Applications for Digital Village Accelerator cohort 4 closes on 30 April 2025

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  • 6 selected companies will get up to US$ 34,000 in seed money, coaching & investment exposure
  • For the 1st time, the program is available to companies planning to set up in Sarawak within 6 weeks

The Digital Village Accelerator ( DiVA ), an initiative by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation ( SDEC ), is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort. This six-month programme supports early-stage digital startups with a minimum viable product ( MVP ) to build, validate, and scale their ventures.

According to SDEC, six startups will be selected to receive up to US$ 34,000 ( RM150,000 ) in seed funding, personalised mentorship, business development support, pilot opportunities, and investor exposure, culminating in a final Demo Day. Programs are available until 30 April 2025.

SDEC CEO Sudarnoto Osman commented that the company is thrilled to remain empowering modern companies through DiVA, in line with its aim to create a vivid ecosystem that drives technological development and financial growth in the region. “At SDEC, we recognise that today’s companies are tomorrow’s business leaders. It is crucial to help these tech companies because they play a major role in driving creativity, creating jobs and new businesses, generating income, and shaping the future of business, ” he said.

DiVA is not just an accelerator – it is a rocket into Sarawak’s thriving online border that encourages individuals to take challenges and think creatively. “Nurturing the business ecology not only benefits individuals but also the societies and economies through remedies used in improving knowledge, care, and sustainability initiatives, ” Sudarnoto added.

In a major shift this month, DiVA has expanded its eligibility requirements. For the first time, the program is available to startups no already based in Sarawak but planning to establish procedures in the position within the next six weeks. This choice reflects SDEC’s devotion to attracting top-tier entrepreneurs and accelerating the growth of Sarawak’s modern economy.

“Sarawak is fast emerging as a hub for technical development, and we are happy to assist catalyse this momentum through DiVA. This program gives founders the money, structure, and networking they need to go further, faster, ” said IskandarShafi’i, co-founder at Growth Charger.

Now in its fourth cohort, DiVA is spearheaded by SDEC in collaboration with Growth Charger as the accelerator partner. It serves as a flagship initiative under the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem.

Notable alumni from previous cohorts include Neuon AI, recognised for its award-winning artificial intelligence platform, and Sinisana Technologies, which developed the world’s first blockchain-traceable sustainable pallet. These success stories underscore DiVA’s role in nurturing high-impact innovation.

Applications can be submitted at diva. sarawak. digital by 30 April 2025.

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EmpowerHER Digital continues momentum to bridge the gender digital divide

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  • EmpowerHER Digital places solid reliance on conservation & long-term affect
  • Program reflects commitment to creating an ecosystem powered by 5G connectivity 

Digital Nasional Berhad ( DNB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) and Maxis Berhad ( Maxis ), has led the second instalment of the EmpowerHER Digital programme, a national initiative dedicated to equipping B40 women with essential digital, financial and entrepreneurial skills to thrive in the digital economy.

In a statement, DNB said that building on the success of its annual conference held at SME Corp on 6 March 2025, the project reflects its dedication to closing the modern split and creating an inclusive ecosystem powered by global 5G connectivity. Through planned instruction, coaching and access to digital tools , 

EmpowerHER Digital is expected to gain at least 2,000 people across Malaysia, enabling them to achieve financial freedom and business trust.

Officiating the occasion at Menara Maxis, online minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the need for equitable online exposure. “EmpowerHER Digital equips girls with the knowledge they need to achieve — whether it ’s learning to market merchandise online, creating interesting information or handling finances properly. It demonstrates that the digital world is not just for corporate employees or tech experts; it is for everyone, ” he said.

Speaking on behalf of DNB, CEO Azman Ismail highlighted the transformative potential of technology in business. “Many new technologies, especially those powered by 5G, have enabled entrepreneurs to reach new markets in the blink of an eye. But digital technology is n’t just a platform for expansion beyond local boundaries— it also enables automation and innovation in business and production processes. ”

Meanwhile, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil added, “EmpowerHER Digital reflects MDEC’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy. Through our programmes and partnerships, we support women entrepreneurs with access to digital tools, training and ecosystems that enable long-term success. By investing in women, we are investing in resilient communities and future-ready businesses — ensuring that digital transformation benefits all and leaves no one behind. ”

Expressing support for the programme, Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng underscored the importance of digital empowerment. “We’re proud to support initiatives that equip women with essential entrepreneurial and digital skills to thrive in today’s economy. Through financial literacy workshops, practical guidance on digital tools, and insights into technologies like generative AI, we hope to support their journey in building sustainable businesses. This reflects our broader commitment to helping people and businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world. ”

Aligned with DNB’s ongoing efforts to broaden digital inclusion, the EmpowerHER Digital programme also places strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact. Through partnerships with Malaysia Digital-status companies, participants receive access to free and subsidised digital tools, financial education and mentorship — ensuring continued growth and support beyond the programme’s duration.

The event featured fireside chats and interactive workshops covering themes such as generative AI, financial literacy and digital branding. Speakers included Carol Fung of MDEC, finance and Gen AI experts from Maxis, and inspiring entrepreneurs such as Sue Chan from Suchan Patisserie, Kalaivany from Kalai Fashion, and Ida Farini Othman from Gogy Natural. Maxis also highlighted digitalisation grants available through the government’s Geran Digital PMKS Madani, for which Maxis is a certified digitalisation partner.

According to DNB, EmpowerHER Digital will continue to scale nationwide through strategic partnerships with government agencies and industry players. As a flagship digital inclusion initiative, it exemplifies the power of collaboration in shaping a more connected and equitable Malaysia.

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Solarvest, Shizen, and HSS secure green investment tax allowance for Kedah solar project

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  • Announced at MITI Week, Expo 2025 Osaka, spotlighting Malaysia’s solar power relationships.
  • Events secured Green Investment Tax Allowance endorsement for 29. 99MWac solar Solar initiative in Kedah

Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Shizen Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and HSS Engineering Sdn Bhd have received approval for the Green Investment Tax Allowance ( GITA ) from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ) for their utility-scale solar project in Kedah. The announcement was made at the Malaysia Pavilion during the MITI Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, with top staff from MITI and MIDA in enrollment.

The 29. 99MWac solar photovoltaic project, operated under SM01 Sdn Bhd, is jointly owned by Shizen Malaysia ( 49 % ), Solarvest Asset Management ( 33 % ), and HSS Engineering ( 18 % ). The GITA motivation is portion of a Malaysian authorities effort to encourage investments in clean technology, aiming to improve the economic sustainability and viability of renewable energy projects in the country.

Davis Chong Chun Shiong, senior director and team CEO of Solarvest, stated, “We are honoured to receive the GITA endorsement from MIDA, which underscores the government’s trust in our abilities and responsibility to clean power. This motivation boosts the fiscal sustainability of the SM01 task and demonstrates the value of worldwide collaboration, especially with our esteemed Chinese partner, Shizen”.

Continue reading at https ://oursustainabilitymatters. com/solarvest-shizen-and-hss-secure-green-investment-tax-allowance-for-kedah-solar-project/  for the whole content as DNA is transitioning our conservation policy to a solo news webpage.

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Nvidia grasping to hold onto China’s AI chip market – Asia Times

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was in Beijing on April 17 two weeks after the Trump administration imposed a sales ban on his company to China.

Huang, whose visit merited a reception by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Great Hall of the People, also met with Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT ), and Liang Wenfeng, founder and CEO of DeepSeek.

He added that” We welcome more US businesses, including Nvidia, to deepen their presence in the Foreign market and utilize their talents these to gain an edge in international contest.” He is also a part of the Politburo. In response, Huang remarked,” We look forward to deepening our presence in China and supporting the development of the local software ecosystem.”

In a split conference arranged by CCPIT, Huang told Ren,” We hope to continue to collaborate with China”. He was quoted by Chinese media as saying,” Nvidia will continue to make every effort to improve its product lineup in accordance with regulatory requirements and will steadfastly offer the Chinese marketplace,” according to him.

Huang officially discussed how Nvidia may give DeepSeek with AI chips that would satisfy both the company’s needs and regulation requirements during a meeting with Liang.

Nvidia issued a statement saying,” We regularly meet with government leaders to discuss our company’s products and technology”, but these were not regular meetings. The business is now at the core of US-China commerce and technology disputes that are becoming more and more thorny.

Nvidia had a busy year. In the evening of April 15, Nvidia revealed that imports of its H20 AI computers and similar devices to China and other countries of concern then require a permit from the US government, an attempt that “addresses the danger that the included products may be used in, or diverted to, a computer in China”.

Nvidia’s promote price dropped 6.3 % to US$ 105.10 in after-hours investing. By Thursday’s close ( Friday was a holiday ), it was down$ 104.42, bringing its year-to-date decline to$ 26.7 %.

With no permit likely to be granted, Nvidia stated that its results for the current fiscal quarter ending on April 27 “are expected to contain up to around$ 5.5 billion of costs associated with H20 materials for inventory, purchase commitments, and associated reserves”.

AMD’s MI308 AI accelerators are subject to the same new restrictions, which dropped 7.1 % in after-hours trading on Tuesday and finished the week down 27.5 % from the beginning of the year. ADM anticipates publishing special charges in the neighborhood of$ 800 million.

Intel’s Gaudi 3 processor is also affected. In the month to Thursday, Intel’s share price dropped 27 % due to this and other factors.

AMD’s MI308 was created with less performance in mind to meet previous US government export restrictions, similar to those on Nvidia’s H20. So were redesigned versions of Intel’s Gaudi 2 and Gaudi 3 AI accelerators.

The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security ( BIS ) has placed a cap on the performance of AI processors that can be exported to China for the third time since October 2022, and Nvidia, AMD, and Intel have created new, less effective chips to lower the cap after Nvidia, AMD, and Intel have created new, less efficient versions of their chips. President Trump is implementing the same policy as President Joe Biden in this regard.

For Nvidia, the restriction timeline runs as such:

  • October 2022: The Biden administration halted exports of Nvidia’s most advanced AI processors, the A100 and H100 GPUs.
  • November 2022: Nvidia introduced the bogeyed-down A800, which was made compliant with BIS requirements for sale in China.
  • March 2023: Nvidia launched the&nbsp, H800, a low-performance version of the H100.
  • November 2023: BIS halted exports of A800 and H800 GPUs. &nbsp,
  • March 2024: Nvidia launched&nbsp, the H20, which met the new, tighter BIS requirements.
  • April 2025: Trump administration; exports; of; H20; GPUs; and a blockade.

First, the reasons for this chain of events are that, despite the limitations, Chinese demand remained strong despite the performance of the available chips, and that, second, Chinese AI capabilities continued to advance despite the restrictions.

In addition to revealing the behind-the-curve incompetence of US government analysis and response, it demonstrates that, in the case of semiconductors, anything the Chinese want to buy, the US will refuse to sell, all the while complaining about its trade deficit with China.

Another wave of McCarthyite paranoia was sparked by the astonishing success of the Chinese AI model DeepSeek, which was trained using Nvidia H800 chips. According to The New York Times in January, DeepSeek” created a less expensive, competitive chatbot with fewer high-end computer chips than US behemoths like Google and OpenAI, showing the limitations of chip export control.”

On April 16, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI ) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL ) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released a report entitled” DeepSeek Unmasked: Exposing the CCP’s Latest Tool for Spying, Stealing, and Subverting US Export Control Restrictions”. DeepSeek poses” a serious threat to the United States ‘ national security,” according to the committee.

Chairman Moolenaar stated that:

DeepSeek isn’t just another AI app — it’s a weapon in the Chinese Communist Party’s arsenal, designed to spy on Americans, steal our technology, and subvert US law. We now know that this tool reportedly used cutting-edge Nvidia chips that shouldn’t have ended up in CCP hands and used US AI models. In order to demand answers, we’re writing a letter to Nvidia. American innovation should never be the engine of our adversaries ‘ ambitions.

However, only two days prior, on April 14, Nvidia made the announcement that it would produce up to$ 500 billion worth of supercomputers and other AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years.

In order to accomplish this, Nvidia is collaborating with Taiwanese contract manufacturers Foxconn ( Hon Hai Precision ) and Wistron to construct manufacturing facilities in Texas, Texas. The Blackwell AI processors at the heart of the AI supercomputers made there will be supplied by Taiwanese semiconductor foundry TSMC from its factories in Arizona.

Amkor and SPIL ( Silicon Precision Industries Co., Ltd. ), both located in Arizona, will take the chips together, package, and test them. As the name suggests, Amkor is Korean-American, whereas SPIL is Taiwanese.

CEO Huang said,” The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time. Addition of American manufacturing improves our ability to meet the enormous and growing demand for supercomputers and AI chips, strengthens our supply chain, and increases our resilience.

That was what Trump aspired to hear. ” It’s the Trump Effect in action“, read a press release from the White House.

Although it won’t cost much and may take longer than Nvidia hopes, building AI supercomputers in the US should eventually be done with the support of so many top-notch companies.

Chinese server manufacturer H3C reported at the end of March that Nvidia H20 processors, which appear to be nearly sold out, were short. Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance and other Nvidia customers will also be affected, indicating that the new BIS restrictions are likely to disrupt China’s AI computing industry as intended.

Additionally, Nvidia could lose up to$ 15 billion in annual sales in addition to the anticipated$ 5.5 billion in special charges, which will benefit H3C, Huawei and Cambricon, two Chinese AI chip designers, for example.

The most technologically advanced Chinese substitute to Nvidia is already Huawei’s new Ascend 910C AI processor, which is reportedly the most advanced. Cambricon, which was founded in 2016, is much smaller than Huawei but has become a darling of the Chinese stock market, rising by about five times over the past year. Huawei is not traded on the stock exchange.

DeepSeek has already been distributed throughout China to People’s Liberation Army support services, corporate services, finance and other businesses, city government, and government agencies. Rather than having been designed” to spy on Americans”, as Congressman Moolenaar claims, it aims to provide AI solutions to practical problems across Chinese society.

Meanwhile, Dylan Patel and his fellow editors at SemiAnalysis, a well-known publication, claim that Huawei’s new CloudMatrix 394 AI accelerator, which is based on the Ascend 910C,” competes directly” with Nvidia’s premium GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip and that its “rack scale solution” is “more advanced than Nvidia’s rack scale solution”.

” Rack scale solution” refers to the complete data center system, including GPUs, servers, networking, storage, power management and cooling.

According to SemiAnalysis,” the engineering advantage is at the system level not just at the chip level, with innovation at the accelerator, networking, optics, and software layers… Huawei is a generation behind in chips, but its scale-up solution is arguably a generation ahead of Nvidia and AMD’s current products on the market.”

Although Huawei’s solutions required more electricity, SemiAnalysis came to the conclusion that” China’s power deficiencies are relevant but not a limiting factor.”

Once again, US sanctions appear to be too little, too late, and more likely to promote rather than prevent the advance of Chinese technology. Nvidia and its smaller American rivals are likely to find themselves increasingly marginalized in the booming Chinese market for AI processors unless Trump changes tack in a deal with Beijing.

Follow this author on Twitter at X: @ScottFo83517667.

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HealthMetrics rebrands Indonesian operations to HealthMetrics Indonesia, launches new solutions to strengthen its digital TPA foundation

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  • aims to introduce cutting-edge modern TPA solutions to the Indonesian market.
  • strengthens its status as a local hotspot for medical care and provides care for people from other countries.

(From left) Advent Phang, Co-founder & Group Chief Technology Officer of HealthMetrics Group; Alvin Yuan, Co-founder & Group Chief Executive Officer of HealthMetrics Group; and Dr. Madan Mohan Vasandani, Chief Executive Officer of HealthMetrics Indonesia, at the official launch of HealthMetrics Indonesia during HealthMetrics Spotlight 2025 in Jakarta.

With the launch of HealthMetrics Indonesia, a leading digital Third-party Administrator ( TPA ) in Southeast Asia headquartered in Malaysia, HealthMetrics has announced its continued regional expansion. This is the result of the rebranding of Across Asia Assist Indonesia ( AAA ) under the HealthMetrics umbrella, which combines HealthMetrics ‘ advanced digital infrastructure with long-standing Indonesian expertise. In 2022, HealthMetrics acquired AAA.

The consolidated platform, according to the company, will change the healthcare system and open new cross-border opportunities, particularly for Malaysian healthcare providers who want to serve clients from other countries.

Serving insurance customers like Allianz, AXA, Tokio Marine, and regional corporations, AAA has supported millions of Indonesians for over a century in its position as a TPA and international health assistance service.

The marketing of AAA to HealthMetrics Indonesia, according to HealthMetrics, reflects this transformation by combining cutting-edge native expertise with next-generation electronic infrastructure. This marketing aims to make medical administration for insurers, corporations, medical providers, and members across the nation and locally more quickly, smart, and smooth.

The firm also introduced three options, the HealthMetrics Cloud Platform, the Worldwide Member App, and the International Assistance Hub, along with the release of HealthMetrics Indonesia. These solutions place an emphasis on patient-centric, AI-based, robust and brilliant healthcare access, giving insurers, corporations, and healthcare providers in the area greater efficiency, accountability, and access to care.

In particular, it streamlines the practice for email people and makes it easier for providers to search for board providers in Malaysia, ask ensure letters, manage claims, and provide post-care support.

” We think our digital-first strategy is in line with Southeast Asia’s perspective of a related medical ecosystem, and it builds on the electric foundations laid by our Indonesian counterpart in delivering flexible innovation across borders,” said Dr. Madan Mohan Vasandani, CEO of HealthMetrics Indonesia.

With over 7, 000 healthcare providers already integrated into its network, HealthMetrics believes its expansion into Indonesia strengthens Malaysia’s position as a gateway for cross-border care.

This is a happy moment for us as a Malaysian-born company, said Alvin Yuan, co-founder and group CEO of HealthMetrics Group. Through our connected, digital-first ecosystem, Malaysian healthcare providers have exciting opportunities to serve international patients. We can co-create a connected, borderless healthcare future by bringing technology, partnerships, and purpose together. As a result, I’m excited about the unification of a previously formidable mission with our Indonesian team, which already have a strong track record as a leading TPA and Indonesia’s largest assistance company.

” Our focus is not only on digitization, but on intelligent digital solutions– bringing cost savings, transparency, and control to all stakeholders in the healthcare journey,” said Advent Phang, co-founder andamp; Group Chief Technology Officer of HealthMetrics Group. Our experience in Malaysia, which continues to serve as a launchpad for regional growth, has influenced a lot of this innovation.

With features like instant member enrolment, AI-driven claims, fraud detection, cost containment, and real-time insights to ensure efficient and high-quality care delivery, the HealthMetrics Cloud Platform will connect insurers, corporates, and providers to manage domestic and international policies seamlessly.

Users of the HealthMetrics Global Member App are able to link multiple insurance policies, access care globally, request guarantee letters and claims, and access wellness benefits all from one app.

Through its regional TPA network, HealthMetrics International Assistance Hub can access more than 15, 000 direct-billed healthcare providers, facilitating better provider terms and coordination.

Since its launch in 2015, HealthMetrics believes that this gives it a stronger digital foundation to support its growth as a leading digital TPA with presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

HealthMetrics Spotlight 2025 Jakarta

At HealthMetrics Spotlight 2025, which took place in Jakarta on April 16th, its digital solutions were highlighted. Over 100 people from the healthcare, insurance, employee benefits, and corporate sectors took part in the event to discuss the future of Indonesian healthcare administration, highlighting the crucial role of digital-first infrastructure in improving access, efficiency, and quality of care for all Indonesians.
The event was supported by KPJ Healthcare Bhd, one of the biggest private healthcare providers in the area, which highlighted the value of cross-border partnerships in promoting a connected, borderless healthcare experience for Indonesian corporations, insurers, and members, while also opening up new opportunities for Malaysia to attract inbound patients.

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Eratani secures US.2 million Series A to boost Indonesia’s agricultural transformation

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  • To promote the adoption of cutting-edge technology, funds will be used.
  • states to have given more than 34, 000 producers in Java and Sulawesi authority.

Eratani CEO Andrew Soeherman (left) and CFO Bambang Cahyo Susilo

Eratani has successfully raised US$ 6.2 million ( RM27.3 million ) in a Series A round despite a sharp decline in startup funding across Indonesia. Clay Capital led the square, along with IIX, SBI Ven Capital, AgFunder, Genting Ventures, and TNB Aura.

The organization said in a statement that the increase supports the government’s accelerated goal of achieving national corn self-sufficiency by 2027, which is a top priority for the Prabowo management. It also highlights investor confidence in its ability to change Indonesia’s rice field. With this additional funding, Eratani may promote the adoption of advanced technologies, including precision farming equipment, on-farm mechanization, and sustainable farming practices, it added.

These innovations are intended to increase efficiency and profitability while also supporting Indonesia’s wider goals for conservation and environment.

Eratani claims that its end-to-end program for smallholder grain farmers has produced solid results since its foundation in 2021. More than 34, 000 producers in Java and Sulawesi have been given this authority, many of whom have for the first time had access to formal financing. Additionally, the business has increased farmer incomes by 25 % and yields by an average of 29 % on over 13, 000 hectares of rice farmland in 2024. Additionally, it reported that it supported farmers in promoting the production of over 112,000 kilos of rice and grain, which would improve the country’s food safety.

According to Andrew Soeherman, co-founder and CEO of Eratani,” we’re demonstrating that economic and social effects you get hand in hand with economic sustainability.” Our main objective is to support Indonesia’s food safety goals while focusing on building a strong foundation that allows us to level effectively.

Eratani’s strategy addresses the most pressing issues facing Indonesia’s grain sector by connecting recently dispersed stakeholders and offering extensive support throughout the farming cycle. Smallholder farmers can access economical financing, high-quality inputs, agricultural consulting services, and improved marketplace access thanks to the company’s digital platform.

Eratani co-founder and CFO Bambang Cahyo Susilo emphasized that digitalization is a key factor in achievement. By utilizing data-driven insights, we can manage risk more effectively and help wiser choices on the ground. As we expand into important towns across the country, this not only increases operating efficiency but also encourages the creation of a more resilient gardening habitat.

More than 70 % of the world’s population consumes corn normal, making it a staple in many developing nations. However, it is also one of the most polluting vegetables. Compared to the whole aircraft industry, floating rice fields account for roughly 1.5 to 2 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and account for nearly half of all emissions from farmland. Also, rice has a particularly large water footprints, requiring 2, 000 to 5, 000 litres of water per kilogram, which is two to three times more than other important grains.

Clay Capital, the head investor, highlighted Eratani’s distinctive market positioning. According to lover at Clay Capital, Gerard Chia,” Eratani is redefined what smallholder producers in Indonesia can do.” Their farmer-first, included model sets them apart from normal agritech systems because they act as the” connective tissues” in a highly fragmented wheat farming habitat. Eratani has the potential to influence systemic change by introducing lasting farming methods and opening up new opportunities for producers as carbon markets continue to evolve, in addition to improving producer incomes and productivity.

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Maxis celebrates successful inauguration of eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme, unveils new digital learning platform

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  • Out of the 60 individuals, one-third managed to increase their profits
  • Aims to provide participants with modern abilities to grow their business online

Maxis eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme graduates with (front row) representatives from the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Maxis Management team, and Institute of Continuing Education & Professional Studies (iCEPS), Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Maxis just celebrated the completion of the captain population of its eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme — a three-month modern mentoring program aimed at empowering micro, small and medium business ( MSME) companies. Launched in December 2024, the complimentary program equips participants with important online marketing skills to grow their businesses online, integrating useful applications, coaching, and performance tracking.

The annual group comprised 60 companies from the Central place, who received instruction on leveraging digital platforms and building value online relationship. Notably, by the end of the programme, one-third of the participants successfully doubled their revenue.

Three graduates were specially recognised for their outstanding revenue growth, achieved through effective use of web and social media channels. Following these promising results, Maxis announced that the programme would be expanded to include entrepreneurs in additional regions, starting with the East Coast, Southern region, and Sabah.

The graduation ceremony, themed” Kuasai Digital, Lonjakkan Kejayaan” ( Master Digital, Leap to Success ), was officiated by Noor Afifah binti Abdul Razak, deputy secretary general ( Policy and Monitoring ) of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.

Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said:” We take pride in empowering Malaysian entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence they need to tap into digital opportunities. Our goal is to provide MSMEs with fundamental digital skills and resources to support their business growth. This is especially vital for underserved entrepreneurs, as digital platforms become increasingly critical to staying competitive in the economy”.

During the ceremony, Maxis also launched the Maxis eKelas Usahawan Learning Portal, a comprehensive digital platform offering curated learning materials. Designed for self-paced learning in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, the portal includes videos, toolkits, templates, and guides to support continuous learning. The initiative aims to provide long-term, accessible digital training to all entrepreneurs, regardless of background or location.

The accelerator programme and learning portal form part of Maxis ‘ flagship eKelas Usahawan initiative, which seeks to equip entrepreneurs—particularly those from the B40 group—with the digital tools and skills necessary to enhance their online presence. Since its launch in March 2021, Maxis eKelas Usahawan has trained more than 10, 000 entrepreneurs nationwide.

Through this initiative, entrepreneurs gain knowledge in expanding their digital footprint, utilising social media effectively, and increasing revenue through online campaigns. As Maxis continues to expand its community outreach, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of Malaysia’s MSMEs in line with the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

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Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia train-the-trainer initiative brings semicon industry closer to academia

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  • In a day-long Circuit Design factory, 60 instructors from 19 Malay universities are present.
  • ASEM pledges to produce 20k industry-ready specialists in five years.

Participants at the one-day workshop.

A one-day train-the-trainer ( TTT ) workshop was held at the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre ( PFCC ) in Kuala Lumpur in order to bridge the gap between industry demands and academic preparation. The partnership was held by the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia ( ASEM) and the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, which was inaugurated last August. The Brazil by Malaysia Bilateral Semiconductor Program was a part of the factory.

The Brazil by Malaysia Bilateral Semiconductor Program is a new global effort geared toward developing skills, creativity, and global cooperation, with the style” Delivering the Second Gen of Chip Builders.” The TTT factory, which gathered 60 educators from 11 people and 8 private colleges in Malaysia for a full-day, hands-on program, served as the main objective for Day 2 of the system.

Von Braun Labs, a R&amp, D facility in Brazil with a focus on cutting-edge microelectronics, AI, and IoT technologies, led the factory. Von Braun Labs, a famous celestial scholar, was established in 1997 by Dario Sassi Thober, a scientist, as a center for cutting-edge research. The stable device used in Brazil’s national ticketing system, which used chips from Malaysia to facilitate over 5 billion transactions, was created by it.

The inspiration and motivation for the work that Brazil's Von Braun Labs does.

The session introduced Chip Inventor, Von Braun Labs ‘ cloud-based EDA ( Electronic Design Automation ) platform powered by AWS. This application runs completely within a web browser, and it has already been employed to create a working device in a few days. It replaces expensive equipment and complicated setups with a simple, browser-based chip design, simulation, and prototyping solution. Teachers discussed how to improve programs, lower costs, and much prepare graduates for high-value professions in the semiconductor industry during the program.

( A category of software tools is used to create ASIC) ) EDA is a type. These devices may range from printed circuit boards to integrated wires.

” This studio is a part of our efforts to grow Malaysia’s semiconductor sector. To maintain our school partners have access to world-class knowledge, expertise, and technology, we are developing international partnerships with Von Braun Labs, ARM, TSMC, MediaTek, Vanguard, and Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology. This marks the start of a long-term effort to make Malaysia a gateway for silicon innovation, according to Angel Low, General Manager of ASEM. This factory has been an eye-opening experience, which exposed us to web-based EDA tools that are available to anyone. It makes it possible to spread the idea of Circuit design to all levels of education. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Jasmine Hau, a teacher in electrical engineering, said.

As ASEM commits to producing 20, 000 industry-ready engineers over the next five years, this initiative supports the National Semiconductor Strategy ( NSS). By informing educators, ASEM starts the information exchange process where it matters most, in the classroom.

The TTT factory hosted by ASEM is a component of a larger effort to tunnel academia and business. The National Semiconductor Excellence Program ( NSEP), a hands-on, short-term program designed for college students and graduates who want to pursue careers in IC design, verification, and related fields, is another important effort under this vision.

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Breaking growth barriers: Scale Up by Endeavor returns to empower Malaysia’s next wave of high-potential entrepreneurs

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  • Applications are available from April 7 through May 2025.
  • Participants are given access to the Mission system, mentoring, and access to a founders ‘ community.

Scale Up by Endeavor Cohort 6 at their demo day & graduation ceremony last year

As Scale Up by Mission makes its sixth demographic debut, inviting ambitious founders to embark on a radical development journey, Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape is set to resurrect. The company stated in a statement that this lineup program is intended to help high-potential, early-stage businesses achieve flexible success.

Over 50 pioneering Indonesian startups, including CapBay, BloomThis, Kiddocare, Healthmetrics, and TRAPO, have been supported by Scale Up by Mission since its founding. These businesses have continued to receive substantial funding, grow regionally, and have a global impact. Undertaking Malaysia is now inviting the next generation of owners to add this elite group.

Why does Endeavor Scale Up?

Shan Li Tay, the program’s managing director for Endeavor Malaysia, describes the program as a “launchpad for owners major about scaling their companies with proper guidance.” She continues,” Founders gain valuable insights, accelerating their route to effective growth, and connections to Endeavor’s international network.”

Individuals in Cohort 6 may have access to:

  • A strong and enduring network of regional members, peers, instructors, and advisors, including leading business owners and entrepreneurs, is a part of the community.
  • Curated coaching: Up to four specialized mentoring sessions are included in the personalized, hands-on advice from seasoned business leaders.
  • Launchpad into Endeavor: Often the first brand for the network and network of Endeavor, the program encourages the world’s fastest-growing entrepreneurs to dream bigger, level faster, and give it back. It also shares Endeavor’s values and mission.

Making the way for Malaysia’s upcoming major success stories

The Scale Up by Mission program, &nbsp, played a significant role in developing our approach and connecting us with the appropriate people. Endeavor Entrepreneur Ang Xing Xian, co-founder & CEO of CapBay, an alumnus of Cohort 1, said,” So much so that we continued to participate in Endeavor’s Local Selection Panel ( LSP) and International Selection Panel ( ISP), where we gained even more value at each step.

” Completing both LSP and ISP gave us useful insights as well as access to outstanding officials and coaches, which have helped us size more quickly. We’re in a better position to make an impact in the finance sector with the support of Endeavor, he said.

For founders trying to navigate Malaysia’s active startup landscape, Scale Up by Endeavor has had the power to change their minds. ” We’ve seen amazing growth from our students, and we’re excited to welcome the following wave of creative members to join us,” said the president.

For this very competitive program, applicants from all sectors are encouraged to use. Software were started on April 7 and are tentatively scheduled to close on May 28. Click here for more information and to use.

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MDEC announces US.3mil funding for digital creative industry

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  • aims to promote growth in the universe, video games, and video, film, and &nbsp.
  • Since 2011, the modern creative industry has generated US$ 19.78 billion in revenue and created 11.1 000 jobs.

Anuar Fariz, MDEC CEO (seated, 4th from left) with participants at the recent industry engagement session.

The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) has announced a number of incentive programs designed to advance industry development and increase the industry’s international competitiveness as a result of Malaysia’s maturing digital creative&nbsp and industry emerging as a key driver&nbsp of economic growth.

The modern creative&nbsp industry is viewed by Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, as a strategic economic sector with strong potential to continue to generate high-quality jobs, support local intellectual property, and generate export revenue.

Through these financial incentive programs, we aim to strengthen Malaysia’s full value chain, from skill enhancement to market access, while positioning it as a&nbsp, a nationally competitive hub for digital content creation, he said.

The modern creative industry, he continued, “attracts professionals who are seriously committed to their craft” and is frequently driven by passion and imagination. &nbsp,

The programs at MDEC aim to support talent to develop economically sustainable articles for local and global audiences while building on their strengths, exploring novel concepts, and utilizing their passions.

Malaysia’s digital content market has grown significantly over the past decade, posting US$ 19.78 billion ( RM87.25 billion ) in revenue and US$ 2.68 billion ( RM11.18 billion ) in export sales, while creating employment for some 11, 154 Malaysians since 2011.

Anuar was speaking at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025, where MDEC and the CDC formally launched new financing efforts to support local studios and online content creators in vital industries like games, animation, and the universe. They include:

• The Digital Games Testbed Programme ( DGTP ) provided RM3.5 million in funding to at least five Malaysian game development companies, each eligible for up to RM700, 000. Start to Malaysian-owned game studios with a proven track record and a clear Internet growth strategy, DGTP encourages fresh game genres, strengthens local studios, and encourages international partnerships to place Malaysia as a&nbsp, competitive game development hub. ]RM1 = US$ 0.227]

• The Animation Shorts Challenge initiative, a competition-based initiative designed to promote high-quality, digital content in Malaysia. The&nbsp program assists local creators in creating impactful animated shorts through structured competition and industry mentorship.

films with strong Intellectual Property ( IP ) potential are frequently referred to as shorts. The initiative aims to strengthen skills, creativity, and global market readiness by bridging local talent with industry leaders. RM1.2 million will be used to support the development of 12 new animation shorts and IPs, and support 12 trained participants.

• The Business in Metaverse Programme aims to assist Malaysian businesses in utilizing metaverse technologies for brand engagement and immersive commerce. This program will support 200 businesses, each eligible for up to RM5,000, in implementing metaverse-based marketing strategies with a total funding of RM1 million. Businesses can increase customer engagement and brand visibility in&nbsp, the evolving metaverse landscape, by integrating digital tools like&nbsp, virtual storefronts, gamified marketing strategies, and branded digital assets. &nbsp,

Anuar reaffirmed MDEC’s commitment to advance all aspects of the digital economy, including fostering local innovation, supporting local industry players, and creating a&nbsp, resilient digital ecosystem while promoting jobs and opportunities. &nbsp,

The newly announced incentives are intended to promote sustainable industry growth, &nbsp, attracting international investment, and positioning Malaysia as a major player in the already global digital creative landscape, he said.

Visit https ://mdec.my / for more information on these initiatives, including application details and deadlines, and &nbsp.

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