MalaysianUpdates

Category: Business

  • Gen Sphere Records Full Take-Up, Reflecting Strong Confidence in Johor Bahru’s Growth

    Gen Sphere Records Full Take-Up, Reflecting Strong Confidence in Johor Bahru’s Growth

    Majestic Gen has announced that Gen Sphere, its flagship freehold serviced apartment development in Johor Bahru, has achieved a 100 percent take-up rate since its launch in July 2025, marking a major milestone within the highly competitive city centre property market. The achievement reflects strong market confidence in Johor Bahru’s emergence as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic urban centres, while highlighting growing demand for homes that offer strategic connectivity, vibrant lifestyle elements, and long-term value.

    Situated on 1.25 acres of prime land with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM837 million, Gen Sphere has attracted a wide range of buyers, including professionals, young families, and seasoned investors. Purchasers were drawn to the project’s adaptability, modern living concept, and future growth potential, particularly as infrastructure developments and cross-border mobility continue to reshape Johor Bahru’s position as a thriving regional hub. The strong response also reflects increasing confidence in the city’s transformation into a cosmopolitan destination at the centre of regional growth.

    Majestic Gen Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Hoo Kim See said Gen Sphere was designed to meet the aspirations of a new generation that views Johor Bahru as a city of opportunity, connectivity, and progress. He described the full take-up as a strong affirmation of the company’s vision to create living spaces that resonate with evolving lifestyles while reflecting confidence in the city’s future.

    Connectivity continues to be one of the main factors influencing demand among homebuyers and investors in Johor Bahru. Beyond offering convenience for daily commuting, strong connectivity also enhances long-term property value and provides access to opportunities across Malaysia and Singapore. Located approximately 440 metres from JB Sentral and 700 metres from the Bukit Chagar RTS Link Station, Gen Sphere offers residents seamless access to major transport hubs and cross-border travel. A proposed direct connection to the existing link bridge to JB Sentral is expected to further improve accessibility and convenience.

    The completion of the RTS Link is set to usher in a new era of connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore by reducing travel time to just six minutes. This transformation is expected to position Johor Bahru among the region’s most connected gateway cities, further strengthening the appeal of developments such as Gen Sphere for both homeowners and investors.

    Majestic Gen Executive Director Mr Ta Wee Dher said the RTS Link is reshaping the way people live, move, and connect, adding that Gen Sphere was designed in anticipation of this major shift. He noted that the overwhelming demand demonstrates buyers’ recognition of the project’s value as Johor Bahru enters a new phase of urban and economic growth.

    Envisioned as a modern lifestyle landmark, Gen Sphere reflects Johor Bahru’s evolving identity through contemporary architecture, landscape design, and community-centred living. Its design draws inspiration from the convergence of cultures and ideas shaping the city today, incorporating organic forms, illuminated details, and modern elements that embody energy and progress.

    The development’s Neo Horizon landscape concept combines biomimicry with neo-futuristic principles to create an environment where greenery, natural light, and open spaces inspire relaxation and renewal. By blending urban sophistication with nature, the project creates spaces that encourage well-being, connection, and a sense of belonging.

    Gen Sphere comprises 996 residences thoughtfully designed with flexibility and future living in mind. Each unit features layouts that support multigenerational living, rental opportunities, and hybrid work lifestyles. Residential options range from one-bedroom units measuring 459 sq ft to three-bedroom homes of 755 sq ft, alongside selected 700 sq ft duplex residences featuring double-volume interiors and panoramic views of Johor Bahru’s skyline. With prices starting from RM609,000, Gen Sphere presents buyers with a rare opportunity to own a freehold property in the heart of the city.

    Residents will also enjoy an extensive range of lifestyle facilities spread across four levels and eight themed zones. Social and recreational amenities include BBQ terraces, pavilions, and a recreational basketball court, while wellness-focused facilities feature a yoga deck, jogging path, reflexology path, outdoor fitness areas, and a children’s playground designed for families.

    At the upper levels of the tower, the Retreat and Aqua Zones on Level 50 offer elevated lifestyle experiences with swimming pools, spa pools, cabanas, lounges, and sweeping views of Johor Bahru’s skyline. Meanwhile, the Fitness Zone on Level 50M completes the development’s lifestyle offering with a fully equipped gymnasium and multipurpose courts for pickleball and badminton.

    Through Gen Sphere, Majestic Gen aims to set a new benchmark for urban living in Johor Bahru by creating a development centred on aspiration, community, and sustainable value. As Johor Bahru continues its next phase of transformation and growth, Gen Sphere reflects both the ambition of the city and Majestic Gen’s commitment to shaping future-ready homes and communities.

    For more information, visit Majestic Gen Official Website

  • Boosting Workspace Momentum: Epson’s New WorkForce DS-530III Promises Seamless Large-Scale Digitization for SMEs

    Boosting Workspace Momentum: Epson’s New WorkForce DS-530III Promises Seamless Large-Scale Digitization for SMEs

    The global leader in document scanner unit shipments for 2025 has officially unveiled the WorkForce DS-530III, a sophisticated A4 Duplex Sheet-fed color scanner built by Epson to enhance speed and reliability for today’s digital-first office. Engineered for high-performance office environments, the DS-530III combines superior speed, intelligent media handling, and advanced workflow integration within a compact footprint, addressing the growing demand for reliable large-scale digitization solutions.

    The WorkForce DS-530III is built to sustain high-volume productivity, offering scanning speeds of up to 40 pages per minute, or 80 images per minute in duplex mode. With a daily duty cycle of 6,500 pages, the device is tailored for SMEs that require consistent performance for intensive document processing. Its automatic feeding mode further enhances efficiency, allowing for the continuous batch scanning of documents of varying sizes into a single, organized digital file, thereby minimizing manual intervention and streamlining administrative tasks.

    Central to the scanner’s reliability is Epson’s suite of intelligent protection technologies. The DS-530III features advanced paper protection and Double Feed Detection Skip (DFDS) technology, which proactively identifies abnormal feeds to safeguard documents with staples, folds, or stickers from potential damage. Furthermore, a glass dirt detection sensor alerts users to surface debris in real time, ensuring high-quality outputs and reducing the necessity for repetitive re-scanning. These features, combined with an ultrasonic sensor for overlapping page detection, guarantee precision and data integrity throughout the scanning process.

    For businesses requiring diverse media support, the DS-530III offers significant versatility. The scanner includes a one-pass duplex scanning feature and supports carrier sheets for fragile or irregular-sized documents. For even greater flexibility, the unit can be integrated with an optional flatbed dock and the Epson Perfection V39II flatbed scanner, enabling the digitization of bound books, receipts, and other delicate materials. This hybrid capability allows SMEs to manage a wide array of document types without compromising office space or operational simplicity.

    The hardware is complemented by a comprehensive software ecosystem, including Epson Scan 2 and Document Capture Pro. This integration allows for advanced image optimization, such as skew correction and text enhancement, alongside built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for creating searchable, secure PDFs. Alvin Tan, Managing Director of Epson Malaysia, stated that the DS-530III reflects Epson’s commitment to providing flexible, high-performance solutions that empower organizations to work smarter. The WorkForce DS-530III is available across Malaysia via authorized dealers, offering a scalable solution for businesses looking to enhance their workspace momentum.

  • Nippon Paint and CIDB Host Industry Workshop on Flooring Readiness for Malaysia’s Next-Generation Industries

    Nippon Paint and CIDB Host Industry Workshop on Flooring Readiness for Malaysia’s Next-Generation Industries

    Nippon Paint Malaysia, in collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), recently organised an industry workshop that brought together contractors and key industry players to address an emerging concern in Malaysia’s built environment: whether current flooring standards and workmanship are sufficiently prepared to meet the demands of next-generation industries.

    As Malaysia advances its ambition to become a regional hub for data centres, advanced manufacturing, and other high-value sectors, industrial flooring is increasingly coming into sharper focus. Once regarded as a secondary finishing element, flooring is now recognised as a critical component in ensuring operational reliability, safety, and long-term cost efficiency.

    In specialised environments such as data centres, food production facilities, and precision manufacturing plants, flooring systems are required to perform far beyond standard foot traffic. These environments demand resistance to electrostatic discharge, chemical exposure, heavy load-bearing conditions, and strict hygiene requirements. However, discussions during the workshop highlighted a widening gap between evolving industrial requirements and current on-the-ground practices.

    General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia, Tay Sze Tuck, said Malaysia is experiencing rapid growth across industries with increasingly specialised infrastructure needs. However, he noted that flooring is still often underestimated during both planning and execution stages. He explained that when flooring systems are not designed for their intended purpose, it can lead to operational disruptions, safety risks, and premature system failures.

    Contractors participating in the workshop also shared their on-the-ground experiences, highlighting both the challenges faced in current projects and the importance of practical, hands-on learning in addressing knowledge gaps.

    One participant noted that access to materials and equipment is no longer the main constraint in the industry. Instead, the key challenge lies in workmanship and the lack of a dedicated platform for contractors to consistently build technical knowledge in industrial flooring. The participant added that without proper skills and application, even high-quality systems may fail, making initiatives such as this workshop essential in equipping contractors with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve better project outcomes.

    Another participant highlighted that flooring requirements often evolve over time, particularly when facilities expand or operational needs change. In some cases, the flooring system initially specified may no longer align with how the space is ultimately used. This often occurs when the appropriate flooring solution is not selected for the right application from the beginning, leading to potential issues later on. The participant emphasised the importance of stronger communication among stakeholders, noting that workshops like this help encourage forward planning and earlier discussions on future operational needs.

    Electrostatic discharge (ESD), for instance, presents a significant risk in data centre environments, where even minor disruptions can affect sensitive equipment and operational uptime. Similarly, in food-grade facilities, unsuitable flooring systems can result in contamination risks and regulatory non-compliance, leading to both financial and reputational consequences.

    As these sectors continue to grow, the need for stronger technical expertise and fit-for-purpose flooring solutions across the contractor ecosystem is becoming increasingly urgent.

    Held at Nippon Paint’s R&D Centre in Shah Alam, the workshop aimed to provide contractors with practical insights into common flooring challenges, system selection, and application techniques tailored for modern industrial environments. Participants also gained hands-on experience through live demonstrations of specialised industrial-grade flooring systems designed for high-performance applications.

    “This is about preparing the industry for what comes next,” said Tay. “If Malaysia is to remain competitive in attracting high-value investments, every component of our infrastructure, including what lies beneath, must meet global standards.”

    The collaboration reflects a broader industry effort to enhance construction quality, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure that foundational systems are aligned with the evolving needs of future-focused industries. As Malaysia continues to expand its industrial and digital economy, addressing these gaps early will be crucial in building infrastructure that is not only functional, but also future-ready.

    For more information about Nippon Paint and Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS), please visit www.professional.nipponpaint.com.my.

  • HONOR 600 Series Hits Malaysia: Flagship Launch Triggers Retail Chaos as Thousands Secure New Tech

    HONOR 600 Series Hits Malaysia: Flagship Launch Triggers Retail Chaos as Thousands Secure New Tech

    The HONOR 600 Series has achieved a remarkable market entry in Malaysia as long lines of eager consumers flooded HONOR Experience Stores nationwide on its first day of official sales. This surge in physical retail interest follows a record-breaking pre-order phase on April 23, where the series saw a 153% increase in first-day sales compared to the previous generation. Such significant figures highlight growing consumer confidence and a heightened demand for the brand’s flagship innovations within the local market.

    Positioned as an accessible flagship, the HONOR 600 Series is designed to meet the needs of a fast-paced digital lifestyle by combining premium features with practical performance.

    The series is equipped with a powerful camera system, AI Image-to-Video 2.0 technology, and a massive 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, providing a comprehensive toolkit for both creative professionals and power users.

    At the heart of the series’ technical appeal is a 200MP Super Sensing Main Camera featuring CIPA 6.5-level image stabilization, which ensures professional clarity even at 120x zoom. The integration of the upgraded AI Image-to-Video 2.0 technology allows users to natively transform static photos into cinematic stories—including creative features like “impossible hugs” and “eternal memories”—without the need for third-party applications.

    Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship chipset in the Pro model and the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 in the standard model, delivering substantial improvements in speed and efficiency.

    Users also benefit from an 8,000-nit ultra-bright display for perfect sunlight legibility and 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming to prioritize eye wellness during extended use.

    Durability remains a core focus, with the devices featuring an IP69K rating for superior water and dust resistance alongside a reinforced structural design. To celebrate the launch, customers who purchase the HONOR 600 Series are entitled to a free gift bundle worth up to RM1,326. This includes a RM200 instant rebate, an HONOR Watch X5i, and comprehensive protection services such as 365-day front and back crack replacement and liquid damage protection.

    The HONOR 600 Pro is priced at RM3,099 for the 256GB variant and RM3,299 for the 512GB version, while the standard HONOR 600 with 512GB of storage is available for RM2,599. Available in Orange, Golden White, and Black, the series can be purchased at HONOR Experience Stores, the official online store, and authorized platforms including Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • HONDA MALAYSIA ENHANCES HYBRID OWNERSHIP VALUE WITH A 10-YEAR HYBRID BATTERY WARRANTY

    HONDA MALAYSIA ENHANCES HYBRID OWNERSHIP VALUE WITH A 10-YEAR HYBRID BATTERY WARRANTY

    As part of its continued focus on hybrid innovation, Honda Malaysia has introduced the “Hybrid Done Right” campaign, running from 1 April until 30 June 2026. The campaign aims to demonstrate the strength, durability, and real-world efficiency of Honda’s e:HEV technology, while offering added value to customers.

    From 1 May 2026 onwards, customers purchasing Honda e:HEV models will receive a 10-year warranty covering hybrid batteries and selected components, with unlimited mileage. This initiative highlights the company’s confidence in its hybrid technology and its commitment to long-term reliability.

    The extended warranty covers Honda’s current e:HEV lineup, including the City e:HEV, City Hatchback e:HEV, HR-V e:HEV, Civic e:HEV, and the New CR-V e:HEV. With this enhancement, customers can enjoy greater assurance and improved ownership value.

    Existing e:HEV owners, along with customers of previous-generation i-DCD models, will also benefit from this upgrade. The hybrid battery warranty is extended from eight years to ten years, while selected components now receive up to ten years of coverage, ensuring continued support throughout ownership.

    Furthermore, the warranty is transferable to subsequent owners, allowing second-hand buyers to benefit from the remaining coverage period. This move enhances the resale value of Honda hybrid vehicles while strengthening overall customer confidence.

    Honda Malaysia remains committed to delivering innovative and reliable mobility solutions. Supported by a robust after-sales network and consistent parts availability, the company continues to set the benchmark for hybrid ownership in Malaysia.

  • myFirst Bawa Konsep Runcit Interaktif Kanak-Kanak ke Malaysia dengan Dua Kedai Flagship

    myFirst Bawa Konsep Runcit Interaktif Kanak-Kanak ke Malaysia dengan Dua Kedai Flagship

    myFirst, pencipta ekosistem teknologi kanak-kanak pertama di dunia, mengumumkan pelancaran dua kedai pengalaman flagship pertamanya di Malaysia, sekali gus menandakan pencapaian penting dalam pengembangan runcit jenama ini serta memperkenalkan ekosistem teknologi yang saling berhubung, kreatif dan mesra kanak-kanak melalui konsep pengalaman runcit baharu untuk keluarga. Kedua-dua myFirst Experience Store ini dijadualkan dibuka secara rasmi pada 1 Mei di LG1.128A, Sunway Pyramid dan L2-K206, IOI City Mall, dengan membawa ekosistem teknologi kanak-kanak myFirst ke dalam ruang runcit interaktif yang direka berteraskan permainan, penerokaan dan penglibatan keluarga.

    Pelancaran ini mencerminkan perkembangan pesat teknologi khusus untuk kanak-kanak di Malaysia, di samping mengukuhkan komitmen myFirst untuk menjadikan teknologi yang selamat, bersesuaian dengan usia serta mampu memupuk kreativiti lebih mudah diakses oleh keluarga. Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dan Pengasas myFirst, G-Jay Yong, menyatakan bahawa Malaysia merupakan pasaran pertumbuhan penting bagi syarikat tersebut, dan pembukaan dua kedai flagship ini menjadi langkah strategik untuk memperkukuh interaksi dengan keluarga tempatan. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa myFirst bukan sekadar mewujudkan kedai runcit, sebaliknya sebuah pusat pengalaman yang membolehkan ibu bapa dan anak-anak meneroka sendiri bagaimana teknologi dapat menyokong keselamatan, kreativiti dan hubungan yang bermakna.

    Sunway Pyramid dan IOI City Mall dipilih sebagai lokasi penampilan sulung runcit fizikal myFirst berdasarkan demografi keluarga yang kukuh, dengan perancangan untuk memperluaskan kehadiran ke pusat beli-belah utama lain di Malaysia pada masa hadapan. Berbeza daripada kedai elektronik konvensional, myFirst Experience Store direka sebagai pusat pengalaman interaktif dengan pelbagai zon khas yang menghidupkan ekosistem jenama. Pengunjung boleh meneroka aplikasi myFirst Circle dan siri jam tangan pintar FONE yang dilengkapi ciri panggilan, panggilan video serta keselamatan berasaskan GPS. Kanak-kanak pula berpeluang mendalami dunia fotografi kreatif melalui kamera cetak segera myFirst yang menggalakkan ekspresi dan penerokaan, selain menyertai aktiviti interaktif menggunakan myFirst 3D Pen yang merangsang imaginasi, kreativiti dan pembelajaran melalui permainan. Pada masa yang sama, keluarga juga boleh merasai inovasi berfokuskan kesejahteraan seperti myFirst CareBuds Max yang menampilkan mod ketelusan pertama di dunia untuk kanak-kanak, membolehkan mereka menikmati audio imersif sambil kekal peka terhadap persekitaran.

    Secara keseluruhannya, ruang-ruang ini mencerminkan visi myFirst bahawa teknologi berperanan sebagai alat untuk mengeratkan hubungan, merangsang kreativiti dan menyokong perkembangan kanak-kanak. Kedai ini turut mempamerkan rangkaian produk myFirst yang lebih luas, termasuk jam tangan pintar, kamera cetak segera, peranti audio dan alat kreatif, yang semuanya tersedia untuk percubaan serta demonstrasi secara langsung. Direka khusus untuk ibu bapa dengan anak kecil, konsep kedai pengalaman ini memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat terhadap teknologi yang menyokong keselamatan kanak-kanak, komunikasi dan pembangunan kreatif dalam persekitaran digital yang dipercayai.

    Pelancaran ini juga memperkukuh kehadiran myFirst di Malaysia melalui saluran dalam talian serta kerjasama dengan rakan runcit seperti Popular Holdings, TMT by Thunder Match dan ALL IT Hypermarket. Seiring peningkatan kesedaran dan permintaan terhadap teknologi berfokuskan kanak-kanak, kedai baharu ini menawarkan pendekatan yang lebih imersif untuk keluarga mendekati produk yang direka khusus untuk kanak-kanak. G-Jay Yong turut menegaskan bahawa kanak-kanak seharusnya mengalami teknologi dalam cara yang selamat, memberi inspirasi dan sesuai dengan usia mereka, dan melalui pembukaan kedai ini, myFirst berharap dapat membantu keluarga memahami potensi sebenar teknologi berhubung yang direka khusus untuk kanak-kanak.

    Bagi meraikan pembukaan ini, myFirst akan menganjurkan sambutan dari 1 hingga 3 Mei di kedua-dua lokasi dengan pelbagai promosi eksklusif dan aktiviti mesra keluarga. Antara tawaran yang disediakan termasuk pemberian myFirst Fone M1 percuma berserta dua pek isi semula kepada 20 pelanggan pertama yang membeli myFirst Insta Lux, diskaun 15 peratus untuk semua produk bermula jam 11.30 pagi, peluang menyertai cabutan bertuah bagi setiap pembelian melebihi RM199, serta baucar ais krim Häagen-Dazs percuma untuk 100 pembeli terawal di Sunway Pyramid. Sambutan ini turut dimeriahkan dengan majlis perasmian dan persembahan tarian singa pada hari pembukaan. Menurut G-Jay Yong, acara ini bukan sekadar pelancaran kedai, tetapi satu sambutan yang memberi peluang kepada keluarga untuk meneroka, bermain dan merasai sendiri ekosistem myFirst bersama-sama. Orang ramai dijemput mengunjungi myFirst Experience Store bermula 1 Mei bagi menikmati pengalaman pembukaan eksklusif, manakala maklumat lanjut boleh didapati melalui laman web rasmi myFirst atau Instagram @myfirst.tech.my.

  • Auto Bavaria Welcomes the MINI Paul Smith Edition: Blending British Tailoring with Electric Innovation

    Auto Bavaria Welcomes the MINI Paul Smith Edition: Blending British Tailoring with Electric Innovation

    Auto Bavaria has officially introduced the MINI Paul Smith Edition to the Malaysian market, marking the arrival of a highly anticipated collaboration that merges British sartorial elegance with automotive innovation. The unveiling event, held recently in Kuala Lumpur, was attended by over 200 distinguished guests and enthusiasts. Available in two exclusive colorways—White and Statement Grey—the MINI Paul Smith Edition represents a sophisticated interpretation of the brand’s creative identity, offering a bespoke aesthetic that prioritizes refined craftsmanship and individual expression.

    Ms. Linnet Yew, Director of MINI Malaysia, emphasized during the proceedings that this edition encapsulates the core spirit of the brand, serving as a testament to its legacy of individuality. To provide a comprehensive overview of the brand’s current trajectory, Auto Bavaria also presented an extensive portfolio of limited-run models. This curated display included the MINI Countryman Stealth and Shadowline Limited Editions, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, and the MINI John Cooper Works GP Inspired Edition. Each vehicle showcased is produced in restricted quantities, ensuring long-term exclusivity and maintaining high value for collectors and owners who prioritize rarity.

    The launch program extended into functional engagement through scheduled night test drive sessions, allowing participants to evaluate MINI’s signature driving dynamics and “go-kart” handling within the urban context of Kuala Lumpur. Mr. Wong Loke Win, Head of Operations at Auto Bavaria, stated that the event was strategically aligned with “Auto Bavaria’s Vibrant Society”—an exclusive community initiative designed to enhance the customer ownership experience through lifestyle integration. This approach reflects the dealership’s commitment to the “BIG LOVE” philosophy, fostering enduring relationships that extend beyond conventional sales and aftersales services.

    The successful reception of the MINI Paul Smith Edition reinforces Auto Bavaria’s 14-year award-winning legacy as a leader in customer service excellence and premium retail. By facilitating immersive, lifestyle-driven experiences across its nationwide network—including showrooms in Ara Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Balakong, Penang, and Tebrau—Auto Bavaria continues to set the benchmark for the urban automotive lifestyle in Malaysia, successfully bridging the gap between high-performance engineering and high-fashion design.

  • Bolt Launches Cost-Saving Ride Options with Multi-Stop Feature and 25% Fare Reductions

    With fuel prices climbing and everyday expenses rising, many Malaysians are rethinking how they get around. Ride-hailing service Bolt Malaysia is stepping in with new features and savings aimed at making daily commutes more affordable and convenient.

    One of the standout updates is the platform’s multi-stop ride feature, which lets users include up to three destinations in a single booking. This means friends, colleagues, or even family members heading in the same direction can share one ride and split the cost. It’s a practical solution that not only reduces expenses but also makes travel more efficient.

    Bolt says users can enjoy savings of up to 35 percent per journey when using shared routes, depending on the distance and number of stops. On top of that, the platform is offering ride discounts of up to 25 percent, providing even more relief for those managing tight budgets.

    Behind these savings is Bolt’s efficient operating model, which allows the company to keep fares competitive. According to General Manager Afzan Lutfi, the goal is to offer real value in everyday commuting, especially at a time when many are feeling the pinch of rising costs.

    Beyond affordability, Bolt is also improving reliability. More drivers are being made available during peak hours to reduce long waits and avoid price surges. The ride scheduling feature further enhances convenience by allowing users to plan trips ahead of time, ensuring smoother journeys throughout the day.

  • Malaysian Businesses Accelerate AI Use Despite Growing Security and Governance Gaps

    Malaysian Businesses Accelerate AI Use Despite Growing Security and Governance Gaps

    TrendAI™, a global leader in AI security, has released new research revealing that organisations worldwide are continuing to accelerate AI deployment despite known security and compliance risks.

    In Malaysia, the study found that 75% of IT decision makers and 70% of business leaders feel pressured to approve AI initiatives even when security concerns exist. One in seven respondents described these concerns as “extreme,” yet said they were still overridden in order to keep pace with competitors and internal demand.

    AI adoption is clearly outpacing governance and control. Only 29% of Malaysian business decision makers reported being very or extremely confident in their understanding of legal frameworks governing AI, compared to 63% of IT decision makers. Around 52% of IT leaders said they already have comprehensive AI policies in place, while 39% are still developing them. Nearly half (51%) cited limited security or data expertise as the main barrier to safe AI adoption, followed closely by a lack of clear regulations and compliance standards (49%).

    According to Goh Chee Hoh, Managing Director for Malaysia at TrendAI™, organisations in Malaysia are deploying AI faster than they can manage the associated risks, creating a widening gap between ambition and oversight. He noted that this reflects a broader disconnect in governance maturity among business leaders. To close this gap, leadership must move beyond reactive security and focus on full visibility into how AI interacts with data, supported by a centralised framework that embeds accountability and risk oversight into system architecture. He added that initiatives such as the MY-AI Standards are a positive step in addressing risks like deepfakes and algorithmic bias. However, as Malaysia moves towards its goal of becoming an AI Nation by 2030, organisations must strengthen governance and defensive resilience to ensure AI adoption leads to a sustainable digital future.

    Rachel Jin, Chief Platform & Business Officer and Head of TrendAI, said that organisations are not lacking awareness of risk, but rather the conditions needed to manage it effectively. She explained that when AI deployment is driven by competitive pressure instead of governance maturity, systems are often integrated into critical infrastructure without sufficient controls, increasing exposure to risk. She emphasised that TrendAI remains focused on helping organisations achieve strong business outcomes while maintaining effective risk management.

    The research also highlights that pressure-driven AI rollout is being worsened by inconsistent governance and unclear accountability for AI-related risks. Security teams are often forced to react to top-down AI decisions, which can lead to workarounds and increased use of unsanctioned or “shadow” AI tools. TrendAI’s latest threat research further shows that attackers are already using AI to automate reconnaissance, scale phishing campaigns, and lower barriers to cybercrime, increasing both the speed and scale of attacks.

    Trust in autonomous AI systems remains at an early stage among business leaders. Fewer than half (44%) of Malaysian decision makers believe agentic AI will significantly improve cyber defence in the short term, citing concerns around data access, misuse, and lack of oversight.

    More than half of organisations (57%) identify AI agents accessing sensitive data as their biggest risk. Around 45% are concerned about malicious prompts compromising security, while 37% fear misuse of trusted AI systems and risks linked to autonomous code deployment. At the same time, 36% admit they lack sufficient observability or auditability over these systems, raising concerns about how they can be effectively monitored or controlled once deployed.

    Nearly half (48%) of organisations support the introduction of an AI “kill switch” to shut down systems in the event of failure or misuse, while more than half remain undecided. This highlights a broader lack of consensus on how to maintain control over increasingly autonomous AI systems.

    “Agentic AI is moving organisations into a new risk category,” added Rachel Jin. “The concerns are already clear, from sensitive data exposure to loss of oversight. Without visibility and control, organisations risk deploying systems they do not fully understand or govern, and that risk will continue to grow unless action is taken.”

    Read the full global report: Securing the AI-Powered Enterprise – Governance Gaps, Visibility Challenges and Rising Risk.

    *TrendAI commissioned SAPIO Research to survey 3,700 IT and business decision makers across 23 countries globally.

    About TrendAI™
    TrendAI™, the global AI security leader and enterprise business unit of Trend Micro, empowers organisations with full AI visibility and unified security to drive innovation while reducing risk. Trusted by leading enterprises and governments across 185 countries, TrendAI™ secures organisations from identities to infrastructure and data.

    Global Fortune 500 companies rely on TrendAI™ to reduce risk and detect threats up to three months earlier, powered by advanced threat intelligence.

    Through ecosystem partnerships with NVIDIA, Anthropic, AWS, Google, and Microsoft, TrendAI™ helps organisations adopt AI securely and at scale.

    AI Fearlessly.

  • SSM Terus Komited Perkukuh Tadbir Urus Korporat Sempena Sambutan Ke-24 Tahun

    Hari ini menandakan ulang tahun ke-24 penubuhan Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). Sejak ditubuhkan pada 16 April 2002, SSM kekal komited melaksanakan mandatnya sebagai pendaftar dan pengawal selia korporat negara, berpaksikan visi untuk menjadi pendaftar dan pengawal selia korporat terulung.

    Sepanjang 24 tahun penubuhannya, SSM telah membina legasi kejayaan berasaskan komitmen dan profesionalisme seluruh warganya dalam memperkukuh tadbir urus korporat negara yang sentiasa berkembang seiring dengan tuntutan semasa. Bersempena ulang tahun ke-24 ini dan mengambil inspirasi daripada angka 4, SSM memperkenalkan empat inisiatif utama bagi tahun 2026.

    Inisiatif pertama ialah Klinik Pematuhan dan Kempen Pemulihan Serah Simpan Dokumen Statutori bagi membantu syarikat yang menghadapi kesukaran memenuhi kewajipan pematuhan di bawah Akta Syarikat 2016. Inisiatif ini memberi ruang kepada syarikat untuk melaksanakan pemulihan bagi dokumen statutori yang tertunggak, dengan manfaat termasuk pengecualian tawaran kompaun bagi kesalahan yang belum dikompaun serta pengurangan kompaun sehingga 98% mengikut seksyen kesalahan berkaitan.

    Inisiatif kedua ialah penerusan Skim 1 OKU 1 Perniagaan bagi menyokong kelangsungan usahawan orang kurang upaya melalui pendaftaran dan pembaharuan perniagaan secara percuma setiap tahun. Inisiatif ketiga pula melibatkan lanjutan Skim Pendaftaran Perniagaan Percuma (SPPP) daripada satu tahun kepada dua tahun, khusus untuk usahawan kumpulan B40 serta pelajar sepenuh masa di IPTA, IPTS, politeknik, kolej, institut kemahiran dan pusat kemahiran.

    Inisiatif keempat ialah pengenalan Skim Pendaftaran Perniagaan Percuma Warga Emas (SPPWE) yang akan bermula pada 1 Jun 2026, bertujuan memberi peluang kepada warga emas untuk menjana pendapatan melalui aktiviti keusahawanan sekali gus membolehkan mereka terus aktif menyumbang kepada ekonomi negara.

    Kesemua inisiatif ini diharap dapat meningkatkan tahap pematuhan korporat, memudahkan urusan perniagaan serta memperkukuh kecekapan dan ketelusan ekosistem perniagaan negara secara menyeluruh.

    Di kesempatan ini, setinggi-tinggi penghargaan diucapkan kepada seluruh warga SSM atas dedikasi dan khidmat bakti yang berterusan. Semoga SSM terus unggul sebagai pendaftar dan pengawal selia korporat yang berwibawa dan progresif, selaras dengan aspirasi Kerangka Ekonomi MADANI.

    Selamat Ulang Tahun ke-24 SSM.