Aspire sets new standards for compliance excellence with 5x growth in IT security, risk and compliance teams

  • Appointed Summer Yu as global brain of Conformity
  • Tommaso Scarpa has been appointed Singapore’s Nose of Compliance.

Aspire sets new standards for compliance excellence with 5x growth in IT security, risk and compliance teams

Aspire, a leading all-in-one fintech firm, has announced the development of its compliance, threat, and IT security groups, which have grown tenfold in the last 24 weeks. The company stated in a statement that this action supports its optimistic global development strategies while upholding the highest safety standards for its partners and clients.

It further stated that it is making significant investments in its worldwide compliance team, which has grown by a whopping 2 % in the last year. This development expands its breadth of knowledge to help consumers navigate global markets confidently. Aspire’s expansion into its global footprint, which was marked by the purchase of an MSO permit in Hong Kong, a significant step in the company’s expansion plans, is critical to compliance.

Aspire sets new standards for compliance excellence with 5x growth in IT security, risk and compliance teamsWith two fresh strategic management meetings, the organization is also bolstering its compliance group. Summer Yu ( pic ) has been appointed global head of Compliance, and Tommaso Scarpa ( pic ) as head of Compliance ( Singapore ). Yu brings over 20 years of experience.Aspire sets new standards for compliance excellence with 5x growth in IT security, risk and compliance teamsexperience in international regulation at PayPal, Bytedance, and HSBC, while Tommaso’s prior experience includes serving as Group Head of Financial Crime at Currencycloud ( a Visa solution ). Both will play crucial roles in enhancing Aspire’s ability to adhere to compliance standards and improve its economic violence prevention framework.

Aspire has specialized groups that collaborate strongly with the Risk, IT Compliance, and Legal agencies to maintain a robust IT security framework in APAC, where a reportedly 20 % increase in economic crimes in the region has been reported over the past year.

The business has established an information security management program that is compliant with the most recent Standard requirements and is PCI-certified. Additionally, it has established a risk management strategy that includes regular reviews of IT and security risk exposures, to make sure that its operations are in line with its commitment to protecting information for its 20 000 world clients.

” A powerful compliance lifestyle sets the base of Aspire’s growth”, said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO of Aspire. ” As we gear up for important rise, we are building a group of the best business professionals. By investing heavily in our adherence, danger, and IT security teams, we maintain that Aspire not only meets but exceeds international regulatory standards, paving the way for a strong and sustainable potential”.

Aspire is a trusted spouse to Asia’s fastest-growing SMEs and companies. The business opened its first Financial Technology Excellence Hub in Singapore and was named one of CB Insights ‘ top 100 global fintech companies after obtaining a US$ 100 million ( RM425 million ) Series C funding round and achieving profitability in 2023.

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Hezbollah wrongly thought its low-tech pagers were safe – Asia Times

On September 17, 2024, electronic pagers across Lebanon exploded instantly, injuring more than 2,700 people and killing 12 others. The following morning, another flood of explosions in the country came from detonating walkie-talkies. People of the violent party Hezbollah were reportedly the targets of the problems.

According to US officers cited by The New York Times, the pagers attack involved bombs that Israeli employees planted in the communications products. According to the report, Hezbollah had just ordered a package of pagers.

Quietly attacking the supply chain is hardly a new tactic employed in intelligence and military operations. According to a 2010 NSA inside document, the US National Security Agency intercepted computer hardware intended for international customers, inserted malware or additional surveillance devices, and then repackaged it for shipment to specific foreign customers.

This is different from gaining access to a certain person’s computer, as happened in 1996 when Israel’s Shin Bet allegedly injected bombs into a cellphone to mildly shoot a Hamas bombmaker.

Hezbollah, a lifelong attack of Israel, had increased its use of pagers in the midst of the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. By shifting to somewhat low-tech communication products, including pagers and walkie-talkies, Hezbollah evidently sought an edge against Israel’s well-known intelligence in recording targets through their phones.

pieces of a destroyed electronic device
The next wave of bombs in Lebanon involved walkie-talkies. AP Photo

Cellphones: The best monitor

In addition to users, criminals, and the mobile phone company itself, I see mobile devices as the main tracking tool for both government and business entities as a previous cybersecurity professional and latest security researcher. Mobile phone scanning has thus helped to fight terrorism, find missing people, and solve crimes.

Likewise, wireless phone monitoring makes it easy for anyone to report a person’s most personal movements. This can be done for good, such as parental monitoring of children’s activities, assisting you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, and promoting wicked interests like tracking a partner who is suspected of cheating on or tracking social activists and journalists. Perhaps the US military is still concerned about how its military might be able to be tracked by their phones.

Mobile machine tracking is accomplished in a variety of ways. First, there is the system location data that the phone generates as it passes nearby Crocodile devices or local cell towers, which law enforcement uses to imitate cell towers.

Additionally, there are the features that are integrated into the camera’s operating system or enabled by saved software, which users accidentally consent to by disobeying the computer’s protection plan or terms of service.

Sometimes, governments or other organizations sell the collected data for further person profiling and data mining. Additionally, modern smartphones come with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS capabilities that can assist with tracking and capturing user movements both on the floor and via satellites.

Mobile devices may be tracked in real- or near-real-time. Popular technological methods include traditional stereo direction-finding techniques, using intelligence satellites or drones, deploying “man in the middle” tools like Stingrays to deceive mobile towers to catch and remove device traffic, or installing malware such as Pegasus, made by Jewish cyberarms company NSO to record a device’s location.

Using less advanced and less time-efficient methods, users may be able to determine general user locations based on their online activity. This can be done by using website logs or the metadata contained in social media posts, or by working with data brokers to obtain location data from apps that users might download to their devices.

Indeed, because of these vulnerabilities, the leader of Hezbollah earlier this year advised his members to avoid using cellular phones in their activities, noting that Israel’s” surveillance devices are in your pockets. Look at the phone in your hands as well as those of your children if you’re looking for the Israeli agent.

Researchers have shown how these features, often intended for the user’s convenience, can be used by governments, companies and criminals to track people in their daily lives and even predict movements. Many people still are n’t aware of how much information their mobile devices reveal about them.

Pagers, however, unlike mobile phones, can be harder to track depending on whether they support two-way communication.

Why go low-tech

A pager that only records messages is unable to provide a tracking signal for its owner. Therefore, Hezbollah’s use of pagers likely made it more challenging to track their operatives– thus motivating Israeli intelligence services ‘ purported attack on the supply chain of Hezbollah’s pagers.

After the 9/11 attacks, it became difficult for the technologically superior Western intelligence agencies to locate Osama bin Laden for years by using low-tech tactics and personal couriers while avoiding the use of mobile phones and digital tools.

In general, I think the adversary in an asymmetric conflict that employs low-tech strategies, tactics, and technology will almost always be able to compete successfully against a more powerful and well-funded foe.

The US military’s Millennium Challenge war game from 2002 is a well-known illustration of this anomaly in action. Among other things, the insurgent Red forces, led by Marine General Paul van Riper, used low-tech tactics including motorcycle couriers instead of cellphones to evade the Blue forces ‘ high-tech surveillance.

The Red team won the contest within 24 hours of the exercise’s start, forcing the exercise planners to controversially reset and update the scenario to ensure a Blue team victory.

Lessons for everyone

Everyone is reminded that you can be and are likely to be tracked in various ways and for various purposes by terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and al-Qaida by not using smartphones.

Israel’s purported response to Hezbollah’s actions also holds a lesson for everyone. It demonstrates that any device in your life can be compromised by a hacker before you even receive it, in terms of cybersecurity.

Richard Forno is principal lecturer in computer science and electrical engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Shopee partners with government agencies to empower local sellers with regulatory knowledge

  • Over 1, 000 native sellers attended the Summit
  • Sellers introduced to perspectives on business membership, Internet &amp, false regulations&nbsp,

Participants and experts from MOH, KPDN and JAKIM at the second series of Shopee DIgital Upskilling Summit

Through a five-part program, Shopee Malaysia wrapped up its next Digital Platform Upskilling Summit by providing over 1, 000 local retailers with vital governmental knowledge. In partnership with key federal agencies, the mountain addressed compliance, product integrity, and customer trust, aligning with the government’s efforts to enable MSMEs and job workers. &nbsp,

The second line introduced sellers to aspects of regulation conformity whereby experts provided insights on business membership, product accreditation, intellectual property, and beauty product regulations, while the second series delved into food advertising laws, pricing, counterfeit goods regulations, and Halal certification.

Md. KPDN Selangor’s Zaki al Abd Samad expressed his gratitude for the summit, saying,” This event has been instrumental in closing the gap between buyers and authorities. The cross structure, which combines in-person sessions with virtual membership, allowed us to participate directly with sellers, answers their queries, and understand complex regulations”. He continued,” This conversation helps buyers avoid legal pitfalls and strengthens their capacity to comply.”

The Ministry of Health’s Food Safety and Quality Department’s Badruzzaman al Abdul Rahim emphasized the tournament’s educational value, saying,” This program is a fantastic way for Shopee vendors to achieve a deeper knowledge of food marketing regulations. It’s important that product descriptions and advertisements comply with our laws. This workshop helps sellers gain the knowledge they need to act boldly in order to create a dependable and trustworthy market.

Additionally, Shopee University lessons on increasing traffic, increasing sales, and optimizing listings using sophisticated tools like ChatGPT were beneficial for participants.

Dealers who attended the conference shared their opinions on the program. Bibi Farizona Mahdi, user of Umairah Homemade Cakes on Shopee, remarked,” This program has been important for understanding state laws. The insight we gained are crucial for crossing regulations and moving our company forward. However, Wu Chih Ping, public manager of Local Income at Chek Hup, a renowned Malay coffee brand, added,” Shopee’s cooperation with government organizations has boosted my confidence in the program. Their commitment to providing us with information on compliance issues strengthens trust and provides us with valuable knowledge.

Tan Ming Kit, head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, emphasised,” Our commitment goes beyond providing tools for success. We recognise that selling online involves adhering to industry frameworks on business registration, advertisements, data protection, and payment regulations. By developing positive partnerships with government entities and stakeholders, we hope to strengthen the e-commerce ecosystem and give local sellers more autonomy. We work hard to unlock their full potential and advance Malaysia’s digital economy. Working together, we can make a lasting impact and support the growth of our entrepreneurs”.

Between November and the beginning of the 2025 season, the next installment of the Shopee Digital Platform Upskilling Summit is scheduled to take place. &nbsp,

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inDrive aims to strengthen growth in Malaysia with benefits to attract more drivers

  • Introduce everyday insurance, grow driver support facilities to Penang, JB
  • Malay ride hailing is projected to reach US$ 570 million by 2029.

The number of users in Malaysia's ride-hailing market is expected to grow, reaching 11.47 million by 2029, with user penetration increasing from 28.1% in 2024 to 31.5% by 2029.
At a media event in Kuala Lumpur last week, Natalia Makarenko ( pic ) as marketing director APAC of inDrive, said,” We are committed to providing innovative, community-focused mobility solutions that resonate with local needs.

A global mobility and urban services platform named inDrive ( short of Independent Drivers ), which was founded in Yakutsk, one of the oldest and coldest cities in Siberia, Russia, in 2013 and expanded to include Malaysia, one of the hotter and more humid regions of Southeast Asia.

Since entering Malaysia in 2021, inDrive has expanded its footprint from the Klang Valley ( Kuala Lumpur and Selangor ) to Penang, Johor Bahru, and to East Malaysia in Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and Kota Kinabalu. It is currently looking into starting businesses in Melaka in the upcoming season.

Explaining its confidence in Malaysia, the company shared data from market data outfit Statista that showed the Malaysian market is set to grow at a CAGR of 3.5 % from 2024 to 2029, reaching a projected market value of US$ 570 million ( RM2.48 billion ) by 2029. The number of users in the ride-hailing market is expected to grow, reaching 11.47 million by 2029, with user penetration increasing from 28.1 % in 2024 to 31.5 % by 2029.

In the first half of 2024, it’s confidence increased by 20 % more rides and 21 % more active users. &nbsp,

InDrive stated in July that it had reached 10, 000 drivers in total by the end of June in Malaysia and was boldly aiming to increase this to 20, 000 by the end of 2024. By the end of this year, it anticipates an increase in the number of active drivers of 23 %. Effective drivers are defined as those who have completed at least one walk in the previous 30 days according to InDrive.

allowing the driver and customer to communicate fare in a fight with Grab and Gojek

Meanwhile the Southeast Asian ride-hailing market is expected to reach US$ 8.87 billion ( RM38.51 billion ) in revenue by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.39 % between 2024-2029. With such promising development leads, inDrive is positioning itself as a major player in the area, which poses a threat to business leader Grab and Gojek in Indonesia.

One of the characteristics of inDrive that it considers to allow it to compete with Grab and Gojek is that it enables drivers and passengers to instantly bargain fares.

Although both the vehicle and the customer have the option to bargain prices that are higher or lower than the app’s recommended price, there are limitations in place to ensure fairness for both parties. What proportion of trips are based on this strategy is unknown.

However, Govin Kumaar Panirsheeluam ( pic ), inDrive’s business development lead in Malaysia, declined to share what the limits are citing confidentiality. &nbsp,

Beyond ride-hailing, inDrive offers a range of utility solutions, including city and interstate travel, messenger, and “inDrive Services”, a system for users to supply for specialists from household assistance to pet services, catering to the varied needs of the Indonesian market.

Malaysia match strategy

InDrive is organizing a number of strategic initiatives in Malaysia to support expansion and expand its services. One involves obtaining drivers ‘ regular insurance policy, seeing how many individuals find it unnecessary to obtain monthly or yearly coverage based on their driving habits.

Govin said,” We are in debate to have regular e-hailing plan as a solution which will help individuals to get their license-to-drive with us, faster”.

This supports a profit that they already have. ” We now have established partnerships in area for car hire and insurance as well, where individuals can get them at a discounted level,” he said.

Govin anticipates that such incentives will lead to a rise in drivers because the Klang Valley’s ride-hailing industry has a known lack of drivers, which has increased customer wait times, which has led to poor motorist behavior, including canceling bookings.

Additionally, it intends to expand driver support centers to important cities like Penang and Johor Bahru, as well as look into the potential launch of an electric vehicle ( EV ) fleet to promote sustainable and creative mobility solutions, which will be implemented in all of the cities where inDrive is active.

These initiatives help the company realize its overall plan to leverage on Southeast Asia’s progress and provide its customers with value-driven solutions.

Future programs focus on improving the general driver practice, including the introduction of superior benefits such as insurance protection, loyalty programs, and training aid. &nbsp,

In a bid to undermine its industry that has been dominated by Grab, inDrive announced recently that it will offer 100 % of its 8, 000 individuals in the Philippines. Before receiving the formal approval in December 2023, InDrive was unregistered in Manila in January 2023.

Natalia declined to respond when asked if Indonesia or Malaysia might have similar ideas. Instead, she stated that” we aim to keep the payment we apply to the driver side of the market as low as possible and not exceed 10 %.”

She also declined to disclose how much of the US$ 300 million in cash it received from General Catalyst next month is being used to expand into new markets.

inVision aims to benefit&nbsp, 1 billion life by 2030

With the intention of favorably impacting the existence of over 1 billion people by 2030, inDrive continues to make a good impact on local communities through its generous shoulder, inVision. &nbsp,

Activities like BeginIT, which educates and discovers children from homes, boarding schools, and remote institutions about the future of systems, Aurora Tech Award, which supports female tech startup members, and Underdog Tech Award, an worldwide award for the best tech companies outside big tech hubs and areas. These activities are available to submissions and entries from Malaysia, and they are open to submissions and entries from all over the world.

Through responsible practices and positive initiatives, Natalia said,” Our objective is to not only offer a better ride-hailing experience but also be a valuable part of the communities we serve.”

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SAS collaborates with the government to advance Malaysia’s data analytics and AI capabilities

  • attempts to have a 100-person workforce trained in AI and data analysis by 2025.
  • Engages with MDEC to help government’s modern transformation work

Left to Right: Amir Sohrabi, regional vice president for ASEAN-Korea and head of Digital Transformation for Emerging EMEA & Asia Pacific, SAS, guest-of-honour, minister of Digital Malaysia, Gobind Singh Deo, Febrianto Siboro, managing director (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam), SAS.

Data and AI leader SAS announced its partnership with Premier Digital Tech Institutions ( PDTI ) by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ), furthering its commitment to Malaysia’s development as a digital leader. Through offering training and qualifications in Data Science and AI, the collaboration aims to provide support for MDEC’s Workforce Reskilling and Upskilling Initiative and provide students and teachers with data insights and AI abilities.

In a speech, SAS outlined its goal of training 100 pupils and teachers across PDTIs by the end of 2025, laying a solid foundation for Malaysia’s online business. This was made known during the opening of the new office for SAS, which was hosted by Gobind Singh Deo, the minister of digital Malaysia, at Menara IQ ( Persiaran TRX ). Through education courses and certifications, SAS’s announcements aim to bridge the gap between native talent desire and local talent provide.

” As a chief in information and AI, SAS is playing a crucial role in this national endeavor. Through our partnership with MDEC, we are committed to promoting retraining and upgrading in data analytics and AI, and equipping the workplace for today’s electric economy, according to Amir Sohrabi, local vice president for ASEAN-Korea and mind of modern transformation for Emerging Europe &amp, Asia Pacific, SAS.

” Our engagement with MDEC aims to ensure that Malaysia’s online business has a strong, future-ready skills network. We look forward to strengthening our engagement between the government, economy, and educational organizations to crystallize Malaysia’s leadership in modern technology. Also, we plan to make our training and certifications more visible and affordable”, he added.

However, Gobind said,” SAS has been at the vanguard of business analysis, having been established in Malaysia for over 40 times. The organization is recognised as the number one industry leader in AI and advanced analysis, with 91 of the best 100 Fortune 500 corporations as SAS clients. This partnership between SAS and MDEC is very welcome, and I encourage more businesses to work with the Ministry of Digital to expand the talent pool.

” The beginning of our Regional Hub KL business is a significant step in the SAS’s journey through Malaysia and the area. This company serves as a regional hub for Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, fostering synergies across regions and leveraging our regional partner system to deliver and implement SAS systems for local businesses and institutions”, said Febrianto Siboro, managing director ( Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam ), SAS.

” Along with our colleagues, we will deliver relevant activities and solutions to help local businesses in banking, insurance, and other businesses harness AI properly for fraud prevention, risk reduction, and strategic decision-making”, he added.

Operating in Malaysia for more than 35 times, SAS is trusted by banks, state, and local organisations to alleviate chance and meet regulatory conformity through its solutions.

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Biobots pushing boundaries of life, death and medicine – Asia Times

Traditional beliefs about life and death are incompatible. However, the development of new complex life forms from dead cell tissues opens up a” third position” that extends beyond the traditional restrictions of life and death.

Typically, scientists believe that suicide is the inevitable stoppage of an organism’s overall functioning. However, practices such as tissue payment emphasize how organs, tissues and cells can continue to work even after an individual’s demise. This endurance raises the question: What mechanisms keep some cells active after an organism has passed away?

We are scientists who study what transpires within living things after they pass away. In a recently published evaluation, we explain how some cells can develop into complex organisms with novel functions when given nutrients, oxygen, bioelectricity, or biochemical cues.

Lifestyle, death and development of anything new

The second state challenges the way that cell behavior is commonly understood by scientists. While moths metamorphosing into insects, or newts evolving into insects, may be common development modifications, there are few occasions where microorganisms change in ways that are not predetermined.

HeLa cells, as well as cancers, organoids, and mobile lines that may divide indefinitely in a petri dish are not regarded as second states because they do not acquire new abilities.

However, researchers discovered that body cells from dying frog eggs were able to adapt to the new conditions in a petri dish by reprogramming them into multicellular organisms, called xenobots.

These animals displayed behaviors that go beyond their original physiological functions. Specifically, these xenobots use their flagella – little, hair-like structures – to understand and proceed through their surroundings, whereas in a life frog blastocyst, cilia are commonly used to move fluid.

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Xenobots may move, cure, and communicate with their surroundings on their own.

Xenobots can also carry out kinetic self-replication, which means they can literally recreate their structure and function without growing. This contrasts with more prevalent synthesis procedures that involve organism-specific system or organ development.

Additionally, researchers have discovered that single human lung cells can form into small, multicellular organisms that can walk around. These anthrobots act and are shaped in novel way. They are able to navigate their surroundings as well as repair both local hurt neuron cells and themselves.

These findings, taken together, raise the question of how plastic biological systems are and how they can support the notion that cells and organisms can only evolve in preset ways. According to the next state, biological death may have a substantial impact on how life evolves over time.

Microscopy images of a black blob fusing together two groundglass walls in three panels, and a green web plugging a gap in a web of pink
An anthrobot constructs a bridge across a scratched nerve in Diagram A over the course of three weeks. At the conclusion of Day 3, Diagram B shows the” thread” in green. Gumuskaya et cetera. 2023/Advanced Science, CC BY-SA

Postmortem problems

Whether some tissues and cells may live and continue to function after an cell has died depends on a number of factors. These include climate conditions, physiological activity and preservation methods.

Different cell types have different success rates. For instance, in people, white blood cells die between 60 and 86 days after biological death. Skeletal muscle tissues may be regrown in mice after 14 days necropsy, while sheep and goat fibroblast cells can be cultured for up to a fortnight postmortem.

Metabolic activity is crucial to whether cells can continue to work and live. More difficult to society than cells with lower power requirements, effective cells that require a constant and large supply of energy to sustain their functionality. Cryogenics and other survival methods have the ability to function in the same way as bone marrow from living donor sources.

In addition, intrinsic life methods are crucial in whether cells and tissues continue to exist. For example, scientists have observed a considerable increase in the task of stress-related alleles and immune-related genes after biological death, likely to compensate for the loss of balance. Moreover, factors such as trauma, infection and the time elapsed since death significantly affect tissue and cell viability.

Microscopy image of developing white and red blood cells
White blood cells are among the different types of cells that have different survival capacities. Photo: Ed Reschke /Stone via Getty Images / The Conversation

Factors such as age, health, sex and type of species further shape the postmortem landscape. The difficulty of transferring metabolically active islet cells from donors to recipients is illustrated by the difficulty of culturing and transplanting them. Many islet transplant failures are due to autoimmune processes, high energy costs, and the degeneration of protective mechanisms, according to researchers ‘ research.

It is unclear how these interactions enable some cells to function even after an organism has died. One theory is that intricate electrical circuits are made up of specially designed channels and pumps embedded in cells ‘ outer membranes.

These channels and pumps create electrical signals that enable cells to communicate with one another, carry out specific functions like growth and movement, and shape the structure of the organism they form.

It’s unclear how many different cell types can change after death. Previous research has discovered that specific genes involved in stress, immunity, and epigenetic regulation are activated after death in mice, zebrafish, and people, indicating a wide range of cell types ‘ potential for transformation.

Implications for biology and medicine

The third state not only provides fresh insights into the capacity for adaptation of cells. It also offers prospects for new treatments.

For example, anthrobots could be sourced from an individual’s living tissue to deliver drugs without triggering an unwanted immune response. In the future, engineered anthrobots injected into the body may be able to remove excess mucus from cystic fibrosis patients and dissolve arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients.

Importantly, these multicellular organisms have a finite life span, naturally degrading after four to six weeks. This “kill switch” prevents the growth of potentially invasive cells.

A better understanding of how some cells continue to function and evolve into multicellular entities after an organism’s demise may be useful for developing personalized and preventive medicine.

At City of Hope, Alex Pozhitkov is senior technical lead of bioinformatics, Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, and Peter A. Noble is associate professor of microbiology at University of Washington.

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Malaysia Digital Tech Adoption Summit stresses acceleration of AI adoption

  • Onboarded 140 AI alternative services into habitat with US$ 232mil revenue&nbsp,
  • 372 Mfis have completed onboarding at the Dattel Asia led MyDataHub. Ai

(L to R): Tan Aik Keong, CEO of Agmo Group; Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Industry Acceleration, MDEC; Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC; Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital and Fadzli Abdul Wahit, Head of Transformation, MDEC.
In his opening address at the Malaysia Digital ( MD) Tech Adoption Summit: Artificial Intelligence ( AI), which was the first in a series of events aimed at accelerating AI adoption across industries, Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, stated that” through its AI initiatives, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) has successfully onboarded 140 AI solution providers into the digital ecosystem and has successfully generated US$ 232.2 million ( RM1 billion ) in revenue. &nbsp,

According to MDEC, these homegrown providers within the Malaysia Digital ( MD) AI ecosystem include a diverse mix of SMEs, larger non-SME companies and several public-listed entities. No specific date was given for the time frame during which the US$ 232.2 million revenue was generated.

The revenue achieved speaks volumes about the role AI is already playing in Malaysia’s economic transformation, said Gobind, from boosting productivity in small-and-medium enterprises ( SMEs ), to enhancing efficiency in large corporations.

The mountain, which is hosted by MDEC, provides a system for showcasing cutting-edge AI improvements, fostering business contacts across sectors, and promoting the widespread adoption of AI systems across various sectors.

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC, said,” This summit is not just an event, it is a platform for action, as under the Malaysia Digital’s ( MD) national strategic initiative, this summit brings together industry leaders, innovators, early adopters, and key stakeholders to share insights, explore opportunities, and collaborate on AI-driven solutions that will define the future of our digital economy”.

As Malaysia continues its rapid modernization, AI implementation is key to unlocking the region’s potential possible. Emerging technologies, such as generative AI, are set to contribute US$ 113.4 billion ( RM488.9 billion ) in productive capacity by 2030.

Gobind likewise provided an update on the MDEC and Dattel Asia Group’s MyDataHub. Ai system, launched in June, to support SMEs gain access to US$ 34.79 million in funding and connect organizations and partners.

]RM1 = US$ 0.232 ]

” In only three times, I am happy to show that this program has reached out to more than 10, 000 MSMEs with 3, 613 expressing curiosity to ship onto the MyDataHub. Ai system. 372 Enterprises have completed their recruitment, and are benefiting from solutions offered via MyDataHub. Ai”, Gobind said.

While AI implementation promises a substantial effect across all levels of the company ecosystem, there are concerns nontheless, especially in terms of the eager energy use taken for each Artificial inquiry made and, particularly, from data centers. &nbsp,

Gobind assured that the government has measures in place to address the power issue and is aware of the concerns. We are aware that energy is a big issue in data centers. When requesting investments from global players, the government has taken these factors into account.

It is crucial to grasp that AI can also help us take preventive measures, Gobind said. Because we can identify the issues and take steps to resolve them, it saves us from trying to find out what the problem is and how to solve it.

Syed Ibrahim agreed, stating that “it is crucial that we build a society where AI is embraced at every level.” This includes ensuring that Malaysians from all walks of life have access to the tools and resources they need to participate in this AI-powered future by investing in upskilling our workforce, encouraging continuous learning, and making sure that we build a society where AI is embraced.

The summit aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint ( MyDIGITAL ), which seeks to transform the country into a digitally driven, high-income nation. The summit directly contributes to the objectives of the Fourth Industrial Revolution ( 4IR ), which aim for a 30 % increase in productivity through AI-driven solutions.

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Petronas wraps up digital acceleration programme for 2024 with inaugural cohort in Penang

  • 12-day program strengthens students ‘ electronic literacy, increase job prospects
  • More copies to travel via collaboration with higher learning institutions, business

Excited participants with their facilitators at the conclusions of the bootcamp in Penang.

PETRONAS announced the successful completion of its 10-year BeDigital Program line, which likewise marked the program’s entry into the Peninsula Malaysia Northern Region.

Since its inception in 2022, the course has online empowered 860 individuals with 276 effective work matches after the implementation of 10 cohorts, supported by a total of 27 regional universities and over 90 hiring partners.

Held at Universiti Teknologi MARA’s ( UiTM) branch at Permatang Pauh, Penang, the cohort saw the participation of 98 final-year students from five universities namely UiTM Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Universiti Teknologi Petronas. This is BeDigital’s second place for 2024, following its workshops in the East Coast, the Southern Region as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

The final meeting was graced by Penang Governor, Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, along with Petronas Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Ir. Bacho Pilong.

Conducted mainly by Petronas talents in collaboration with tech partners, the 12-day programme aims to strengthen students ‘ electronic literacy, increase job prospects, increase marketability, and explore electronic entrepreneurship in support of the nation’s online aspirations.

The units are regularly updated to reflect market demands and cover in-demand digital skills like artificial intelligence and cyber security as well as powerful presentation abilities gained through a” fish tank pitch.”

Petronas Vice President of Group Project Delivery, Project Delivery and Technology, Ir. It is an enormous honor to introduce the BeDigital Course to the Northern Region for the first time, according to Shah Rizal Dahlan. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to expanding opportunities for growth and education for communities across the country.

Petronas, according to him, is anticipating more editions as a result of its ongoing collaboration with higher education institutions, key players in the sector, and hiring lovers who share its vision for the country’s online future.

Petronas BeDigital Bootcamp was first introduced in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in March and August 2022, with 18 and 50 pupils both.

(Left to right): Maria Teo, Senior General Manager, Global HR Partners, Project Delivery & Technology (PD&T), Petronas; Prof Ts. Dr. Zaliman Sauli, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Perlis; Ruslan Halim, Vice President and Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Petronas; Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management, Petronas; Ahmad Fuzi Razak, Governor of Penang State; Ir. Shah Rizal Dahlan, Vice President, Group Project Delivery, Project Delivery & Technology (PD&T), Petronas; Prof Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Petronas; Professor TPr. Dr. Jamalunlaili Abdullah, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam branch; and Professor Ir. Dr. Haji Ahmad Rashidy, Universiti Teknologi MARA branch Pulau Pinang in a group photo at the closing ceremony of Petronas BeDigital Bootcamp, Northern Region.

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Falling in love, literally, with ChatGPT – Asia Times

If you’re a paid ChatGPT subscriber, you might have noticed that the large-scale artificial intelligence ( AI ) language model has recently started to sound more human when you interact with it in audio.

That’s because the organization behind the speech model-cum-chatbot, OpenAI, is already running a minimal captain of a new feature known as “advanced tone mode”.

This new setting, according to OpenAI, “features more organic, real-time conversations that pick up on and listen with nonverbal and emotional cues.” In the upcoming months, it intends to give all paid ChatGPT subscribers access to the superior words setting.

The voice in superior voice mode sounds remarkably individual. There are n’t the odd deficiencies we are used to with voice assistants, rather, it seems to take breath like a man did. It also avoids interruption, provides appropriate feeling cues, and appears to conclude the patient’s emotional state from voice signals.

However, OpenAI expressed issue that users may listen to the bot as if it were humans by developing an intimate relationship with it in addition to making ChatGPT seem more people.

This is not a fictional. For instance, a social media influencer named Lisa Li has coded ChatGPT to get her “boyfriend”. But why simply do some people have close connections with chatbots?

The development of friendship

Humans are extraordinary at making friends and being intimate. This is an expansion of how primates bodily groom one another to form relationships that can be used during conflict.

But our ancestors even evolved a amazing capacity to “groom” one another orally. This led to an evolutionary period where the language facilities in our brains expanded and what we did with language expanded.

More complicated language made social more complex with larger networks of friends, family, and allies. Additionally, it made our hippocampus’ cultural networks bigger.

Along with cultural habits, speech developed. Dialogue is generally what leads to friendship or friendship, in the long run.

Research conducted in the 1990s discovered that verbal back-and-forth, especially when it involves disclosing private information, creates an intimate impression that our conversation partner is a part of us.

So, I’m not surprised that attempts to replicate this process of “escalating self-disclosure” &nbsp, between humans and chatbots&nbsp, result in humans feeling&nbsp, intimate with the chatbots.

And that’s just with words insight. When the key visual experience of discussion – voice – gets involved, the impact is amplified. Even voice-based assistants that do n’t sound human, such as Siri and Alexa, still get an avalanche of marriage proposals.

The reading was on the test whiteboard

If OpenAI were to ask me how to maintain clients do n’t form social interactions with ChatGPT, I may have a few simple tips.

First, do n’t give it a voice. Second, do n’t make it capable of holding up one end of an apparent conversation. Basically do n’t make the product you made.

The solution is so effective because it does a fantastic job of imitating the characteristics we use to create social bonds.

Close-up of GPT-4o displayed on a smartphone screen.
OpenAI may have known the dangers of creating a human-like bot. Image: QubixStudio / Shutterstock via The Talk

Since the first ai flickered on almost 60 years earlier, the writing was on the lab chalkboard. Desktops have been regarded as social players for at least 30 years. The ChatGPT’s sophisticated voice mode is just the latest impressive addition, hardly a “game changer,” as the tech industry would yell blatantly claim.

Users of the online friend platform Replika AI were quickly cut off from the most advanced features of their chatbots, revealing that users not only shape relationships with chatbots but also produce very near personal feelings.

Replika was less developed than ChatGPT’s recent release. But the interactions had a quality that surprised users into developing remarkably strong bonds.

The threats are true

Some people will benefit greatly from this new era of ai because they are in desperate need of a company that listens nonjudgmental. They may experience less depressed and isolated. These kinds of advantages of technology are unquestionable.

However, ChatGPT’s sophisticated voice mode’s potential risks are also very real.

Any time spent conversing with a scammer is wasted on other people’s social media accounts. And people who use engineering a lot of the day are most vulnerable to reshaping relationships with other people.

Chatting with machines can even contaminate existing ties people have with other people, according to OpenAI. They does come to expect their partners or friends to act like pleasant, obedient, respectful bots.

These larger-scale consequences of technology will gain more weight. On the plus side, they might reveal a ton about how society operates.

Rob Brooks is the head educational for UNSW’s Grand Challenges Program in Sydney and ascientia professor of biological biodiversity.

This content was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original content.

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Carsome announces most successful quarter with over US0mil revenue in 2Q2024, new financing line from Maybank

  • Revenue grew 9 % QoQ &nbsp, with over 3x EBITDA jump, GPU up by over 5 %
  • Push secondary business, particularly Carsome Capital with&nbsp, working funds ranges from banks

Carsome has just added a new working capital facility from Maybank to add to the RM100 million facility it got from AmBank in July. While it has not disclosed the amount yet, it is believed to be more than RM100 million.

The most profitable quarter to date for CARSOME Group Inc., the largest included car e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, announced another significant step in the direction of its much-anticipated future IPO.

According to the company, in 2Q2024, it maintained a leadership position with about 35, 000 vehicles traded ( includes cars sold through Carsome&nbsp, via retail and B2B&nbsp, and CarTimes in Singapore ) and claimed it grew revenue by 9 % quarter-on-quarter ( QoQ ) to above US$ 310 million ( RM1.3 billion ). The EBITDA increased over 3x Ruler, and the gross margin increased by over 10 %. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, this continues the profitable development speed that Carsome first demonstrated in December 2023.

In line with the strong results, Carsome announced various new financing partnerships, such as with Ambank Group ( announced in July ) and Maybank ( not officially announced yet ), which will provide over US$ 46.17 million ( RM200 million ) in new working capital lines to support Carsome’s expansion plans. Carsome intends to utilize its market-leading level to promote its financing, plan, aftersales, and another auxiliary offerings to provide its dealers and customers with a complete one-stop option.

Carsome announces most successful quarter with over US$310mil revenue in 2Q2024, new financing line from MaybankEric Cheng ( pic ), Carsome’s co-founder, chairman and Group CEO, said,” This quarter’s results are a continuation of our profitable growth strategy. Our GPU ( Gross Profit per Unit ) is up by more than 5 % QoQ, even as customer acquisition costs continue to come down significantly, which is a testament to our strong execution, our value proposition, and our brand equity. We will remain on the right track to record-setting time. He cited the benefits of Carsome Capital’s support for expanding its secondary products, particularly Carsome Capital.

With NPL below 2 % for retail and 0.1 % for wholesale ( referring to B2B), we have established a strong operational track record. We are well positioned to utilize our magnitude to develop this business more thanks to the extra funding support and our demonstrated capabilities. This will keep Carsome top-of-mind as we better serve both current and new customers throughout the duration of their car ownership trip.

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