-workforce to support their front lines of defense in a growing digital economy.

The collaboration between Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University and BlackBerry will help to provide cybersecurity skills training in this crucial region for international security, which now more than ever needs technology security, according to Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University.

The announcement comes one and a half months after BlackBerry and the Malaysian government made a long-term software and services agreement to advance regional digital workforces through training in advanced cybersecurity technology and training at a specialized facility. &nbsp,

Visit this link for the CCoE’s current course information.

Kakitangan.com, Merchantrade partner for seamless digital wage payments, empowering businesses and migrant workers

By: Mary Blight

On: November 20, 2024

In: Technology

Advancing financial participation for Malaysia’s migrant worker group
Statutory systems gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties workers face.

Ramasamy Veeran of Merchantrade with Effon Khoo of Kakitangan.com. The initiative specifically targets employers operating in remote locations, including estates, outskirt factories, and mining sites.

Kakitangan.com, the country’s largest Cloud HR software provider and Merchantrade, Malaysia’s largest Money Services Business ( MSB ) operator and a leader in the digital payments space, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at supporting migrant workers employed in Malaysia.

This collaboration makes use of Merchantrade’s recent recognition as a designated payment instrument ( DPI ) issuer by the Ministry of Human Resources for digital wage payments.

This allows companies to effortlessly pay wages through Merchantrade’s secure and convenient e-Wallet system, Merchantrade Money. The expertise of Kaktangan.com comes from the fact that payment calculations are automatically automated and the necessary payment documents are created, ensuring a smooth integration for effective salary crediting.

For businesses of all sizes, this agreement provides a useful solution:

Reduced pay &amp, HR procedures: Kakitangan.com’s cloud-based Personnel software streamlines pay processes, saving employers significant time and resources.
Increased compliance: Employers you automate the generation of forms and calculations to make sure they comply with all legal requirements.

This action particularly targets companies operating in remote areas, including lands, outskirt companies, and mining sites. Kakitangan.com aims to support over 1, 000 firms in digitalizing their pay and HR procedures, enabling them to achieve and motivate people regardless of location.

” We’re thrilled to mate with Merchantrade in this valuable endeavour”, said Effon Khoo, founder and CEO of Kakitangan.com. ” Our Cloud HR solutions and Merchantrade Money’s e-wallet solutions make payroll processes simpler for companies and give more migrant workers access to trustworthy financial service.” This partnership perfectly complements our desire to enable organizations while making a good impact on the community.

Our Merchantrade Money e-wallet, powered by Visa, has allowed these workers to properly receive wages, make contactless payments wherever Visa is accepted, and remove money from Visa Plus ATMs, according to Ramasamy K. Veeran, creator and managing director of Merchantrade.

Collaborating with Kakitangan.com strengthens Merchantrade’s ‘ first-to-last-mile’ online salary option which provides employers with extensive help at every stage, from onboarding and training to after-sales service.

” Through our relationship, we are not only advancing financial participation for Malaysia’s immigrant worker area but also transforming compensation payments for companies”, said Ramasamy.

Legislative bodies can better understand the needs and difficulties faced by migrant communities as a result of better access to data and statistics. They are able to develop more specific and efficient support programs thanks to this information.

Locad raises US mil for smart digital logistics engine to expand globally

Locad raises US$9 mil for smart digital logistics engine to expand globally

By: Mary Blight

On: November 20, 2024

In: Technology

By Q4 2024, money may enable rise into the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Since Series A, Locad has scaled its concept across SEA, Australia &amp, China

Locad cofounders (Left to Right: Shrey Jain, CTO, Constantin Robertz, CEO & Jannis Dargel, COO

Locad, a leading intelligent electronic logistics motor empowering consumer businesses with its Cloud Supply Chain-as-a-Service for international distribution, announced a US$ 9 million ( RM40 million ) Pre-Series B campaign co-led by Global Ventures and Reefknot Investments. Other traders include Sumitomo Equity Ventures, Antler Elevate, Febe Ventures, and JG Summit.

The funding may accelerate Locad’s global expansion, starting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Q4 2024 as part of its” Grow Global, Go Native” strategy for businesses, and further enhance its AI-driven shipping functions. Locad aims to build modern supply chain infrastructure, connecting manufacturers to customers in development areas through a integrated, cloud-based transportation system.

Through a seamless operating system and supply chain infrastructure as a support, Locad’s sky supply chain makes wise online shipping and empty trading possible for client companies. The company allows brands to join all sales channels in e-commerce and wholesale to a single share of stock and a bright logistics system, managed via its Control Tower orchestration platform, which provides real-time visibility, analytics, and AI-enhanced workflow automation.

Constantin Robertz, CEO and co-founder of Locad, said,” We are on a mission to enable smart digital logistics for consumer brands. In APAC, we have developed a cloud supply chain platform over the past four years that enables brands to integrate their omnichannel distribution and access localized fulfillment in growth markets in SEA and AU. We are now looking forward to expanding our business to other countries by expanding our footprint to the US and joining the GCC to facilitate brand distribution.

Noor Sweid, founder and managing partner of Global Ventures, said,” We are delighted to lead Locad’s funding round. With our goal of decentralized and resilient supply chains that are in line with our vision, Locad’s innovative engine is changing the way brands manage supply chains, enabling faster and more effective customer reach.

” Locad exemplifies this shift, offering localised, efficient solutions. We are confident it is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in evolving markets like MENA, embodying the future of agile, sustainable logistics”, he added.

Marc Dragon, managing director of Reefknot Investments, said,” We are excited to co-lead this oversubscribed round and deepen our commitment to Locad as they expand globally. Since our Series A investment, Locad has scaled its asset-light fulfilment model across Southeast Asia, Australia, and China while enhancing AI-driven features like demand, inventory, and carrier analytics &amp, optimisation”.

We are confident that Locad’s global expansion and innovation focus will add significant value to brands looking to expand internationally and improve customer experiences, he added.

Shrey Jain, co-founder and CTO of Locad, said,” By combining smart digital logistics with AI-driven insights, we empower brands to optimise supply chains by positioning inventory closer to demand, reducing delivery times, and improving customer satisfaction. In light of this fundraise, we can increase the efficiency and support brands in a dynamic business environment, further strengthening our tech-enabled logistics ecosystem.

Since its Series A round in 2023, Locad has grown significantly in size and scope, supporting over 300 consumer brands in Southeast Asia and Australia. The business improves customer experiences and operational efficiency by offering innovative digital logistics solutions. Its logistics engine seamlessly integrates with leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Shopee, Amazon, and TikTok, helping brands optimise inventory and delivery management across multiple sales channels.

Brands can expand their distribution through Locad’s platform as more markets are opened up by the GCC and the USA.

Fox companies Good Foodie Media and Involve Asia are driving the MarTech industry forward

By: Mary Blight

On: November 20, 2024

In: Technology

MarTech-driven e-commerce projected to reach US$ 7.88B by end-2024
Both businesses are driving business growth through MDEC’s Wolf Programme

Rene Menezes, president and co-founder of Involve Asia (1st from right) and Lim Pinn Yang, co-founder and CEO of Good Foodie Media (2nd from left) were panellists at the recent Endeavor Future Forum 2.0. (Picture credit: MDEC)

The evolving integration of technology across a range of industries to stay ahead is what is driving the modern economy’s transformation. With Malaysia’s aim for the digital economy to contribute&nbsp, 25.5 % to the nation’s GDP by the end of 2025, it underscores the crucial role of businesses including marketing technology ( MarTech ) and digital creative content in driving this upward trajectory.

The digital creative content segment alone generated an impressive US$ 1.2 billion ( RM5.6 billion ) in 2021 and the ecommerce sector, driven by MarTech, is expected to reach US$ 7.88 billion ( RM35.2 billion ) by the end of the year.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC )’s national strategic initiative, which offers a myriad of enabling incentives for Malaysian businesses and Rakyat to play a leading role in the global digital revolution and digital economy, is a catalyst for the growth of these crucial digital economy segments.

The Founders Centre of Excellence ( FOX ) program, a bespoke program designed for specific businesses that showcase high-growth growth with the potential to become the next scaleup tech icons, has also been introduced in conjunction with the MD initiative. Important MarTech industry players, such as MD standing companies Good Foodie Media and Involve Asia, have been identified by MDEC as being at the forefront of the digital revolution and using their expertise to form and shape the online landscape.

The electronic economy is inventive

The expansion of information development during the pandemic opened up new opportunities for collaboration with in-demand designers. Through a varied approach that involves both publishers and articles creators, Good Foodie Media, a media company focused on food and cooking online content, has benefited from this synergy to assist brands promote their products. Consumer reliance on digital communication was further increased as a result of the pandemic, increasing Good Foodie Media‘s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality content.

The team behind Good Foodie Media unwinding at their recent company annual dinner after a successful year (Picture Credit: Foodie Media)

” During the epidemic, there were movements power purchases,” according to our advertising section. We changed our websites so that internet marketing could be implemented. In doing so, we were able to increase our profit and survive the challenging time. This has taught us to use our already-available tools in times of difficulty, according to Nicholas Lim Pinn Yang, co-founder and CEO of Good Foodie Media.

By properly integrating native consumer behavior with regional consumer behavior in the food and beverage sector, the system that seamlessly integrates articles with commerce has gained widespread support.

The platform has seen considerable success over the years thanks to the major success it has experienced since Lim’s founding in 2017 and several other co-founders since then. After receiving their first cash from an angel investor, they expanded into Kuala Lumpur, expanding from a 1, 000-strong fan base focused on the Penang cooking field to over 30 million users today.

With the major traction we had, we were able to rapidly rise up the ranks and gain access to Johor. He continues,” We therefore diversified our platforms to different verticals to meet people in different consumer demands, including Malaysia Homie, Bangkok Foodie, ChiHou, and Halal Foodie,” he adds.

” We’re working on creating a software program that seamlessly combines commerce and content with the goal of streamlining local consumer behaviour in the F&amp, B room,” according to our strategic hinge. With our 30 million-strong captive audience, we see this as a key opportunity to create an integrated experience that enhances engagement and drives growth in this sector” ,&nbsp, Lim said.

The second installment of Good Foodie Media’s advertising campaign, which partnered with Funding Societies, was launched in association with Maybank and PayNet in 2024. To time, Good Foodie Media has aided over 15, 000 MSME.

In the same year, MDEC gave Good Foodie Media the distinction of being a significant person in the country’s modern economy.

The online advertising market is on the rise.

The most popular online marketing and partner control program in Southeast Asia through the Squirrel program, Involve Asia, has revolutionized how brands and advertisers collaborate with publishers and influencers to create performance-based advertising campaigns. The platform has empowered over 500 brands to reach millions of consumers through its network of 400, 000 affiliate partners, driving a total transaction value of over US$ 1.5 billion ( RM6.7 billion ) since its establishment a decade ago.

Rene Menezes, president and co-founder, Involve Asia (2nd from right) receiving the Malaysia’s Affiliate Marketing Pioneer Award from Amiruddin Abdul Shukor, head of Corporate Services of MDEC. (Picture credit: MDEC)

” What sets Involve Asia off is its&nbsp, commitment to transparency, performance monitoring, and data-driven insight, making it a trusted partner for organizations looking to expand their digital footprint across the place”, says Rene Menezes, president and co-founder of Involve Asia.

Backed by popular opportunity capital and private equity firms like 500 Startups, OSK Technology Ventures, and Bintang Capital Partners, the company has established a solid presence across Asia, with offices across six countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Last year alone, Involve Asia raised over US$ 10 million ( RM44.6 million ) in funding to fuel its expansion and product development. The company’s remarkable achievement led to a 150 % annualised growth rate from its beginning stages to pre-IPO success.

The potential of MarTech has been successfully used by Involve Asia to spur growth and spur innovation in digital marketing. By integrating sophisticated equipment, Involve Asia optimises strategy management, enabling detailed targeting and real-time efficiency analytics. These abilities have enabled the business to implement effective strategies that have constantly yielded higher ROI for their clients, including data-driven influence marketing campaigns and highly personalized affiliate programs.

Their creative thinking and creative use of technologies have not only provided thousands of SMEs with new opportunities, but they also established new standards for the environment. The MarTech and online innovative industries act as catalysts for a more diverse and robust digital economy in addition to being growth drivers. These companies are maximizing the full potential of these sectors with MDEC’s proper support, ensuring overall financial growth. &nbsp,

These organizations are poised to remain at the forefront of the online business, supporting progress and enabling businesses to grow in an extremely competitive and technologically connected world as they continue to embrace and progress with the most recent developments in MarTech and electronic information.

For Malaysian online standing companies, MDEC offers a variety of programs. Work for this Malaysia Digital Status.

Asia Mobiliti and Polytechnic University of Madrid produce research on EV charging infra optimisation

By: Mary Blight

On: November 19, 2024

In: Technology

Data strategy to enhance green, multimodal flexibility in urban centres
Paves means for purchase in EV infra that may gain people, private stakeholders

An example of the data-driven results generated by the joint Asia Mobiliti-Blue Diplomacy and Circular Economy Research Line of the School of Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

A research collaboration aimed at optimizing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles ( EV ) at the Polytechnic University of Madrid ( Universidad Politécnica de Madrid ‘UPM) has been completed by Asia Mobiliti, Malaysia’s leading mobility-as-a-Service ( MaaS ) technology and digital city solutions provider, with the help of the University of California, Madrid’s ( UPM) Blue Diplomacy and Circular Economy Research Line.

Soon, the studies are expected to be released.

Kuala Lumpur as the primary test city was used as the primary focus of the project, which would develop a data-driven analytics framework to guide the proper positioning of EV chargers.

The model incorporates predicted electricity demand models based on Kuala Lumpur’s freedom patterns, which are compared to important points of interest and the city’s public transportation system.

The study provided a framework for settlements looking to expand their electric mobility systems and provided the best places, types, and quantities of EV chargers needed. As cities expand EV infrastructure while keeping pace with sustainable urban growth initiatives, this approach provides actionable insights for city planners and charging point operators ( CPOs ).

Ramachandran Muniandy, CEO and co-founder of Asia Mobiliti, said,” Our engagement with UPM signifies a major improvement in data-driven urban planning. We’ve incorporated comprehensive mobility data to create a framework that enables a more connected and sustainable multimodal transit ecosystem by identifying high-demand areas for EV charging and easily integrating them with public transportation networks.

According to Asia Mobiliti, the collaboration’s victory has provided the foundation for a new global information service that will provide useful insights to cities that are placing electricity at the top of their conservation plan. This new company aims to provide a flexible option that is compatible with cities of all sizes and transit needs in order to assist industrial centers in overcoming the difficulties of EV facilities placement and demand prediction.

Ramachandran Muniandy, CEO of Asia Mobiliti with Prof Pedro Fernández Carrasco from Polytechnic University of Madrid. Vicks Kanagasingam, co-founder/CEO of VERGE, a subsidiary of Asia Mobiliti is on the right.

The special chance this engagement offers educational institutions like UPM, which includes Prof. Pedro Fernández Carrasco, research officer and senior lecturer in charge of the research area in Blue Diplomacy and Circular Economy, highlighted the application of philosophical knowledge to practical situations.

Working with Asia Mobiliti bridges the gap between academia and industry by allowing younger talents to advance their skills within a very qualified staff at the vanguard of scientific advancement. He argued that UPM’s association with the ASEAN region and particularly Malaysia is a crucial step in fostering global research collaborations that promote sustainable development and advance wise urban solutions.

The study was supported by Asia Mobiliti and UPM’s in-house skills and amazing technology. This kind of postgraduate studies usually requires a significant amount of resources, which highlights both organizations ‘ commitment to developing novel solutions for urban mobility.

The research partnership between Asia Mobiliti and UPM opens the door to a new era of investment in EV infrastructure that benefits both public and private stakeholders by bringing about an optimal approach to cable deployment.

Ramachandran (right) at the School of Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

pitchIN launches Malaysia’s first equity crowdfunding-focused microfund campaign

By: Mary Blight

On: November 19, 2024

In: Technology

Provides high-growth opportunities for Angel and Advanced owners
Supports M’sia’s rely on other money for early-stage businesses

From left: Lai Kai Bin, head of Equity Crowdfunding, pitchIN, Sam Shafie, CEO and co-founder, pitchIN, Christopher Wong Zhi Yi, director and founding partner, Spartan Ives Capital, Marcus Tan Kian Han, director and founding partner, Spartan Ives Capital and Linx Yap Ling Sze, associate, Spartan Ives Capital

pitchIN, Malaysia’s digital fundraising and investment hub, has announced the launch of Malaysia’s first Equity Crowdfunding (ECF ) -focused microfund campaign by Spartan Ives Capital, a registered Venture Capital firm with the Securities Commission Malaysia, managing US$ 61.5 million ( RM275 million ) in Assets Under Management ( AUM).

The Spartan Elevation Fund, which offers high-growth expense opportunities with minimal capital commitments solely to Angel and Advanced investors, was highlighted in a speech by pitchIN. Previously, participation in a venture capital fund was limited to Sophisticated investors, requiring a minimum investment of US$ 56, 000 ( RM250, 000 ).

We’re combining cutting-edge systems with conventional investment strategies by establishing a novel and visible investment opportunity with the Spartan Elevation Fund. This microfund lowers the restrictions for investors, enabling them to back some of Malaysia’s most convincing high-growth companies led by visionary and hard-working companies”, said Christopher Wong, producer and founding partner of Spartan Ives Capital.

By connecting traders with the next generation of business leaders,” we believe this account will not only enable local businesses but also contribute to Malaysia’s economy’s economic growth,” he added.

The Spartan Elevation Fund invests in nearby businesses hosted on the pitchIN platform to promote development. The bank maintains the flexibility to look into and follow another high-potential ventures outside the pitchIN ecosystem despite its core strategy focusing on ECF investment opportunities. This approach enables a sensible investment strategy by combining adaptability to broader market opportunities with focused support for crowdfunding companies.

This ECF-focused microfund is a delight to be included on our system. This program demonstrates our commitment to enhancing trader access to high-potential startups”, said Sam Shafie, co-founder and CEO of pitchIN.

The VC handles this on their behalf, so the microfund plan not just allows Angel and powerful owners to create a diversified portfolio, but it also eliminates the laborious process of identifying investment opportunities. He continued,” This strategy gives investors a more smooth and effective investment experience while accelerating the growth of Malaysia’s innovative ecology.”

The introduction of the Spartan Elevation Fund coincides with Malaysia’s growing commitment to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors and providing other financing options for early-stage businesses. Traders can learn more about the bank on pitchIN’s system.

To explore more about the Spartan Elevation Fund, visit its campaign website at https ://www.pitchin.my/equity/spartan-elevation-fund

Keyto MY launches advanced fluid facility in Batu Kawan, boosting Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing

By: Mary Blight

On: November 19, 2024

In: Technology

Expected to earn US$ 14.5 million in revenue over the course of three times.
Committed to fostering native talent, supporting a green high-tech ecosystem

Keyto MY launches advanced fluid facility in Batu Kawan, boosting Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing

Keyto MY Sdn. Bhd., a company of Shenzhen Keyto Fluid Technology Co. Ltd., has inaugurated its state-of-the-art smooth systems manufacturing plant in Batu Kawan, Penang. With Keyto MY’s new service set to expand the nation’s commercial capabilities and expand its high-tech manufacturing business, this important purchase underscores Malaysia’s growing importance as a global hub.

The plant is projected to generate sales revenue of US$ 14.5 million ( RM65 million ) over the next three years, reflecting its robust growth potential.

The state offers a vibrant commercial habitat that naturally attracts buyers, according to Chow Kon Yeow, deputy minister of Penang. He continued,” Keyto MY marks the company’s primary overseas manufacturing facility, located in Southeast Asia, and also its first appearance there.”

The new production service, spanning over 3, 540 square metres, may focus on producing liquid control systems and precision components necessary for applications in medical devices, life science instruments, and environmental monitoring systems. The plant will be crucial in strengthening Malaysia’s place on the worldwide market for superior solvent power answers by addressing the growing need in these sectors. Its projected sales revenue of US$ 14.5 million ( RM65 million ) over the next three years highlights the strong market potential for high-precision fluid technology.

Zhang Cheng, president of Shenzhen Keyto Fluid Technology Co. Ltd., emphasised the strategic value of the Batu Kawan ability to Keyto’s international development. ” This new plant marks a significant milestone in our global growth”, Zhang said, adding,” Malaysia’s strategic location, coupled with its skilled workforce and business-friendly environment, provides us with the ideal platform to deliver advanced fluid technology solutions to customers worldwide”.

The second step of the service will focus on manufacturing a range of smooth management options, including high-performance pumps, valves, and smooth systems. With Malaysia’s growing strength in high-tech manufacturing, Keyto MY is well-positioned to become a critical player in the region’s supply chain for fluid technology, meeting rising demand for advanced systems across multiple industries.

As a subsidiary of Shenzhen Keyto Fluid Technology Co. Ltd., a company with a strong international presence, Keyto MY brings extensive expertise, industry knowledge, and a global perspective to drive both local and international business success. Innovative technologies will be used at the plant to maximize production efficiency, maintain stringent quality control, and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.

Keyto MY’s presence in Penang has a long-term impact beyond just economic expansion. ” Our investment is not just in physical infrastructure, it’s about empowering Malaysia’s next generation of engineers and professionals”, Zhang said, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to the development of a sustainable high-tech ecosystem.

According to Invest Penang, the state’s strategic advantages – its well-established industrial base, skilled workforce, and proximity to key global markets make it an ideal location for high-tech industries. The company noted that Malaysia’s investment is in line with its ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its position within the world’s high-tech manufacturing landscape.

Portcast secures US$ 6.5 mil series A funding led by Susquehanna Asia VC

By: Mary Blight

On: November 19, 2024

In: Technology

Hearst Ventures, Signal Ventures, and existing owners participated in the round
Funding will promote product innovation, help growth into APAc area &amp, Europe

The Portcast team

Portcast, the Singapore-based provider of real-time transportation visibility and predictive analytics, has announced that it has raised US$ 6.5 million ( RM29 million ) in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Susquehanna Asia VC, with participation from Hearst Ventures, Signal Ventures, and existing buyers, including Wavemaker Partners, TMV, and Innoport.

In a statement, the business said the new money would promote product development, especially in harnessing conceptual AI to enhance chance management, transport planning, and invoice auditing capabilities. Additionally, it intends to strengthen integrations with technologies partners while expanding its reach in important markets in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. According to Portcast, the company is well-positioned to fulfill its goal of improving the resilience of international trade through actionable data.

In addition, the business continued to invest in artificial intelligence ( AI ) technology to protect its clients ‘ profitability in the face of increasingly fragile global supply chains and increased disruption.

Portcast provides strategic administration with justifiable justifications and recommends alternative strategies to help shipping companies and logistics companies increase their productivity, operating costs, and carbon emissions in the transportation industry. The agency’s data system integrates data from carriers, terminals, location and risk data, and custom documents to give accurate visibility through a single, easy-to-integrate API and website. The business uses machine learning and advanced large-language models to provide meaningful insights to improve supply chain operational and financial transparency.

Portcast secures US$ 6.5 mil series A funding led by Susquehanna Asia VC Nidhi Gupta ( pic ), founder and CEO of Portcast, said:” Supply chain disruptions have become the norm, driving up costs for shippers and logistics service providers globally. The concern now is to push actions from visibility data through integrated recommendations, which is no longer sufficient to screen shipments. In order to reduce freight costs and enhance user experience, we are committed to creating a product that not even discovers risks in transportation but, more importantly, immediately suggests measures to reduce these costs.

The support from both existing and new traders is a bible to the customer fulfillment we’ve achieved and the trust in our strategy in today’s tough economic environment. Looking back, we are eager to expand in the Asia-Pacific area and Europe, strengthening partnerships to take our answers to even more firms”, she added.

In addition, Susquehanna Asia VC’s Richard Hsu stated that Portcast has used both amazing and open data to provide reliable and explicable transportation visibility. However, what sets them apart is their ability to transform that information into useful, practical insights for their clients, setting a new standard in shipping decision-making. With its unique data-driven approach, Portcast has the potential to address additional challenges in global trade. Not only are we excited about what Portcast has already accomplished.