Sustainable farming, stronger communities

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  • entrepreneurship enables long-term community empowerment and a desire to go beyond help.
  • To assist disadvantaged parties, PWD Smart FarmAbility &amp, Sokong collaborated with PWD Smart FarmAbility &amp.

Food insecurity affects millions of people around the world, and it’s something we see these in Malaysia as well. Addressing it involves more than just having access to meals; it also involves making sure it’s healthy and a part of a long-term answer that strengthens community resilience while providing opportunities for communities.

Heineken Malaysia is a partner in the Heineken Cares initiative, along with PWD Smart FarmAbility and Sokong. What started as a food aid program during the Bendera Putih activity in 2021 has since grown into a constant determination to advance food security and enable areas.

Dr. Billy ( pic ), the founder of PWD Smart FarmAbility, is one of the key partners in this endeavor. He founded the People with Disabilities ( People with Disabilities ) Smart FarmAbility Centre in Subang Jaya as a social enterprise that grew out of a straightforward drawing at the rehabilitation facility. He made the decision to use his unique aquaponics and earth technology to gain thousands of PWD and underrepresented communities.

” Through Heineken Cares, w.To help less-vulnerable areas, electronic work with partners like PWD Smart FarmAbility and Sokong. These positive alliances help us focus on long-term options that motivate and inspire communities rather than just responding to immediate needs. By supporting these initiatives, we are continuing to pursue our goal of promoting improved food security and community resilience while remaining true to our mission, which is to “brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world,” said Renuka Indrarajah ( pic ), Heineken Malaysia’s corporate affairs and legal director.

Expanding efforts for sustainable gardening

Heineken Malaysia and PWD Smart FarmAbility constructed seven aquaponic satellite farms in order to provide fresh, healthy, and nutrientent meat and vegetables to welfare centers spread over seven regions of Peninsular Malaysia, moving from fast foods help to long-term foods help in 2022. The program grew to include the start of three additional dish farms in 2024:

  • En Yuan Old Folks Home
  • Sri Muda, Rumah Kebajikan Wargamas Charis
  • Yayasan Sunbeam Home

En Yuan Old Folks Home’s first dish land has already had victory. En Yuan, which has more than 30 elderly residents, previously had monthly expenses of up to US$ 7,700 ( RM34, 000 ). Residents of the land have access to fresh develop, and any surpluses are sold to B40 communities for less money, giving families in need of healthy food. The land sales revenue contributes to the home’s operating charges, creating a self-sustaining economic loop.

The implementation of our Soil-U-tion Aquaponics Satellite Farm Proprietary System to underserved communities, particularly senior citizens ‘ homes, a well-balanced picture of able asli communities, orphanages, and migrant schools, was one of the most significant efforts. Through renewable, nature-based techniques that are diverse and sustainable, these systems empower disadvantaged groups to cultivate leafy vegetables and morally farm freshwater tilapia, according to Dr. Billy.

” We also introduced the HOPE Box Terrariums, compact regenerative organic vegetables climate-action plants. These miniature food systems promote land regeneration, increase access to nutrition, and provide therapeutic tools for people who are older, older, and children. They are light on the budget, have no artificial ingredients, and provide an entry point into green meal production for everyone, he said.

More than 8, 000 HOPE Boxes have been distributed thus far, immediately healthy lifestyles, providing purpose-driven experience, and providing access to climate-action cultivation for vulnerable populations.

Modifications that Awaken on the Ground
The results have been amazing. We’ve seen how regenerative agriculture may transform lives, from seniors who eventually discover their purpose to young migrants who cultivate their own gardens. &nbsp,

Residents of Rumah Kebajikan Wargamas Charis enjoyed making tasty distinct fish ball soup using newly harvested New Zealand spinach grown naturally in their HOPE Box Terrarium. The spinach, which hasn’t been reheated, retained its vivid green color and remained so for the time being. The residents may actually taste the difference, showcasing the fulfilling advantages of homegrown clean produce.

A senior citizen citizen of the facility shared his positive experience, noting that he frequently felt lost and listless before taking on the project. He found fresh fulfillment and purpose by caring for the fish pond and tending to the greens.

Another recipient also expressed her excitement about learning how to waste, grow produce, and help the environment. She described how the project has given her the power to influence both her home and the society.

The addition of the presence of Y enhanced the establish celebration at Rumah Charis. B. Tuan Preakas A/L Sampunathan and ADUN Kota Kemuning, whose aid increased the value of the situation.

” We have so far been able to collect US$ 3,700 ( RM16, 500 ) in donations from the general public, which is a testament to the generosity and kindness of our community.” We thank people who contributed, because your generosity is truly transforming the life of those in need. I appreciate you taking part in this effort to promote conservation and endurance. Dr. Billy said that. &nbsp,

A Celebration of Community Endurance
The battle benefited from Heineken Malaysia’s engagement with Sokong and PWD Smart FarmAbility by cultivating ecosystems that go beyond just providing food by promoting self-sufficiency, restoring dignity, and bringing about substantial change with a long-term impact.

Heineken Cares and Sokong by Malaysiakini collaborated to aid NGOs and social enterprises in fostering stronger communities. &nbsp,

The impact of the campaign continues even after it has ended. Find out more about Heineken Malaysia’s sustainability initiatives and PWD SmartFarmAbility.

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Huawei armed and ready for Trump’s second assault – Asia Times

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Huawei, a tech giant, is more ready than it was for Donald Trump’s subsequent assault on China.

More than punishment, the major risk to the bank’s sales and profits then appears to be the possibility of a tariff-induced crisis. Over 70 % of Huawei’s sales are currently made in China.

Huawei’s complete sales are almost at their pre-sanctions maximum, which is supported by a switch to local procurement. Its profits in the US are small, leaving virtually no immediate exposure to Trump’s taxes.

A sizable R&amp, D budget has allowed the business to stay at the top of the telecom equipment market while facilitating diversification into artificial intelligence ( AI), cloud computing, autonomous driving, and semiconductors. The balance sheet is noise.

Recall that, in May 2019, Trump banned US telecom carriers from using Huawei equipment and the Bureau of Industry and Security ( BIS ) of the US Department of Commerce put the company on its Entity List, preventing it from buying components and other products containing US technology without the department’s approval.

These regulations were put in place over the course of two years to prevent the company from receiving advanced semiconductors, especially those produced by Taiwan’s TSMC, the nation’s leading high-end device manufacturer.

Huawei even was unable to access Google’s Android programs, including Google and Google Maps, as well. This caused Huawei’s 5G mobile phone company to decline, resulting in a 29 % overall decline in sales in 2021 and sharp declines in its income before property sales.

After selling its Honor budget brand to protect it from US sanctions, Huawei’s share of the global cellphone market decreased from 18 % in 2019 to about 2 % in 2023.

But the base was that. Sales increased marginally in 2022, rose by nearly 10 % in 2023 and jumped 22 % in 2024, with sales of cellphones and other consumer products up 38 %. If non-core business profits are taken into account, gains also increased in 2023.

Solutions: Huawei data, Asia Times table.

The geographical breakdown of Huawei’s revenue shows its rising dependency on the local Chinese market.

In 2019, the business was added to the Americas Entity List, and 59 % of its sales were made in China, 24 % in EMEA ( Europe, Middle East, and Africa ), 8.2 % in Asia-Pacific, 6.1 % in the Americas, and 2.7 % in other markets.

China had a breakdown of 71.4 %, followed by EMEA of 17.2 %, Asia-Pacific of 5 %, the Americas ( now primarily Latin America of 4.2 % ), and other regions of 2.2 % in 2024. Russia accounted for 15 %-20 % of EMEA sales.

Home sales increased by 30 % as a result of technological technology and the Chinese economy’s digitalization.

Progress across all of the company’s business segments was driven by strong demand for new design smartphones, telecoms network products, cloud computing, data storage, electric power, and related cars with self-driving functions.

Inside China, sales rise was highest in Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia.

Selling decreased in all of the nations where revenue of Huawei’s 5G telecoms equipment have been restricted or prohibited, including India, Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Solutions: Huawei data, Asia Times table.

Restoring and diversifying

Huawei rebuilt its smartphone business by turning to Taiwanese semiconductor factory SMIC and developing its own Harmony running program.

HarmonyOS, which runs on a variety of devices, including smartphones, devices, tablet computers, TVs, electric cars, and IoT ( Internet of Things ) equipment, is currently second in China, trailing only Android and Apple’s iOS.

Huawei’s Mate 60 cellphone, which was released in August 2023, demonstrated that US sanctions are more of an opportunity for Chinese development than an unachievable barrier.

Based on a 7nm computer fabricated by SMIC without using ASML’s EUV printing, which cannot be sold in China, it was not supposed to be achievable. Gina Raimondo, a former secretary of commerce, described it as “incredibly disturbing.”

Huawei won the battle of the Chinese smartphone business in 2024, surpassing Apple’s iPhone and its local rivals, to regain control of the market, which saw its market share reach 18 % in the fourth quarter. But Huawei’s worldwide market share is still only about 6 %.

After the BIS ordered Oracle to stop providing Huawei with application updates and technical support, it was also forced to develop its own ERP ( Enterprise Resource Planning ) program.

It took more than three times before the enhanced edition without legacy issues that it now uses to support its own international businesses and also provides to Chinese state-owned companies like PetroChina and China Mobile as well as BYD, Xiaomi, and another privately held Chinese companies.

In 2024, Huawei’s efficiency by solution department was as follows:

Sales increased by 4.9 % to 42.9 % of the overall, mainly for ICT infrastructure. Basic stations, antennas, another mobile telecommunication system hardware and software, optical fiber and other fixed-line network equipment, enterprise switches and routers, 5G solutions for mining, seaports, and other particular industrial applications, as well as AI predicted maintenance.

Government spending and widespread use in industrial, logistics and social infrastructure applications support demand for 5G networking equipment in China. These factors, in addition to a comparatively uninteresting 5G consumer base in Europe and America, have increased Huawei’s share of the global market for radio access network products from 31 % in 2023 to an estimated 35 % in 2024.

China also has a strong investment in 6G, which should allow Huawei to continue receiving orders. It is also the world leader in the deployment of 5. 5G (5G-Advanced ) telecom services. South Korea, Japan, Finland, the EU and the US are also working on 6G, but China has the most supportive government and largest potential market.

China Mobile technology officer Liu Guangyi said in an interview with China Global Television Network ( CGTN) at the Global 6G Conference in Nanjing on April 10 that:”…

” When we first created 5G about a decade ago, we didn’t anticipate the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The focus then was mainly on improving communication speed and efficiency. However, by doing so, we ignored the potential for incorporating additional capabilities.

Think about intelligent hardware, connected vehicles, and robotics. 6G networks can help make these technologies more lightweight, compact, and low-cost, making mass adoption more feasible and accelerating the intelligent transformation of society.”

Consumer goods: Sales increased by 38.3 %, making up 39.3 % of the total. Smartphones and HarmonyOS, laptop and tablet computers, smartwatches and fitness trackers, and smart home appliances are some of the products offered.

Market research organization Counterpoint reports 36 % growth in Huawei’s smartphone shipments in 2024, with a higher average selling price boosting the value of sales.

Sales of cloud computing increased by 8.5 %, or 4.5 % of the total in 2024. Large language models for manufacturing, logistics, and finance, AI model training and security, database services, and software-as-a-service, including video conferencing in competition with Zoom and Microsoft Teams, are among the products offered.

Huawei was the second largest provider of cloud services in China last year, with a market share estimated at 22 % versus 34 % for Alibaba and 18 % for Tencent, according the market research organizations and industry sources. With a market share of about 5 %, Huawei came in fifth overall.

Digital power: Sales were up 24.4 % to account for 8 % of the total in 2024. Inverters, battery storage, AI efficiency optimization, and power grid integration for solar energy, data center power supplies and cooling systems, motor/powertrain design for electric vehicles, mobile telecom base station power supplies, lithium-ion batteries for telecom, renewable energy and microgrids, and cloud-computing energy management systems are some of the products.

Huawei creates prefabricated modular data centers that are housed in dust, water, extreme temperatures, and shock-proof metal containers the size of shipping containers for remote and harsh environments. Dozens of these modular data centers have been deployed in Saudi Arabia.

Automotive products: Sales increased by 5.7 times to account for 7.1 % of the total in 2024. Products include integrated motor/inverter systems and HarmonyOS for vehicles, as well as the Pangu AI model for urban and highway driving.

These are provided to several Chinese automakers. According to market research firms and industry sources, Huawei’s share of China’s market for autonomous vehicle technology is between 25 % and 30 %.

Other goods: In 2024, sales increased by 70.0 % to 5.8 % total. Medical devices, industrial sensors, 5G modems for use with robots and drones, augmented reality glasses and displays, and other products that do not fit conveniently into other segments.

Solutions: Huawei data, Asia Times table.

Huawei’s R&amp, D budget has increased from 15 % to 20 % of its sales since 2021, up from 15 % to 15 % in the prior two years.

The company spent a lot of money on advanced semiconductor technology, the HarmonyOS NEXT mobile operating system, 6G, and quantum computing, but the figure for 2024 as a whole increased to 20.8 %, but in Q4 it increased to 25 %.

In addition, it recorded expenses related to the replacement of imported components with Chinese alternatives and the cancellation of contracts in Europe due to sanctions, wrote down 4G inventory, and cut prices to compete with Apple, Alibaba and Tencent.

In the end, net profit fell to zero in the fourth quarter of the year as a result. However, the financial decks were cleared for what appears to be a challenging 2025 and the full-year results were in line with management’s expectations.

Follow this writer on&nbsp, X: @ScottFo83517667

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Malaysia semiconductor IC Design Park strengthens global semiconductor collaboration with Brazil and AWS

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  • Collaboration shows M’sia’s push to result in transistor innovation &amp, talent
  • Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia associates with ChipInventor on expertise programs

Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park marked a key milestone in global semiconductor collaboration with new strategic partnerships involving Brazil, Chip Inventor, and Amazon Web Services ( AWS). Supported by the Embassy of Brazil in Malaysia, Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Innovation Diplomacy Programme, the announcement was made during the” Delivering Next Gen of Chip Builders” function, focused on business coaching, personal conversations, and cross-border assistance.

This partnership underscores Malaysia’s motivation to result in semiconductor development and talent development. The Malaysia-Brazil collaboration aims to strengthen ties in IC design and manufacturing, combining Malaysia’s strong ecosystem with Brazil’s design expertise to help joint investments, technology transfer, and local leadership.

Highlighting local innovation, Alphaswift Industries—a top winner of the 7th Selangor Accelerator Programme ( SAP ) by Sidec—successfully designed and prototyped a silicon chip using Chip Inventor’s cloud-based EDA platform. The device is now available for processing at Silterra, showcasing Malaysian startups ‘ growing function in the global device business. The progress was demonstrated lived by Alphaswift CEO Dr Shian Lee and ChipInventor development boss Dr Rafael Vidal Aroca.

To further create native talent, the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia is partnering with ChipInventor on programs like the National Semiconductor Excellence Programme and Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme. These aim to provide students and professionals with important skills in microprocessor style, testing, and confirmation.

Chip Inventor’s system, hosted on AWS’s high-performance facilities in Malaysia, enables safe and flexible chip design processes. This not only strengthens Malaysia’s online ecosystem but also supports international implementation of cloud-based semiconductor devices. The AWS Asia Pacific ( Malaysia ) Region plays a key role in accelerating local digital transformation.

Together with Brazil, Chip Inventor, AWS, and ASEM, Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park continues to position itself as a catalyst for global semiconductor growth—driven by innovation, skilled talent, and international collaboration.

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MyEG and Beitou IT Innovation to establish flagship China – Asean AI lab

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  • For cross-border, geographically appropriate use, Lab will combine bitcoin, AI, and automation.
  • Deepseek, DJI, Leju Robot, Huawei, Alibaba &amp, Heitech Padu, and other key people are involved.

MYEG group managing director, TS Wong (second from the left), signs the partnership agreement with Beitou IT Innovation group chairman, Lai Shuiping (second from the right), witnessed by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (first from the left), and the Governor of Guangxi Government, Lan Tianli (first from the right).

MY E. G. Services Berhad ( MyEG), one of Malaysia’s top digital services providers, has agreed to jointly establish the Malaysia–China AI Innovation and Cooperation Center as the flagship China–Asean AI Lab under the terms of the agreement signed with Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Investment Group Co., Ltd. ( Beitou IT Innovation ). This engagement supports the governments of Malaysia and China’s desire to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence.

Lan Tianli, the government of the Guangxi state, and Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the minister of purchase, industry, and industry, both publicly witnessed the trade of the agreement.

MyEG and Beitou IT Innovation, a wholly owned position sector of the Guangxi Autonomous Region Government, were chosen to collaborate on the creation of a unique G2G test in conjunction with the drafting of a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on AI growth. Leading AI organizations from China and Asean are collaborating on the development of localized AI solutions and cross-border applications through the program.

Major players like China’s Deepseek, technology and aircraft manufacturers DJI and Leju Robot, Huawei Technologies, Alibaba Group, and Malaysian IT service company Heitech Padu Berhad, among another, will also be a part of the AI laboratory, which will be spearheaded by MyEG.

The facility, which is located at Petaling Jaya’s Zetrix Tower ( previously MYEG Tower ), will concentrate on integrating generative AI, technology, and blockchain technologies with an emphasis on cross-border use cases and AI customization that are rooted in local values and culture. The second service, which will start with Guangxi Province, will be a result of Malaysia and China’s agreement to recognize federal online IDs.

With the help of this service, Malaysian people can use their MyDigital ID for a variety of Guangxi-related ID verification purposes, especially for KYC needs at financial organizations and tourist attractions. In Malaysia, Chinese immigrants’ digital IDs will also be recognized.

The Guangxi provincial government has set aside US$ 1.38 billion ( RM$ 6.14 billion ) through an investment portfolio to create these tasks as part of the China-Asean program to help this work.

As Guangxi’s most important digital technology company, we are happy to link China’s Artificial resources, including open-source LLMs, AI applications, and talent, with use cases from both the public and private sectors, as well as education in Malaysia and Asean. We are convinced that AI will increase productivity across the area by working closely with our colleagues in China and Malaysia, according to Beitou IT Innovation team president Lai Shuiping.

” MyEG is honored to be chosen by both institutions to lead this important initiative. We are well-positioned to provide next-generation, state-of-the-art solutions as a result of the integration of blockchain, robotics, and AI, which is launching a new wave of revolutionary services. We look forward to extending this agreement to another Asean nations, according to MyEG team managing director TS Wong.

The Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China are among the key Chinese government organizations and organizations that have established exclusive partnerships with MyEG to position Zetrix, its open layer-1 bitcoin system, as the chosen platform for developing cutting-edge Web3 and AI programs that can enhance cross-border transactions.

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TECHtalks: Malaysia tackles AI adoption fears amid push to become high-tech nation

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  • Malaysia leads region in tech talent despite local doubts over AI readiness
  • Minister urges the workforce to embrace AI as an enabler while building technological sovereignty

Malaysia aims to become a high-tech nation by 2030, but must overcome challenges of scepticism and AI anxiety while leveraging its strengths in science and engineering talent.

During the TECHtalks event held at Universiti Malaya yesterday, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, addressed concerns about Malaysia’s technological readiness while highlighting the country’s current ranking of 33rd out of 133 countries in the 2024 Global Innovation Index.

“We want to be a high-tech nation by 2030,” Chang stated, while confronting several challenges facing the nation’s technological ambitions.

Dispelling local talent cynicism

Chang countered widespread scepticism about Malaysia’s talent capacity by highlighting that within the Global Innovation Index’s 82 sub-indicators, Malaysia ranks first in three categories: percentage of science and engineering graduates, high-tech exports, and creative goods exports.

“Our problem is fear. We always fear that we are losing out,” Chang said. “We thought that we are not good enough, that others are better. This is a very wrong perception.”

Addressing AI workforce anxiety

The minister also addressed anxieties surrounding AI potentially replacing the Malaysian workforce.

“Whenever there’s new emerging technology, people would be really anxious about being replaced, but I can assure you that is not going to happen. AI is an enabler,” the minister assured.

“We have the ability to continuously learn, which cannot be replaced by any technology,” he added.

With 97% of Malaysian companies being SMEs and only 13% having adopted AI technology, Chang emphasised the importance of maintaining an open mind and learning new skills such as AI, robotics, or coding.

“You just need to know a little bit more than your profession,” Chang advised.

The real impact of AI on employment

Ts Habsah Nordin, Petronas’s Head of AI Centre of Excellence, shared key findings from Talentcorp during the event. “620,000 jobs, about 17-18% of the 3.5 million jobs, are expected to be impacted,” she said, clarifying that “impacted” doesn’t necessarily mean job losses, but rather the creation of new types of jobs.

According to the World Economic Forum, 22% of global jobs will undergo restructuring by 2030. A Forbes article further indicates that 70% of jobs will experience skill shifts by 2030 due to AI impact, with 29% of core job skills changing due to AI advancements.

“Therefore, if we do not disrupt ourselves, AI will disrupt us,” Habsah warned.

“Even at my age, in order to undertake the role of being the Head of AI Centre of Excellence, I felt that I needed to equip myself with the right competency, so I went for my certification as an AI transformation leader in the US,” she added.

Five types of agility needed

Habsah outlined five essential types of agility needed to navigate the paradigm shifts caused by AI:

  1. Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own capabilities and limitations
  2. Mental agility: Thinking critically and navigating complexity
  3. People agility: Working differently and collaboratively across changing roles
  4. Change agility: Navigating through evolution of change through both mindset and productive learning
  5. Results agility: Rapidly building results with tangible outcomes

Malaysia’s nascent AI sovereignty

While the government remains committed to transforming Malaysia into a high-tech nation, scepticism surrounding AI adoption and advancement persists among Malaysians, alongside concerns about overdependence on foreign investors for technological development.

During a Q&A session, Zach Othman, co-founder and CEO of AI startup Lekir Tech, raised concerns about Malaysia’s AI sovereignty, noting the country’s dependence on foreign technology such as Amazon Web Services, which forms the core framework of many local products.

Chang acknowledged this challenge: “At the moment, it’s not easy to talk about AI sovereignty because we are at a very nascent stage where our priority is to develop the technology, make our population more AI-savvy, and increase the adoption of AI, as well as trying to help our AI startups to flourish.”

“However, we are also developing our own large language model so that we can have our own set of data instead of relying entirely on our foreign investors,” he added.

Government investment in AI education

The minister also revealed that following last year’s RM20 million allocation to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to establish an AI faculty, the government will commit an additional RM50 million to five universities for specialised AI development in different sectors.

These include Universiti Malaya (AI in medicine), Universiti Putra Malaysia (cybersecurity), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (large language models), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (semiconductors).

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Empowering Asean micro, small and medium enterprises on TikTok Shop

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  • aims to give MSMEs the ability to use electronic skills
  • Parties will work together to bring together their expertise to help the region advance modern transformation

Through a new collaboration with the Asean Foundation and the Asean Business Advisory Council ( Asean-BAC ), TikTok Shop is furthering its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ) in Southeast Asia. This partnership brings the Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers ( SOAR ) Together initiative of TikTok Shop to the region, which aims to provide MSMEs with essential digital skills.

MSMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth, especially within underserved communities, as the foundation of Asean’s business. Through our relationship with the Asean Foundation and Asean-BAC, we are continuing our determination to advance these businesses by providing practical training in e-commerce, life marketing, online advertising, and business growth through the TikTok Shop platform, said Chanida Klyphun, director of Southeast Asia public policy at TikTok.

It is appropriate that we are launching this program during Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 in support of the theme of” Inclusivity and Sustainability,” she continued with the intention of bolstering businesses and encouraging greater inclusivity and sustainable growth.

Through this partnership, TikTok Shop, the Asean Foundation, and Asean-BAC will use their complementary expertise to promote digital transformation and economic inclusion in the region. Through TikTok Shop, the program will provide customized support to the participating MSMEs, enabling them to grow both their local and regional operations and creative ventures.

This initiative also aligns with the Asean Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025, which aims to develop SMEs into globally successful and innovative businesses, and with the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025, which emphasizes information and communication technology ( ICT) as a key driver of regional economic and social transformation.

MSMEs continue to be a significant contributor to employment growth, income contribution, and economic resilience. Around 70 million MSMEs make up 97.2 % to 99.9 % of the total business establishments in Asean, accounting for roughly 70 million. Despite their significance, many MSMEs still face persistent challenges, including those relating to limited funding, business development skills, and market connectivity. These issues are issues that the SOAR Together programme aims to address.

The application process is open to eligible MSMEs in Asean countries. Participants will get access to targeted capacity-building workshops on digital business skills, in-depth analysis from TikTok Shop experts, hands-on live selling training, networking opportunities, and policy-making opportunities with other business owners, policymakers, and stakeholders from the region.

Here is more information about the Asean SOAR Together program. Business owners may apply here.

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Hoopi secures seed funding led by Creative Gorilla Capital

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  • In 2025, expand to Indonesia & Thailand from Malaysia & Singapore.
  • Funds will be used to increase the system’s user base and promote regional growth.

Hoopi Holdings Pte Ltd ( Hoopi), a platform for collectibles and trading cards, has completed its first institutional funding round led by Creative Gorilla Capital ( CGC), a Jakarta-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer-facing businesses. The investment may help Hoopi expand its core services and user ecosystem, facilitating growth in Southeast Asia.

Hoopi’s founders identified a business opportunity in Southeast Asia’s scattered doll collectibles and buying cards marketplace, which is characterized by concerns over authenticity and transparency. They had considerable innovative backgrounds in the gaming industry. The company offers a comprehensive set of services, including a consumer-to-consumer industry, native card grading services, and gamified experiences for unique, high-value collectibles.

Also, Hoopi is working with Robbi Art, a superior toy collectable brand known for its limited-edition figurines for the East Asian market.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is estimated to be worth US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, and it is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 3 %, increasing to US$ 7 billion ( MYR 31.50 billion ) by 2030. There are several important factors that are driving this progress. The prominent position of sentimentality and emotional connection that are essential to the industry’s expansion are frequently invoked by cherished memories and a sense of individual history. Collectibles and childhood trading card games frequently help people feel nostalgic and connected to their past. These things offer stability and comfort, which keep many people coming back for more despite economic confusion.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is expected to grow to US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, growing to US$ 31.50 billion by 2030, with a 3 % Rate. The main vehicles are personal associations and memories, as collectibles evoke fond thoughts and a sense of personal history.

Also, the market benefits from a community-driven tradition, with passionate fans participating in tournaments, forums, and events that maintain interest and inspire creativity. Also, items are increasingly viewed as other investments, with unique items increasingly being viewed as assets with long-term price. These elements aid in the market’s endurance in the face of economic issues.

Hoopi has gained popularity since its official release in September 2024, and as of February 2025, it had roughly US$ 2.25 million in gross products value as a result of more than 40, 000 paid orders placed. More than 3, 000 registered retailers and more than 20, 000 active users are currently a part of the program. It is already in use in Singapore and Malaysia, and it intends to expand there in April 2025, with Thailand expected to follow later this month.

Michael, the company’s CEO and co-founder, praised this progress, saying,” The funding from CGC has strengthened Hoopi’s primary corporate pillars and supported the establishment of its growing presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and immediately Indonesia, marked by the upcoming release of the Hoopi Store in Jakarta.

I’m confident that Hoopi and its integrated ecosystem are uniquely positioned to redefine and lead the collectibles experience in Southeast Asia, he said, supported by an established supply and distribution network, consistent GMV growth, soon-to-be-launched offline physical stores, and our proprietary in-house grading service, Grade Master.

Meanwhile, Benz Julio Budiman, managing partner at CGC, stated that he is confident that Southeast Asia’s trading cards and collectibles market will experience significant growth, helped by the region’s dynamic gaming culture, and by the region’s rapid digital adoption. Hoopi’s creative strategies, commitment to community engagement, and focus on sustained value creation enable it to succeed in generating sustainable revenue streams despite the region’s macroeconomic volatility.

I have full confidence in the founding team’s ability to address market complexities and propel Hoopi toward profitability because of their deep industry expertise and proven success scaling previous ventures. I’m confident that Hoopi will continue to innovate in the trading cards and collectibles industry, leading to significant market share and contributing to shaping Southeast Asia’s future,” he added.

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Ingram Micro on navigating the future of virtualization

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  • Panel discussion with various market officials about the potential of virtualization for IT companies.
  • Workouts from Sangfor Technologies, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Nutanix, and Virtuozzo &

(From Left) Keith Lee, Cloud Business Director Sangfor Technologies; Vijayan Selvam, Services Delivery Manager, Ingram Micro Malaysia; Thet Htun Aung, ASEAN Leader (AVS, Azure Infra & SAP) Microsoft; Surak Thammarak, Systems Engineering Manager for Thailand & GEMS Nutanix; Miguel Rivera, Infrastructure Solutions Group Director, Dell Technologies; Yoon Kam Fei, Executive Managing Director, Ingram Micro Malaysia; Deepak Waghmare, APJC, Chief Technology Officer, Dell Technologies; and, Ahmed Amni, Vice President of APJ Sales & Global Business Development, Virtuozzo.

Ingram Micro Malaysia just hosted a panel dialogue on The Future of Virtualization in partnership with Sangfor Technologies, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Nutanix, and Virtuozzo. By definition, cloud entails creating simulated environments and virtual representations of actual systems like backup, networks, operating systems, servers, and various components. These business experts came to terms with their points of view and agreed that while there are difficulties, there are ways to slow down market changes.

Ahmed Amni, vice president of APJ Sales & Global Business Development at Virtuozzo, Keith Lee, head of Dell Technologies ‘ Asia-Pacific Business Unit, Miguel Rivera, director of infrastructure solutions group at Dell Technologies, Thet Htun Aung, ASEAN Leader ( AVS, Azure Infra and SAP ), and Surak Thammarak, systems engineer for Thailand & GEMS Nutanix.

As a leading technology firm for the international information technology ecosystem, Ingram Micro Malaysia distributes various cloud options that provide consumers with a full set of options. Ingram Micro Malaysia’s senior managing director Yoon Kam Fei, who likewise moderated the panel, stated that the purpose of holding a combined panel discussion with key industry players to shed light on the future of virtualization and the methods we can use to stay lean and to meet the needs of contemporary enterprises.

He added that users are searching for digitally reusable, cost-effective alternatives to cloud. Customers can examine the options these vendors have available to them in order to support a prosperous migration path through this debate.

According to Yoon, CIOs and IT professionals are constantly faced with the difficult task of managing ever-increasing IT costs and would need assistance in determining the appropriate technologies for their particular surroundings in the next few months and mid-term of more than three to five years.

Ahmed of Virtuozzo claimed that the business offers freedom to the business by switching from a custom solution to a scalable open-source option that can be integrated into the patient’s ecosystem. In order for customers to avoid feeling tied to a particular vendor if they wish to switch out of a particular supplier in the future, Lee agreed that it is crucial for them to work with vendors with an empty ecosystem.

Customers may be concerned about chance if they switch platforms, according to Dell’s Rivera. Companies would want to safeguard the investments they have already made, so we are here to assist and provide assessments. The cost of movement can be expensive.

While there are many options available, There are pros and cons, according to Thet of Microsoft, and distributors must take into account various factors when making decisions. As a result, vendors must play a vital role as trusted advisors to users based on their business needs.

Surak observed the revolutionary tendency of developing hybrid multi-cloud and cloud-native applications as well as an increase in the use of fog services and open-source systems.

Collectively, panelists identified key elements that could influence the success of any of their solutions, and they all agreed that one of the important elements is having a local reputation on the market to provide prompt assistance. This team may include distant support, delivery, and operational specialists. Participants stressed the need to convince customers of the power inherent in their systems and proven track record of client references and success stories in order to build trust among indecisive customers.

The participants concurred that the participants should complement one another rather than compete to be successful. With no one-size-fits-all approach, offering the best solution to customers may focus on each use case and business outcome. The key to achieving success is to develop a unique solution that can be used to join the business needs of the client. &nbsp,

To learn more about Ingram Micro Malaysia and how it supports your business ‘ virtualization journey, visit https ://my .ingrammicro-asia.com/.&nbsp or email [email&nbsp, protected].

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Sachin Chawla to lead MongoDB in India and Asean

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  • joined MongoDB to take over the Indian business in February 2022.
  • has more than 20 years of sales encounter, including positions at AWS and BMC Software.

In order to promote growth and customer value in both the Indian and Asean markets, MongoDB, the world’s leading database for modern applications, has announced Sachin Chawla ( pic ).

Sachin joined MongoDB in February 2022 to guide the India firm, having held leadership positions at Amazon Web Services and BMC Software. Working with clients like Tata Digital, Canara HSBC, Zepto, Zomato, and Intellect AI, he has played a crucial role in driving strong growth in the area since then. Sachin will travel to Singapore as part of his expanded position.

Over the past three decades, there has been a 70 % increase in staff at MongoDB India, in addition to a number of initiatives, including a national efforts to provide more than 500, 000 individuals with crucial data and AI knowledge.

MongoDB now has a strong reputation throughout Asean as the nation’s leading contemporary document database provider. Along with having a sizable and active designer group, Aktivo Labs, Dkatalis, M-DAQ, and Grab are just a few examples of its growing clientele in the region.

MongoDB stands out as a leader in the adoption of AI across APAC for its ability to support various workloads, adequacy of data management, and speed up application modernization. Businesses are now able to stay on top of their needs with the development of a thoroughly integrated, AI-ready information program.

” Asean and India each have expansive developer communities and active business climates. Both are perfectly positioned for expansion in the Artificial period. I’m convinced that Sachin will be the right person to develop MongoDB’s appearance in Asean and offer true value to our customers, teams, and partners,” said Simon Eid, senior vice president of APAC at MongoDB.

MongoDB recently expanded the MongoDB Atlas presence in Southeast Asia, launching aid for AWS areas in Thailand and Malaysia. The decision comes in response to a significant increase in the area, where personnel has increased by over 200 % in the last two years.

” I’m proud of the group we’ve assembled in India and the positive impact our efforts have had on local clients who are developing revolutionary software. I’m energized by the possibilities that lie ahead in Asean now that AI is popular. It’s exciting at this time for these two areas, Sachin said, using technology like MongoDB.

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Cinch raises US.8 mil to expand device-as-a-service platform across Asia

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  • To create an OS for robust system membership, money will be used.
  • claims it has reduced e-waste, increased value for consumers & businesses, and increased it affordability

The leadership team at Cinch

Cinch, the largest device-as-a-service ( DaaS ) platform in Asia, has announced a funding round of up to USD$ 28.8 million ( RMRM 129 million ) to expand its subscription-based tech ecosystem. Monk’s Hill Ventures led the large, while Faeda Ventures, 1982 Ventures, Ratio Ventures, DCG, Feedback Ventures, and Z Venture Capital also participated.

This boost will help Cinch advance toward the development of a distributed elliptical machine at scale, opening the door to technology that enables distributors, telcos, and retailers to easily integrate device subscriptions into their current sales and service models.

Access to devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets is made possible by Cinch’s subscription model, which is flexible, affordable, and responsible. Consumers can switch to the most recent technologies with affordable monthly rates, avoiding long-term contracts and upfront costs. Cinch simplifies system purchasing, financing, and lifecycle management for businesses, maximizing both cost and efficiency.

The company uses a circular subscription design to minimize economic impact while maximizing device life. Cinch claims that repurposing and repurposing equipment throughout several lifetimes will reduce e-waste and increase the price of goods both for consumers and businesses. Cinch claims its amazing system combines embedded financing, active costs intelligence, and automated lifecycle management, ensuring capital efficiency while enabling devices to produce long-term value beyond a single ownership cycle.

Modify and responsible disposal are incorporated into the base of engineering consumption, according to the company, which improves economic accessibility and supports international sustainability goals.

” Tech is changing the way people consume it. Cinch is leading the movement toward round software due to rising costs, funding gaps, and growing regulatory strain on e-waste. Beyond a system, we’re tying the dots between Asia’s facilities for a green tech economy, according to Mahir Hamid, CEO and co-founder of Cinch.

The business has quickly established itself as Asia’s largest spiral tech provider, enabling sustainable distribution of high-quality products at level across essential markets. Samsung Electronics Singapore is one of its key partners, and Cinch was recently announced as its standard membership mate for the Galaxy S25 Series in Singapore. Shoppers may pay a monthly fee for Samsung’s premier smartphone that comes with harm security and an upgrade choice at the end of the word.

Working with Cinch, we’ve chosen to support our sustainability goals while also offering our customers in Singapore a flexible and economical option to own our most recent products. The brand’s important goal is to achieve tool incoherence for our goods throughout their whole life cycles, and Cinch’s device-as-a-service supports this goal while keeping the aspirations of consumers to have access to the most recent technological innovations in the market, according to Timothy Tan, director and head of integrated B2B, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

Cinch works at the intersection of upholding consumer aspirations, promoting industry digitalization, and promoting environmental sustainability. These value propositions are particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, where young people and a growing middle class aspire to own the newest devices, and where businesses are rapidly digitalizing through mobile technology, according to Kuo-Yi Lim, co-founder and managing partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures.

This also extends the life of electronic devices and reduces e-waste, making it ultimately a win-win-win for everyone. We are pleased to be a key member of the Cinch team in this crucial mission, he continued.

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