Meta’s Orion smart glasses looking for next ‘iPhone moment’ – Asia Times

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Meta supremo Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Orion smart glasses, a new augmented reality ( AR ) prototype, at the annual Meta Connect developer conference.

These will be a new way to merge the true and modern worlds, ten years in the making, and not expected to be available on great streets until 2027. They will be controlled by the fingers and the eyes through a wrist-mounted neurological program.

What does this mean for how we interact with computers in the future of Mr smartwatches? We asked three technical experts at the University of Bangor, Peter Butcher, Llŷr sion Cenydd and Panagiotis Ritsos.

Why has Orion been like a professional problem?

Incorporating so far superior technology into something so compact poses serious technical challenges. This includes new holographic show systems, hands and eyesight monitoring, off-device processing, cameras, speakers and microphones – all while ensuring the device remains visually appealing and has good battery life.

Meta’s chief technical officer, Andrew Bosworth, recently captured the size of the problem by saying:” In buyer electronics, it might be the most advanced point that we’ve ever produced as a species”.

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The visual design is a huge obstacle. Combined reality headsets like as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro rely on “passthrough” technologies, in which external devices capture real-time picture of the patient’s environment. This is displayed inside the helmet, with electronic components overlaid.

In comparison, Orion’s holographic forecast allows users to instantly see through clear lens, with images projected into their view. This has demanded substantial R&amp, D.

Are there other notable innovations?

The field of view, or the angular range that the user can see through the headset, is one of the key elements that affect how immersive a pair of mixed reality headsets is. The Magic Leap 2‘s 70° field of view, larger holographic AR glasses designed for businesses that are currently priced above US$ 3, 000, is the state of the art. They are produced by Magic Leap, a US business whose backers include AT&amp, T. and Google.

With Orion, Meta has achieved a field of view of 70° in a much smaller product, which is a grand innovation and crucial for Zuckerberg’s vision of an unobtrusive wearable device.

The wristband for the neural interface is also crucial. Users can control the device by making subtle finger movements like pinching and swiping their thumb against the index finger thanks to the device’s ability to listen to nerve impulses from the brain to the hand. Similar controls exist for older mixed reality headsets, such as Apple Vision Pro, but they rely on external cameras to interpret hand movements.

The benefit of directly tapping into nerve impulses is that the person only needs to consider the gesture at hand and may not even need to perform it in its entirety.

The technology also opens up brand new input methods, such as texting via mimicking handwriting, and is likely to mature before consumer-grade holographic displays become available.

Has Orion been more trouble than Meta expected?

Meta initially gave the Orion prototype only a 10 % chance of success, so it has exceeded expectations. While there is still much work to be done, particularly in reducing costs and miniaturizing components, Orion could eventually lead to a consumer-ready device.

Do you believe Meta will have a more affordable version by 2027?

Meta believes that the initial cost will be comparable to laptops or flagship phones. The new iPhone 16 starts at £799 ($ 1, 069 ). In a similar way to how VR headsets were introduced a decade ago, development kits were released toward the end of the decade that were targeted at early adopters and developers.

In the interim, applications that could eventually run on AR glasses can be developed using Meta Quest 3 and other mixed reality headsets like the Apple Vision Pro and other AR glasses.

Why are the Orion glasses still so expensive?

Because the majority of the hardware, including Ledos micro-display panels and silicon carbide waveguides, are n’t yet produced at scale, holographic AR glasses are still expensive.

Production constraints are reported to be causing Orion unit prices to close to US$ 10,000, but these components are crucial for producing high resolution and holographic displays. Even so, the battery life is currently only about two hours.

Could anyone possibly defeat Meta in the market?

Thanks to Meta’s multi-billion dollar investment in R&amp, D through its Reality Labs subsidiary, it has become a leader in virtual and mixed reality headsets, with a robust app ecosystem. However, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google are developing similar technologies.

Microsoft’s HoloLens and [Snapchat owner ] Snap Inc.’s Spectacles series have made advances in AR, but results have been mixed due to limitations like limited field of view and poor graphics.

Orion appears to be ahead of technology for holographic displays. Apple, a different company to watch out for, is developing Vision Pro and looking into AR smart glasses.

Apple Vision Pro can also be controlled by finger movements, but the tech is less sophisticated. &nbsp, Photo: Chinaim via The Conversation

Will AR glasses change the world?

AR-enabled devices could cause an “iPhone moment” that forever alters how we interact with technology. As the next major computing platform, Zuckerberg sees them as a more natural and user-friendly alternative to smartphones.

The success of early mass-market smart glasses such as Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which allow users to make calls, capture videos and interact with Meta AI, hints that AR glasses could see widespread adoption.

Zuckerberg initially believed that holographic technology would be required for smart glasses to expand functionality beyond these Ray-Bans ‘ fundamental features. However, having the ability to incorporate an AI voice-powered assistant has made Meta realize that a new consumer product category can be created using smart glasses.

While the four-hour battery life requires improvement, the positive feedback from both reviewers and users, particularly using them on Instagram and TikTok, demonstrates the potential.

What will the future hold?

Reading messages, watching a virtual screen on the wall, playing games, collaborative work – all the things you can do with mixed-reality headsets, but shrunk down to a pair of glasses. When two people feel present in the same space, a friend will video call into your living room.

Virtual assistants can already use smart glasses to see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you, and respond to questions and follow commands. This is even stranger. AI will eventually be able to appear in your vision and allow you to engage in natural conversation with it.

By 2030, AI will radically change the ways in which we interact with each other, our physical world and computers. Orion aims to prepare us for a world in which the physical, artificial and virtual co-exist.

Llŷr ap Cenydd is lecturer in computer science, Bangor University, Panagiotis Ritsos is senior lecturer in visualisation, Bangor University, and Peter Butcher is lecturer in human computer interaction, Bangor University

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

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Malaysia’s SUPA and Singapore-based TDCX to help companies address a key barrier in generative AI adoption

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  • Tie-up offers firms a one-stop-solution for their information naming needs&nbsp,
  • Human-in-the-loop type ensures greater exactness in tagging outputs

‍Malaysia's SUPA and Singapore-based TDCX to help companies address a key barrier in generative AI adoption

TDCX, a provider of digital customer experience ( CX ) solutions to technology and high-tech companies, recently partnered with SUPA, a Malaysian based generative artificial intelligence ( AI)-powered data labeling company. The partnership aims to assist businesses in overcoming one of the biggest obstacles facing them as they try to create artificial intelligence ( AI ) by labeling raw data to make it understandable for machine learning algorithms. &nbsp,

Data management is still a challenge for businesses trying to achieve their AI goals, with 72 % of leading companies citing it as one of the biggest obstacles preventing them from scaling AI use cases, while 8 in 10 ( 81 % ) claim that training AI with data was more challenging than anticipated.

Lianne Dehaye, Senior Director, &nbsp, TDCX AI, said,” Without accurate, structured and reliable data, your business simply is n’t ready to leverage generative AI. Many businesses are in a rush to take advantage of relational AI because of the high interest in it. Truth is, some businesses either do not perform the necessary first step of data naming or overlook the resources required to accomplish it successfully. This results in instances where AI projects fail and do n’t return on investment. &nbsp,

Mark Koh, CEO and co-founder, SUPA, said, &nbsp” ,Our platform’s edge lies in our ability to curate and process large training datasets with up to 98 % accuracy for labeled data. Achieved through our multi-stage human-in-the-loop method, this strategic confirmation process empowers authors to work as data type teachers, thus minimizing possible errors or routing issues. We look forward to utilizing TDCX’s global reach and extensive client base to enable more businesses to harness the power of their data and alter their running strategies for performance and growth.

Companies will gain from the comfort of having a companion who can offer an all-in-one option that combines the best of technology and human skills to offer high data outputs as a result of TDCX and SUPA’s cooperation. People annotators can shorten the processing times for large datasets by using SUPA’s technologies for handling large datasets. This will help businesses improve the effectiveness of their AI types ‘ training and increase the value for the company.

” The issue of quality information is even more crucial in CX programs,” said Lianne”. Beyond being correct, it is also necessary to make sure that the data is accurate and takes social nuances into account. People cleverness and understanding come into play in this area.

TDCX believes that the partnership with SUPA may expand its products and make it easier for clients to incorporate AI into their Ax techniques more quickly and easily.

‍Enterprise-ready options from SUPA

SUPA’s solution caters to a range of diverse industries, from consumer retail, transport ( autonomous vehicle ), agriculture, manufacturing to healthcare. Additionally, it supports data types for diverse modalities, including multilingual texts and audio data, as well as visual data like videos and images. This ensures that clients are given specific, pertinent training data that is appropriate for the needs of their particular industry.

Clients will keep all data safe in their own cloud storage, which TDCX and SUPA teams use to manage it properly. Both organizations are ISO27001, SOC2 and General Data Protection certified.

For more information, please visit: &nbsp, https: //tdcx. ai/data-labeling

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New cells shatter solar energy efficiency records – Asia Times

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In some places around the world, solar panels that are installed on rooftops and big energy farms are now commonplace. Even in the dark and gloomy UK, solar power is quickly emerging as a major player in the generation of electricity.

This boom in renewable is fuelled by two important advances. Second, scientists, engineers and those in business are learning how to make solar panel by the billions. Every manufacturing procedure is carefully planned to ensure that they are produced quite cheaply.

The panels ‘ strength conversion efficiency, which measures how much sunlight can be converted into electricity, has steadily increased, and this is the second and most important.

The higher the efficiency of solar panel, the cheaper the power. You might be asking yourself,” How effective is renewable energy be?” And will it affect our energy costs in any way?

About 20 to 22 % of photosynthesis is currently converted into electrical energy thanks to commercially available solar panel. Using a novel technologies called tandem solar cells, new study published in Nature has revealed that in the future, solar panel could achieve savings as high as 34 %. The results of the study demonstrate tandem solar cells’ outstanding strength conversion efficiency.

What are tandem solar cells?

Conventional solar cells are constructed using a second material to absorb sunshine. Now, almost all thermal panels are made from silicone – the same stuff at the core of computers. Silicon is a sophisticated and trustworthy stuff, but only about 29 % of its efficiency is achieved.

To get around this cap, scientists have turned to tandem solar cells, which bundle two renewable materials on top of one another to get more of the sun’s power.

A team of researchers at the energy giant LONGi reported a fresh combination solar cell that combines golden and mica materials in a fresh Nature paper. Owing to their increased sunlight harvest, the new perovskite-silicon parallel has achieved a world report 33.89 % performance.

Mica renewable materials, discovered less than two decades ago, have emerged as the perfect match to established golden systems. The key lies in their&nbsp, lighting intake tuneability. More effectively than golden, rovskite materials can get high-energy blue light.

In this way, strength losses are prevented and the overall effectiveness of the tandem increases. Other substances, called III-V electronics, have also been used in combination tissue and achieved higher efficiency. The issue is that they are expensive and difficult to create, but just tiny solar cells can be created when combined with focused lighting.

Perovskite solar cells are a huge investment by the medical community. They have maintained a phenomenal rate of development, increasing from 14 % to 26 % in just 10 years for a single cell in a lab.

These developments made it possible for them to be integrated into ultra-high-efficiency tandem solar cells, demonstrating a global power generation of billions of volts.

The cost of renewable electricity

The fresh record-breaking combination cells can get an extra 60 % of solar energy. This reduces installation costs and the amount of land ( or roof space ) needed for solar farms, resulting in less energy being produced.

Additionally, it means that owners of power plants did turn renewable energy into more money. However, consumers may not see a change in their electricity bills because of the way electricity prices are set in the UK. The real difference is when you consider top solar installations where the place needs to be properly utilized and the area is constrained.

Based on two important factors, the cost of top solar energy is determined. Second, the full price to install solar panels on your ceiling, and next, how much light they will make over their 25 years of operation.

Although installation costs are inexpensive, renewable energy generated at home has a slightly different return. You can use less power from the network, especially when it is expensive, and you can also offer some of your surplus electricity up to the network.

However, the grid operators will only bill you for a small amount of electricity, but often using a battery and storing it so you can use it at night is preferable. Based on average considerations for a typical American family, I calculated the amount of money that consumers would save from rooftop solar power, depending on the panels ‘ performance.

If we can improve panel efficiency from 22 % to 34 % without increasing the installation cost, savings in electricity bills will rise from £558ְ/year ( US$ 745 ) up to £709/year ($ 947 ). A 20 % bump in money savings that may create solar buildings extremely beautiful, even in white and cloudy Britain.

Solar panel manufacturing
The higher the efficiency of solar panels, the cheaper the resulting light. Photo: IM Imagery / Shutterstock via The Talk

So when will these new renewable panel be available?

As research continues, substantial efforts are being made to level up this technology and maintain its long-term sturdiness. The combination organisms that break records are produced in laboratories and are smaller than a mail stamp. It remains challenging to translate for high efficiency to square meters.

However, we are making headway. Oxford PV, a thermal company at the vanguard of mica technology, made the initial price of its previously developed combination solar panels earlier this month.

They are able to create strong, trusted solar panels by integrating two different renewable materials. While they are still far from 34 % efficiency, their work shows a promising way for next-generation solar cell.

The ecology of the materials used in combination solar panel is another factor. Some of the nutrients in solar panels can be very energy-consuming to extract and process.

Besides golden, perovskite solar cells require the elements lead, coal, salt and halogen as parts to make them work effectively. There is still plenty of research also needed to solve these problems because connecting perovskite and silicon even requires limited materials containing an component called indium.

Despite the difficulties, the scientific and industrial society is still working on parallel solar systems that can be used in almost anything, including cars, buildings, and airplanes.

A bright future for solar energy is emerging thanks to recent advances in high-efficiency perovskite-silicon parallel tissue, which will help ensure that renewable continues to play a more significant role in the global transition to renewable energy.

Julian Bonilla is interact professor of supplies, University of Oxford

The Conversation has republished this essay under a Creative Commons license. Read the original post.

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Agritech startup, Qarbotech secures US.5mil in a seed extension round

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  • 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, people, participated in this round
  • Money will be used to level activities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand &amp, Vietnam

Left to Right: Chor Chee Hoe, CEO of Qarbotech, Prof Dr Suraya, founder and chief scientist of Qarbotech and Amirul Merican, COO of Qarbotech

Qarbotech Sdn Bhd, which claims to be a technology pioneer in photosynthesis enhancement through advanced carbon quantum dots, has announced its expansion across Southeast Asia, driven by US$ 1.5 million ( RM6.2 million ) in a seed round&nbsp, from investors, including 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, ID Capital, EQT Foundation, and Epic Angels Limited.

Launched in 2018, the&nbsp, investment&nbsp, solidifies&nbsp, Qarbotech ‘s&nbsp, commitment to introducing its pioneering technology to new markets. It had earlier announced in Feb that it raised US$ 700, 000 in a plant square. The most recent statement is characterized as its grain expansion round. Data from Crunchbase&nbsp, shows Temasek Foundation among its owners, while Khazanah Nasional gave it a give and Petronas Future Tech gave aid with non-equity help.

The funding&nbsp, may allow it to range functions in areas such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where demand for innovative agricultural solutions is rising.

” We’re thrilled to embark on this new section of growth”, said Chor Chee Hoe, CEO of Qarbotech. ” Our solution, QarboGrow, is a milestone in plant science, using natural, biodegradable carbon quantum dots to dramatically improve light intake and increase crop yields by up to 60 %. This addresses issues with food safety and optimizes the use of fertilizers, thereby reducing the need for a lot of software that can cause dirt pollution and degradation.

As part of its development, Qarbotech is opening its second manufacturing center in Puchong, Malaysia, capable of producing 100, 000 gallons of QarboGrow regular. This facility represents a major step forward in meeting the country’s growing need for cutting-edge agricultural technology.

Amirul Merican, COO of Qarbotech, stated,” This purchase will help us to increase production and bring our branded alternatives to more farmers in the region, enabling them to make more with less economic impact.

The entrepreneur behind Qarbotech’s breakthrough technologies is Prof Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, a leading nano scientist ranked among the nation’s top 2 % experts in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Her research supports the foundational knowledge of QarboGrow more, in line with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the finding of quantum dots.

” With over two decades of experience in nano, I am thrilled to discover classical lines finally achieving useful, large-scale influence in agriculture”, said Prof Dr Suraya, chairman and chief professor of Qarbotech and director of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University Putra Malaysia. ” Our patented technology addresses the inconsistencies of photosynthesis using a scalable and sustainable approach, bypassing the need for genetic modifications, allowing us to directly address challenges in crop yield and climate resilience.”

Qarbotech’s innovations are already making an impact. A pilot project with PT Iceh Agro Indonesia in Indonesia that involved 400 hectares of rice fields increased yields by up to one tonne per hectare and significantly increased farmer incomes.

” Imagine the same farmer with the same land, labour, and workflow being able to produce up to 60 % more food. Qarbotech’s photosynthesis multiplier makes that possible. We are proud to provide additional financing to Qarbotech and believe their technology will be mission-critical for regions vulnerable to climate change”, said Khailee Ng, managing partner, 500 Global.

Michal Klar, founding partner at Better Bite Ventures, added,” Qarbotech embodies our commitment to supporting a more sustainable, climate-friendly food system through transformative technology, improving economic outcomes while lowering emissions. This innovative team and their effort to transform the world food system are a success, in our opinion.

The potential to increase crop yields across a range of climates and agricultural practices presents a significant market opportunity with over 500 million smallholder farmers worldwide.

” During our entrepreneurship competition in Southeast Asia, Qarbotech surprised us with their breakthrough in photosynthesis enhancement. Their innovation demonstrates that it is possible to increase farmers ‘ yields and economic outcomes while lowering carbon emissions. With EQT’s global expertise in agricultural investments, we aim to help Qarbotech overcome barriers to achieving scale”, said Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO of EQT Foundation.

Beyond boosting productivity, QarboGrow’s unique carbon quantum dot technology promotes carbon sequestration by enabling plants to store more carbon dioxide, which results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. With each litre of product increasing carbon dioxide capture, QarboGrow’s global scaling could have a significant impact on efforts to combat climate change. This opens up the doors to carbon credits and offsets, which are becoming increasingly important in a world where emissions reduction is a top priority.

With far-reaching economic and environmental effects, Qarbotech’s technology is a breakthrough in agritech with increased yields and climate action.

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Kakitangan.com signs MoU with Talentvis Academy to provide SMEs with one-stop solution for quality training

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  • allows businesses to bridge the skill gap and flourish in a market that is aggressive.
  • Aims to offer Business coaching solutions, enable employees with in-demand abilities

Left to right: Zetty from Kakitangan, Effon Khoo, co-founder & CEO, Kakitangan and Joen Cheong, commercial manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia

Indonesian HR and payroll program Kakitangan.com has partnered with Talentvis Academy, a leading education company in Southeast Asia, to address the growing needed for upskilled labors. This partnership aims to give SMEs with a one-stop option for high-quality training programs, empowering employees with in-demand knowledge, the company said in a statement.

Leveraging over ten years of experience in Malaysian HR and payment requirements, with a customer base exceeding 10, 000 SMEs with over 150, 000 workers and processing a combined&nbsp, payment of over RM8 billion, Kakitangan.com stated that it is well-positioned to understand the distinctive demands of SMEs. This agreement creates a comprehensive learning experience that bridges the skills space and thrives in today’s competitive market by combining with Talentvis Academy’s carefully selected selection of specialized courses led by industry experts.

The modern platform, known as” Up and Up Training Academy,” rightly proclaims that “UP! is the only way to success.” offers a wide range of teaching options to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Talentvis Academy was established by Talentvis, a&nbsp, HR answers service. The company also introduced Talentvis Academy, which it claims to be the first one-stop coaching market in Southeast Asia to choose an “e-commerce” company model, in addition to its recruitment and outsourced services. The company claims that its system digitalizes and streamlines the whole training approval method for organizations, enabling clients to access over 200 education providers from five SEA countries with one click. Moreover, the software provides a reliable payment method with a secure gate and extensive support for HRDC-claimable courses in Malaysia. &nbsp,

Addressing the key challenges faced by HR professionals, Kakitangan.com said it has recognised four key areas to focus on: hiring strategies for best skills, successful people administration, streamlined employee exit processes, and SME-specific skillset development. &nbsp,

Effon Khoo, co-founder and CEO of Kakitangan.com, said the firm is proud to be the first Malaysian-centric HR system offering integrated training solutions tailored to Malaysian SMEs. Employees can discover and enroll in relevant training programs while managing other HR activities from a single platform, facilitating the growth of businesses within the Kakitangan.com community.

According to Ben Chew, Managing Director of Talentvis Academy,” The collaboration between Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy is expected to significantly contribute to the success of organizations in the digital transformation,” This sentiment was echoed by Joen Cheong, Commercial Manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia, who stated:” Our aim is to digitalise training management for organisations, simplifying professional development, enhancing skill-building, and fostering talent career growth”.

To commemorate this launch, Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy are offering a special promotion from September to October. Kakitangan.com customers can enjoy a 5 % discount on all sign-ups. Check out the training page: https ://kakitangan.talentvisacademy .com/

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Kakitangan.com signs MoU with Talentvis Academy 

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  • allows businesses to bridge the skill space and thrive in a market where competition is fierce.
  • Aims to offer Business coaching solutions, enable employees with in-demand abilities

Left to right: Zetty from Kakitangan, Effon Khoo, co-founder & CEO, Kakitangan.com and Joen Cheong, commercial manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia

The Malaysian HR and payment structure Kakitangan.com has partnered with Talentvis Academy, a premier education company in Southeast Asia, to address the growing need for upskilled laborers. This partnership aims to give SMEs with a one-stop option for high-quality training programs, empowering employees with in-demand knowledge, the company said in a statement.

Leveraging over ten years of experience in Malaysian HR and payment requirements, with a customer base exceeding 150, 000, Kakitangan.com stated that it is well-positioned to know the unique requirements of SMEs. This collaboration creates a comprehensive learning experience that bridges the skills space and thrives in today’s competitive market by combining with Talentvis Academy’s carefully selected selection of specialized courses led by industry experts.

The modern program, known as” Up and Up Training Academy,” rightly proclaims that “UP! is the only way to success.” offers a wide range of teaching options to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Talentvis Academy was established by Talentvis, a leading HR answers service. The company also introduced Talentvis Academy, which it claims to be the first one-stop education market in Southeast Asia to choose an “e-commerce” company model, in addition to its recruitment and outsourced services. The company claims that its system simplifies and digitalizes the whole training approval process for organizations, enabling clients to access over 200 coaching providers from five SEA countries in one click. Moreover, the software provides a reliable payment method with a secure gate and extensive support for HRDC-claimable courses in Malaysia. &nbsp,

Addressing the key challenges faced by HR professionals, Kakitangan.com said it has recognised four key areas to focus on: hiring strategies for best skills, successful people administration, streamlined employee exit processes, and SME-specific skillset development. &nbsp,

Effon Khoo, co-founder and CEO of Kakitangan.com, said the firm is glad to be the first Malaysian-centric Human program offering included education options tailored to Malay SMEs. Employees can discover and enroll in relevant training programs while managing another HR activities from a single system, facilitating the growth of businesses within the Kakitangan.com neighborhood.

According to Ben Chew, Managing Director of Talentvis Academy,” The partnership between Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy is expected to significantly contribute to the success of organizations in the modern change.” This sentiment was echoed by Joen Cheong, Commercial Manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia, who stated:” Our goal is to digitalise education control for organisations, simplifying expert growth, enhancing skill-building, and fostering talent career growth”.

To celebrate this start, Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy are offering a particular campaign from September to October. Kakitangan.com customers can enjoy a 5 % discount on all sign-ups. Check out the training page: https ://kakitangan.talentvisacademy .com/

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AI fueling a deepfake porn crisis in South Korea – Asia Times

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Deepfake porn, a damaging AI byproduct that has been used to target anyone from Taylor Swift to American school girls, is a topic that is difficult to discuss.

However, a recent report from startup Security Heroes revealed that 53 % of the 95 % of deepfake porn videos analyzed from various sources featured South Korean singers and actresses, which suggests this group is disproportionately targeted.

But, what’s behind South Korea’s algorithmic issue? And what can be done in this regard?

Deepfakes are online altered voice, video, or photo files that convincingly show anyone saying or acting in a way that they never would have otherwise. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly popular among South Asian teenagers, making them so popular that some even see it as a joke. And they do n’t just target celebrities.

On Telegram, team messages have been made for the specific purpose of engaging in image-based sexual abuse of women, including middle-school and high-school students, teachers and family members. People who have their photos on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and KakaoTalk are also generally targeted.

The culprits use AI machines to create the false pictures, which is then sold and/or blindly disseminated, along with victims ‘ social media accounts, telephone numbers and KakaoTalk usernames. One Telegram party attracted some 220, 000 people, according to a Guardian statement.

Lack of awareness

Despite the fact that victims of gender-based murder in South Korea are seriously harmed, there is still not enough attention about the problem.

South Korea has experienced rapid technological advancement in recent years. It has the highest internet connectivity and is cited as having the best laptop ownership in the world. Some jobs, including those in eateries, manufacturing and public transportation, are being quickly replaced by robots and AI.

However, as Human Rights Watch points out, the nation’s efforts to achieve gender equality and another human rights standards have not kept up with the development of technology. Additionally, research has demonstrated that technological advancement can really make gender-based crime more prevalent.

Digital sex crimes against children and adolescents in South Korea have been a serious problem since the” Nth Room” case, in particular. Around 260, 000 participants participated in sharing exploitative and coercive intimate content in this case, which included hundreds of young victims ( many of whom were minors ).

The event sparked a lot of outcry and calls for more security. It also led to the development of more stringent problems in the 2020 Act on Special Circumstances Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

However, according to the Supreme Prosecutors ‘ Office, only 28 % of the total 17, 495 digital sex offenders indicted in 2021, which highlights the ongoing difficulties in addressing digital sex crimes.

In 2020, the Ministry of Justice’s Digital Sexual Crimes Task Force proposed about 60 constitutional provisions, which have still not been accepted. The organization was disbanded soon after Yoon Suk Yeol’s government sacked in 2022.

During the 2022 national competition, Yoon said,” there is no fundamental sex bias” in South Korea and pledged to dismantle the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the main department responsible for preventing gender-based crime. This position has n’t been filled since February of this year.

Is technology also be the answer?

However, South Korea provides evidence that AI is not always dangerous. A digital sexual violence support center run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government created a tool that is continuously track, archive, and discard photoshopped images and videos.

The 2024 UN Public Administration Prize-winning technology has reduced the time it takes to get deepfakes from two days to three minutes on average. But while such efforts can help minimize further damage from deepfakes, they are unlikely to be an exhaustive answers, as results on victims can be frequent.

The state needs to hold service companies, such as social media platforms and messaging software, accountable for ensuring consumer protection in order for significant change to occur.

The South Korean government made a press release on August 30th about plans to push for legislation to make the sale, order, and browsing of deepfakes illegal in the country.

Until deepfakes in South Korea are recognized as a harmful form of gender-based crime, studies and testing may continue to fall small. A varied approach may be needed to address the photoshopped problem, including stronger laws, reform and training.

In addition to raising awareness of gender-based murder, South Korean officials had put a focus on supporting victims as well as creating proactive guidelines and educational programs to stop violence in its tracks.

Sungshin ( Luna ) Bae, a PhD student and special public officer for gender equality at the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office in South Korea, is a graduate student at Monash University.

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

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MCMC and MIDA collaborate to develop 5G readiness assessment framework for SMEs in Malaysia

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  • Sectors preparation include place, investment, skills/talent, services
  • Collaboration to market and promote the implementation of 5G technology

Participants at the workshop on the Implementation of the Industry Readiness Assessment Framework for 5G Services in Malaysia, held in Putrajaya.

A Workshop on the Application of the Industry Readiness Assessment Framework for 5G Services was held in cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Following the MoU between MCMC and MIDA on July 4 to implement programs and initiatives leveraging the 5G network for vertical sectors in Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs ), the workshop was held yesterday.

Held by over 100 participants, the one-day factory aimed to build a framework for assessing the preparation of vital sectors in the national economy, particularly manufacturing, services, construction, and agriculture, to embrace 5G technology.

The guidelines that will be used to determine key sectors ‘ preparation include area, expense, skills/talent, digital infrastructure, and services.

Valuable feedback was gathered from the agencies involved, including the Land Public Transport Agency ( APAD), the Malaysian Palm Oil Board ( MPOB), the Malaysia Productivity Corporation ( MPC ), SIRIM Berhad, the SME Corporation Malaysia ( SME Corp), Digital Nasional Berhad ( DNB), telecommunications companies, and relevant industry associations.

The input will then be used, according to MCMC, to create a thorough assessment framework for the use of 5G technologies by numerous Malaysian industries, including SMEs.

MCMC regards this workshop as a major step towards ensuring market readiness in adapting to 5G systems which has the potential to boost productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing, service, construction, agriculture, and mining industries.

MIDA also emphasized its responsibility to creating a conducive atmosphere for the use of this revolutionary technology. The deployment of 5G systems will increase efficiency in vital industries and establish Malaysia as a regional leader in digital innovation. This will, in turn, generate economic growth and enhance the world’s profitability on a worldwide level”, said a MIDA spokeswoman.

This strategic partnership is anticipated to more strengthen efforts to promote and facilitate the implementation of 5G systems in Malaysia’s important business.

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Monash University Malaysia secures Petronas funding for energy research

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  • A full of US$ 17 mil in study provides was awarded&nbsp,
  • 61 academicians from 25 different universities were chosen as award recipients.

Monash University Malaysia secures Petronas funding for energy research

Seven of Monash University Malaysia’s studies ideas have received funding from Petronas, according to a statement from Monash University Malaysia. The university said in a statement that this collaboration highlights a shared responsibility to advance cutting-edge analysis in the electricity sector, with a focus on lasting solutions to the pressing global power challenges of the present and future.

Petronas has awarded a total of US$ 17 million ( RM71 million ) in research grants through the Petronas-Academia Collaboration Dialogue ( PACD ), a highly competitive initiative with 588 applicants vying for funding. Unfortunately, 61 experts from 25 institutions were selected, with Monash University Malaysia among the powerful organizations.

The awards were presented by Malaysia’s assistant secretary of Higher Education, Mustapha Sakmud, and Malaysia Petroleum Management’s Senior Vice President, Bacho Pilong.

” I strongly believe that technological advancements can provide a possible solution to the large investment purchases required for a sustainable future. This calls for more money to be spent on research and development, making engagement between academia and industry a must, according to Bacho Pilong.

The funding will be used for research in areas that are in line with international trends, with particular attention given to those in industries like low-carbon and renewable energy. These include carbon capture and storage systems, biofuel growth, successful hydrogen technology, and improving functional performance through data analysis and AI.

The list of Monash University Malaysia beneficiaries includes:

  • Professor Ir. Dr Chan Eng Seng, School of Engineering:” Microalgae Oil Biorefinery: Id, Quantification, and Characterisation of Lipid Compounds from Crude Fat Extracted from Microalgae”.
  • Dr Song Cher Pin, School of Engineering:” Biorefinery of Defatted Microalgae: Separation, Identification, Characterization, and Valorization of Defatted Microalgae”.
  • Dr Surya Nurzaman, School of Engineering:” Aerial Perching for Contact-Based Inspection in Oilfield Installations Using Soft Robotics”.
  • Professor Raphael Phan, School of Information Technology:” Æinstein: Adversarial AI Amongst Materials Discovery Domains”.
  • Dr Patrick Tang, School of Engineering:” Modelling and Knowledge-Informed Control of Microalgae Lipids Metabolism Under Diverse Environmental Stresses”.
  • Dr Lau Ee Von, School of Engineering:” Algae in CO2 Capture and Renewable Energy”.
  • Professor Chai Siang Piao, School of Engineering:” Development of Electro-Catalyst for CO2 Reduction from Flaring or Post-Combustion”.

These projects span critical areas such as renewable energy, CO2 reduction, green hydrogen, AI, and robotics —research that aligns with Monash University Malaysia’s mission to address key global challenges and drive technological advancements.

This collaboration with Petronas marks a major step in our continuing efforts to make effective research more prevalent. By working together, we are not only exploring solutions for today’s energy challenges but also shaping a sustainable future”, said Professor Dr Faisal Rafiq Bin Mahamd Adikan, vice president ( Research &amp, Development ) at Monash University Malaysia.

The breadth of research projects supported by this cooperation reflects the strength and ingenuity of our scientific community. I am assured the benefits will contribute to the betterment of society, both directly and globally”, he added.

Partnerships between academia and industry become even more important as the earth is under increasing pressure to switch to cleaner, more effective energy sources. The importance of such partnerships is strengthened by the influence of educational institutions like Monash University Malaysia on the development of strength.

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MKR launches Malaysia’s first EV tractor, partners technology leaders for smart farming solutions 

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  • The collaboration aims to make Malaysia’s bright agriculture more advanced.
  • Helps Dasar Agromakanan Negara 2.0, M’sia’s scheme for responsible, tech-driven crops

Left to Right: UPM Associate Professor Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi, MADA director of Mechanical and Electrical Division, Mohd Fadzil Mat Desa, MKR CEO, Mohamed Khalili Rosly, LPP chairman, Haji Mahfuz Omar, Credence senior VP of Operations, Moharmustaqeem Mohammed, and LPP director of Engineering Division, Zaipudin Mohamad.

MKR Hartamas ( MKR ) has introduced Malaysia’s first electric vehicle ( EV ) tractor, the TerraGlide EV40, marking a significant step towards transforming the nation’s agricultural sector. The fully electric TerraGlide EV40, according to the manufacturer, produces no carbon pollution, which is in line with the federal plan to combat climate change and promote sustainable farming practices.

This program supports the Dasar Agromakanan Negara 2.0, Malaysia’s important policy for developing a lasting, tech-driven agribusiness industry. The TerraGlide EV40 is a key answer for addressing the immediate need for climate-conscious alternatives in agribusiness, offering farmers a natural, effective substitute for traditional equipment.

MKR’s TerraGlide EV40 launch coincides with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding ( MoUs ) with key partners, including Credence ( a TM company ), represented by its Senior VP of Operations, Moharmustaqeem Mohammed, Universiti Putra Malaysia, represented by Associate Professor Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological &amp, Agricultural Engineering, Thai Achitech, represented by Managing Director Kingpetch Hempotirat, and Rompin Dairy Farm, represented by its CEO, Fahrizal Srihassan. CEO Khalili Rosly represented MKR.

These collaborations aim to promote the development of smart crops solutions, focusing on the Internet of Things ( IoT), cloud-based digital services, and greener gardening technologies to optimise grain yields, boost precision farming techniques, and lower carbon footprints.

Khalili Rosly, a spokeswoman for the launch, stated that “our focus has always been on innovation that benefits the agricultural community.” The TerraGlide EV40 is more than just an electric tractor—it symbolises the future of agriculture, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand. We are excited to work with organizations like Credence that share our vision for a more green, smarter Malaysia.

Farmers have previously benefited from MKR’s expertise in IoT-driven agricultural projects because of its improvements in productivity and sustainability. The TerraGlide EV40 builds on this success, offering an eco-friendly, high-performance solution that reduces operational costs and emissions while enhancing efficiency.

Together, MKR and its partners are shaping a future where smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, and advanced technology converge to create lasting benefits for Malaysia and beyond.

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