Carsome announces strategic changes to strengthen C-suite bench 

  • Eric Chan assumes the positions of party COO and group president.
  • Juliet Zhu may serve as the management team’s consultant.

Carsome announces strategic changes to strengthen C-suite bench 

The largest included car e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, CARSOME Group, has made proper leadership transitions to further its commitment to growth and administrative efficiency.

Effective March 1st, Eric Chan ( pic ), former regional managing director at Jardine Cycle &amp, Carriage Limited ( Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar ), assumes the roles of Carsome group president and group COO, overseeing all operations across the group’s Southeast Asian footprint. &nbsp,

Chan’s appointment highlights Carsome’s strategic plan to improve operational efficiency and green growth with nearly three decades of intensive administrative experience in the automotive sector.

Chan’s career began as a vehicle sales specialized before moving on to become the managing director of Cycle &amp, Carriage Singapore, along with other significant positions like chair of the Cycle &amp, Carriage Bintang table and director on the PT Tunas Ridean TBK’s board. Now, he serves as an independent chairman at AcroMeta Group Limited, an purchase holding company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

In this transition, Aaron Kee, former COO, will now serve as group chief business officer ( CBO ), focusing on integrating strategies within the Carsome ecosystem, leading business development, and identifying new prospects.

Juliet Zhu, who has tremendously influenced Carsome’s success, will step down from her position as president and work as an assistant to the management team, allowing the business to continue to benefit from her knowledge and experience.Carsome announces strategic changes to strengthen C-suite bench 

Our leadership change is a conscious choice to capitalize on our group’s vast capabilities in the face of our lofty goals. The leadership changes are timely and align with the company’s trajectory toward sustained growth and market leadership”, said Eric Cheng ( pic ), co- founder and CEO of Carsome.

He continued,” The CBO placement is designed to make the most of Kee’s extensive experience and insight, and it will allow us to discover and establish new partnerships and foster cross-functional synergies within our businesses.”

” Chan’s significant career in electrical leadership, especially his work at Jardine Cycle &amp, Carriage, makes the market senior a valued contrast to our Carsome home. His creative thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence are inseparably linked to our desire to improve the automotive industry, and we look forward to assisting him in guiding Carsome’s regional operational goals, Cheng said.

I’m committed to expanding on the company’s reputation and pushing the limits of what we can accomplish in the sector, along with the group. It is about corporate innovation, cooperation, and delivering substantial value to our clients and stakeholders”, Chan said. &nbsp, &nbsp,

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CelcomDigi MY5G CEO Series 2024: 5G, AI and cloud open possibilities for Malaysian enterprises

  • aims to number two more lessons this year, respectively.
  • Session explored 5G insight, offering M’sian companies development and growth lines

 Left to Right: Peter Murray, country manager Malaysia, Amazon Web Services, Haji Rodzi bin Md Saad, secretary-general, Ministry of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, minister of Digital, Albern Murty, deputy CEO, CelcomDigi, David Hagerbro, President & CEO, Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Afizulazha Abdullah, chief enterprise business officer, CelcomDigi 

The first treatment of CelcomDigi Berhad’s three-part MY5G CEO Series in 2024 was held at a group of business leaders and decision-makers to explore new opportunities created by the integration of 5G, artificial intelligence ( AI), and fog computing, aimed at accelerating growth and change for the next generation of Malay companies.

The period covered actionable perspectives on 5G and highlighted transformative possibilities for Malaysian companies to accelerate innovation, travel progress, and thrive in the digital age. It featured loudspeakers from global strategic partners and engineering enablers like Amazon Web Services ( AWS), Ericsson, and Nupo Ventures.

The session emphasized the value of developing a solid ecosystem with interested parties from various industries for 5G to succeed.

For the next version of CelcomDigi’s MY5G CEO Series this year, CelcomDigi will host two additional classes, featuring speakers from respected tech firms like ZTE and Huawei, among people. Through these creative efforts, the business aims to pave the way for advancements in smart cities, modern care, e- learning, and more, driving Malaysia towards its ambition of becoming a leading online nation, fueled by digitalisation of industries.

During the celebration, Malaysia’s Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, called for more proper collaborations among market players while highlighting the government’s vision for a modern nation. ” We’ve witnessed a number of successful partnerships that have fueled the growth of 5G.” We must continue to forge ahead, to push for greater adoption. If we want to stay relevant and competitive, then this transformative journey is essential to our nation’s survival.

He continued,” You can see how close collaborations with government entities can accelerate 5G adoption across a broad range of Malaysian businesses and industrial sectors, and that the Government cannot be undertaken alone.”
Meanwhile, CelcomDigi’s deputy CEO, Albern Murty, stated, “5G can make a real difference in actualizing enterprise use cases- the only limit is set by our appetite to reimagine our businesses with emerging technologies”.

He continued, citing the potential for “industrial Internet” with the ability to connect a number of machines and applications to cloud and AI-powered services. The company believes that strategic partnerships are transformation accelerators, which is why it has gathered decision-makers from various industry verticals to exchange actionable insights and create an environment conducive to potential collaboration.

” With our 5G for all mindset, we will continue to create new platforms to drive 5G adoption and 5G solutions development to benefit all segments of society, from consumers to SMEs to enterprises, enabling Malaysia’s digital ambitions”, Albern said.

The MY5G CEO Series is a component of a larger CelcomDigi MY5G Series, which aims to assist Malaysian businesses of all sizes in digitalizing their operations. The company will organise additional programmes, including hands- on digital workshops tailored for micro, small, and medium Enterprises across several states nationwide. &nbsp,

These digital workshops will give SMSEs the chance to learn and discover appropriate 5G and digital solutions to begin their journey to digitalization. &nbsp,

Later this year, CelcomDigi will host a sizable 5G business conference and tech showcase in Kuala Lumpur to inspire corporate Malaysia and large SMEs to use 5G to advance their transformation goals.

For more information on CelcomDigi’s business solution, please visit https ://business.celcomdigi.com

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Capital Markets Malaysia supports high growth SMEs with enhanced Elevate Programme

  • CMM expands the requirements for an executive management program that is fully sponsored.
  • 10- time programme spanning four weeks culminates in traders ‘ roadshow

Capital Markets Malaysia supports high growth SMEs with enhanced Elevate Programme
High-growth small and medium businesses ( SMEs ) are welcome to Capital Markets Malaysia ( CMM), an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), through its Elevate Programme, which aims to help businesses successfully fund-raise through the capital market and get ready for the upcoming growth stage.

The program, which was launched with the help of SC and Bursa Malaysia, provides the foundation for businesses to fulfill governance standards and make them for the nuances of funding through the cash market, including potential listing on the Main or ACE Market, which calls for them to be more organized and accessible to potential investors and financial intermediaries.

Additionally, it is intended to teach senior leadership how to cultivate an development mindset, how to develop their company models, and how to formulate a vision of growth.Capital Markets Malaysia supports high growth SMEs with enhanced Elevate Programme

The SC recognizes the importance of SMEs to Malaysia’s economy and the need to close the financing supply-demand gap, according to Awang Adek Hussin ( pic ), the executive chairman of SC and CMM. Businesses looking to grow, increase money, or go public with their Investor plans are served by CMM’s Elevate Programme. Against the landscape of an extremely dynamic international marketplace, our goal is to promote the advancement of Malaysia’s higher- growth SMEs”.

The SC and its members are one of many activities that supports SME access to capital business financing. In order to create a strong network of capital-market set MSMEs and increase access to financing for this crucial area of the economy, the SC signed an MOU with SME Corp in 2023.

Capital Markets Malaysia supports high growth SMEs with enhanced Elevate ProgrammeCMM Board Member, Brahmal Vasudevan ( pic ) said,” The capital market can be uniquely leveraged to grow world- class businesses. Malaysia’s money market offers several options for development- oriented companies seeking funds. The key is to make sure the business is prepared for purchase and to determine the most effective financing strategy for businesses at various stages of growth. The CMM’s goal is to provide the knowledge and network necessary to support high-growth Indonesian businesses and their leaders in order to meet their funding needs and advance.

The executive leadership program is designed for SMEs and mid-tier companies ( MTCs ) with annual revenues greater than US$ 1.07 million ( RM5 million ) and is fully funded by CMM. The program covers essential focus areas including layout- thinking, brand, and advertising techniques as well as Environmental, Social and Governance ( ESG) factors. It helps SME leaders understand the intricacies of pitch and creating an ownership story structurally.

The 10-day, four-month program culminates with an investor fair and possibilities for participating organizations to network with and provide to investors, opportunity funds, and private equity firms. &nbsp,

For MTCs looking to enter the investment industry, the Elevate program was initially introduced in 2020. Since therefore, CMM has expanded the eligibility requirements for the most recent program in order to expand its scope and effectiveness, and it has improved the program’s design to make it more valuable for more SMEs and MTCs so that they can draw a significant amount of value from it.

Past cohort members include well-known names like Malaysian Yoghurt Company Sdn Bhd ( Sunglo ), BonusKad Loyalty Sdn Bhd, and Bersatu Integrated Logistics, among others. ICT Zone Sdn Bhd, which properly entered the LEAP industry in 2020 and aims to change to the ACE market by 2025, is one of the notable accomplishments of companies making significant strides in the Elevate program’s money market push. YX Precious Metals Bhd, SNS Technologies, and Thumbprints UTD Sdn Bhd were just a few of the various program alumni who made the investment industry as a result.

The Elevate program’s second of two groups for the year begins in May, and only 15 qualified Malaysian MTCs and SMEs can participate per group. Programs are accepted through April 8th, 2019. Interested parties are asked to apply around. For more information on the programme, visit https ://www.capitalmarketsmalaysia.com/elevate-programme/

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CREST, MAIA and AMMI launch US$6.4m grant to nurture aerospace and medical devices talent

  • Designated as enzymatic large- value sectors, nurturing experienced workforce critical
  • targeted specialized training for scientific staff and educational institutions

(From Left): David Jones, Managing Director, Association of Malaysian Medical Industries; Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Naguib Mohd Nor, President, MAIA; Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO, CREST; Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, AMMI and Samuel Pooranakaran, Vice Chairman, AMMI.

The Malaysian government has awarded the Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre ( CREST ) a grant of US$ 6.4 million ( RM30 million ) to manage talent upskilling in response to the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries.

In order to launch the Upskilling Grant for the Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries, CREST has partnered with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association ( MAIA ) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries ( AMMI ). Additionally, the parties signed an MoU to make their relationship official and promote industry-relevant ability.

Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General ( Industry ), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry witnessed the MoU which was signed by Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO, CREST, Naguib Mohd Nor, President, MAIA, and Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, AMMI.

The government’s designation of the aircraft and medical device businesses as” catalytic high-value areas” highlights the need to foster a skilled workforce to support the fields ‘ development. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant &nbsp, is a good step in developing potential- set talent”, said Hanafi.

By carefully investing in upskilling initiatives, Hanafi continued,” We help people thrive in these dynamic companies, foster innovation, and contribute to Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable economic growth in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,”

Four initiatives address crucial aspects of skills development

The mentoring offer is supposed to be carried out in a year. It consists of four programs that are specifically designed to address crucial aspects of skill growth in both sectors.

The latest labor is the target audience for the first program. They have a chance to develop their skills to ensure they stay important in line with the changing needs of the market and stay competitive. The offer is also intended to help Malaysians who are unemployed enter the aircraft and health products sector by preparing them with the necessary technical skills.

Also, the offer is tailored to boost the technical capabilities of academic institutions in both areas, aligning closely with industry needs. This includes the creation of specific learning and education curriculum modules centered on technology in aerospace and health devices, the provision of targeted specialized training for scientific staff and employees of educational institutions in these fields, and the purchase of the tools and equipment required to facilitate teaching and training.

The Finishing School, a fifth program, serves as an early intervention initiative designed to provide students from primary institutions with essential knowledge and skills that are essential to the aerospace and health devices sectors. In collaboration with related businesses and educational institutions in these sectors, CREST, AMMI, and MAIA will spearhead this work.

Robust ability pool essential for growth and profitability

It is an honor to be given the task of nurturing a strong talent pool, which is essential for the growth and profitability of the aerospace and health devices industry, according to Jaffri. This competitiveness depends on the development of a skilled labor, which is in line with the rules of Malaysia Madani, which seeks to improve Malaysians ‘ quality of life by developing and enhancing their skill set to be relevant and globally competitive.

He expressed his hope that as MAIA and AMMI continue to grow, giving both business and individual empowerment, and boosting Malaysia’s attractiveness as it develops into a high-income nation.

This mentoring grant will aid in the development of future-ready talents to meet the growing demand in the booming sector, according to Naguib. We look forward to working with CREST to advance the development of skills in our effort to make Malaysia an appealing investment destination. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Andy Lee emphasized the value of having the right qualified individuals in place, which will help to create a skill pipeline and draw potential international medtech investors. We think that our goal of having a qualified and empowered workforce to support the growth of the health devices market will be further enhanced by this strategic cooperation with CREST.

Intellect growth is at the center of CREST. It has developed a range of expertise development programs in close collaboration with universities and leading business partners over the past 11 years. These courses are designed to bridge gaps in the sector and give students the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a changing workplace.

Through the various strategic partnerships, CREST has developed a network of experts, enabling students to gain industry- specific knowledge and skills tailored to the electrical and electronics ( E&amp, E) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI ) sectors in Malaysia.

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Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

  • More stakeholders have asked for help with regulatory challenges faced
  • Ecosystem still shows lack of awareness over existence and benefits of the NRS

Futurise is tasked with creating a strong ecosystem as the building blocks for Malaysia to create a world class drone sports culture and ecosystem.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscapeAs the first quarter draws to an end in approximately two weeks and Muslims have started fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to reflect on some milestones in expediting innovation to strengthen Malaysia’s future economy.

Set-up by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia in 2018, Futurise was mandated to spearhead the National Regulatory Sandbox (NRS) initiative, to provide solutions to regulatory challenges that can potentially hinder technology and innovation from operating efficiently in the market. The NRS initiative is meant to address industry and investor concerns that innovation faces challenges when deployed in the marketplace due to either the lack of, or at times, outmoded regulatory frameworks.

To a question that I get asked a lot, if I could put it in simpler terms, Futurise paves the ground for new and innovative ideas to operate in the market through safe testing of regulations and policies in a secured environment called a sandbox. The NRS brings together different groups like corporate organisations, government bodies, academia and entrepreneurs to solve regulatory challenges faced by innovative products and business models.

The existence of Futurise itself displays the commitment by the Malaysian Government to ensure that innovation within the economy can happen unhindered. In the complex national regulatory landscape across a multitude of industries and sectors, kinks in the framework can sometimes be efficiently addressed by a specialised outfit like Futurise that works closely with Government regulators and industry players to home in on specific pain points and expedite timely solutions.

The top-down approach used in yesteryears when prescribing regulatory frameworks may not be conducive to innovation. Futurise acts like a bridge, connecting different parts of the ecosystem – from regulators, industry players, organisations and relevant bodies. It is all about collaboration and ensuring that everyone can contribute to building a more innovative and advanced Malaysia.

Ultimately, Malaysia has taken significant steps in establishing a more dynamic innovation ecosystem. We are seeing ongoing NRS initiatives like the Autonomous Vehicle and Micromobility progressing steadily, while Futurise has gone into new areas like Sports Innovation, Digital Healthcare and Advanced Air Mobility or AAM. Meanwhile, our testbeds for autonomous vehicles and drone technology (Futurise together with the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia created the nation’s first drone test zone in Cyberjaya) has seen a healthy rise in activity with increased testing by companies.

Yet, with the rapid pace of innovation taking place globally, there is always more new ground to cover on our shores. Did we encounter challenges? Most certainly. Stakeholder engagements can be complex, and understandably, sometimes emotions can run high.

Overcoming the challenges add a special sweetness to the NRS success—a journey all of us can appreciate, especially for the regulators and industry players involved. Despite the differences of opinions and individual objectives, we can find a common way forward as there is already a binding intention among all parties entering the sandbox to see innovation progress in the nation. That shared commitment tends to yield meaningful solutions. 

Undoubtedly, the ecosystem has become more tightly knit than ever before too. This heightened cohesion is evident in the progress Futurise witnessed throughout 2023 as I share some highlights.

1. Advancing Malaysian Advanced Air Mobility

In March of 2023, Futurise, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), introduced the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) certification (C-UAS) and Manned Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft national regulatory sandbox (Manned eVTOL NRS). This initiative, unveiled during the RegTalk series in Cyberjaya, aimed to balance public safety with industry needs, fostering an environment for innovative air mobility solutions in Malaysia.

The C-UAS ensured UAS compliance with CAAM’s regulatory standards within the sandbox, removing bureaucratic obstacles for companies.

The potential benefits of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) include promoting faster, safer, and quieter transportation while reducing ground congestion.

CAAM CEO, Captain Norazman Mahmud underscored the importance of regulatory buy-in and experimentation to propel the local drone industry forward. The RegTalk session featured speakers discussing regulatory frameworks and the state of the drone landscape, fostering engagement and idea exchange among industry stakeholders.

This undertaking was a step forward and a resounding affirmation of Malaysia’s dedication to shaping a future where urban air mobility transcends conceptualisation to become a tangible reality.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

2. Exploring emerging technologies for Malaysia’s competitiveness

Futurise teamed up with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) in May 2023 and formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA).

The collaboration, initiated with the AAM sector, seeks to address disruptions and enhance sectors like transportation and logistics. MIGHT’s role involves leveraging its experience in identifying business prospects, fostering partnerships, and contributing to high-tech development. The collaboration anticipates identifying key drivers for change, preparing for future opportunities, and mitigating potential risks.

Also, Futurise is developing the Advance Air Mobility in Malaysia industry report, a joint collaboration between Futurise and MIGHT, likely to be announced in the middle of this year (2024).

3. RegTalk on 3D printing

In 2022, the global 3D printing market was US$19.8 billion and is expected to reach up to US$67 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 21.4% during the 2023-2028 period. Clearly 3D printing plays a pivotal role in the ‘modernisation of printing’, which is currently not properly regulated in certain sectors.

Hence, in August 2023, Futurise organised its RegTalk discussion on “3D Printing – How it Should be Regulated,” addressing 3D printing industry challenges and opportunities.  The event convened industry leaders and experts to explore the complex regulatory landscape of the burgeoning 3D printing industry.

Key issues such as legal concerns, regulatory impacts on industry development, and Malaysia’s global positioning in the 3D printing landscape were discussed with the recognition for a robust regulatory framework to balance innovation, security, and intellectual property protection.

RegTalk, a crucial initial phase within the NRS process, serves as an insightful and collaborative event for Futurise to scope out the breadth and depth of issues. Early feedback from regulators, ecosystem enablers, relevant ministries, agencies and industry players uncovers potential regulatory issues associated with the introduction of innovative products and services to the market.

Futurise - shaping Malaysia’s regulatory innovation landscape

4. MyAV Guidelines and Drone Sports Roadmap

Futurise, during the Cyberjaya Innovation Week 2023 held in September, introduced two groundbreaking initiatives, the MyAutonomous Vehicle 5.0 Guideline and the National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap (NADSAR) 2023-2027.

It is expected that the Global Autonomous Vehicles Market will be worth US$325.9 billion by 2030. Furthermore, the Autonomous Vehicles (AV) Market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 47.1% through the 2021-2030 period.

Although the AV market in Southeast Asia is still in the infancy phase, a collaboration with the Ministry of Transport under the NRS established trial routes and safety standards for advancing AV solutions in Malaysia. To date, there are five AV trial routes in Malaysia, which are located in Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Selangor, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, that play an important role in expediting the development of AV technology. Next year, it is expected that AV technology in Malaysia will enter the pre-commercialisation phase.

The NADSAR 2023-2027 (National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap) meanwhile outlines the future of drone sports in Malaysia, focusing on youth engagement and skill development. Here, we are working closely with Sports Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Institut Sukan Negara mandated to accelerate sports technology adoption and creation.

Towards this end, Futurise was mandated by the Government in Jan 2022 to establish a National Drone Sports Excellence Centre (otherwise known by its Malay acronym AKSADRON), with the underlying objective of using the thrill-filled drone sports as a fertile ground to groom talent for the industry. To date AKSADRON, which was launched in March 2022,  has formed partnerships with several universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), UiTM and others to run drone sports development programs among the youth.

At the same time we have set up our Dronecubator programme with four universities namely, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), UKM, UTM and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme aims to provide a platform for students at the university and secondary school levels to get initiated into drone sports and technology to develop their skills and knowledge in drone design, building, piloting and maintenance. This programme supports current STEM and TVET modules and seeks to boost the creation of drone sports pilots and technicians in the country.

One of Futurise’s supportive university partners under the Dronecubator initiative is Prof. Madya Ts. Dr Haryanti Mohd Affandi from UKM, who believes AKSADRON and the DroneCubator initiative to be a valuable resource for universities with the program allowing students to build their own drones and even earn part-time income by conducting events.

“By expanding this program to other institutions such as matriculations and vocational colleges related to TVET, the vision and mission of higher education can be achieved in the context of the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions,” said Haryanti.

Forging international partnerships to strengthen regulatory efforts

Last June, Futurise and the UAE Regulation Lab (RegLab), under the General Secretariat of the UAE Cabinet, signed an MoU to accelerate regulatory innovation and leverage each other’s technical knowledge and experience.

The partnership will also activate co-research activities on vital areas of common interest such as the design, development and management of regulatory sandbox programmes and open innovation platforms for numerous industries. Together with UAE RegLab, two RegTalk sessions were organised, participated by industry experts on various mobility topics, including a visit to Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre.

As part of efforts to explore opportunities and collaboration within the aerospace ecosystem globally, Futurise participated in the Paris Air Show also in June of last year. A visit to Skyport’s AAM testbed was an eye opener to understand how the test bed operates and learn from it to be replicated in Malaysia. My team is still working on this.

Skyport is developing Europe’s first test vertiport (landing sites for eVTOL aircraft) in France, with an eye towards launching commercial AAM services in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Challenges

The regulatory environment is often complex, and navigating through existing regulations to create a sandbox that is both permissive and protective can be challenging.  It is important for regulatory authorities to be proactive in addressing these challenges to foster an environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding public interest and regulatory integrity.

Regular evaluations and adjustments to the sandbox framework can help address emerging challenges effectively.

Another key challenge that we have observed in Futurise, is the lack of awareness among potential participants, businesses, and the public about the existence and benefits of the regulatory sandbox. This limits participation in and dampens the impact of any outcome from our sandbox engagements. We are aware that effective communication and outreach are most essential to address this challenge.

Another challenge is in streamlining and coordinating with international regulatory bodies, aligning sandbox practices with global standards, especially when dealing with cross-border innovations.

Looking ahead

As Futurise reflects on its achievements, we look forward to the rest of the year. There will be more to do no matter what uncertainties lie in the global economy in the coming years. Already more stakeholders have approached Futurise for help to addressing regulatory challenges faced by them.

We have seen innovation remain persistent in both favourable and tough conditions. In fact, it’s been seen that challenging market situations can give rise to new technology driven solutions, products or ways business is conducted.

The strategic collaborations, innovative initiatives, and commitment to agile regulatory frameworks position Futurise as a driving force in Malaysia’s innovation landscape. The resolve is depicted by a sign outside the Futurise meeting room: “The Future Economy starts Here. Step inside.” Do join us to shape a stronger innovative future for Malaysia.


Rosihan Zain Baharudin is CEO of Futurise Sdn Bhd.

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Sunway iLabs and Jetro KL conclude green transformation accelerator

Executives from both iLab and JETRO Japan. Matt van Leeuwen, Sunway Group chief innovation officer, as well as Sunway iLabs CEO is 7th from right.

Sunway Innovation Labs (iLabs ), a partnership between Sunway Group and Sunway University, joined forces with the 2024 Green Transformation Accelerator ( GXA ) program of the Japan External Trade Organization ( JETRO ) Kuala Lumpur for the fifth consecutive year.

The 2024 GXA program, which serves as a platform for Japanese startups and scaleups looking to enter Malaysia’s market, was intended to foster innovation and solutions in the net-zero areas like food security, solar energy, energy efficiency, round economy, and tenacious cities, to promote natural transformation.

The GXA goals, according to iLabs, include providing a platform for Chinese tech companies to showcase their modern solutions, promoting collaboration between Chinese and Malay enterprises, and advancing the creation of wise, sustainable cities in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

Five Chinese businesses were chosen for the two-month GXA.

    PEEL Lab: Offers business and brand design and production services and transforms agro waste into plant-based leather.

  • InfoRich concentrates on sharing portable battery across borders. Through its ChargeSpot community, which offers power rentals and promotion chances, and forges strategic partnerships with micro-mobility solutions, it aims to improve urban communication.
  • Integri-Culture: Produces scalable, sustainable meal protein using a low-cost, creative, flexible process that ensures efficiency and environmental responsibility.
  • Offers genetic solutions to advances in agriculture, food production, detail fermentation, waste control, and carbon reuse.
  • IDDK: Using spaceflight for creative research and development, particularly for the life science industry, by providing cheap access to space tests.

Through our engagement with Sunway iLabs, we have opened the door for Chinese startups to expand their presence in Malaysia. We are eagerly anticipating the progress the latest batch will generate through our program, said Hiroyuki Nitta, Deputy Managing Director, Jetro&nbsp, Kuala Lumpur, citing the success of the past group of companies launching their businesses in Malaysia.

The startups benefited from Sunway Group’s extensive networks and support, Jetro Kuala Lumpur, and knowledge partners, such as the Malaysia Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ), throughout the intensive two-month program. On a number of issues, including the Malay business environment, business needs, cultural differences between the two nations, Malaysia’s corporate move to net low, and potential business and investment opportunities, coaching and guidance were provided.

The program’s important accomplishments were highlighted by Matt van Leeuwen, CEO and director of Sunway iLabs, as well as Sunway Group’s chief innovation officer. More than 50 company discussions have been held, with a focus on forging strategic collaborations between Chinese companies and Indonesian corporations, traders, and startups. The GXA program fosters valuable research collaborations that promote sustainability in Malaysia and technology localization, as well as facilitating valuable business connections and enabling university researchers to learn about the most recent technologies from Japan.

” It was a top-notch program that far beyond my expectations, giving me many opportunities to speak with important participants in Malaysia, including a variety of Malay corporations,” said the author. I’ve been surprised by Malaysian businesses ‘ commitment to green transformation since I’ve moved here, said Hideaki Itami, chairman of PtBio Inc., one of the Chinese companies that took part in the GXA program.

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MyIX commences Network Infrastructure Training Programme as part of national Corporate Social Responsibility efforts

  • The program is intended for new grads and local business owners.
  • aims to give people the tools they need to optimize community facilities.

Participants of MyIX's training programme

At its Puchong, Selangor headquarters, The Malaysia Internet Exchange ( MyIX ) just wrapped its highly anticipated network infrastructure training program. The purpose of this program, which forms the foundation of MyIX’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, is to provide Indonesian talent with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the digital economy.

The organization claims that 25 of the hundreds of candidates selected to take the” Explore the World of Network Infrastructure” program for the first diet.

Ong Cheok Seong, the association’s treasurer, praised the training program as a major achievement in its ongoing efforts to teach and create Malaysia’s workforce. We are dedicated to providing Malay with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the modern era.

He continued,” This is only the end,” and the organization looks forward to holding additional sessions to bring in more clients.

The teaching, co-sponsored by Forward College, covers important matters like Internet Network and Systems Operations, routing, BGP, RPKI, ROA, AS- SET, and peering. Individuals gained hands-on encounter with DNS, DNSSEC, customers monitoring and analysis, NMS, and DDoS protection techniques.MyIX commences Network Infrastructure Training Programme as part of national Corporate Social Responsibility efforts

The program, which is intended for new graduates and local business professionals, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to successfully manage and optimize system infrastructure, ensuring powerful, safe, and effective internet connectivity.

Howie Chang ( pic ), co-founder and CEO of Forward College, said the encouraging response from applicants demonstrates the importance of the program and the need for such a program in Malaysia’s rapidly changing digital landscape.

Working with MyIX allows us to make a significant contribution to the development of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure talent, he said, noting that the program provides members with theoretical knowledge but likewise useful skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.

This program was made possible by MyIX people, including AIMS, CelcomDigi, Maxis, REDtone, TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, TIME startup, U Mobile, and YTL. This program, which is supported by its members, shows the value of co-operative efforts in the advancement of technical training, according to MyIX.

Efforts like these will be crucial to ensuring that Malaysia’s labor is prepared to face the problems and possibilities of the modern era head-on, promising a brighter future for all Malay, according to the company.

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Johnson Controls opens new office and innovation center in Singapore 

  • The area will host the OpenBlue Innovation Center and can provide 450 employees.
  • Office complies with Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan, which promotes green growth.

George Oliver, chairman, and CEO of Johnson Controls at the company's Innovation Center

Johnson Controls, a leader in bright, healthy, and lasting buildings, today opened its innovative office in Singapore. The company, strategically located at One- northwest, serves as a living laboratory for collaboration, study, and development, furthering Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to its partners and community across Southeast Asia.

At the new business opening, Johnson Controls chairman and CEO George Oliver stated that” Singapore’s vibrant and innovative ecosystem corresponds with our vision for a more lasting future, where economic development goes hand in hand with economic management and social duty, ensuring a brighter and more resilient future for all.” Our Singapore company represents a fantastic next stage in our commitment to this vibrant and varied nation, he continued.

The area, which covers 3, 535 square meters, did house around 450 employees and house an OpenBlue Innovation Center that will demonstrate solutions for building owners, operators, and industry leaders to create intelligent buildings that are safe, healthy, and green.

Johnson Controls ‘ OpenBlue Innovation Center is a good example of how businesses are working with our ecosystem to advance innovation and technology growth, according to Jacqueline Poh, managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board. We anticipate the wise and environmentally conscious building solutions that this center will create and provide to the East Asian region, she continued.

One-North’s connected habitat expands the effect of the novel service, encouraging cooperation with local partners, institutions, and industry experts to advance technology and solution integration to bring cutting-edge innovation to the market.

The new business building also supports The Singapore Green Plan 2030, which strengthens Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to advancing the country’s national plan on sustainable development in the face of obstacles like climate change and urbanization, and furthers Johnson Controls ‘ commitment to advancing the wise area change in Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia.

Johnson Controls claimed, in addition to supporting Singapore’s vision for a brighter and more efficient future, it has equipped more than 40 % of the city-state’s commercial properties with wise developing solutions.

With Singapore as our proper hub, Johnson Controls is well-positioned to promote sustainable development, facilitate innovation, and form lasting collaborations that may shape the region’s and the region’s future.

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Digital Village accelerator programme announces launch of Cohort 3

  • Six Sarawak startups have been selected to join the DiVA Cohort 3
  • Programme aims to support entrepreneurs and tech startups in Sarawak

The NEXEA team together with the six startups who have been selected to join DiVA Cohort 3

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and NEXEA have announced the next phase of their collaborative initiative, DiVA – Digital Village Accelerator, a flagship programme under the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem. The Cohort 3 orientation session began on 8th March 2024, drawing significant interest with over 190 startups applying.

DiVA aims to cultivate a thriving innovation community in Sarawak, driving the growth of digital technology and creative industries. The programme provides essential resources to entrepreneurs and tech startups in Sarawak, offering specialized mentorship, industry-specific guidance, and various supports to steer their ventures towards success. Selected participants may secure SDEC grants of US$32,000 (RM150,000) and investments of up to US$53,000 (RM250,000), providing significant financial leverage for their ventures.

Participants will engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions, workshops, and networking events featuring insights from top-tier investor mentors including James Graham, Alan Lim, Jonah Lau, and Patrick Liew.

Six Sarawak startups have been selected to join DiVA Cohort 3:

  • MyScripts – A startup delivering MyScriptsOS for community pharmacies and end-users to improve medication management.
  • Fly Technology Agriculture – A startup transforming organic waste into black soldier fly larvae feedstock.
  • Nebula – A cloud gaming platform, allowing gamers to play the latest games from any device.
  • Beli Beli SuperApp – A subscription-based super app offering delivery, ehailing, online mall, and on-demand services.
  • Satok Bridge – An AI and IoT startup solving problems with technology.
  • Formeta PLT – A startup from University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), focusing on drone, AI, IoT, Blockchain, and STEM Training.

Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC said, “We are thrilled to meet and collaborate with all talented startups that have applied for the DiVA programme. Our goal is to provide them with the right platform, resources, and guidance to shape their ideas into innovative solutions that will contribute to the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem.”

“Every applicant in DiVA Cohort 3 brings a unique story and a burning desire to make a difference. We’re here to empower them, and together, we’ll witness a collective spark of innovation that ignites Sarawak’s digital future,” said Ben Lim, CEO/Founder of NEXEA.

For more information and updates on the DiVA programme, visit https://diva.sarawak.digital/.

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Aerodyne unveils its Aerodyne Flight Institute

  • Strives to be foremost centre for drone education, training, and research
  • Nurture industry-ready talent in drone technology, AI & data analytics

The team at Aerodyne Flight Institute. Founder and CEO of Aerodyne Group, Kamarul Muhamed is in the middle in dark polo, giving the thumbs up.

Aerodyne Group, a global leader in drone-based solutions,  opening its the Aerodyne Flight Institute (AFI) in Cyberjaya on Feb 29. The company stated that this significant development in industry-focused technological education and innovation reflects its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of industries such as AI, big data, cybersecurity, and more. 

AFI is strategically positioned to create a workforce adept at tackling these challenges, thereby contributing to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda, said Aerodyne.

Aerodyne believes that AFI embodies its vision to empower the next generation with critical skills for key domains, with an industry-driven curriculum covering emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. These offerings complement the existing CAAM-certified Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency module, aligning AFI with the forefront of industry needs and technological advancements.Aerodyne unveils its Aerodyne Flight Institute

Kamarul A Muhamed (pic), founder and group CEO of Aerodyne, stated, “At AFI, we are setting the stage to become the foremost center for AI, data, and drone education, training, and research, with aspirations to be recognized both regionally and globally.” 

He added that Aerodyne’s ambition drives it to nurture a new wave of competitive talents, industry-ready to forge ahead in drone technology, AI, and data analytics.

“The launch, joined by a diverse network of partners, including industry leaders, universities, customers, ecosystem players, and investors, and officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim, marks a pivotal step toward fulfilling our vision of positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the digital economy,” Kamarul said.

Since 2022, Aerodyne has successfully trained over 1,000 certified drone pilots and data professionals, affirming its role in shaping the industry’s future.

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