Welcome back TechNavers and NewsByters, this time around for TechNave NewsBytes 2020 #22, Honor wants you to showcase your Merdeka Spirit with their Love Malaysia Photography Contest and have also partnered with JOOX to provide 3-month VIP Access for the Honor 9 series. Huawei collaborated with Malaysia’s MOHE for their Seeds For The Future 2020 program and have also passed GSMA’s Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme.
In conjunction with their Always be Ahead branding, Maxis are collaborating with IMFutures for entrepreneurship and motivational programmes. OnePlus show off their OnePlus Nord achievements while TikTok joined with Yayasan Generasi Gemilang to fight against Cyberbullying.
This time around our Special will be a focus on how Local retailers on Shopee managed to record RM200 million in sales within the first month of the PENJANA Shop Malaysia Online; set for further boost at 9.9 Super Shopping Day.
For Misc Announcements:
- AIMS Data Centre Wins Frost & Sullivan 2020 Malaysia Data Centre Service Provider of the Year
- Apple updates Final Cut Pro X with significant workflow improvements
- YTL Communications and First Ambulance launches Malaysia’s first Smart Ambulance service.
- imoo Watch Phone Z5 available in Malaysia
- vivo Collaborates with Shila Amzah to Produce a Unique Theme Track for “KITA”
- Alibaba Launches ‘‘LiveNOW’’ CSR Programme to Empower B40 Community in Malaysia
- PUBG Mobile launches version 1.0 and global mobile esports event + PMPL Season 2 Billionaire Crates
- WD My Passport SSD now available in Malaysia
- Spotify and Riot Games Team Up for an Official League of Legends Esports Partnership
- Sony's new EXTRA BASS wireless speaker line-up is now available in Malaysia
HONOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Showcase Your Merdeka Spirit with HONOR’s Love Malaysia Photography Contest
HONOR invites Malaysians to showcase their patriotism and photography skills in a special Love Malaysia Photography Contest during the brand’s ongoing nationwide Merdeka Campaign. From 24 August – 15 September, HONOR smartphone users can submit a photo according to the theme in order to stand a chance to win an HONOR 9A, HONOR Moschino Pouch or an HONOR Bluetooth Speaker.
Here are the Steps to enter:
- Submit a creative photo capturing the essence of Malaysia through a post on their Facebook, Instagram or HONOR Malaysia Fans Club Forum (account settings must be ‘public’) with the hashtag #63rdMerdekaBersamaHONOR.
- Participants are allowed multiple entries. Photos with the HONOR watermark get bonus points!
- HONOR Malaysia will announce the seven (7) lucky winners on the HONOR Malaysia Facebook page by 16 September.
Prizes
- Grand Prize x1 : HONOR 9A
- 2nd Prize x3 : HONOR Moschino Pouch
- 3rd Prize x3 : HONOR Bluetooth Speaker
Don’t miss out on exciting deals during HONOR’s ongoing Raya Merdeka 63rd Campaign! From 17 August – 16 September, customers can enjoy up to 63% off HONOR’s most popular products on top of free gifts, games and more on brand’s official e-commerce website, Hihonor, HONOR Experience Stores (HES) and partner stores.
For more information, visit HONOR’s official e-commerce website and information portal.
HONOR Malaysia and JOOX Partner Up for a 3-Month VIP Access for the HONOR 9 Series
Following the recent partnership announcement, HONOR Malaysia and Asia’s most dedicated music platform, JOOX is now giving music lovers a free 3-month VIP Access with any purchase from the HONOR 9 Series during HONOR’s ongoing nationwide Merdeka Campaign. This is the brand’s first collaboration with JOOX and is in line with HONOR’s commitment to providing an unforgettable experience in every scenario in the lives of users.
In the spirit of celebration, HONOR Malaysia and JOOX is giving out 3-month JOOX VIP access for any purchases of an HONOR 9X Pro, 9X, 9X Lite, and 9A during HONOR’s Merdeka sale period from 17 August – 16 September*. New HONOR 9 Series users can enjoy accessibility to ad-free, high-definition songs on demand from one of the top music streaming platforms in Malaysia. With a goal to be the go-to tech brand for the global youth, the collaboration with JOOX is an important milestone for HONOR to stay connected and improve the everyday lives and listening experience of music fans.
HUAWEI ANNOUNCEMENTS
Huawei Collaborates with Ministry of Higher Education to Harness the Potential of Local ICT Talents Development Program ‘Seeds For The Future 2020’
Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Huawei) has once again joined hands with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to bring its global talent development initiative “Seeds for the Future” to Malaysian youths. The program aims to cultivate more ICT professionals among university students, preparing them for a digitized world, and ultimately bridge the digital divide.
With the new norms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “Seeds for the Future 2020” will now be conducted entirely online: with an open ecosystem that supports online learning and engagement beyond both institutional and national borders, and with an expanded intake of 30 students instead of 10.
Through the “Seeds for the Future 2020” program, students will get an exclusive opportunity to upskill by leveraging on Huawei’s wealth of cutting-edge technological capabilities and resources, which can boost their future career prospects. They will also get to learn from Huawei’s global business operations, cross-cultural work practices, and Chinese culture.
This year, the five (5) day program will run from 21-25 September, and will consist of six (6) hours of compulsory courses, six (6) hours of live-streamed courses, and an hour of elective course. Additional resources on Chinese culture will also be available for self-learning.
The compulsory courses will cover the areas of 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). For their elective course, students can choose from a wide range of topics such as Internet of Things (IoT), digital trade, digital economy, or leadership and management. Upon completing the program, each student will receive an electronic certificate.
“Seeds for the Future” is Huawei’s global flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, which seeks to develop more ICT talents worldwide and help bridge the digital talent gap. Since 2008, it has been successfully carried out in 125 countries and has benefitted over 4,800 students globally.
In Malaysia, Huawei has partnered with the MOHE to run the program since 2014 and has since helped 85 undergraduate students level up their ICT skills.
To learn more about the “Seeds for the Future” program, log on to their site.
Huawei 5G: Passes GSMA’s Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme
Huawei's 5G wireless and core network equipment (5G RAN gNodeB, 5G Core UDG,UDM,UNC,UPCF) and LTE eNodeB has passed the GSMA’s Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS). GSMA NESAS boosts the industry's confidence in telecom network equipment, making it a practical choice for the industry and an important consideration for all regional markets, to jointly promote the development of more aligned mobile communications market.
NESAS is a standardized cybersecurity assessment mechanism jointly defined by GSMA and 3GPP, together with major global operators, vendors, industry partners and regulators. It provides an industry-wide security assurance framework to facilitate improvements in security levels across the mobile industry. It is a voluntary scheme through which network equipment vendors subject their product development and lifecycle processes to a comprehensive security audit against the currently active NESAS release and its security requirements. Prior to passing GSMA NESAS, Huawei also passed the 5G cyber security test by China's IMT-2020 (5G) Promotion Group. These test specifications are based on the 3GPP international standards for 5G security assurance.
The summary independent audit reports of the NESAS assessment can be found at their site.
MAXIS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Maxis continues to drive digitalisation for more communities to Always be Ahead through Digital Entrepreneurship and Motivational programmes
Committed to empowering local communities with digital capabilities to Always be Ahead in a changing world, Maxis is collaborating with IMFutures to bring its Digital Entrepreneurship Programme and #MaxisMotivates initiative to benefit local entrepreneurs and youth. Starting with the community at Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, these community programmes will be facilitated over the next four months, with plans to roll out these initiatives to more locations in the future.
On 15-16 August, Maxis participated in Karnival Digital Indera Mahkota, which was officiated by YB Dato’ Saifuddin bin Abdullah, Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia. At the carnival, Maxis showcased its entrepreneurship programme and flagship community programme, eKelas, as well as digital solutions for SMEs under the Government’s SME Digitalisation Grant.
Maxis’ entrepreneurship programmes are designed to equip small local enterprises with the right digital tools to optimise their business using social media, content creation and photography, coached by Maxis volunteers, M Squad. Previously, Maxis empowered local entrepreneurs at FELCRA Sungai Ara in Kota Tinggi, Johor and Kg. Chengal in Ketereh, Kelantan with digital marketing skills to expand their business. They were taught how to set up a business Facebook page, take Insta-worthy photos, write attention-grabbing captions and leverage on digital mapping tools. Meanwhile, #MaxisMotivates is a series of special motivational sessions that aim to inspire eKelas students and youth to be the best they can be through a series of talks delivered by M Squad and other industry professionals.
For more information, please visit their site.
ONEPLUS ANNOUNCEMENTS
OnePlus Nord’s New Beginning Comes with New Achievements
OnePlus Malaysia achieved an amazing result with its OnePlus Nord that was launched last week. Malaysian fans have expressed their love towards OnePlus’s devices and making the OnePlus Nord the No.1 best selling 5G smartphone in 2020 on Shopee Mall and the No.1 highest one-day sale in OnePlus in 2020.
Fans who are interested to get their OnePlus Nord (8GB+128GB) may visit the OnePlus Official Store on Shopee or they can also get the devices through all OnePlus Authorized Dealers. To those who prefer to purchase the OnePlus Nord Infinite Joy Bundle which comes with OnePlus Nord (12GB+256GB) as well as the OnePlus Buds, it is available on Shopee at RM2,399.
OnePlus Nord is available in two colours, which are Blue Marble and Gray Onyx. It is available in two variants, 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB. The Nord’s camera is fit for a flagship that is equipped with 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor and its battery supports Warp Charge 30T, that can refill its 4100 mAh battery from empty to 70% in just half an hour.
For more updates and details on availability, stay tuned to the official OnePlus Nord Instagram account (@oneplus.nord.my) and their site.
TIKTOK ANNOUNCEMENTS
TikTok Joins Yayasan Generasi Gemilang in the Fight Against Cyberbullying
Following its successful #thinkb4youdo campaign, TikTok has doubled down on its commitment to promote online safety by partnering with Yayasan Generasi Gemilang (GG), a pioneer of Cyber Wellness programs in the nation. The partnership with GG reaffirms TikTok’s commitment in tackling cyberbullying while ensuring its platform remains a safe and positive environment for all Malaysians.
GG’s partnership with TikTok follow’s its inaugural collaboration in 2019 through the #BetterMeBetterInternet campaign. The campaign saw TikTok as a technology enabler, aligning its efforts to amplify GG’s commitment in empowering children and youth with positive values to thrive in essential life areas such as cyber wellness and digital literacy. This year’s partnership extends both parties commitment to online safety, specifically raising awareness on cyberbullying.
Promoting a safe and positive app environment is TikTok’s top priority, and its ongoing partnership with GG only reinforces its commitment to protect its global community against misuse including the dangers of cyberbullying. This long-term relationship will see a holistic approach with both online and offline elements. The offline approach would see on-ground outreach initiatives at schools to inculcate positive online behaviors by providing fresh, new learning materials to youth, whereas online will include a downloadable module that serves as a guide to addressing cyberbullying, the launch of the #stopbullying (#hentikanbuli) campaign and potential livestreams with GG and other industry experts to raise awareness and the importance of standing up to cyberbullying.
Through the #stopbullying (#hentikanbuli) challenge under the #thinkb4youdo campaign, TikTok is encouraging users to participate and spread awareness on cyberbullying by doing the following:
- Shoot a video using the sticker
- Post your video along with the hashtags #thinkb4youdo, #stopbullying and #hentikanbuli and set it to public
- Share it on all your social platforms and invite your friends to join you
Learn more about TikTok’s safety efforts and our community guidelines at their site.
MISC ANNOUNCEMENTS
AIMS Data Centre Wins Frost & Sullivan 2020 Malaysia Data Centre Service Provider of the Year
AIMS Data Centre (AIMS) has been named Malaysia Data Centre Service Provider of the Year in Frost & Sullivan’s 2020 Best Practices Award, the fifth recognition received from the global market research company.
Home to the Malaysian Internet Exchange (MyIX), AIMS has been acknowledged for addressing industry needs in providing end-to-end integrated cloud data centre solutions and co-location services in a dynamic ecosystem. Supported by purpose-built infrastructure, an extensive network and comprehensive solutions designed for business, AIMS is well-positioned to facilitate the enterprise market’s drive toward digital transformation.
AIMS was evaluated on two key benchmarks: visionary innovation and customer impact. By investing in intelligent data centre management and operations solutions, AIMS is able to enhance network efficiency and streamline processes to provide customers with a superior product and experience tailored to their needs.
The Company of the Year award places AIMS as a leader not just in the data centre industry, but demonstrates excellence in growth, innovation and leadership to non-industry peers. This award follows the previous year’s recognition as Company of the Year for the Cloud Infrastructure Service Industry.
For more information and to download the full analyst report, visit their site.
Apple updates Final Cut Pro X with significant workflow improvements
The new update to Final Cut Pro X streamlines remote workflows and makes editing for social media easier than ever.
Recently Apple updated Final Cut Pro X with powerful new features designed to enhance remote workflows and speed up editing for content creators. Improvements in creating and managing proxy media provide editors with portability and performance when working with large resolution formats, or when collaborating remotely. New social media tools automate video cropping in square, vertical, and other custom sizes for popular social media platforms, and new workflow improvements enhance the versatility and performance of Final Cut Pro — making the Mac stronger than ever for all video editors and motion graphics artists.
Now, more than ever before, users are editing remotely across a wide range of locations. Today’s update to Final Cut Pro includes major improvements to proxy workflows that make libraries more portable and streamline remote work with large, high-resolution files. For the first time within Final Cut Pro, video editors can create proxies in either ProRes Proxy or H.264 in dimensions as small as 12.5 percent of the original.
They can also consolidate proxy media, images, and audio to an external or network-connected drive. A Final Cut Pro Library can even be relinked to proxies already created for added flexibility. Editors can now link to proxy media generated by third-party applications via XML. Examples include Frame.io, a cloud-based creative collaboration platform for review and approval, plus asset management tools like Keyflow Pro and PostLab. If proxy media is not available for some clips, users can adapt workflows to display either the original file or an optimised version.
The update to Final Cut Pro makes the experience of delivering social media content easier than ever. Using machine learning, clips in a project can now be automatically analysed for dominant motion and intelligently cropped with Smart Conform to convert them into square, vertical, or any other sized video — perfect for popular platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. Transform Overscan reveals media outside the crop boundary when adjusting scale, rotation, and position, which allows storytellers to easily reposition the crop. Video editors can also add a Custom Overlay to guide them when placing text and graphics within a non-landscape frame.
Video professionals can now work even more efficiently with a series of new workflow improvements in Final Cut Pro. ProRes RAW camera settings, such as ISO, colour temperature, and exposure offset are exposed in the inspector for the first time. Editors can also apply audio crossfades on adjacent clips in one simple step, use a new context menu to close a project or clear timeline history, and sort clips and projects in List View according to the last date each file was modified.
This release also introduces significant performance improvements with new Metal-enabled plug-ins for RED RAW and Canon Cinema RAW Light. Transcoding 8K RED RAW video to ProRes 422 is up to two times faster on Mac Pro, and up to three times faster on MacBook Pro.1 And for the first time, Final Cut Pro editors can play and edit 8K Canon Cinema RAW Light.2
When working with 360-degree video, editors can quickly stabilise stereoscopic 3D video and view footage in the 360-degree Viewer with separate streams for each eye. They can also start working immediately with remote content while it is downloading in the background from web-based asset management applications, such as the Frame.io workflow extension.
Motion now offers professionals a whole new range of possibilities for creating stunning effects and graphics. Creators can import third-party 3D models or choose from a built-in library of 3D models in the USDZ format for use in titles, generators, effects, and transitions. They can even use behaviours or keyframes to manipulate the position, rotation, and scale of a model, and take advantage of existing replicators, emitters, lights, and cameras for further creativity.
Also included in the Motion update is the new Stroke Filter, a tool that automatically outlines an object or text element using its alpha channel. Editors can customise outlines by animating their offset, applying multiple stroke filters to the same object, or using the gradient tools to create multiple strokes with different colours. This enables motion graphics artists to create dazzling animations and effects while avoiding the time-consuming work of outlining elements by hand.
Compressor is also updated with support for custom LUT effects, the ability to use Camera LUTs to convert log-encoded footage to SDR or HDR outputs, and other workflow enhancements.
Final Cut Pro 10.4.9 is available as a free update for existing users, and for S$448.98 for new users on the Mac App Store. Motion 5.4.6 and Compressor 4.4.7 are also available today as free updates for existing users, and for S$68.98 (US) each for new users on the Mac App Store. Education customers can purchase the Pro Apps Bundle for Education for S$288.98. All users can download a free trial of Final Cut Pro X. For more information, please visit: apple.com/sg/final-cut-pro.
YTL Communications and First Ambulance launches Malaysia’s first Smart Ambulance service
First Ambulance Services (First Ambulance) recently announced that it is the first private ambulance company in Malaysia to transform its entire fleet into Smart Ambulance, powered by YTL Communications (YES).
In line with the global megatrend of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0), First Ambulance is taking the leadership position to digitise its ambulance operations. Additionally, it takes advantage of the YES nationwide pure-4G network to send patient EKG data and ultrasound images to the hospital while the ambulance is en route.
IR 4.0 is a pioneering space, and it takes considerable expertise to implement it nationally. Beyond building the first pure-IP pure-4G network in Malaysia, YES has continued to leapfrog by building a robust portfolio of IoT solutions to support Malaysia's transformation into an IR 4.0 nation. By hosting the IoT solutions over its private cloud, YES can ensure the highest level of security and data sovereignty, giving customers like First Ambulance peace of mind in digitising their business.
With Smart Ambulance power by YES, First Ambulance is taking Malaysia's private ambulance industry to a global standard.
For more information about YES and its services, kindly visit their site. For more information about First Ambulance and its services, kindly visit their site.
imoo Watch Phone Z5 available in Malaysia
imoo, recently unveiled its latest ‘baby’, the Watch Phone Z5 in Malaysia. While other brands are pushing their child-friendly mobile phones, imoo believes that communication and safety elements can merge as a more convenient option such as a watch phone that allows flexibility for active children to use on a daily basis.
The newly launched watch phone boasts a 5MP wide-angle camera that allows parents to video call their children and see the surroundings to ensure their children’s safety. It allows two-way calls; incoming and outgoing to ensure parents and children can have a quick chat at any time they desire while the Class Mode only allows the children to see time and make emergency calls to avoid distraction. The communication also supports voice messages, short clips and photo sharing with up to 4GB memory capacity.
The Watch Phone Z5 waterproof feature also makes it a great option for a communication tool as opposed to top-brand smartphones as children can wear the watch phones while swimming or diving in up to 20-metre depth. Other safety features include automatic answering after a 10-second call from parents, anonymous calls rejection, quick dial setting, and many more.
Parents can make their purchases at more than 100 authorised dealers throughout Malaysia or through imoo Official Stores at leading e-commerce platforms including Lazada and Shopee to ensure the authenticity of the imoo Watch Phone Z5. It is available in Pink and Green and retails at RM699.
For more information on the product and specifications, please visit their site.
vivo Collaborates with Shila Amzah to Produce a Unique Theme Track for “KITA”
This Merdeka, vivo Malaysia is determined to enliven the spirit of patriotism – bringing the very first collaboration with multilingual Malaysian Singer, Shila Amzah to pull off a high-spirited theme song for its exclusive Merdeka Film – “KITA”, celebrating the diversity in Malaysia.
Shila Amzah is finally making her comeback after years, who is now bringing a dual-language movie theme song in prior of vivo’s upcoming National Day Blockbuster titled – “KITA”, where the music video is now available on the vivo official Facebook page.
Alibaba Launches ‘‘LiveNOW’’ CSR Programme to Empower B40 Community in Malaysia
Alibaba Group recently announced the launch of LiveNOW KOL Livestreaming Training Programme to help more Malaysians find ecommerce success through livestreaming. The nation-wide training programme will be firstly held in-person across three states, including Selangor, Penang, and Sarawak, from 3 September to 4 October 2020.
Alibaba LiveNOW CSR programme uses technology for good as part of the global eWTP initiatives. The goal of the programme is to help the B40 Group find new opportunities to improve their economic wellbeing and contribute to the nation’s economic development through e-commerce and livestreaming, a core medium in the future of e-commerce.
In collaboration with MODEN Academy and with the support of state governments and organizations of Selangor, Penang, and Sarawak, the two-day in-person programme will incubate over 200 selected KOLs across Malaysia. The Selangor, Penang, and Sarawak government agencies are supporting the initiative by sponsoring the training venues and play a critical role in evaluating the submissions and progress of participants from their state.
Apart from technical skills, the hands-on training programme will also impart soft skills for success from how to engage with an audience effectively, creative ideas to capture attention of the audience, products detailing, promotion selling and persuasive selling etc.
The programme will also provide livestreamers with an opportunity to conduct livestreamed shows through various channels and platforms such as Taobao Malaysia and Lazada Malaysia. Shortlisted participants from the two-day programme will also have a chance to join the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, the world’s largest one-day shopping festival, where they can help brands by putting their livestreaming skills to test.
Interested participants can enrol for the programme by submitting a 3-minute video here.
PUBG Mobile launches version 1.0 and global mobile esports event + PMPL Season 2 Billionaire Crates
PUBG MOBILE has announced its highly anticipated 1.0 version which is set to come with huge updates. The mobile gaming giant also announced the biggest global mobile esports event, the PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC).
Following nearly three years’ success as one of the most popular mobile games in the world, PUBG MOBILE will launch its 1.0 version on September 8th with new tech, new UX, new gameplay features and more to deliver the most realistic tactical tournament experience on mobile.
Meanwhile, PMGC Season Zero will begin in late November this year. The tournament will see pro-teams from all regions including Americas, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, China compete for the highest prize pool in PUBG MOBILE esports history – USD 2 million – with the winners crowned the inaugural PUBG MOBILE Global Champions.
Qualcomm Technologies, the world’s leading wireless technology innovator and a driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G and mobile gaming innovation is the official title sponsor of PMGC.
PUBG MOBILE will see a complete overhaul with the 8 September launch of version 1.0. The launch will also come with surprises which are set to offer players an even more authentic and immersive mobile gaming experience.
New technologies have been adopted for version 1.0 for unprecedented graphic improvements to players’ characters. Upgrades have also been made on to the main lobby, lighting, texture quality and environments, which makes each scenario more lifelike. Details such as smoke particles, air blasts, muzzle flashes and additional scope interaction make every shot even more realistic.
Improvements have also been made to motions, visuals and sound quality to provide players with a better game interface that is easier on the eyes and a much more intuitive control experience. Colour tones such as Dawn Cyan, Smoke Grey, Hope White, and Victory Yellow were chosen to bring scenarios such as a morning, rebirth, and breakthrough moments, to life.
Additionally, an innovative multi-screen switching mode has been added exclusively to PUBG MOBILE to make it easier for players to find what they want, and give them more refined, organised and upgraded controls. Games, community and purchases have been separated into three different space, giving players quicker and easier access. The simpler and cleaner interface also helps players locate their desired functions faster. In addition to this, players can now customise their own layout, allowing them a more comfortable gameplay.
Alongside the groundbreaking 1.0 version reveal, PUBG MOBILE is also announcing the PUBG MOBILE World League (PMWL) and World Championship combined into one epic event: the biggest global mobile esports tournament, PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC).
Due to the global pandemic, an onsite audience may not be possible for PMGC Season Zero, but if it is safe to do so, the PMGC will begin in late November, taking place across multiple studios.
PUBG MOBILE has completed the structure for its global year-long esports program this year, and we can expect more in the coming year. The program now supports players of all levels from amateur, to semi-pro, and pro across multiple countries and regions to realise their dreams of esports stardom.
For semi-pro players, the PUBG MOBILE Club Open (PMCO) this year featured over 150 countries in 16 regions. The tournament saw more than 150,000 combined registrations for its Spring and Fall games.
The robust esports ecosystem also saw the PUBG MOBILE Pro League (PMPL) introduced to add an additional layer of pro-competition. PMPLs were hosted in seven different regions, with participation of 152 teams and online views of over 28 million hours.
July and August saw the debut of the PUBG MOBILE World League (PMWL) Season Zero, with 40 teams from the East and West leagues showing off their gaming skills. The PMWL saw a peak viewership of over 1.1 million, with a total viewing time of over 40 million hours – breaking the record for the largest number of views in the history of PUBG MOBILE esports. According to Esports Charts, a unique analytical service that investigates trends of esports development and streaming, the PUBG MOBILE World League 2020 East was the most popular online-only event.
In conjunction with PUBG MOBILE Pro League (PMPL) Season 2, PUBG MOBILE is announcing its latest exclusive in-game event, PMPL Season 2 Billionaire Crates! The event filled with exclusive rewards is scheduled to run from August 28 to September 13.
WD My Passport SSD now available in Malaysia
For consumers who need to accelerate their productivity and protect their valuable content without compromising style, Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) today introduced the new WD® brand My PassportTM SSD in capacities up to 2TB*. With a sleek, compact metal design and blazing fast speeds powered by NVMe™ technology, the new palm-sized drive allows home and business users to save, access and protect the content that matters.
Now more than ever, consumers are looking to empower their productivity by keeping their files and increasingly large content libraries with them. Creators can move and edit high-quality content nearly twice as fast with the new My Passport SSD compared to the previous version of the drive, saving time to do more. Whether on a laptop or desktop while at home, in the office or on the go, professionals can reliably store their data on this drive.
WD’s My Passport SSD is designed from the ground up to provide reliable performance and a touch of luxury, inside and out. The bold metal design is both stylish and durable. It feels great in the hand and fits comfortably in a bag or pocket, enabling consumers to bring their content wherever life takes them and keep productivity flowing. Available in a range of modern colors, including Gray, Blue, Red and Gold, consumers can choose the drive that best fits their style.
The new My Passport SSD offers the technical features users need and want, including:
- Blazing fast NVMe technology with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s1 and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s1.
- Password enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption to help protect valuable content simply.
- Featuring shock and vibration resistance and drop resistant up to 6.5 feet (1.98m).
- Included software2 to make it easy to back up large files to your drive or a cloud service account3.
- USB 3.2 Gen-2 technology with a USB-C™ cable and a USB-A adaptor.
- Ready to use out of the box and compatible with Mac® and PC.
The My Passport SSD is backed by a five-year limited warranty and is available in 500GB and 1TB capacities in Gray starting today at Laz Mall, Shopee Mall and select retailers including Viewnet and Sri Computers. Additional colors and capacities will be available later this year. The new drive has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP in MYR) of RM599/500GB, RM1,069/1TB and RM1,999/2TB, respectively.
Spotify and Riot Games Team Up for an Official League of Legends Esports Partnership
Spotify recently announced its first-ever esports partnership with Riot Games, creating a unique and seamless audio universe for millions of League of Legends fans across the globe. Spotify is also the exclusive — and first — global audio service provider for League of Legends.
In this first-of-its-kind collaboration, Spotify and Riot Games will produce a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Worlds Anthem, develop various podcast series, create curated playlists, and launch a new League of Legends Esports Music Hub on Spotify. This partnership reflects both brands’ commitment to creating quality digital content and memorable fan experiences.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game League of Legends is the biggest esport in the world. Last year, tournaments were held in over 37 different cities across five continents, with a record-breaking viewership of 21.8 million Average Minute Audience watching the 2019 World Championship Final unfold. But gamers and fans aren’t just playing: They’re also streaming. The official League of Legends soundtrack racks up over 4.8 million Spotify listeners per month—a sizable number of both gamers and Spotify users.
Here’s a quick overview of what fans can look forward to:
- Official League of Legends Esports Hub: Music is already important in the League of Legends world, but Spotify is taking it one step further by creating a hub. Get excited for new and existing music, podcasts, and playlists inspired by the gaming community, including Official League of Legends and Road to Worlds 2020 playlists with more to come.
- Exclusive and original podcasts: Spotify and Riot Games are working to create and launch several new League of Legends podcasts. Untold Stories: Top Moments from Worlds—a 9-episode series leading up to the 10th League of Legends World Championship this fall—will be the first. Listeners will be able to hear about the top players and anthems through game highlights, recorded interviews, game sound effects and new interviews with key players. Thanks to the extended partnership, Spotify and Riot Games look forward to evolving this podcast over the years to come.
- Elevated music moments: Spotify will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Worlds Anthem through the Worlds Anthem Takeover on Spotify. This musical anthem is the highly anticipated hero song of the year. It is released alongside a bespoke music video and is then performed during the Opening Ceremony of the World Championship Finals, setting the tone and celebrating the big event. In previous years, Riot Games has worked with artists including Imagine Dragons, The Glitch Mob, and Against the Current.
Spotify and Riot Games are committed to continuing working together to create compelling audio experiences for music, podcast and gaming fans alike, with more to come in the near future.
For additional details about the new partnership, head to Spotify’s blog, For The Record.
Sony's new EXTRA BASS wireless speaker line-up is now available in Malaysia
Sony Malaysia recently announced the launch of a new line-up of Sony EXTRA BASS wireless speakers consisting of the SRS-XB23, SRS-XB33 & SRS-XB43. They are now available in Malaysia at all authorized resellers.
Check out their tech specs below:
- SRS-XB23
- Shockproof, waterproof, rustproof & dustproof
- Lightweight & Portable
- New technology: X-balanced speaker unit
- SRS-XB33
- EDM Party lighting
- DJ effect
- Shockproof, waterproof, rustproof & dustproof
- Portable & Durability
- New technology: X-balanced speaker unit
- LIVE sound mode
- Wireless party chain
- SRS-XB43
- EDM Party lighting
- DJ effect
- Waterproof, rustproof & dustproof
- Durability
- New technology: X-balanced speaker unit
- Tweeter (woofer)
- LIVE sound mode
- Wireless party chain
Special: Local retailers on Shopee record RM200 million in sales within first month of PENJANA Shop Malaysia Online; set for further boost at 9.9 Super Shopping Day
The Ringgit-to-Ringgit voucher funding by Shopee and the Government via Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) Shop Malaysia Online initiative has generated over RM200 million in sales by local retailers and traders on the e-commerce platform as of 31 August.
In a campaign mid-point review and the launch of its annual signature shopping event 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee revealed that the vouchers have been enjoyed by close to 2 million Malaysians who took advantage of the savings and cashback on home and living, health and beauty, toys, groceries, automotive, mobile and gadgets.
According to Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director, Shopee, the e-commerce platform refreshes the Shop Malaysia Online initiative with a new theme weekly to keep things exciting for consumers. “By doing so, we are also effectively ensuring that we provide equal support to sellers from various sectors.”
To make it easier for Malaysians to identify homegrown sellers, Shopee has created the “Local Seller” tag, which will appear under all items sold by local businesses that qualify for Shop Malaysia Online.
“A lot of thought has gone into executing this PENJANA e-commerce initiative so people will keep coming back to support our local retailers. For instance, we introduce cashback vouchers that reward consumers when they complete a purchase from local retailers, thereby encouraging repeat purchases that drive sustained growth for our sellers and brands. That is how we keep the economy moving and this is highly beneficial to local sellers,” added Ho.
Vach Pillutla, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd views PENJANA as relevant and timely seeing as Covid-19 has impacted almost the entire retail sector including sporting goods. “The pandemic has challenged businesses to look for opportunities to grow beyond traditional models. In fact, we made a business decision to pivot from offline to purely online until MCO was lifted. This included moving our entire marketing investment, operations and social media activations to our e-commerce platform. Our efforts saw daily transactions grow by 20 times during the period. Even today, our e-commerce business continues to show healthy growth because e-commerce has unlocked a new consumer segment for us. So, setting up the Al-Ikhsan Official Store on Shopee Mall is a natural progression as we expand our e-commerce efforts. That, and our participation in Shop Malaysia Online, will give us a fantastic impetus. I believe this relationship between the no.1 multi brand sports retailer and no.1 e-commerce platform in Malaysia is a meeting of equals and a key pillar in our strategy to obtain a 10% e-commerce contribution to our overall business by end of 2021.”
Shop Malaysia Online follows another successful collaboration - the PENJANA Micro, SMEs (MSMEs) E-commerce Campaign which is the Government’s other PENJANA e-commerce initiative implemented by MDEC and Shopee that provides over RM1,500 in perks each for Malaysian MSMEs new to Shopee. It has since benefited over 38,000 sellers to date, with participating MSMEs recording an average uplift of 162% in their daily sales after joining the campaign.
Having participated in both the PENJANA e-commerce initiatives, local seller Gadget Velocity who joined Shopee only in June 2020 was able to achieve sales close to half a million Ringgit in August 2020 alone. Gan Poe Yee, Online Manager, Gadget Velocity attributed their sales increase to in-store vouchers, Coins Cashback and Free Shipping Programme that attracted customers to their store. “We were fortunate that we were eligible for the PENJANA e-commerce benefits which helped boost our orders. But we know that we cannot just rely on one-off assistance - we have to also do our part by upholding a high level of customer service through fast response and after sales service. All efforts combined is what helped us achieve a five-fold sales uplift as compared to when we first started on Shopee.”
Speaking on a panel session organised by Shopee in conjunction with the 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Prasad Babu, Head of Enablers & Demand Generation, E-commerce Division, MDEC said the PENJANA e-commerce initiatives have enabled local sellers to relook at their e-commerce approach and certainly on their way to becoming digitally-powered businesses. “MSMEs are stepping up to initiate their deals and promotions. They are now more receptive to exploring other digital solutions like Google and Facebook advertising to redirect traffic to their e-commerce stores. Therefore, the PENJANA e-commerce initiatives’ impact and results aren’t just about the sales figures or the number of new online sellers the initiatives have created so far, but how it has accelerated a greater digital economy growth which has proven to be a big win for us as a nation. To achieve greater heights, MDEC will continue its efforts to accelerate the digital leap for all Malaysian businesses and support them in their ability to compete with leading global brands present within and beyond our national borders.”
As the Shop Malaysia Online initiative enters its final leg, Shopee is ramping up its efforts to rally consumers to do their part and support Malaysian businesses for economic recovery. This includes a PENJANA platform takeover on 16 September in celebration of Malaysia Day. The e-commerce platform has also gone one step further to boost local sellers in the Shop Malaysia Online initiative via 9.9 million PENJANA vouchers that also bring greater savings for Shopee users.
Ho explained that this is in line with one of Shopee’s three key commitments for 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Aside from supercharging economic growth and recovery, Shopee will also strengthen its ecosystem to make buying and selling online even more easy and convenient while delivering a super shopping experience by bringing users the largest collection of entertainment and deals. From today till 9 September, Shopee will be adding more value to consumers by bringing down the minimum spend for free shipping to RM9, offering 50% off vouchers and RM9 deals daily during Shocking Sale. Malaysians also stand to win prizes worth up to RM99,000 through Shopee Games, including 9 units of Samsung Galaxy Note20 when they play Shopee Farm.
For a memorable countdown to 9.9, don’t miss the Shopee 9.9 Super Show featuring games, performances and acts by a star-studded lineup including Ernie Zakri, Dato' Aaron Aziz, Ayda Jebat, Alif Satar, Wany Hasrita and many more. Watch, play and win prizes on 8 September, from 9pm on Shopee Live, YouTube, Astro Prima and Hello. The Shopee 9.9 Super Show is brought to you by Drypers, Dettol, P&G, Friso, PediaSure, Nescafé and L'Oréal.
To Shop Malaysia Online, visit this site and to check out the 9.9 Super Shopping Day incentives, visit here.
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