MDV strengthens fintech partnership with Capbay through US1.2 mil facility to boost SME growth 

  • Attempts to increase supply chain banking solutions, provide financial products to M’sian SMEs&nbsp,
  • CapBay facilitated over US$ 813M in funding, with US$ 239M in Shariah-compliant cash

Left to Right: CapBay directors Darrel Ang, Dion Tan, Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff (Chairman), Ang Xing Xian (CEO), Jasmine Lau, and Edwin Tan celebrate RM1 billion financing journey

Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad ( MDV), a leading fintech company specializing in Peer-to-Peer ( P2P ) financing and supply chain finance, announced the continuation and expansion of its strategic partnership. MDV is extending a new US$ 1.2 million ( RM5 million ) facility to CapBay to further support tech-driven SMEs and improve access to alternative financing solutions.

MDV second partnered with CapBay in 2021 by providing a pilot account for purchase through CapBay’s P2P system. This fund, aligned with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s ( MOSTI ) 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy ( MySTIE ) framework, aimed to support the industry’s recovery from the pandemic. The captain account has since grown six-fold, demonstrating MDV’s trust in CapBay’s revolutionary approach to Business funding and its powerful performance.

CapBay, globally recognised for its leadership in fintech, has facilitated over US$ 813 million ( RM3.4 billion ) in financing, including US$ 239 million ( RM1 billion ) in Shariah-compliant funding, benefiting 1, 800 SMEs across 20 industries. Featured in CNBC and Statista’s Global Fintech Companies list ( 2023 and 2024 ) and ranked 30th on the FT High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2024 list, CapBay has achieved an 18x expansion and a 166 % compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) from 2019 to 2022.

]RM1 = US$ 0.29 ]

Through its Multi-Bank Supply Chain Finance system, CapBay has transformed SME funding in Malaysia since its founding in 2017. It uses AI-powered credit rating, advanced information study, and machine learning to evaluate SMEs that are frequently overlooked by traditional lenders. With this strategy, CapBay is able to offer targeted financing while still maintaining a default rate of less than 0.3 %. CapBay’s P2P platform, which is licensed by the Securities Commission Malaysia, gives investors access to private credit deals with average net returns of up to 8.3 % annually while strategically diversifying funds across multiple financing notes to reduce risks and maximize returns.

The new RM5 million facility highlights MDV’s confidence in CapBay’s ability to provide effective financing solutions for startups and SMEs, particularly those battling traditional funding. With this partnership, CapBay intends to expand its supply chain financing offerings and offer creative financial solutions to Malaysian SMEs. These funds will enable the business to keep providing alternative financing options to Malaysian SMEs, many of whom are battling traditional banks to obtain loans. This aligns with MDV’s long-term goal of leveraging digital fundraising platforms to diversify financing options for technology-based companies.

” Our partnership with CapBay underscores MDV’s commitment to driving innovation in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving FinTech landscape”, said Rizal Fauzi, CEO of MDV. ” As SMEs face challenges accessing traditional financing, especially in the tech sector, we are facilitating critical funding that empowers these businesses to scale, innovate, and contribute to Malaysia’s economic resilience and growth. This partnership is a sign of our belief that underserved businesses can benefit from the potential of digital finance.

Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff, chairman of CapBay, also expressed gratitude for MDV’s continued support. ” We deeply value MDV’s continued support and confidence in CapBay’s vision. The significant advancements we are making in the transformation of SME financing are reflected in our ongoing partnership with MDV. This collaboration provides meaningful opportunities for growth for us to promote innovation that targets underserved businesses. We are working together to promote long-term economic resilience and competitiveness in Malaysia by supporting SMEs ‘ success and also by creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

The collaboration between MDV and CapBay demonstrates a mutual commitment to fostering innovation in the financial industry. Through CapBay’s platform, MDV is helping technology-based SMEs access alternative financing solutions, overcoming traditional funding barriers and achieving sustainable growth.

Fintech, in our opinion, is revolutionizing the future of finance by providing novel ways to expand access to capital and help businesses succeed in a fast-paced digital world. We are confident in our ability to help underserved SMEs overcome traditional financing obstacles and accelerate their growth as MDV continues to champion forward-thinking partners like CapBay, said Rizal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malaysia match strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Midwest Composites set to compete in Startup World Cup Grand Finale

  • Midwest Composites may compete for the US$ 1 million royal prize.
  • Company will angle in front of international investors, network with leading VCs

(From left): Cradle Fund Group CEO, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke; Midwest Composites CEO, Sethu Raaj; Growth Charger director, Iskandar Shafi’i and Pegasus Tech Ventures Investor, Yonathan Vincent Xavier.

The Malaysia Finals of Startup World Cup 2024 coincided with Malaysia’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, reflecting the country’s aspirations to become a leader in the global startup ecosystem by 2030, as outlined in the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap ( SUPER ) 2021-2030.

A total of ten high-potential startups, selected from a dynamic pool, presented their enterprise solutions across sectors such as learning technology, healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, and online platforms. These winners, chosen for their impressive techniques and market-ready options, impressed a panel of judges, including business leaders and owners from MDEC, The Hive Southeast Asia, Iris Capital Partners, Artem Ventures, Ignite Asia, MRANTI, and Sunway iLabs.

” Growth Charger is pleased to announce that Midwest Composites has won the Startup World Cup ( Malaysia ) 2024. Their success is a bible to the company ecosystem’s ability and creativity in Malaysia. As they head to Silicon Valley this October, we believe they will make a strong impact on the global stage and compete for a US$ 1 million ( RM4.35&nbsp, million ) investment. &nbsp, We are glad to Pegasus Tech Ventures, &nbsp, &nbsp, administrator of Startup World Cup 2024, and our colleagues for making this trip possible”, said Iskandar Shafi’i, producer and co-founder of Development Charger.

Sethu Raaj, CEO of Midwest Composites, said,” We are glad to have been selected as Malaysia’s official to the Startup World Cup in San Francisco. We look forward to demonstrating to the earth that Malay startups are world-class and have inventions that are comparable to those in any world ecosystem.

However, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, said,” We are glad to help the skill and creativity demonstrated by our local companies at the Malaysia Finals of this year’s Startup World Cup. We at Cradle continue to look into ways and opportunities to display some of our top Malaysian businesses on the global stage, such as this Startup World Cup. These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering and enabling these initiatives to realize their full potential both locally and globally, helping the nation achieve its goal of being one of the top 20 global company communities. Midwest Composites receives our sincere congratulations and wishes them the best of luck as they prepare to compete in San Francisco’s royal finals.

The event was supported by numerous key ecosystem players, including Cyberview and MDEC as strategic partners, WORQ and CloudMile as ecosystem partners, and supporting partners such as Invest Selangor, The Hive Southeast Asia, Gobi Partners, Iris Capital Partners, Curine Ventures, Kumpulan Modal Perdana ( KMP), Artem Ventures, Sunway iLabs, Ficus Capital, Ignite Asia, Indelible Ventures, TRIVE, Antler, International Medical University ( IMU), Endeavor, JomHack, NTT Group, NTT Startup Challenge, and Nestspace.

Shafinaz Salim, brain of Cyberview’s Tech Hub Development Division, said,” The Startup World Cup Championship is a testament to the amazing talent and vision of companies who are shaping Malaysia’s potential. We are thrilled to see Midwest Composites, a startup from our current Cyberview Living Lab® Accelerator ( CLLA ) cohort, emerge as the champion. We would also like to thank Vidanex and Faradays Energy, even from our present group, along with two of our students, Pandai and MengajiOnline, for making the list of winners. This success highlights their extraordinary skill and entrepreneurial spirit, underscoring the importance of supporting and nurturing them in their potential as Malaysia’s “next rainbows”

To promote a vibrant startup habitat in Malaysia,” CloudMile and Growth Charger work together.” With the goal of promoting the Malaysia business field, we provide the resources and tools they need to succeed. Madani Malaysia”! said Lester Leong, Country Manager of CloudMile Malaysia.

The Startup World Cup is a worldwide competition that connects company communities all over the world. The Malaysia Finals of the Startup World Cup 2024 represent a significant phase in Malaysia’s quest to become a global technology superstar because local championships are held abroad. &nbsp, Growth Charger, a company pedal and embryo, hosted the Malaysia Finals, with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd as the Title Partner. The Asia School of Business ( ASB ) hosted the competition.

For more details about the Startup World Cup Malaysia Finals 2024, please visit: https ://www.growthcharger.com/startup-world-cup-malaysia-growth-charger-…

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MyDigital, Bursa Malaysia pen Memorandum of Collaboration to drive ESG innovations through digital transformation

  • signed MoUs with 5 PLCs in Malaysia
  • MoC helps govt’s push for companies to promote ESG goals through online transition

Left to Right: Gobind Singh Deo, minister of Digital; Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation; Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia; and Abdul Farid Alias, senior independent non-executive director of Bursa Malaysia at the Memorandum of Collaboration Signing Ceremony Between MyDIGITAL Corporation and Bursa Malaysia.

MyDigital Corporation and Bursa Malaysia Berhad have entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration ( MoC ) to empower Public Listed Companies ( PLCs ) in Malaysia to achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) goals through the adoption of digital technologies. Through the Malaysia Centre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge, which was announced last month, the MoC formalizes the two factions ‘ previous engagement.

The MoC was signed by Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, and Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation and head of the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution ( MYCentre4IR ). The filing meeting was witnessed by Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia, and Abdul Farid al Alias, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Bursa Malaysia.

The MoC supports companies in accelerating their ESG excursion through online transformation by working with the government through the Ministry of Digital. In particular, there is an emphasis on the need for Fourth Industrial Revolution ( 4IR ) technologies to be at the forefront of this transformation, enabling corporates to address pressing challenges, the parties stated in a statement.

Under the context of the MoC, MyDigital Corporation and Bursa Malaysia did examine a range of activities, including:

    Co-Authoring Thought Leadership Publications: Leveraging the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution ( MYCentre4IR ) network, in affiliation with the World Economic Forum ( The Forum ), to produce content on sustainability, green supply chain management, digital transformation, and other related fields.

  1. Best Practices Exchange: Facilitating information exchange between Bursa Malaysia, MYCentre4IR, and The Forum on important matters related to conservation and natural activities.
  2. Hosting the Malaysia Centre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge: An development issue that connects Malaysian PLCs with vivid imaginations and promising companies and entrepreneurs from all over the world. The objective is to find creative solutions that address business issues, which might lead to an increase in business competitiveness and benefiting businesses and the atmosphere.

Gobind commented,” This event is testament to our government’s continued digital conversion trip. Additionally, it demonstrates the government’s strong desire to place ecology at the center of our growth plans.

He added,” I was pleased to read that the article addressed Bursa Malaysia’s requirement for publicly-listed companies to disclose their sustainability practices in their annual reports. In truth, the article also highlighted the Malaysia Centre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge. The initiative exemplifies how partnerships and innovation can contribute to important environmental progress, the organization continued.

Commenting on the engagement, Umar Swift said,” At the Exchange, we have long recognised online acceleration as a vital enabler for driving sustainable development and competitive benefit among Indonesian companies. This MoC with MyDigital Corporation is a positive move in our efforts to spread the concept that ESG and digitalization go hand in hand to promote sustainable development.

” We anticipate that the collaboration’s activities will encourage and motivate more businesses to use digitalization features to enhance their entire ecology performance and operational efficiency,” he added.

Adrian Marcellus remarked,” Tomorrow’s MoC with Bursa Malaysia is a crucial step in our shared goal to improve conservation through electronic technology. We want to promote sustainability and collaborate to create a more adaptable and future-ready modern surroundings by leveraging MYCentre4IR’s partnership with the World Economic Forum.

” We look forward to the Malaysia Centre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge and the thought-leadership and capacity-building activities that will be part of this partnership with our anchor business lovers,” he continued.

MoUs with 5 Malaysian PLCs

At the signing of the MoC, MyDigital Corporation also signed Memoranda of Understanding with five Malaysian PLCs, including CJ Century Logistics Holdings Berhad, Globetronics Technology Berhad, Malayan Banking Berhad, REDtone Digital Berhad, and Sunway Innovation Labs ( representing Sunway Group ).

These MoUs are an extension of the preceding MYCentre4IR Innovation Challenge. On November 7, 2024, the Innovation Challenge will result with a Demo Day at Bursa Malaysia, where five of the most promising suggestions may receive funding opportunities for pilot projects as well as access to a community of business leaders and traders.

Visit the Malaysia Centre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge’s website for more details and how to take part.

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MDEC’s FOX programme hits the spot for Respond.io and Juwai-IQI Holdings as they scale globally

Standfirst: MDEC’s FOX initiative builds adaptable firms with strong elements

Gerardo Salandra of Respond.io (2nd from left) speaking on a Gen AI panel at the recent Endeavor Future Forum 2.0

Gerardo Salandra and Georg Chmiel have many similarities, most notably their involvement in the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s ( MDEC ) Founders Centre of Excellence ( FOX ), a multifaceted initiative designed to promote the development of high-potential Malaysian tech companies.

The national strategic initiative of Malaysia Digital ( MD), which aims to promote and grow domestic tech companies to become unicorns by 2025, is a part of the FOX program. The Squirrel program assists these organizations by fostering a robust support system and providing targeted resources, as well as strengthening their business basics and proper capabilities.

Both Georg and Gerardo are Malaysian-born foreigners who are launching international firms in a quick manner. Despite being offered relocations by other nations, they decided to stay because they believed Malaysia offers everything they need to develop their startups, even before the Squirrel program was introduced in March 2023.

Gerardo, from El Salvador, started his Business-to-Business Software as a Service ( B2B SaaS ) company in Hong Kong and then, deciding that being in Hong Kong was not going to help him achieve his dream of building a global company, picked Malaysia as his base.

I met some MDEC people at a conference and learned about their amazing service, the Malaysian Tech Entrepreneurs Pass ( MTEP), which allowed me to obtain a five-year work visa for myself. I mean, five times? Nothing gives you a five-year immigration. That is enough time for me to develop a business”, he said. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

In contrast to Gerardo, Georg was now well-versed in Malaysia when he assumed the position of Group Managing Director of iProperty in the middle of 2010. Georg is now aiming to build his subsequent home tech success as co-founder and executive president of Juwai IQI Holdings after successfully witnessing the price of iProperty to Australia’s REA Group, where he previously served as CFO.

Georg has seen a lot of government programs designed to promote business growth, but also he is impressed by the FOX program despite having over 25 years of experience in actual estate across Australia, Asia, and now Malaysia. ” To placed it clearly, this is like joining a top concierge service. Simply ask a topic and you get pointed in the right direction”, he says.

Juwai IQI's senior leadership team together with MDEC representatives at the recent launch of Juwai IQI’s global headquarters

Besides the concierge-like services that he feels is a striking feature of MDEC’s FOX program, Georg, who does a good bit of exploring, has noticed anything interesting about the effects of the programme.

When I say we were chosen to be a part of the program and explain how it works, he says, “people see us diversely.” The development of the FOX program, which aims to aid in the growth of its businesses, demonstrates Malaysia’s desire to contribute more to the world’s modern economy. ” This opportunities Malaysia as an impressive state, in the eye of outside shareholders. And that gains us”, he explains. &nbsp,

That perception shift that Respond .’s testimonials demonstrate. Malaysia’s reputation is improved by Juwai IQI and Juwai IQ. However, MDEC’s work via the FOX program has assisted high-growth businesses to expand into global companies, and possibly unicorns. More businesses outside Malaysia may acquire Malaysia as their base to expand into global businesses as a result of the businesses ‘ decision to stay there after they achieve great success.

If the passionate comments from Georg and Gerardo is any indication, the FOX project, in this early stage, seems to be pressing all the right keys for its businesses.

It appears that the program thoroughly selects the businesses it needs to be assisting most. It continues to expand its reach, overcoming first failures with a lot of messages and information until it managed to grab Gerardo’s attention and convince him to sign up for the program.

Gerardo reflects,” As a leader, I understand the need for regular self-improvement and development. But as a business leader, the emails, messages, names, and discussions never seem to stop. When I return to the office after this meeting, I’ll be greeted with a stack of things demanding my interest. But, when is there time to focus on specific growth”?

With some very proper partnerships with international outfits, MDEC appears to have captured the attention of founders and their top leadership teams, making this a fact that the Squirrel program has integrated. &nbsp,

One of these engagements, with Ernst &amp, Young Malaysia ( EY Malaysia ), even changed Gerardo’s perception of consultants. You have a tendency to think that professionals are pricey and unable to deal with business challenges, so I would never have paid for them.

However, Gerardo and his management staff have come to appreciate the value of consultants because of his work with EY and the EY 7 Motorists of Growth Framework dynamic research conducted. ” And today, we do pay for consultants” .&nbsp, &nbsp,

Being connected to members who have effectively built B2B SaaS businesses like his was an even greater benefit of Gerardo’s subjection to his FOX program. This face it, not many people in Malaysia or the surrounding area may pertain to the difficulty of expanding a B2B company like me. Who may I call to make a enable request?

Gerardo has greatly benefitted from MDEC’s tie-up with Initiative via the Malay office in this regard. He was connected to the C-suite executive of a B2B SaaS business with a European address thanks to the Squirrel program. In order to pursue his goal of entering the Middle East market himself, he also had the opportunity to speak with the leader of a significant Middle Eastern company. Gerardo himself is currently pursuing joining Endeavor Malaysia despite having meetings that are ongoing and how valuable they were.

The Squirrel program strengthens Malaysia’s position to expand internationally and lead technical innovation by fostering strategic partnerships and constant outreach.

For more information on MDEC and its schemes, choose visit www. mdec.com. my

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MDEC’s FOX programme hits the spot for Rocketbots and Juwai-IQI Holdings as they scale globally 

  • Initiative aims to help firms expand growth, grow into global businesses
  • Helps high-potential businesses and boosts Malaysia’s world ramping and development

Gerardo Salandra of Respond.io (2nd from left) speaking on a Gen AI panel at the recent Endeavor Future Forum 2.0

Gerardo Salandra and Georg Chimel have a lot in common, most notably their participation in the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s ( MDEC ) Founders Centre of Excellence ( FOX ), a multifaceted program designed to promote the development of high-potential Malaysian based tech companies. &nbsp,

Both of them are foreigners who are rapidly expanding world businesses from Malaysia. Both have received offers from different nations to move ahead from Malaysia, but both turned them down because they believe they have all the necessary infrastructure in place in Malaysia to support their businesses. And this was yet before FOX, launched in March 2023, came into the image. &nbsp,

Salandra, from El Salvador, started his Business-to-Business Software as a Service ( B2B SaaS ) company in Hong Kong and then, deciding that being in Hong Kong was not going to help him achieve his dream of building a global company, picked Malaysia as his base. &nbsp,

” I now had a few employees here, but I finally met some MDEC employees at a meeting and learned about the incredible service they offered to members called the Malaysian Tech Entrepreneurs Pass ( MTEP), through which I received a five-year work visa. I mean, five times? Nothing gives you a five-year card. That is enough time for me to create a business”, he said. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Contrary to Salandra, Chimel was now well-versed in Malaysia when he assumed the position of iProperty’s team managing director in the middle of 2010. After successfully completing the sale of iProperty to Australia’s REA Group, where he previously held the position of chief financial officer ( CFO ), Chimel now intends to establish his second property technology success as co-founder and executive chairman of Juwei IQI Holdings. &nbsp,

With over 25 years of real estate expertise in Australia, Asia, and presently Malaysia, Chimel has seen a lot of government initiatives that aim to promote business growth, but FOX still impressed him. ” To set it clearly, this is like joining a top concierge service. Simply ask a problem and you get pointed in the right direction”, he says. &nbsp,

Juwai IQI's senior leadership team proudly accepted the award for Malaysia's Largest Proptech company at the glamorous Malaysia Digital Expo 2023 Awards Night from Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil

Besides the concierge-like services that he feels is a striking feature of FOX, Chimel, who does a good bit of exploring, has noticed anything exciting about the effects of Wolf. &nbsp,

When I say we were chosen to be a part of the program and explain how it works, he says, “people see us diversely.” Rabbit was established with the intention of assisting in the development of its businesses, which speaks to Malaysia’s desire to contribute more to the global digital economy. ” This opportunities Malaysia as an impressive state, in the eye of outside shareholders. And that rewards us”, he explains. &nbsp, &nbsp,

That change in perception even gives the country a social improve, acknowledgesMDEC’s FOX programme hits the spot for Rocketbots and Juwai-IQI Holdings as they scale globally ( pic ), head of Digital Exports, MDEC. We are hoping to galvanise more businesses outside the country by using our efforts to help our FOX businesses become international businesses and finally to encourage unicorns to stay in Malaysia after they become extremely successful.

If the passionate comments from Chimel and Salandra is any indication, FOX, in this early period, seems to be pressing all the right buttons for its companies. &nbsp,

It appears that the program thoroughly selects the businesses it needs to be assisting most. It continues to expand its mentoring work, overcoming initial disappointments with a lot of emails and messages until it succeeded in capturing Salandra’s focus and persuading him to sign up for the program.

Salandra reflects,” As a leader, I understand the need for regular self-improvement and development. But as a business leader, the emails, messages, names, and discussions never seem to stop. When I return to the office after this meeting, I’ll be greeted with a stack of things demanding my interest. But, when is there time to focus on specific growth”?

With some very proper partnerships with international players, MDEC appears to have captured the attention of owners and their senior management teams, a reality that MDEC has embedded into FOX. &nbsp, &nbsp,

One of these engagements, with Ernst &amp, Young Malaysia ( EY Malaysia ), even changed Salandra’s perception about consultants. You might think professionals are pricey and unable to handle business problems, but I would never have paid for them.

However, Salandra and his management staff have come to understand the value of consultants because of his encounter with EY and a competitive evaluation it conducted using the EY 7 Drivers of Development Framework. ” And today, we do pay for consultants” .&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Being connected to members who have effectively built B2B SaaS businesses like Salandra’s was an even greater benefit of his FOX coverage. Let’s face it, not many people in Malaysia or the surrounding area are able to handle the difficulty of expanding a B2B company nationally. Who can I pick up the phone to ask for help” ?&nbsp,

This is where Salandra has benefited greatly from MDEC tying up with Mission via the Malaysian business. He was able to communicate with the C-suite administrative of a B2B SaaS business with a German address owing to FOX. In order to pursue his goal of entering the Middle East market himself, he also had the opportunity to speak with the leader of a significant Middle Eastern company. Salandra himself is currently in the process of joining Endeavor Malaysia despite both ongoing conversations ( which are ongoing ) and the incredible value he received. &nbsp,

FOX strengthens Malaysia’s position to grow worldwide and become a leader in modern innovation by fostering strategic partnerships and relentless outreach.

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WOU empowers students with unlimited access to 80 curated Gen AI courses across all its academic programmes

  • Coursera and Gen AI training curriculum created in collaboration.
  • aims to give adult learners AI expertise for a rapidly changing world environment.

WOU empowers students with unlimited access to 80 curated Gen AI courses across all its academic programmes

By providing unrestricted access to 80 curated Generative Artificial Intelligence ( Gen AI ) courses, Wawasan Open University ( WOU) has made a decisive step in educating its students on the essential skills needed for the digital economy. In a statement, the school said these courses, applicable to both new and current students, course a wide range of AI-related issues, from basic concepts to advanced applications in Business, Digital Transformation, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Through this program, WOU aims to provide adult learners with the Artificial expertise they need to succeed in a world where artificial intelligence is transforming the way that business is run in an extraordinary way. This initiative embodies its commitment to offering versatile, high-quality education to ensure that its students are future-ready to succeed in a quickly evolving business environment as well as being prepared for the workforce of today.

WOU empowers students with unlimited access to 80 curated Gen AI courses across all its academic programmesAccording to Professor Dr. Dr. Lily ( pic ), chief executive and vice-chancellor of WOU,” Today, AI stands at the forefront of technological innovation, driving unprecedented levels of investment and transforming industries across the globe. In 2023 alone, generative AI attracted globally over US$ 21.8 billion ( RM95.3 billion ) in funding, reflecting its critical role in shaping the future of work. This explosive growth is not just a fad, but it represents a fundamental change in how businesses operate, develop, and thrive on a global scale.

She added that in Malaysia, the AI market is also poised for promising growth, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 31 % from 2024 to 2032 and a forecasted market value of US$ 3.23 billion ( RM14 billion ) in key areas such as machine learning, data mining, and analysis. In response to this, WOU is introducing a complete spectrum of Gen AI programs to help solve the anticipated rise in demand for an AI-skilled labor on the home front.

In addition, Chan said,” Our AI program effort also aligns with the president’s MyDigital Blueprint to improve the AI ecology and to cultivate AI startups as part of its plan to become a modern economy leader in the region.”

” All of our students will have access to the 80 Gen AI programs as a pleasant advantage.” This means that any student who enrolls in a diploma, graduate, or graduate program with WOU will immediately be able to take any of the AI learning opportunities we have available. Students will be able to log in to our instinctive Flex Learn online portal at any time to take any AI courses from the sixty that best fit their individual career paths and learning needs, she added.

  • Students can enroll in AI programs that cover four distinct categories:
  • Foundation in Gen AI: Ideal for beginners, these programs offer a good introduction to key AI principles and basic programs.
  • AI for Business: Tailored for business professionals and businesses, these programs observe how AI may enhance business strategies and drive technology.
  • AI in STEM: Aimed at those in science, technology, engineering and algebra, these programs focus on using AI to improve research and development.
  • AI in Digital Transformation: These courses provide useful insights into how Artificial drives modern transformation across different industries, helping learners utilize AI properly.

Each of the Gen AI programs offers a unique opportunity to advance their AI expertise and knowledge. For example,” Introduction to Generative AI” allows students to gain a solid foundation in AI principles while engaging with tools like GitHub Copilot and DALL-E. For those focusing on marketing,” Integrating GenAI into Data-Driven Marketing Strategies” reveals how AI enhances marketing through improved insights, personalisation, and campaign effectiveness. Also, the” ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis” program enables students to improve their productivity by automating data analysis and material creation, even without due programming knowledge. More supporting learners is the course” Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud,” which teaches students how to develop AI and machine learning projects that are specifically designed for their career objectives. The research paper” Generative AI: Business Transformation and Career Growth” examines the profound effects of AI on different career paths and business, revealing how AI can reshape business methods and create new opportunities for professional development.

The education for the Gen AI training at WOU was created in collaboration with Coursera, a leading provider of online learning, on a global scale. This association ensures that the school’s courses are at the vanguard of AI training, adhering to the highest international requirements. With access to some of the most cutting-edge AI courses available today, Cousera’s considerable expertise and resources match WOU’s commitment to providing world-class training.

WOU’s September intake enrollment is now open. When new students sign up for any WOU diploma or degree program for this intake, they can take advantage of this offer. With plans to incorporate accredited AI courses into the core curriculum of its major degree programmes by 2025, WOU will continue to lead the charge in AI education, making sure its students are future-ready in an increasingly AI-driven world.

For more information or inquiry on WOU’s GEN AI unlimited offering, visit www. wou. edu. my

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Eddie Chau joins Vizzio Technologies’ Board of Directors

  • Founded 6 startups, exited tw2o, and mentored  numerous startups in S’pore
  • Brings 3 decades of entrepreneurship, tech & community leadership to Vizzio

Eddie Chau joins Vizzio Technologies' Board of Directors

Vizzio Technologies has announced the appointment of Eddie Chau (pic), a well-known figure in Singapore’s technology sector, to its Board of Directors.

According to the company, Chau, with over three decades of notable achievements in entrepreneurship, technology, and community leadership, brings a wealth of expertise to Vizzio. As chairman of the Singapore Standard Council’s Coordinating Committee for Cyber Security, Chau has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s cybersecurity landscape.

Chau’s career includes founding six startups, successfully exiting two, and serving as a mentor to numerous startups in Singapore. His commitment to community service is evident through his involvement with various non-profit organisations, including Mount Alvernia Hospital, raiSE, and One Faber Group.

Recognised as the “IT Leader of the Year 2018” by the Singapore Computer Society and inducted into its “Hall of Fame 2022,” Chau’s accolades highlight his exceptional leadership in technology.

At Vizzio Technologies, Chau’s strategic insights and extensive network will be instrumental as the company continues to drive innovation and growth in the technology sector. His experience with successful ventures such as e-Cop, Brandtology, and V-Key underscores his ability to identify and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

The company extends a warm welcome to Chau and looks forward to achieving new milestones with his expertise guiding its future endeavours.

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