East Ventures, SV Investment announced the first close of its Southeast Asia – South Korea investment corridor fund

  • Plans to invest in revenue-generating companies, commonly at Series A to B levels
  • Targeting high-potential technology companies in SEA &amp, South Korea weighting across both regions

Sang Han, partner for East Ventures South Korea fund, Roderick Purwana, managing partner at East Ventures, Wonho Hong, CEO at SV Investment, David Junghun Bang, managing partner at SV Investment

The first close of East Ventures ‘ joint fund, known as the” East Ventures South Korea Fund in Partnership with SV Investment,” has been announced by SV Investment, a publicly listed venture capital and private equity firm with a headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

Both events stated in a joint statement that this first final is supported by leading buyers from Korea and Indonesia. The bank is committed to expanding on the track record and enormous effectiveness delivered by both East Ventures and SV Investment to time, they added, adding that with anchor funds from the Korea Development Bank, Korea’s state-owned development bank, and a corporate commitment from one of the world’s leading neobanks.

The bank is prepared to build its capital in collaboration with the leading venture capital firms in both countries. East Ventures and SV Investment are constantly working to identify high-potential software companies in Southeast Asia and South Korea that want to level their firms across both areas. The fund expects to invest in revenue-generating startups, ideally raising Series A to B funding, with cheque sizes ranging from US$ 1million ( RM4.4 million ) to US$ 3 million ( RM13.4 million ) as the lead investor in high-conviction opportunities driven by exceptional founders.

This second nearby is a major step in our shared responsibility to encouraging investment and cross-border cooperation between Southeast Asia and South Korea. Our first Albums gave us a lot of encouragement, and we’re looking forward to new possibilities. Along with SV Investment, we are committed to forging a productive and healthy Southeast Asia for today, tomorrow, and for years to come”, said Roderick Purwana, Managing Partner at East Ventures.

The bank may be crucial in bridging the gap between Southeast Asia and South Korea by promoting friendship and building bridges. According to David Junghun Bang, Managing Partner at SV Investment, we are firmly committed to creating important collaboration for both regions because South Korea may include increased opportunities to develop into one of the fastest-growing and largest markets and Southeast Asia will benefit from the implementation of innovative technology from South Korea, which will help propel its economy to the next level.

The account is on record to close by the middle of 2025 and continues to engage with buyers.

Founded in 2009 in Indonesia, East Ventures has raised nine money focusing on Southeast Asia. The company has made investments in over 300 early- and late-stage technology companies, resulting in positive social and environmental effects and powerful financial results. Additionally, it has maintained a top-tier VC status in Southeast Asia, having been named by Preqin as the most consistently top-performing account worldwide and the most effective investment in Southeast Asia by numerous media stores.

With departments in Shanghai and Shenzhen in China and Boston in Singapore, SV Investment makes investments worldwide. One of the most effective separate Asian venture capital firms in Southeast Asia has been SV Investment.

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IP protection caught in AI-fuelled geopolitical crossfire – Asia Times

Amid the military posturing, economic sanctions, and political power struggles shaping the US-China rivalry, intellectual property ( IP ) disputes remain a major battleground.

In January 2025, Chinese firm DeepSeek’s latest AI design helped sweep US$ 1 trillion off the US property market by demonstrating how open-sourced collaboration—refining officially available AI technology—can rival proprietary models without huge investment.

DeepSeek, a major US AI firm, joined the chorus of US officials and businesses that have lengthy accused China of Internet fraud across various sectors.

Despite the fact that OpenAI itself claims to be protected by the fair use doctrine, it has been accused of using another copyrighted material without authorization to create its relational AI model.

The computer and newer technologies like AI and 3D printers allow creators to make, spread, and sell their work without conventional gatekeepers. However, these exact equipment expose these works to constant copyright and diminished power.

With scattered enforcement and tensions over protecting development and public access, globalization has further exacerbated Internet protection.

Globalization and Internet Safeguards

IP has withstanded previous modern hiccups, but today’s fast innovation in a multinational environment is tearing down outdated protections more quickly than policymakers may adapt.

The World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO ) has positioned itself as the key mediator to address 21st-century IP disputes involving countries, corporations, and individuals, but faces growing obstacles in keeping pace with the fast-moving changes.

Solid IP laws, according to advocates, promote innovation by allowing others to use existing work, protecting creators, and encouraging collaboration in a good system. Critics counter that these laws often favor big corporations and owners over customers and developing countries, prevent engagement, create monopolies, and limit access to important goods.

Global IP protections are still a relatively recent idea. They date back to ancient Greek recipe safeguards, but they have exploded in popularity since. The printing press revolutionized content distribution in the 15th century, and the Industrial Revolution later fueled invention, mass production, and transportation advances—alongside rampant IP theft. Post-independence, US entities frequently copied British industrial designs, accelerating industrial growth.

Pivotal agreements—like the Paris Convention ( 1883 ) for industrial property, the Berne Convention ( 1886 ) for literary and artistic works, and the Madrid Agreement ( 1891 ) for international registration—laid the foundation for today’s global IP framework.

WIPO, created in 1967, and the World Trade Organization ( WTO ), created in 1995, later emerged alongside other bodies to oversee the four main types of IP—patents ( inventions ), trademarks ( brand identity ), copyrights ( creative works ), and trade secrets ( like customer data and algorithms ).

Regulating a changing digital world

In response to the accelerating globalization in the 1990s, the WTO sought to harmonize trade regulations. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ( TRIPS) Agreement had a goal to standardize global IP protections, but it hasn’t succeeded in doing so.

Only WTO members can participate in the agreement, excluding some African, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian countries, and private actors. The WTO’s processes can be slow, with only a few disputes coming to an end. The majority of them are either stalled or resolved on terms agreed to by more powerful members.

TRIPS’s compulsory licensing allows third parties to produce patented inventions without the owner’s consent under specific conditions, but such measures often provoke retaliation. While pharmaceutical giant Abbott responded by withholding some of its products from the Thai market when Thailand issued a license for an HIV medication in 2007, the U.S. and the EU pressured it to backtrack.

Additionally, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs ) have sidestepped TRIPS enforcement. The North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ), for instance, curbed IP violations more effectively than WTO.

The United States’s unilateral actions, including “blocking the reappointment of Appellate Body members who were seen as not having’ served’ US interests sufficiently” ,—especially since 2019—have further weakened the system.

Domestic agencies like the US International Trade Commission ( USITC ) and the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office ( USPTO ), meanwhile, enforce their own IP standards, undermining TRIPS rules. China, with its newfound economic power, is following suit.

Perhaps TRIPS’s greatest challenge is keeping pace with emerging technologies. During WTO’s inception in 1995, the public internet was in its infancy. Today, digital piracy is widespread, with AI and 3D printing further disrupting traditional IP frameworks, causing TRIPS’s rigid structure to buckle under the weight of a rapidly evolving digital world.

Individual members have taken different approaches to their domestic legislation, from complete protection of AI-generated works to a requirement of human creativity that effectively leaves such works unprotected, as per the TRIPS agreement.

This patchwork will likely get worse as the share of cross-border intellectual property, including copyrights, is increasing, according to a 2023 article in the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

WIPO to the digital rescue?

WIPO, which became a UN-specialized agency in 1974, has positioned itself as the leading force in global IP protection. Unlike TRIPS, which enforces trade-based IP rules, WIPO oversees 27 broad IP treaties, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for international patent applications and the Madrid System for trademark registration.

Rather than imposing strict enforcement, WIPO provides guidelines, training, and resources to strengthen IP laws and institutions. It collaborates with businesses and organizations like the USPTO and works with organizations like the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization to promote capacity-building in developing nations. It also adopts a cooperative approach to dispute resolution and harmonization.

Largely self-funded, WIPO derives most of its revenue from IP services and registrations, reducing reliance on member contributions and limiting external influence.

WIPO’s ability to navigate modern IP problems remains under scrutiny, with Covid-19 serving as a major test. Expanding the Access to Research for Development and Innovation ( ARDI) program, which provides developing nations with free or low-cost access to scientific journals, it also strengthened its PATENTSCOPE database for Covid-related patents. WIPO also sought to represent the WTO, which is supported by pharmaceutical companies and Western nations that favor stronger IP protections, and the WHO, which is led by India and South Africa, who are pushing for greater access to vaccines.

The 2022 waiver agreement, providing a” waiver of intellectual property ( IP ) protections for Covid-19 vaccine patents, “was widely seen as too limited and delayed, reinforcing perceptions that WIPO favored corporate and Western interests, even for generic medicines.

Evergreening,” for example, where pharmaceutical companies make minor modifications to extend patent life and block generic competition, has been a consistent controversy within WIPO. This practice has also raised questions about how to balance IP law with human rights goals, particularly those that benefit poorer nations.

In 2013, WIPO launched its Green Marketplace to connect companies, researchers, and NGOs for green technology collaboration. This initiative followed the 2008 Eco-Patent Commons, an IBM-led effort offering free public patents that struggled due to patent limitations, narrow scope and low engagement.

WIPO’s marketplace saw greater success by more effectively building connections, tracking results, and providing funding, mediation, and other resources for long-term impact. Ongoing digitization remains a key WIPO challenge, requiring constant updates.

Online copyright issues are addressed by the 1996 WIPO Internet Copyright Treaties, and the 2009 introduction of the Digital Access Service ( DAS ) speeds up the secure exchange of documents internationally. WIPO PROOF, a 2020 digital timestamping service for IP protection, was discontinued in 2022 due to” poor demand, “reflecting WIPO’s willingness to experiment despite occasional setbacks.

WIPO has used an immutable, transparent ledger to track and verify asset ownership and changes in real-time to explore the potential for securing IP rights more than the WTO. In 2018, it launched a Blockchain Task Force, followed by a 2020 white paper outlining blockchain’s role in the entire IP lifecycle and smart contracts —self-executing agreements that enforce terms automatically when conditions are met.

The expansion of corporate and copyright control over the creation of digital IP laws has raised objections, with some critics claiming that it prioritizes profits over public benefits. The length of a copyright can be too long, which gives the user unnecessarily control over how to use it.

Although the majority of IP revenue is generated in the initial years, access can be revoked for roughly a century. For instance, Spotify, one of the fastest streaming services, generates a lot of money quickly, but long-term copyright frequently undercuts artists, as WIPO noted in its 2021 report on the expansion of Spotify’s copyright law.

However, WIPO has a limited amount of influence, and its slow progress toward more complex copyright issues has opened up room for other models promoted by organizations like Creative Commons and the Open Knowledge Foundation to develop alternative licensing strategies. These models frequently include free licensing, with the aim of allowing creators to have some control over how their work is used while allowing them to gain more access to IP-protected works.

Concerns also exist regarding 3D printing and AI. The ease of replicating physical objects with 3D printing complicates IP enforcement, and WIPO offers Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) services, including mediation and arbitration, to help bring resolution. Experts concur that additional efforts are required despite the more than ten years of WIPO’s efforts to clarify and regulate 3D printing.

By obfuscating ownership and originality, AI poses a similar threat to IP. The 2020 convention of WIPO with stakeholders in AI and the 2024 Patent Landscape Report on AI aim to assist nations and businesses in developing policies for AI-related inventions. However, as with 3D printing, WIPO struggles to keep pace with technological advances.

The internet, as a global distributor, only accelerates unauthorized sharing, undermining the potential for effective oversight.

China’s tech space domination

Additionally, WIPO has trouble resolving disputes between China and the US. The rise in the number of Chinese tech companies and research institutions is revealed in its Patent Landscape Report. In 2023, global patent filings reached about 3.6 million, utility models were at 3.1 million, and industrial designs were at 1.5 million. China dominated most categories, with the US following.

However, while China submitted 1.46 million patent applications in 2022, less than 800, 000 were granted, indicating many were superficial or served limited purposes. Additionally, while China leads in patent applications, most are for domestic use. Less than a fifth of invention patents were filed in 2016 to protect novel, cutting-edge inventions, with the majority being brief-term utility or design patents that covered minor changes and were primarily intended for domestic use.

China still led in PCT ( international ) patents in 2023, filing roughly 70, 000 compared to more than 55, 000 from the US. However, with more than 242,000 filings of direct and PCT applications to foreign IP offices in 2023, China is in third place, behind Japan, with roughly 120, 000 filings.

Nonetheless, China is surging ahead in other areas. China filed 38, 000 GenAI patents between 2014 and 2023, surpassing all others combined ( the US was second at 6, 000 ). Additionally, according to WIPO data, China held more than half of all blockchain patents up to 2017.

China’s growing political influence in WIPO has become more evident. It prohibited several, largely European Wikimedia affiliates from becoming official observers at the WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights in 2023, likely as a result of tensions over Taiwan. These growing rivalries are made worse by WIPO’s non-binding framework and reliance on voluntary cooperation, which limits its enforcement authority.

As global powers compete over IP protections, the high costs of filing, maintaining, and enforcing IP rights can be beyond the reach of smaller, less wealthy countries. Issues such as litigation, patent trolling, and overly broad patents can further overwhelm the matter. By failing to comprehend IP rules, vulnerable businesses can miss out on opportunities while also putting themselves at risk of legal action.

The WIPO’s Development Agenda, which was introduced in 2007, has so far had a mixed success in strengthening IP frameworks in developing nations. In Liberia, little progress has been made despite decades of WIPO involvement. At the 2024 WIPO Assemblies of member states, African countries renewed calls for greater technology transfers, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building programs.

WIPO faces significant obstacles in enforcing IP rights, maneuvering rapid technological advancements, and addressing issues over the access, equity, and politicization of global IP infrastructure. These obstacles are likely to increase as a result of intensified geopolitical rivalries.

Despite this, WIPO can point to its success in expanding global IP frameworks, dispute resolution, and record-high patent filings. Despite the fact that IP theft will continue to be a problem, WIPO’s adaptability and inclusive approach have helped it maintain its relevance and effectiveness in a constantly changing environment.

Its ability to strike a balance between promoting access to knowledge, technology, and essential goods while maintaining a balance in the future of global IP governance will determine its contribution.

John P Ruehl is an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, DC, and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He is a contributor to several foreign affairs publications, and his book”, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas ‘”, was published in December 2022.

This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute, and is republished with permission.

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Japan Consumer Credit Service takes 49% stake in Carsome Capital for US.9 mil

    JACCS ‘ experience, solutions may be combined with Carsome Capital’s habitat

  • US$ 225m <strong>given since 2018 </strong>to help 45<strong>k</strong> deals for traders, end-customers

Carsome Group Inc, Southeast Asia’s ( SEA ) largest integrated car e-commerce platform, and JACCS Co, Ltd ( Japan Consumer Credit Service ), a consumer finance company, announced a strategic partnership where JACCS has taken a 49 % stake in Carsome Capital Sdn Bhd with Carsome Group holding 51 %. While Carsome did not disclose the acquisition cost in its statement to the media, JACCS in its media statement in Japan said the&nbsp, acquisition price was ¥3.5 billion ( US$ 22.9 million or RM101.7 million ).

While JACCS is a member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Carsome Capital is Carsome’s financing shoulder. Since its inception in 2018 Carsome Capital has disbursed more than US$ 225 million ( RM1 billion ) of financing to support close to 45, 000 transactions for Carsome’s dealers and end-customers.

Since its entry into Vietnam in 2010, JACCS has expanded to the second SEA industry.

According to Carsome, the purchase will incorporate JACCS ‘ knowledge and international sources with Carsome Capital’s habitat and regional know-how, in order to offer tailored financing options in Malaysia, with an emphasis on under-served segments.

Additionally, the relationship will promote knowledge transfer to improve credit governance, risk assessments, and implement best practices to improve portfolio performance and financial sustainability.

Eric Cheng ( pic ), Carsome Group’s co-founder and CEO, said,” Carsome is honored to partner with JACCS, a global consumer finance company, as they mark their entry into Malaysia. By combining JACCS’s considerable experience with Carsome’s habitat, we aim to redefine the freedom financing experience, empowering communities and leading financial growth across the region”.

Ryo Murakami ( pic ), the president and representative director of JACCS, stated:” We have carefully evaluated the automotive and financing landscape across Southeast Asia, and are excited to share our findings.”about the long-term expansion potential in this region. We think Carsome has the ability to spur regional development and transformation as our best partner.

This partnership allows us to continue serving unserved and underserved areas below in Malaysia, a sector that has always been at the center of what we do, said Nicholas Wong, Managing Director of Carsome Capital. We are excited to collaborate with JACCS to develop additional skills and systems, such as AI-driven payment assessments, to make dealers who buy wholesale from us, as well as end-customers who place their trust in our vehicles, more financially able to get financing.

Founded in Hakodate, Japan, in 1954, JACCS is a trusted name in client finance offering options ranging from credit cards to vehicle and cover debts. The business has partnerships with more than 20 automakers.

Established in 2018, Carsome Capital provides a complete range of vehicle financing services, including financial financing for specific buyers, floor property financing for dealerships, and mechanical comprehensive solutions. It makes use of cutting-edge data analytics and machine learning to improve vehicle pricing, inventory management, and credit evaluations, as well as improving risk assessments to better serve ourd and underserved communities.

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Japan Consumer Credit Service takes 49% stake in Carsome Capital for undisclosed sum

    JACCS ‘ experience, solutions may be combined with Carsome Capital’s habitat

  • US$ 225m <strong>given since 2018 </strong>to help 45<strong>k</strong> deals for traders, end-customers

Carsome Group Inc, Southeast Asia’s ( SEA ) largest integrated car e-commerce platform, and JACCS Co, Ltd ( Japan Consumer Credit Service ), a consumer finance company, announced a strategic partnership where JACCS has taken a 49 % stake in Carsome Capital Sdn Bhd with Carsome Group holding 51 %. The acquisition cost was never revealed.

JACCS is a member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, while Carsome Capital is Carsome’s financing shoulder. Since its inception in 2018 Carsome Capital has disbursed more than US$ 225 million ( RM1 billion ) of financing to support close to 45, 000 transactions for Carsome’s dealers and end-customers.

Since its entry into Vietnam in 2010, JACCS has expanded to the second SEA market.

According to Carsome, the purchase will incorporate JACCS ‘ knowledge and international sources with Carsome Capital’s habitat and regional know-how, in order to offer tailored financing options in Malaysia, with an emphasis on under-served segments.

Additionally, the partnership will accomplish knowledge transfer to improve credit governance, improve risk assessments, and implement best practices that improve portfolio performance and financial sustainability.

Eric Cheng ( pic ), Carsome Group’s co-founder and CEO, said,” Carsome is honored to partner with JACCS, a global consumer finance company, as they mark their entry into Malaysia. By combining JACCS’s considerable experience with Carsome’s ecosystem, we aim to redefine the mobility financing experience, empowering communities and leading financial growth across the region”.

Ryo Murakami ( pic ), the president and representative director of JACCS, stated:” We have carefully evaluated the automotive and financing landscape across Southeast Asia, and are excited to share our findings.”about the long-term growth potential in this region. We think Carsome has the potential to spur regional growth and change as an ideal partner for us.

This collaboration allows us to continue serving unserved and underserved markets here in Malaysia, a segment that has always been at the center of what we do, said Nicholas Wong, Managing Director of Carsome Capital. To expand access to financing for dealers who purchase wholesale inventory from us to support their business as well as for end-customers who put their trust in our vehicles, we are excited to work with JACCS to introduce additional capabilities and technologies, such as AI-driven credit assessments.

Founded in Hakodate, Japan, in 1954, JACCS is a trusted name in consumer finance offering solutions ranging from credit cards to auto and housing loans. The business collaborates with more than 20 automakers.

Established in 2018, Carsome Capital provides a comprehensive range of auto financing services, including retail financing for individual buyers, floor stock financing for dealerships, and automotive insurance solutions. It improves risk assessments to better assist unserved and underserved communities by utilizing advanced data analytics and machine learning to optimize vehicle pricing, inventory management, and credit evaluations.

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Visa announces Previn Pillay as new country manager for Malaysia

  • Over 18 decades of leadership expertise across APAC &amp, CEMEA
  • Just led Visa’s Merchant Income & Acquiring for Asia Pacific.

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, has appointed Previn Pillay&nbsp, ( pic ) as its new country manager for Malaysia. Previn, a trained head with 18 years of experience, has held leadership positions in both Asia Pacific and CEMEA.

Most late, he led Merchant Income &amp, Acquiring for Asia Pacific, overseeing regional and local groups managing Visa’s proper trader and acquiring alliances.

Recently, as head of Digital Solutions for the area, he worked with financial institutions, fintechs, and merchants to build online capabilities, including tokenisation, smart payments, and industrial mobility solutions. In addition to working at Visa’s Asia Pacific office, he has spent more than ten years in client administration tasks in Australia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaysia is a significant business for Visa, according to Previn, and I’m eager to work there as we continue to innovate and satisfy the needs of our partners and clients. I look forward to utilizing my experience to work with important clients, vendor partners, and government stakeholders to promote the growth of electronic payments, introduce new solutions, and make a positive impact on Malay consumers and businesses.

Serene Gay, Visa’s group country director for local Southeast Asia and SVP, world clients &amp, acquirers, said:” We are delighted to welcome Previn as Malaysia’s region director, reinforcing our commitment to expanding the world’s digital payments ecology. With his deep knowledge and local knowledge, Previn is well-placed to guide our Malaysia group. He and his team may continue to collaborate with key partners to provide cutting-edge safety and technology options, making sure Visa remains the most advantageous payment method.

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445,000 public officers to benefit from AI at Work 2.0 by the Ministry of Digital and Google Cloud

  • Under the 5-year AI plan, Govt. to acquire gen AI to better serve the angkatan.
  • First contact of” AI at Job” as a pilot program was unveiled in December 2024.

From left to right: Raja Azmi Adam, director, Strategic Pursuit Google Cloud (Public Sector) - ASEAN, Su Ann Lim, head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia Cluster, Google Cloud, Rahul Sharma, managing director, Public Sector, Asia Pacific, Google Cloud, Gobind Singh Deo, minister of Digital, Adrian Marcellus, CEO, MyDIGITAL Corporation, Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, CEO, National AI Office and Ari Nadin, head of Google Workspace, Southeast Asia, Google Cloud

The Ministry of Digital and Google Cloud have announced the release of” AI at Job 2.0,” a joint effort to give people soldiers the ability to use Google Workspace’s most recent conceptual AI abilities to change public service delivery.

The first iteration of this initiative,” AI at Work”, was unveiled as a pilot programme at the launch of Malaysia’s National AI Office ( NAIO ) in December 2024. The Government of Malaysia now has an upgraded Google Workspace with Gemini set, available to up to 445, 000 people soldiers, thanks to the improved and expanded AI at Work 2.0.

Gobind Singh Deo, minister of modern, delivered officiating remarks on the importance of this action, saying that” the capacity of public and private sector organizations that touch the lives of almost all Malaysians to improve service delivery using next-generation technologies may play a vital role in establishing Malaysia as a online driven, high-income economy.”

The state is leading the charge in harnessing conceptual AI with the right guardrails in place to better serve the jabatan in our five-year AI systems action plan, according to AI at Work 2.0 by NAIO and Google Cloud. We are quickly advancing past the captain, which demonstrated our tenet that artificial intelligence can improve worker productivity and effectiveness,” he continued.

In the upcoming months, we anticipate highlighting the substantial benefits of our public-private AI partnerships as we promote greater AI deployment speed across government agencies and the broader business ecosystem, according to Gobind.

However, Fabian Bigar, secretary-general of the Ministry of Digital, stated:” We are accelerating our efforts to ensure all state employees have access to conceptual AI helpers. Some government employees now have access to Google Workspace as a result of MyGovUC integration.

We applaud Google Cloud’s commitment to advance further by offering an expanded set of conceptual Artificial tools and providing individualized training to assist our government employees maximize their benefits. This partnership will help simplify daily tasks across agencies, departments, and functions, freeing employees to focus on more sophisticated and proper work, eventually enhancing people service delivery and citizen engagement”, he added.

Important advantages of Google Workspace for public employees:

    Contextually relevant content generation and enhanced meetings: &nbsp, Gemini in Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet, and Chat assists public officers in summarising, analysing, and drafting content based on their emails and documents—without leaving the app. This enhances document, slide, and spreadsheet creation, enables AI-powered meeting note-taking, improves audio and video quality, and helps late joiners catch up on discussions.

  • More engaging internal and public communications: Google Vids, a generative AI-powered video creation app integrated with Drive and Photos, enables government agencies to produce explainer videos, communicate updates in a more personalised way, and scale employee training. It helps officers without video production expertise structure narratives, use a built-in teleprompter, and finalise videos with an intuitive, scene-based editor.
  • The Gemini Advanced app on work laptops or mobile devices provides creative support and automated repetitive tasks: It assists public officers with challenging tasks like coding, data extraction, and analysis. Additionally, office staff can create” Gems “—customized AI assistants—for specialized tasks like analyzing citizen feedback for sentiment trends.
  • Synthesis and insight extraction from multiple sources: &nbsp, NotebookLM Plus, a generative AI-powered research assistant, allows public officers to interact with up to 250 trusted sources, including legislative and policy documents, to gain grounded insights for faster decision-making. Users can upload documents, web pages, or multimedia content into a shared notebook and generate briefing documents, FAQs, and AI-powered summaries.

AI at Work 2.0 will provide specialized training and consultation to public servants to help them make the most of Google Workspace’s integration with Gemini. Hands-on workshops will concentrate on finding the best prompts and identifying areas where AI tools add the most value.

Google Workspace with Gemini is one of the first generative AI productivity solutions to attain a comprehensive set of safety, privacy, and security certifications, including SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001/17/18, and ISO 42001. It automatically applies Google Workspace’s enterprise-grade data security and privacy controls, ensuring that Gemini retrieves only relevant data that the user has permission to access.

Rahul Sharma, managing director, public sector, Asia Pacific, Google Cloud, said:” The Ministry of Digital and NAIO are applying a comprehensive approach to enhance workforce proficiency and productivity, from deploying employee agents through Google Workspace with Gemini to appointing and training generative AI champions to help accelerate adoption across agencies, to implementing before-and-after measurement to quantify value”.

Our partnership positions the Malaysian government as a leader in reimagining how work is done and serving as a model for local governments and businesses looking to increase the adoption of AI at scale. We look forward to continuing to advance Malaysia’s national AI agenda through AI at Work 2.0 and other joint initiatives”, he added.

270 public officers from various government organizations, including Jabatan Digital Negara, were part of the AI at Work pilot. These officers leveraged Google Workspace’s generative AI capabilities to complete day-to-day tasks more efficiently, such as drafting policy papers and written communications. According to user feedback and usage analytics, 97 % of participants saved an average of 3.25 hours per week, with 91 % claiming that generative AI had improved their work quality.

AI at Work 2.0 builds upon Google’s ongoing commitment to Malaysia, which includes a US$ 2 billion ( RM8.8 billion ) investment in a new Google data centre and Google Cloud region, as well as AI upskilling initiatives like Gemini Academy and the Google AI Essentials course, offered via the Gemilang training programme.

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Shan Li joins Endeavor Malaysia as new managing director, leading the charge in high-impact entrepreneurship 

  • Founder of Swipeless and co-founder of Babydash
  • Brings experience in command, entrepreneurship, and development to the role

Endeavor Malaysia has announced the appointment of Shan Li ( pic ) &nbsp, as its new managing director. With an extensive background in business management, innovation, and proper growth, she brings a dynamic blend of experience that will generate Endeavor Malaysia’s mission to empower high-impact entrepreneurs and develop a vivid innovative ecosystem.

Shan Li’s career spans a variety of professions and responsibilities, which show how creative and adaptable she is to business. Before launching into entrepreneurship, she is a competent licensed officer with over 15 years of experience in banking and finance. As an entrepreneur, she is the leader of Swipeless, a singles system that connects people in real life, and the co-founder of Babydash, one of Malaysia’s founding e-commerce platforms for the dad and baby business.

Shan Li is a partner at ScaleUp Malaysia, where she is instrumental in startups ‘ acceleration and funding. Her appointment comes at a crucial time for Endeavor Malaysia as the company grows internationally.

” I am excited to be part of this global community of entrepreneurs, which boasts over 2, 600 high-impact entrepreneurs who collectively generate US$ 67 billion ( RM299 billion ) in annual revenues and have created more than 4.1 million jobs. I’m passionate about promoting the success of the ecosystem and accelerating the growth of Malaysia’s high-impact entrepreneurs,” Shan Li said.

Brahmal Vasudevan, chairman of Endeavor Malaysia and founder and CEO of Creador, remarked,” We are thrilled to welcome Shan Li as our new managing director. Her extensive experience, particularly in the technology and startup ecosystem, will be invaluable as we continue to support high-growth companies”.

Shan Li’s strategic judgment and commitment to developing entrepreneurial talent will significantly increase our impact, he continued.

Under Shan Li’s leadership, Endeavor Malaysia will expand its support for entrepreneurs through tailored mentorship, access to capital, and global networking opportunities. Her appointment aligns with the organization’s commitment to providing high-impact entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed to succeed on a global scale.

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Yayasan Hasanah, Carsome Academy partner to offer US0,000 in grants for underserved rural youths 

  • Aims to develop localized talent, minimize reliance on foreign workers
  • will provide youth with vocational support and specialized mechanical skills.

Carsome group’s co-founder & CEO of Carsome Academy, Teoh Jiun Ee, and chief programme officer of Yayasan Hasanah, Intan Zalila Mohd Yusof, during the launch of the B40 TVET Scholarship and Employability Programme under the EmpowerYouth  initiative at Carsome Group’s Headquarters in Petaling Jaya

Yayasan Hasanah and Carsome Academy have partnered to provide scholarships for 25 students from B40 communities under Carsome Academy’s EmpowerYouth initiative. By granting access to industry-aligned mechanical TVET programs, which aim to promote sustainable incomes and close crucial skill gaps in the automotive labor, this collaboration aims to improve underserved youngsters in rural Malaysia.

The Ministry of Finance and Yayasan Hasanah both support the EmpowerYouth initiative through a Hasanah Special Grant.

It seeks to generate good shift by equipping younger individuals with complex mechanical skills, leadership advancement, and livelihood support. Participants will receive a one-off transfer allowance to go Carsome Academy in Petaling Jaya, along with a monthly allowance covering living expenses, accommodation, and go.

Additionally, Carsome Academy is providing over 30 % off of the award cost. This collaboration aims to cultivate skilled technicians while reducing reliance on foreign labour, aligning with Malaysia’s growing automotive sector, which was projected to reach a market value of US$ 8.32 billion ( RM37 billion ) in 2024.

Yayasan Hasanah’s director and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki stated that the organization’s goal is to equip our children with future-ready knowledge through quality TVET instruction that leads to long-term jobs. This association with Carsome Academy is an expense in their potential, preparing them with industry-relevant mechanical skills, hands-on education in Carsome seminars, and the confidence to create livelihoods.

” Beyond themselves, through efforts like EmpowerYouth , these people are not only achieving economic opportunities but also contributing to Malaysia’s progress in the mechanical field, while uplifting their families and communities,” she added.

The co-founder and CEO of Carsome Academy, Teoh Jiun Ee, said,” Our collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah on this initiative is a crucial step in our shared goal of uplifting underserved communities. By empowering young people with the leadership and technical competencies necessary for success, we are opening doors for them in the automotive industry as well as aiding them in creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.

According to him,” the grant’s structure ensures that students and their families don’t have to pay for moving to urban areas to study and find employment opportunities that will enhance their economic prospects.”

This collaboration is a result of Yayasan Hasanah’s commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Malaysia. By partnering with Carsome Academy, the grant ensures that young individuals, particularly from rural B40 communities, receive the technical, personal, and professional support needed to thrive in a competitive job market. The ten-month program aims to bridge skills gaps in the automotive industry while offering holistic personal development through additional modules like CV writing, interview skills, IT proficiency, and leadership training.

Key areas of collaboration include:

  • 25 underprivileged youth receive full scholarships to attend Carsome Academy’s TVET programs.
  • Comprehensive TVET training, combining practical and classroom learning, with a 70 % focus on hands-on experience.
  • Livelihood support to reduce students ‘ financial burdens, including living expenses, accommodation, and travel allowances.
  • On-the-job training with major automotive industry players such as Carsome, Proton, and Chery.
  • Development of a career path to help participants acquire skills that are in line with the needs of the automotive industry.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for roles such as service advisors, junior inspectors, and automotive technicians.

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Yayasan Hasanah, Carsome Academy partner to offer RM450,000 in grants for underserved rural youths 

  • Aims to develop localized talent, minimize reliance on foreign workers
  • will provide employment support for youth with professional automotive skills andamp; livelihood support.

Carsome group’s co-founder & CEO of Carsome Academy, Teoh Jiun Ee, and chief programme officer of Yayasan Hasanah, Intan Zalila Mohd Yusof, during the launch of the B40 TVET Scholarship and Employability Programme under the EmpowerYouth  initiative at Carsome Group’s Headquarters in Petaling Jaya

Yayasan Hasanah and Carsome Academy have partnered to provide scholarships for 25 students from B40 communities under Carsome Academy’s EmpowerYouth initiative. By granting them access to industry-aligned mechanical TVET programs, which aim to create sustainable incomes and close crucial skill spaces in the automotive labor, this partnership aims to boost underserved youth in remote Malaysia.

Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance are both partners in the Hasanah Special Grant, which supports the EmpowerYouth initiative.

It seeks to generate good shift by equipping younger individuals with complex mechanical skills, leadership advancement, and livelihood support. Participants will receive a one-off transfer allowance to go Carsome Academy in Petaling Jaya, along with a monthly allowance covering living expenses, accommodation, and go.

Additionally, Carsome Academy offers award fees that are up to 30 % cheaper. This collaboration aims to cultivate skilled technicians while reducing reliance on foreign labour, aligning with Malaysia’s growing automotive sector, which was projected to reach a market value of US$ 8.32 billion ( RM37 billion ) in 2024.

Yayasan Hasanah’s director and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki stated that the organization’s goal is to equip our children with future-ready knowledge through quality TVET instruction that leads to long-term jobs. This association with Carsome Academy is an expense in their potential, preparing them with industry-relevant mechanical skills, hands-on education in Carsome seminars, and the confidence to create livelihoods.

” Beyond themselves, through initiatives like EmpowerYouth , these individuals are not only securing economic opportunities but also contributing to Malaysia’s advancement in the automotive sector, while uplifting their families and communities,” she added.

The co-founder and CEO of Carsome Academy, Teoh Jiun Ee, said,” Working with Yayasan Hasanah on this initiative is a crucial step in our shared goal of uplifting underserved communities. By empowering young people with the leadership and technical competencies necessary for success, we are also assisting them in establishing a brighter future for both themselves and their families.

According to him,” the grant’s structure ensures that students and their families don’t have to pay for moving to urban areas to study and find employment opportunities that will enhance their economic prospects.”

This collaboration is a part of Yayasan Hasanah’s commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Malaysia. By partnering with Carsome Academy, the grant ensures that young individuals, particularly from rural B40 communities, receive the technical, personal, and professional support needed to thrive in a competitive job market. The ten-month program’s goal is to bridge skills gaps in the automotive industry while also providing holistic personal development through additional modules like CV writing, interview skills, IT proficiency, and leadership training.

Key areas of collaboration include:

  • 25 underprivileged youth receive full scholarships to attend Carsome Academy’s TVET programs.
  • Comprehensive TVET training, combining practical and classroom learning, with a 70 % focus on hands-on experience.
  • Livelihood support to reduce students ‘ financial burdens, including living expenses, accommodation, and travel allowances.
  • On-the-job training with major automotive industry players such as Carsome, Proton, and Chery.
  • developing career paths to help participants acquire skills appropriate for the needs of the automotive industry.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for roles such as service advisors, junior inspectors, and automotive technicians.

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Tune Talk’s Contact Card reaches 200,000 users, driving digital and sustainable networking

  • Helps conservation, aligning with UN SDGs, specifically Goals 12 and 13
  • The Phone Card is piece of Tune Repeats app overhaul, completing by Q2 2025

Tune Repeats Phone Card function on the Tune Speak software has reached a milestone of 200, 000 people, with figures continuing to grow. Designed for both personal and professional network, the Contact Card offers a smooth and automated way to connect, reinforcing Tune Repeats devotion to development, sustainability, and enhancing its subscribers ‘ modern lifestyles.

Launched in December 2024, the Phone Card is a key element of Tune Repeats continued game remodel, set for implementation by the end of Q2 2025. Subscribers will benefit from a more enjoyable and active user experience thanks to this upgrade.

The Contact Card is becoming a thorough digital hub that meets members ‘ lifestyle and marketing needs, according to Tune Chat. This improvement is in line with the bank’s goal of creating an ecosystem that connects people and provides them with more intelligent, effective electronic options.

Beyond pleasure, the Phone Card also supports conservation efforts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Focus 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

Going electronically is a vital economic program. According to The World Counts, over 199 tonnes of paper are produced every 15 seconds, with 93 % sourced from trees and 2, 700 litres of water required to produce just one tonne of paper. The Personal Card helps minimize paper use, minimising the economic impact of deforestation, water usage, and energy consumption associated with paper manufacturing.

The Contact Card also reduces carbon emissions, making a more responsible and environmentally-friendly digital future by eliminating traditional business cards and the logistics of printing and distribution. Tune Talk will continue to support efforts to advance digital transformation and sustainability. As Malaysia’s first fully cloud-enabled mobile network operator, it has successfully migrated to Amazon Web Services, reinforcing its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

” The Contact Card is just one of the many ways we’re making life easier ( and cooler ) for Tune Talkers. Whether it’s for work or just flexing your digital presence, we’re all about giving you the tools to stay connected effortlessly”, said Gurtaj Singh Padda, executive director of Tune Talk. ” This is just the beginning—there’s a whole lot more coming your way”, he added.

The Tune Talk Contact Card is a prime example of how technology can promote sustainability while enhancing convenience. Subscribers can anticipate an even more rewarding and seamless digital experience as more features are released in the upcoming months.

For more information, visit Tune Talk’s official website at https ://www.tunetalk .com or check out its newsroom for the latest updates.

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