This week's TechNave Business Bytes for Week 4 of March 2024 news highlights Malaysia's thriving tech scene and various initiatives aimed at propelling the country towards a digital future. From attracting international partnerships to empowering local businesses, Malaysia is making significant strides in the tech and innovation landscape. Check out some of the highlights below but do read on for more details:
- Malaysia attracts tech giant Draper University for its first international campus, boosting the local startup scene.
- Government partners with Google to equip Malaysians with digital skills and improve public services.
- Businesses can get help navigating e-invoicing with akaBot's new solution.
- Samsung to unveil AI-powered TVs at a virtual event on March 27th.
- Xiaomi reports strong performance with surging revenue and an electric vehicle debut.
- Ride-hailing app inDrive secures additional funding for expansion.
- Hotlink mobile app wins design award for its user-friendly interface.
- Nothing invites fans to co-create a special edition phone.
Draper University Chooses Malaysia for First International Campus, Aims to Empower Tech Startups
Draper University, an entrepreneur and startup focused Silicon Valley entrepreneur institution, is opening its first international campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This partnership with the Malaysian government aims to support the growth of 140 Malaysian tech startups in the next two years, focusing on fields like AI and cybersecurity. This collaboration is expected to boost Malaysia's tech sector and establish the country as a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia.
Draper University has a proven track record of success, having accelerated over 750 companies and generating several billion dollars in investment. This partnership will provide Malaysian startups with valuable mentorship and resources to achieve similar success on the global stage.
akaBot to help Malaysian Businesses with Mandatory E-Invoicing
akaBot, a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) provider, is offering a solution to help Malaysian businesses comply with the upcoming mandatory e-invoicing requirement. Their new system is designed to automate the entire process, saving businesses time and resources.
The solution streamlines invoice issuance, conversion, verification, and archiving. Businesses can expect a 50% reduction in processing time, with invoices completed in just 3 minutes. akaBot offers options for both large enterprises and SMEs, making e-invoice compliance easier for all.
CelcomDigi Helps SMEs Go Digital with Workshops
CelcomDigi is hosting a series of MY5G SME Digital Workshops to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Malaysia digitize their operations. The workshops provide participants with knowledge and skills to leverage 5G technology and digital solutions to enhance their businesses.
Entrepreneurs can gain insights into areas like e-commerce, social media marketing, and online brand presence. CelcomDigi aims to empower SMEs to compete in the digital age and transition their businesses online.
Yayasan TM's Program Cahaya Ramadan Continues to Support Communities
TM's social foundation, Yayasan TM (YTM), is continuing its Program Cahaya Ramadan initiative this year. The program allocates RM320,000 to provide food baskets, essential items, and festive clothing to approximately 3,000 underprivileged Malaysians. This includes families, orphans, single mothers, and Orang Asli communities.
YTM is also launching a fundraising campaign to specifically support Orang Asli families in Perak during Ramadan. The goal is to raise RM30,000 to provide essential food supplies.
Nothing invites their fans to co-create ultimate Phone (2a) via Community Edition Project
Nothing is shaking things up by inviting its community to co-create a special edition Phone (2a). This unique "Community Edition Project" gives fans the chance to design various aspects of the phone, from its hardware to its marketing campaign. The project unfolds in four stages, kicking off on March 26th. Participants can submit entries for the phone's hardware design, wallpapers, packaging, and even the marketing campaign. Winners at each stage will have the exciting opportunity to collaborate directly with the Nothing team to bring their vision to life.
The grand prize? The four category winners will be flown to London to attend the official launch event for the Phone (2a) Community Edition, showcasing all the winning ideas coming together in a single device.
Head over to their site for details on how to participate, including submission deadlines and official rules. So unleash your creativity and be part of building something special with Nothing!
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Recognizes Top Performing Retail Partners
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia celebrated its outstanding retail partners at their annual awards ceremony. Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi emerged as the Retail Partner of the Year, showcasing exceptional performance in customer service, financial services, and customer satisfaction.
Other award winners included NZ Wheels Johor Bahru for Best in Sales, Hap Seng Star Setia Alam for Best in Customer Service, and Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) Juru/Bukit Tengah for Best in Business Excellence. The ceremony highlighted Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's commitment to partnering with its dealers to deliver the best customer experience possible.
EY: Generative AI Emerges as Top Tech Opportunity in 2024
The technology industry outlook has improved significantly since 2023, with generative AI (GenAI) becoming the top opportunity for companies in 2024. EY's annual ranking highlights the importance of integrating GenAI into digital transformation strategies.
However, challenges remain. Most organizations are still in the early stages of AI adoption, and a skilled talent shortage exists in Southeast Asia. Companies need to establish control towers and carefully design solutions to ensure ethical and safe AI deployment. Collaboration with other companies and professional services organizations can help overcome these challenges.
Google Announces Upskilling Initiatives to Boost Malaysia's Digital Economy
Google is partnering with the Malaysian government on two initiatives aimed at advancing the country's digital transformation goals. This includes Upskilling the Workforce by equipping Malaysian youth with future-proof skills. This collaboration will provide 161 public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges with up to 500 Google Career Certificate scholarships each by the end of 2024. These scholarships, designed by Google experts, cover fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT support, and can be completed within three to six months.
Secondly, empowering Public Services where Google and Jabatan Digital Negara will collaborate to deploy Google Workspace for 445,000 public officers. This cloud-based platform will enhance communication and collaboration across government agencies, leading to improved public service delivery.
Financial Phishing on the Rise in Southeast Asia
Kaspersky's security solutions blocked nearly half a million financial phishing attempts targeting businesses in Southeast Asia during 2023. This highlights the prevalence of cybercriminals using deceptive tactics to infiltrate company networks. Phishing emails or messages often impersonate trusted sources like banks or payment systems to trick employees into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information.
The report emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness training for employees and robust security solutions to safeguard businesses from financial phishing attacks.
Financial Phishing on the Rise in Southeast Asia
Kaspersky's security solutions blocked nearly half a million financial phishing attempts targeting businesses in Southeast Asia during 2023. This highlights the prevalence of cybercriminals using deceptive tactics to infiltrate company networks. Phishing emails or messages often impersonate trusted sources like banks or payment systems to trick employees into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information.
The report emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness training for employees and robust security solutions to safeguard businesses from financial phishing attacks.
Xiaomi Reports Strong 2023 Performance with Revenue and Profit Surges
Xiaomi achieved impressive financial results in 2023, with total revenue growing significantly and adjusted net profit soaring 126.3% to reach RMB19.3 billion. This strong performance highlights the company's efficiency and agility in part due to strong smartphone sales, Xiaomi's AIoT platform hit a record high and Internet services revenue soared, reaching record highs with a focus on global partnerships and platform optimization.
Xiaomi also unveiled its first electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7 Series.Overall, Xiaomi's 2023 performance demonstrates its commitment to innovation and growth across various sectors. The company appears well-positioned for continued success in the future.
Samsung Malaysia Unveils AI-Powered TVs at Unbox & Discover 2024 Livestream
Samsung Malaysia is hosting a virtual event, Unbox & Discover 2024, to showcase their latest AI-powered TVs. This livestream will unveil innovations that personalize your viewing experience with AI recommendations and enhanced picture quality. Stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and immersive audio are also promised.
The event will be held on March 27th, 2024 at 9 PM MYT on the Samsung Malaysia Youtube channel.
Touch 'n Go Promotes Road Safety During Ramadan with Bubur Lambuk Distribution
Touch 'n Go recently partnered with Malaysian highway authorities to distribute bubur lambuk (Ramadan porridge) to motorists and motorcyclists while promoting road safety. This initiative aimed to cultivate a spirit of community and remind drivers to prioritize safety during the festive season.
Safety vests were distributed to motorcyclists alongside food, highlighting the importance of wearing proper gear. Officials urged drivers to check their toll balances before embarking on Hari Raya journeys to avoid delays.
inDrive Secures Additional Funding to Accelerate Growth
Ride-hailing app inDrive has secured an additional $150 million from existing investor General Catalyst, bringing their total investment to $300 million. This funding will allow inDrive to invest in product development, expand its services, and enter new markets.
The company saw a significant revenue increase in 2023 and aims to continue this growth trajectory. inDrive is committed to making mobility services accessible and is recognized as a leading ride-hailing app globally. This new funding will fuel further expansion and solidify their position as a major player in the transportation industry.
Cisco Completes Acquisition of Splunk, Aiming to Enhance Security and Observability
Cisco has finalized its acquisition of Splunk, a move designed to improve how companies manage and protect their data. This combined force promises to deliver a more comprehensive view of an organization's digital landscape, allowing for better security, network optimization, and overall business performance.
Customers can expect a range of new solutions integrating Splunk's technology. These advancements will focus on enhanced security, improved application monitoring (observability), and a more robust networking experience. This will empower businesses to leverage the power of AI more effectively while mitigating potential risks.
Hotlink Mobile App Wins IF Design Award 2024
Maxis' Hotlink mobile app recently won an iF Design Award 2024. The app became the sole winner in the mobile application UX category for Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
This award highlights the app's success in simplifying the user experience for managing mobile accounts. Customers can easily navigate plan changes, access personalized offers, and handle tasks like bill payments and rewards all within a user-friendly interface. More details in the link.
COMMENTS