MalaysianUpdates

Month: December 2025

  • HONOR Magic8 Pro Achieves Strong Pre-order Response, Kicks Off First Sales on 5 December with Exclusive Free Gifts Worth RM2,190

    HONOR Magic8 Pro Achieves Strong Pre-order Response, Kicks Off First Sales on 5 December with Exclusive Free Gifts Worth RM2,190

    The HONOR Magic8 Pro has received an overwhelming response from Malaysians, surpassing expectations during its pre-order period following last Thursday’s launch. High consumer demand led to a complete sell-out of pre-order stock even before the device’s official first sale, reflecting strong excitement for its advanced camera capabilities, particularly the 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto Camera designed for exceptional low-light photography. Beyond its photography prowess, the HONOR Magic8 Pro is equipped with top-tier hardware and software, including a powerful chipset, premium specifications, and low service costs, making it a highly desirable device for tech enthusiasts.

    The first nationwide sale begins on 5 December 2025 at HONOR Experience Stores and official retail partners, with every purchase accompanied by an exclusive gift bundle worth RM2,190. The bundle includes a HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip, 365-day Front and Back Crack Protection, 1-Year Extended Warranty, 1-Year Liquid Damage Protection Warranty, and three months of complimentary Google AI Pro Higher Access worth RM294. Buyers will also benefit from an instant RM300 rebate, making the device an attractive investment.

    To celebrate the first sale, HONOR will host a grand opening at its new HONOR Experience Store in IOI City Mall Putrajaya on 5 December. Visitors can enjoy performances, interactive activities, and participate in four workshops designed to showcase the Magic8 Pro’s groundbreaking camera features and AI capabilities. A photo booth will allow participants to capture moments using the device, with complimentary printed photos and ice-cream treats provided upon completion of activities. The first 500 customers at the event will also receive an exclusive tote bag for IOI Club members.

    Additionally, customers spending RM1,000 or more in a single receipt at the IOI City Mall store between 5 and 14 December will be eligible for a lucky draw with prizes totaling RM55,000. The grand prize is a HONOR Magic8 Pro, alongside HONOR MagicPad 3 and HONOR Pad 10 WiFi tablets, with other prizes including HONOR Watch 2i, HONOR CHOICE Robot Cleaner R2, HONOR luggage, and more.

    The HONOR Magic8 Pro is available in three striking colors—Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, and Black—and two configurations: 24GB (including 16GB HONOR Turbo RAM) + 512GB storage priced at RM4,599, and 32GB (including 16GB HONOR Turbo RAM) + 1TB storage priced at RM5,199. The device can be purchased at HONOR Experience Stores nationwide, HONOR’s official online store, flagship stores on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and authorized partners such as Harvey Norman, Senheng, SenQ, and Urban Republic. For more information, visit HONOR’s official website at www.honor.com/my.

  • Usahawan Asnaf Projek Bangkit Melangkah ke Pentas Akhir dengan Tekad Mencipta Sejarah

    Usahawan Asnaf Projek Bangkit Melangkah ke Pentas Akhir dengan Tekad Mencipta Sejarah

    Projek Bangkit kini menghampiri kemuncaknya apabila episod terakhir, iaitu episod kelapan, bakal menemui penonton pada Sabtu ini. Sepanjang lapan minggu bersiaran, program realiti ini telah mempamerkan perjalanan transformasi penuh inspirasi para usahawan asnaf yang berdepan cabaran sebenar dunia keusahawanan. Melalui sesi bimbingan intensif bersama mentor berpengalaman, tugasan berasaskan operasi perniagaan, serta penilaian rapi daripada barisan juri profesional, peserta bukan sahaja memperkukuh model perniagaan masing-masing, malah membina keyakinan, ketahanan mental dan hala tuju baharu dalam kehidupan mereka sebagai usahawan.

    Pentas akhir tahun ini menampilkan lima peserta terbaik yang telah menyerlah sejak episod pertama—masing-masing membuktikan kemampuan luar biasa, kreativiti, disiplin kerja serta komitmen tinggi dalam mengembangkan perniagaan mereka. Finalis tersebut ialah Nursyahliza Syafrial dengan perniagaan Jijah Satay; Ahmad Imran Mazlan melalui perkhidmatan pembuatan perabot custom Reka Cantum; Nurul Asyiqin Mohamad Ramli yang mengusahakan Dark Premium Cookies di bawah Cocokins Trading; Muhammad Haziq Haime yang membangunkan jenama penjagaan rambut lelaki Broz&Key; serta Juliana Samsudin yang menerajui perniagaan Mini Murtabak Frozen dan Inti Murtabak Frozen melalui MPD Junior Resources. Menariknya, dua daripada mereka—Haziq Haime dan Juliana Samsudin—menerima wildcard daripada ketua juri, Dato’ Rosyam Nor, selepas beliau menilai potensi produk, daya persediaan serta kemampuan sebenar mereka untuk bersaing di peringkat akhir, menjadikan pentas final lebih dramatik dan kompetitif.

    Pemenang akhir bakal membawa pulang hadiah yang amat signifikan kepada kelangsungan dan pertumbuhan perniagaan mereka, termasuk geran bernilai RM50,000 daripada Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) serta pakej pengiklanan dan promosi bernilai RM1 juta daripada TV AlHijrah. Gabungan bentuk sokongan ini bukan sahaja membuka laluan luas ke pasaran yang lebih besar, malah membantu membina jenama, mendapatkan pelanggan baharu dan meningkatkan daya saing peserta di peringkat industri.

    Episod final akan memperlihatkan cabaran terakhir yang menguji sepenuhnya keupayaan peserta dalam tiga aspek kritikal keusahawanan—kreativiti, strategi pemasaran dan keberkesanan operasi. Cabaran ini dirangka untuk menonjolkan ketekunan, keberanian, daya tahan dan kebijaksanaan mereka dalam mengurus cabaran realiti perniagaan, sekaligus menunjukkan sejauh mana transformasi sebenar yang telah mereka lalui sepanjang program.

    Projek Bangkit, diterbitkan melalui kerjasama MAIWP, terus kekal sebagai platform pembangunan komuniti asnaf yang memberi nafas baharu kepada pendekatan realiti TV. Lebih daripada sekadar program hiburan, ia menjadi gelanggang latihan intensif yang menggabungkan ilmu, bimbingan dan pengalaman praktikal dalam membantu peserta membina kapasiti perniagaan, meningkatkan keyakinan diri serta menanam nilai kerja yang kukuh. Final minggu ini dijangka membawa impak emosi dan inspirasi yang mendalam kepada penonton, mengingatkan bahawa peluang boleh mengubah kehidupan apabila digabungkan dengan usaha, kesungguhan dan tunjuk ajar yang tepat.

    Penonton dijemput menyaksikan detik bersejarah ini pada Sabtu di TV AlHijrah (Saluran 114 MYTV), atau menonton semula di YouTube TV AlHijrah dan AlHijrah Plus. Episod kemuncak ini bakal menampilkan semangat perjuangan sebenar komuniti asnaf—membuktikan bahawa mereka bukan golongan lemah, tetapi pejuang yang sedang bangkit membina peluang, masa depan dan kejayaan mereka sendiri.

  • FELDA–FGV Perkukuh Komitmen Tangani Isu Ladang Terengganu Berlandaskan Undang-Undang

    Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (FELDA) dan FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) memandang serius notis-notis amaran berkaitan pendudukan secara tidak sah dan isu pencerobohan ladang di Besut, Setiu, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Marang dan Kemaman yang dikeluarkan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu pada 30 November serta 1 dan 2 Disember 2025. Walaupun FELDA menghormati bidang kuasa negeri dalam urus tadbir tanah, tempoh tiga hari yang diberikan untuk mengosongkan kawasan, merobohkan struktur serta memusnahkan tanaman disifatkan terlalu singkat dan tidak selaras dengan keperluan operasi ladang komersial. FELDA menegaskan bahawa ia mempunyai asas kukuh di bawah Akta Tanah (Kawasan Penempatan Berkelompok) 1960 dan Akta Pembangunan Tanah 1956 yang memberikan mandat jelas untuk membangunkan Kawasan Penempatan Berkelompok (GSA). Sehubungan itu, FELDA dan FGV sedang menjalankan semakan menyeluruh terhadap semua dokumen berkaitan, termasuk rekod sejarah, pembayaran premium, hak milik tanah dan syarat pembangunan melalui audit tanah yang komprehensif bagi memastikan ketepatan setiap maklumat sebelum tindakan lanjut diambil. Pembangunan ladang FELDA dan FGV di Terengganu selama ini memainkan peranan penting dalam menjana ekonomi negeri melalui peluang pekerjaan, penyediaan infrastruktur serta sumbangan kepada rantaian industri sawit, selain memastikan kelangsungan pendapatan komuniti peneroka. Kedua-dua pihak turut menegaskan bahawa isu ini akan ditangani secara profesional dan patuh undang-undang, dengan mengambil kira semua implikasi perundangan demi melindungi kepentingan peneroka, pekerja serta kestabilan sektor perladangan. Notis amaran tersebut tidak memberi kesan kepada operasi ladang peneroka, namun mempunyai implikasi terhadap operasi komersial FELDA dan FGV serta perancangan jangka panjang. FELDA dan FGV kekal komited mencari penyelesaian terbaik melalui saluran undang-undang yang teratur dan melalui kerjasama erat antara semua institusi kerajaan bagi memastikan keutuhan sektor perladangan serta kesejahteraan komuniti terus terpelihara.

  • Markets Progress from Recovery Phase to Growth Stage, According to CGS International

    Markets Progress from Recovery Phase to Growth Stage, According to CGS International

    CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“CGS MY”), a leading integrated financial services provider, has shared its preliminary market outlook ahead of the release of its annual Navigator Report 2026, providing insights into Malaysia’s economic and capital market prospects for the coming year. The report preview comes at a pivotal time, following Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, the upcoming Budget 2026, and the rollout of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). CGS MY highlighted that ASEAN continues to be a global beacon of stability, with Malaysia playing a central role in the region due to its strategic economic and political positioning. Despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, Malaysia’s domestic markets have remained resilient, with trade volumes and values on Bursa Malaysia largely supported by domestic participation. Following a dip in April 2025, the FBM KLCI and FBM Emas indices rebounded to 1,619.63 and 11,818.32 points respectively, signaling steady investor confidence.

    Khairi Shahrin Arief Baki, Chief Executive Officer-designate of CGS MY, expressed a constructive outlook for 2026, noting that Malaysia’s strategic location, strong domestic focus, and policy support for high-growth, high-value sectors position it as a safe haven amid ongoing US-China and China-Japan trade tensions. With seven more IPO listings in the pipeline for 2025, CGS MY expects Malaysia to maintain its leadership within ASEAN for capital market activity. The recent consultation paper by the Securities Commission Malaysia proposing updates to Main and ACE Market listing requirements is anticipated to further enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for IPOs.

    On the external front, geopolitical trade tensions are easing, with the US revising reciprocal tariffs downward, benefiting Malaysian exports. Over 60% of Malaysia’s exports to the US are projected to be exempt from tariffs, among the highest in ASEAN. Coupled with the US Federal Reserve resuming its rate cut cycle and Bank Negara Malaysia maintaining the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), a narrowing of interest rate differentials is expected to positively impact the ringgit and the Malaysian stock market. CGS MY underscored that Malaysia’s investment growth is anchored in strong fundamentals, including political stability, fiscal discipline, and sound governance. Through its capital market leadership, the company aims to support these strengths by fostering collaborations across ASEAN and China while promoting sustainability-focused initiatives.

    Domestically, the MADANI government’s economic reforms, including rationalization of subsidies and broadening of the public revenue base, have helped narrow the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of GDP in 2022 to a projected 3.5% in 2026. Strategic initiatives under the MADANI Economy, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), have driven investments to record levels, with approved investments hitting RM379 billion in 2024 and maintaining robust growth at RM285 billion for the first nine months of 2025. Looking ahead, the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign targets 31 million tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion in receipts, creating potential investment opportunities in tourism-related sectors including aviation, retail, healthcare, and REITs. With a combination of strong domestic fundamentals, supportive policies, and strategic international positioning, CGS MY believes Malaysia’s markets are well-poised to move from recovery into a sustained growth phase in 2026, offering attractive prospects for investors and capital market participants alike.

  • Maxim Malaysia Remains Fully Operational Nationwide Following APAD’s Final Approval

    Maxim Malaysia Remains Fully Operational Nationwide Following APAD’s Final Approval

    Maxim E-hailing Malaysia has reaffirmed its position as one of the country’s key mobility providers after officially receiving the final approval letter from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), allowing the company to continue its e-hailing operations nationwide. The approval marks the successful completion of a three-month monitoring period, during which Maxim demonstrated full compliance with all regulatory requirements. At a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Mushfique Ahmed, Legal Compliance & Government Relation of Maxim Malaysia, highlighted several major areas the company strengthened during this period, including enhancements in the legalization process, driver financial support, onboard system improvements, safety upgrades, and ongoing community-focused initiatives. Throughout the monitoring phase, Maxim submitted all mandatory reports and implemented key improvements, ensuring every driver meets licensing requirements and positioning the company as a fully compliant e-hailing platform in Malaysia.

    To reinforce its compliance efforts, Maxim carried out an internal audit of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and eVP licenses, refined its driver onboarding processes, and enforced stricter inspection protocols. The company also introduced various support measures for driver-partners, including up to RM400 financial assistance for new drivers and a 0% commission incentive for newly approved driver-partners. Collaborations with driving schools further enabled a faster and more cost-effective pathway for drivers to obtain PSV licenses, with Maxim covering the full cost of the licensing process. On the safety front, Maxim rolled out women-only ride options in selected East Coast cities, provided child seats to top-performing drivers in Terengganu, and upgraded its SOS button to ensure faster emergency responses.

    In fulfilling its social responsibility, Maxim expanded its support for Persons with Disabilities (OKU) through 0% commission incentives for OKU drivers and improved service accessibility for OKU customers. The company also continued various community initiatives, including Independence Day and Malaysia Day campaigns, transportation assistance for the blind community, blood donation drives, and its collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind through a formal Memorandum of Understanding. These efforts underline Maxim’s commitment to inclusivity and community welfare. According to Hazwan, the company’s spokesperson, the final approval marks a significant milestone, positioning Maxim for a stronger phase of growth and service expansion. He emphasized that Maxim’s mission extends beyond offering e-hailing services—its role is vital in enabling economic participation, particularly for individuals who rely on e-hailing as their primary income source.

    Hazwan also noted that Maxim’s wide operational footprint—spanning major cities, suburban regions, and rural areas—reinforces its commitment to providing accessible transportation for all Malaysians. He added that the company’s continuous improvements in safety, driver welfare, and community engagement demonstrate its value as a competitive player in the local e-hailing landscape, helping reduce market monopoly and enhancing mobility across all states. With the final approval secured, Maxim Malaysia is now set to advance its technological capabilities, broaden service offerings, and strengthen partnerships with authorities and local communities as part of its mission to support a modern, inclusive transportation ecosystem. Since launching in Malaysia in 2019 with its first completed order in Kuantan, Maxim has grown into a nationwide service powered by innovative technologies and user-friendly platforms. Its Maxim app and Taxsee Driver app—available across all major app stores—serve millions of users and reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to improving mobility and enabling people to move confidently toward their goals.

  • ODEON KL BERNAFAS BAHARU SEBAGAI RUANG SENI, MUZIK DAN BUDAYA

    ODEON KL BERNAFAS BAHARU SEBAGAI RUANG SENI, MUZIK DAN BUDAYA

    Odeon KL, salah satu panggung wayang tertua dan paling ikonik di Malaysia sejak 1936, kini bangkit semula melalui proses transformasi menyeluruh bagi mengembalikan nafas baharunya sebagai pusat seni persembahan yang berprestij di tengah-tengah ibu kota. Terletak di atas tanah milik UDA Holdings Berhad, bangunan bersejarah ini sedang dinaik taraf sepenuhnya dan diuruskan oleh Rockstation Event & Entertainment Sdn Bhd di bawah pimpinan Pengarah Urusan, Mozylir Mokhtaruddin. Kedudukannya yang strategik di Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman—sekitar 300 meter dari Stesen LRT Bandaraya dan 500 meter dari Stesen Monorel Medan Tuanku—menjadikan Odeon KL mudah diakses oleh pengunjung tempatan, pelancong dan peminat seni. Dikelilingi mercu perniagaan seperti Kompleks Pertama, Kompleks Sogo dan Kompleks Campbell, ia muncul sebagai destinasi seni baharu di tengah denyut nadi bandar.

    Rockstation membawa visi progresif untuk menjenamakan Odeon KL sebagai hab acara dinamik yang merangkumi dewan konsert, ruang aktiviti, seni persembahan serta platform kebudayaan. Seiring dengan perancangan pembangunan selama 10 tahun, sebanyak RM6 juta diperuntukkan bagi memulihara bangunan warisan ini, menaik taraf fasiliti dan melengkapkannya dengan teknologi moden tanpa menjejaskan nilai sejarahnya. Pembaharuan ini meliputi sistem bunyi dan akustik bertaraf profesional, bilik persalinan artis yang lebih selesa, ruang logistik untuk produksi, kemudahan parkir, Laman Odeon sebagai ruang aktiviti komuniti serta kemudahan surau bagi pengunjung. Projek penaiktarafan ini sedang dijalankan secara berfasa dan dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada Mei 2026, membuka lebih banyak peluang perniagaan kepada usahawan Bumiputera dan merancakkan ekonomi setempat. Selari dengan kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, pelbagai program seni, budaya, muzik dan festival sedang dirangka untuk menjadikan Odeon KL destinasi tumpuan pelancong dan peminat seni.

    Dalam meraikan era baharu ini, kumpulan rock tersohor tanah air, Barbarik—dianggotai Jo Branko, Muss, Rozaimi dan Ainol—dipilih sebagai artis pertama yang akan membuka tirai pentas Odeon KL yang telah dinaik taraf. Konsert bertajuk Pentas Barbarik: Live @ Odeon KL bakal berlangsung pada 12 Disember 2025 sebagai persembahan sulung yang dianjurkan oleh Odeon KL dan Rockstation Event & Entertainment Sdn Bhd. Barbarik dipilih bukan sahaja kerana reputasi mereka dalam dunia muzik rock ‘keras’, tetapi juga kerana muzik mereka dianggap sebagai ujian terbaik untuk sistem bunyi, akustik serta kelengkapan teknikal baharu Odeon KL. Kejayaan siri konsert Peluru Cokelat pada Jun lalu dan sokongan padu daripada komuniti Rejim Barbarik turut menjadi faktor pemilihan mereka. Menurut Mozylir Mokhtaruddin, pihak penganjur berbesar hati dengan kolaborasi ini selepas melihat persembahan mantap band tersebut di Zepp KL serta sambutan peminat yang menyebabkan semua tiket terjual habis.

    Konsert pembukaan ini turut mencatat pencapaian cemerlang apabila 2,500 tiket habis dijual, menandakan permulaan gemilang bagi Odeon KL sebagai pusat seni persembahan yang dihormati dan bersedia untuk kembali memainkan peranan penting dalam ekosistem seni negara. Dengan sejarah hampir satu abad, kedudukan strategik dan pembangunan moden yang terancang, Odeon KL kini bersedia menjadi mercu baharu seni, muzik dan budaya Kuala Lumpur—sekali gus menghidupkan kembali semangat kota yang progresif, inklusif dan penuh kreativiti.

  • DOSM dan SKM Tingkatkan Kerjasama untuk Memperkasakan Statistik Sektor Koperasi Melalui Memorandum Persefahaman

    YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Ketua Perangkawan Malaysia mewakili Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) dan YBrs. Puan Noor Afifah binti Abdul Razak, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM), hari ini menandatangani Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) yang bertujuan memperkukuh kerjasama strategik dalam perkongsian data, penyelidikan perangkaan, pembangunan modal insan, serta khidmat rundingan berkaitan statistik sektor koperasi. Majlis berlangsung di Dewan Perdana, Menara Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, menekankan komitmen kedua-dua pihak untuk menghasilkan statistik koperasi yang lebih tepat, holistik dan berintegriti melalui perkongsian data serta pemurnian konsep, takrif dan klasifikasi data. Selain itu, MoU ini memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan modal insan melalui latihan, taklimat dan pertukaran pegawai, selaras dengan usaha menyelaraskan klasifikasi koperasi kepada Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC) dan piawaian antarabangsa seperti International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC). Kerjasama ini dijangka meningkatkan kualiti dan keseragaman data koperasi, memperkukuh analisis sumbangan sektor koperasi kepada Keluaran Dalam Negeri Kasar (KDNK), serta menyokong perancangan dasar dan pembangunan koperasi berasaskan bukti. Inisiatif ini juga selaras dengan agenda TransKoM 2021–2025 dan menyumbang kepada peningkatan profesionalisme dalam pengurusan data koperasi. Kejayaan Malaysia menduduki tangga pertama dalam laporan Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25 menunjukkan keupayaan negara dalam pengurusan data, dan Medium OpenDOSM NextGen menyediakan katalog data serta visualisasi interaktif yang memudahkan pengguna mengakses dan menganalisis data di portal https://open.dosm.gov.my, sekali gus memperkukuh ekosistem data koperasi negara secara menyeluruh.

  • E&O Kicks Off Penang’s Festive Season With Exciting Celebrations at Straits Quay, Gurney Bridge, and Andaman

    E&O Kicks Off Penang’s Festive Season With Exciting Celebrations at Straits Quay, Gurney Bridge, and Andaman

    Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), Malaysia’s renowned developer celebrated for its iconic waterfront properties, recently brought Penang’s holiday season to life by hosting the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2025 at Straits Quay Retail Marina from 28 to 30 November. Now in its second consecutive year at this vibrant seafront location, the regatta drew global attention as teams from around the world competed along Penang’s scenic coastline, further cementing the island’s reputation as a premier sporting and cultural destination. Building on last year’s success, PIDBR 2025 introduced a new para-athlete category, alongside junior, senior, and international open divisions, resulting in a record turnout of participants and spectators that surpassed last year’s 100,000 attendees. The event showcased thrilling 250m and 400m races, where the rhythm of pounding drums and synchronized paddles highlighted teamwork, discipline, and unity, values that resonate with E&O’s vision for Penang’s sustainable development.

    Straits Quay Marina provided a spectacular backdrop for the regatta, with its deep-water berths, panoramic sea views, and bustling retail promenade enhancing the experience for both athletes and visitors. The regatta also coincided with a peak period in Penang’s tourism calendar, with more than 720,000 tourist arrivals recorded in November and December 2024, and even higher numbers anticipated this year. Complementing the sporting excitement, Straits Quay was transformed into a festive holiday hub, featuring Christmas-themed attractions, family-friendly rides, and seasonal performances that delighted both residents and tourists. E&O’s commitment to Penang extends beyond event hosting; through its Legacy for Tomorrow sustainability framework, the developer continues to promote environmental stewardship, community resilience, and inclusive growth across the island. With initiatives spanning sports, community programs, and coastal enhancements, E&O reinforces its dedication to fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and culturally rich waterfront experience, ensuring that Penang’s social and ecological landscape continues to thrive.

    For more information, visit:
    Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR): https://www.straitsquay.com/penang-international-dragon-boat-regatta/
    Straits Quay Merry Go Fun: https://www.straitsquay.com/merry-go-fun-2/

  • TCS Collaborates with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, and PERKESO to Equip 100 Malaysian Youths with Future-Ready Skills via KodeMyFuture

    TCS Collaborates with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, and PERKESO to Equip 100 Malaysian Youths with Future-Ready Skills via KodeMyFuture

    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, recently concluded the KodeMyFuture program, a flagship digital skills development initiative aimed at equipping Malaysia’s graduates with coding, problem-solving, and employability skills for the digital economy. The closing ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), alongside senior representatives from TCS and its partners, including Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and the Social Security Organization (PERKESO). Over three intensive days, nearly 100 carefully selected graduates from public universities participated in hands-on training across AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, supported by structured modules, industry mentoring, and real-world project exposure.

    Highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda emphasized that KodeMyFuture demonstrates how aligned efforts between government, academia, and industry can enhance graduate employability and create a future-ready talent pipeline to support Malaysia’s digital and economic transformation. Jeevan Rajoo, Country Head of TCS Malaysia, added that the program bridges the gap between education and employment, equipping youth with skills in high demand and providing them meaningful opportunities in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman of PERKESO and Anuar Fariz Fadzil of MDEC also highlighted the program’s role in future-proofing Malaysia’s workforce, fostering adaptability, and cultivating tech-savvy professionals capable of driving innovation across sectors.

    Celebrating success: YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of MOHE, and Mr Jeevan Rajoo, Country Head of TCS Malaysia, present a symbolic “100 job offers” mock certificates to graduates, marking placements at TCS and PERKESO and a direct bridge from training to employment.

    Launched under TCS’s global Purpose4Life initiative, KodeMyFuture represents a long-term commitment to digital education, inclusion, and sustainable growth. Beyond immediate employment opportunities, the program nurtures a generation of graduates who are ready to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a high-income, innovation-driven economy. By providing foundational and advanced digital skills, KodeMyFuture not only closes the skills gap but also empowers Malaysian youth to thrive in a future shaped by technology and innovation.

    KodeMyFuture exemplifies the power of public–private collaboration with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, PERKESO and TCS working together to equip Malaysia’s youth with future-ready digital skills and strengthen the nation’s high-skilled talent pipeline.
  • AppWorks Highlights 8 Malaysia–Singapore Startups Pioneering Urban, SME, and Capital Innovation at MVCA 2025

    AppWorks Highlights 8 Malaysia–Singapore Startups Pioneering Urban, SME, and Capital Innovation at MVCA 2025

    AppWorks Demo Day #31 landed in Kuala Lumpur today as part of the Malaysian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (MVCA) Conference 2025, themed Beyond Borders: Positioning ASEAN in the Global Private Capital Renaissance. The event highlighted eight dynamic startups from Malaysia and Singapore, all innovating across AI, Web3, robotics, and urban infrastructure, offering investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders a glimpse into Southeast Asia’s next generation of scalable ventures. Malaysian founders showcased solutions addressing everyday challenges—from urban congestion to accessible investment opportunities—with companies like Parkit, which optimizes parking infrastructure for businesses and MRT commuters; Carching, a data-driven out-of-home advertising platform using everyday vehicles; Plandora, providing AI-powered travel planning via creator-authenticated itineraries; and Singular, which democratizes access to private equity through on-chain fractional shares.

    Singapore-based startups presented Malaysia as a strategic first-market for regional expansion, demonstrating readiness to scale cross-border. These included Farmio, an AI-driven food supply chain platform; Fluid, a B2B payments and embedded credit solution; Hivebotics, which deploys AI-powered commercial cleaning robots; and Alpha Story, a platform turning complex technologies into clear, investment-ready digital narratives. Together, the eight startups illustrated a region-wide shift towards operational resilience, scalable solutions, and cross-border growth in line with Southeast Asia’s projected USD 360 billion digital economy by 2026 and a USD 120 billion AI-driven GDP uplift by 2027.

    The Demo Day combined rapid-fire pitches with an alumni fireside chat, providing actionable insights into scaling businesses across ASEAN markets. Speakers such as TK Chuah, Founder & CEO of Bootsorder, and Sophie Chu, Principal of AppWorks AI Arm, offered guidance on leveraging community support, navigating new regulatory environments, and adopting North Asia’s fast AI adoption trends to scale confidently. Highlighting Malaysia as a strategic bridge for talent, capital, and technology, the event emphasized that sustainable growth in Southeast Asia demands market agility, deep customer understanding, and cross-border collaboration. By positioning founders directly in front of investors and corporate decision-makers, AppWorks and MVCA reinforced Malaysia’s growing role as a hub for high-potential, regionally minded startups ready to make an impact across ASEAN and beyond.