TechNave Business Bytes Week 2 March 2024: AI in Construction, Metaverse Grants, Bitcoin Soars in Malaysia and More

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This week's TechNave Business Bytes news for Week 2 of March 2024 highlights advancements in technology and sustainability across various industries. You can check out the highlights below or read on to see all the related details.

  • Huawei's eco-friendly antennas are winning awards for their performance, while the company emphasizes green development at MWC Barcelona.
  • In finance, Bitcoin's price surge continues in Malaysia.
  • HONOR garnered recognition for its latest AI-powered smartphones and laptops at MWC.
  • The Malaysian government is launching programs to support the digital content creation industry and its integration with the metaverse.
  • Foodpanda Malaysia rewarded its top delivery partners.
  • Jabra predicts key trends that will reshape the future of work culture.
  • Adrenalin eSystems, a global HR technology leader, launched its new platform in Malaysia.
  • TM Global, a key player in Southeast Asia's digital infrastructure, is experiencing strong growth.
  • Gamuda and Google Cloud are partnering on AI for construction projects in Malaysia.
  • Microsoft and IWFCIM are launching a program to equip Malaysian TVET students with AI and cybersecurity skills.

 

Huawei's Eco-Friendly Antennas Recognized for 5G Performance

Huawei's green antenna series recently won the "Best Mobile Network Infrastructure" GSMA GLOMOaward at MWC Barcelona 2024. These antennas are designed to improve efficiency, performance and integration of base stations for 5G networks. They also boast features like reduced energy consumption and support for future network upgrades.

Huawei's green antennas are being used in over 75 countries. They require less power to achieve the same coverage as traditional antennas, leading to significant energy savings for operators. The antennas are also environmentally friendly due to reduced equipment needs and a special manufacturing process. For more information, please visit their site.

 

Huawei holds Green Development Summit at MWC 2024

Huawei recently held the Green Development Summit, themed "Thrive with Green ICT", during MWC Barcelona 2024, bringing together experts to discuss how technology can drive sustainable development. Representatives from organizations like ITU and UNESCO emphasized the potential of digital solutions for a greener future. Huawei itself showcased its commitment to this goal through its TECH4ALL initiative, which utilizes technology for positive social and environmental impact.

The summit also highlighted the importance of digital skills development. UNESCO representatives stressed that these skills are essential for a sustainable future. Collaboration between public and private sectors, they argued, is crucial for achieving this and fostering a more inclusive digital world.

 

Bitcoin Price Soars in Malaysia on Luno, Breaching RM300,000

Fueled by a surge in investor interest and the upcoming Bitcoin halving, Bitcoin's price has been on a tear. It surpassed the RM300,000 mark on Malaysia's Luno exchange, extending a 22% weekly rally. This comes after a previous all-time high of RM270,000 in 2021.

Experts attribute the rise to the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the US and growing institutional investment. However, Luno's Malaysian manager advises caution, encouraging responsible investment despite the current market excitement.

 

HONOR wins 45 media awards at MWC 2024

HONOR emerged a big winner at MWC 2024, receiving 45 media awards for its new product launches. Their focus on AI integration impressed critics, with the HONOR Magic6 Pro praised for its powerful hardware and innovative features. Media outlets like Android Headlines and CNET highlighted the phone's capabilities.

The company's first AI PC, the HONOR MagicBook Pro 16, also garnered recognition. Mashable and Android Authority lauded its performance and AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity. Trusted Reviews even awarded it "Best in Show" for its potential to streamline daily tasks.

HONOR's commitment to design wasn't overlooked either. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic V2 RSR foldable phone received the prestigious GLOMO Best in Show award, while global fashion media like COSMOPOLITAN praised its innovative design. For more information, please visit the HONOR website.

Malaysia Boosts Digital Content Creation with Metaverse Grants

The Malaysian government recently launched 2 programs to support the digital creative industry and its integration with the metaverse. This includes the Brand Metaverse Onboarding Programme which offers grants up to RM100,000 for companies to develop virtual experiences for Malaysian brands. This includes creating 3D models, games, and other interactive content.

The 2nd program is the Immersive IP Experiences Programme which provides grants up to RM200,000 to create at least 10 minutes of immersive content featuring popular Malaysian intellectual properties within existing virtual platforms. Both programs aim to empower content creators and accelerate Malaysia's digital transformation. Applications are open until 27 March 2024 so check out the site for more details.

 

Foodpanda Malaysia Rewards Top Delivery Partners

Foodpanda Malaysia recognized 70 high-performing delivery partners through its "Bonus Akhir Tahun" program. These riders received prizes like motorcycles and cash totaling over RM100,000. The program aimed to boost morale and show appreciation for their dedication. To win, riders had to complete a minimum number of deliveries and maintain a high acceptance rate.

Delivery partners expressed their gratitude for the program. One winner, Abdul Rahman, highlighted his 3-year journey with foodpanda and how the win motivated him to keep working hard. Another winner, Ahmad Nasri, emphasized the extra special feeling of winning during his foodpanda anniversary. For more information on the full list of winners from the “Bonus Akhir Tahun” initiative, please visit the site.

 

The Future of Work: Jabra Predicts 4 Key Trends

A new study by Jabra predicts four key trends that will reshape the future of work culture in the next five years. The focus will shift towards employee well-being, with companies leveraging technology to monitor and improve employee health. Work will also become more flexible and project-based, with smaller core teams relying on a network of diverse partners. Sustainability will be a major priority, with businesses adopting practices to reduce their environmental impact. Finally, the future office will be mobile and adaptable, allowing employees to work from anywhere.

 

Adrenalin eSystems Launches Cutting-Edge HR Platform in Malaysia

Adrenalin eSystems, a global HR technology leader, launched its new HR platform at a conference in Malaysia. This marks a significant step in their plan to expand into Southeast Asia, with Malaysia as their regional hub. The company aims to grow its Malaysian team and capture a significant market share in the country's growing HR technology sector.

Adrenalin MAX, their new human capital management suite, offers features like cloud-based access, mobile apps, and AI analytics. The company plans to collaborate with industry partners and experts to deliver value to its customers in Malaysia and the broader region.

 

TM Global: Strong Revenue Growth and Regional Expansion in Digital Infrastructure

TM Global, the international arm of Telekom Malaysia, achieved a 5% revenue increase in Q3 2023. They manage a vast network of fiber optic and submarine cables, with over 340,000 kilometers laid worldwide. This positions them as a key player for businesses seeking expansion in Southeast Asia, offering over 80 Tbps of data transfer capacity.

TM Global is actively involved in bridging the digital divide within Malaysia and fostering regional growth. They've invested in additional internet gateways and collaborate with industry partners to deliver innovative broadband solutions. Looking ahead, they aim to become a leading regional digital platform provider.

 

Gamuda and Google Cloud Partner on AI for Construction

Gamuda, a Malaysian engineering and construction company, is partnering with Google Cloud to leverage generative AI (gen AI) for its projects. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency and innovation in delivering infrastructure across the region.

Gamuda has developed a central data platform, Gamuda Digital Operating System (GDOS), to consolidate project data and enable gen AI adoption. They've also migrated their core systems to Google Cloud for better data management and security.

One key initiative involves using Google Cloud's AI tools to build a conversational agent for Gamuda's tunnel boring machines. This AI assistant helps staff analyze sensor data, interpret performance charts, and find relevant information from project documentation, leading to faster decision-making and improved tunnel maintenance.

Gamuda plans to empower more employees to build custom AI applications using Google Cloud's tools. This will allow them to access and analyze project data more easily, improving efficiency across various departments.

Overall, this partnership between Gamuda and Google Cloud is transforming the construction industry by leveraging AI for faster, safer, and more data-driven project delivery.

 

Microsoft and IWFCIM Launch "Ready4AI&Security" Initiative to Equip Malaysian TVET Students

Microsoft and IWFCIM or the International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia recently launched a program in Malaysia to equip TVET students with AI and cybersecurity skills. The "Ready4AI&Security" initiative targets 200 educators who will then train 5,000 students, with a focus on including 60% women.

This program aims to address the growing skills gap in AI and cybersecurity for the future workforce.  They will provide a 32-hour training program on cybersecurity fundamentals and self-paced generative AI learning. This initiative is part of Microsoft's effort to create a more inclusive and secure digital future by equipping the next generation with in-demand skills.