MalaysianUpdates

Tag: business

  • RAAQUU, A LOCAL ARTISANAL BRAND TAKING A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH ABOUT ANCIENT JAPANESE POTTERY TECHNIQUES PRODUCING WORLD-CLASS CERAMIC ART

    KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2023 –About 15 years ago when Adil Abdul Ghani first polished Raku pottery while studying ceramics training program in Japan. He was immediately taken by the piece and found himself dig deep into the process of its creation called Raku – a firing technique for pottery that Its origins may be linked to the art of the ancient Japanese tea ceremony. Since then, Adil taking various bold steps to hone his expertise in all things Raku brings the establishment of a new company called RAAQUU CERAMIC ART (RAAQUU) in 2020.

     

    Within three years, RAAQUU has achieved a significant number of accomplishments. Adil’s brand of Raku with its five different type of finishes, namely full-copper matte, half-copper matte, smoked, carbon half-copper matte and obvara (a slightly varied technique of firing), has proven to be a hit both locally and internationally. In 2022 itself, RAAQUU recorded an unprecedented sales of more than RM1 million in ceramic art – gaining worldwide attention both online and offline in the process.

     

    According to Adil, “Raku ceramics are special because of the unpredictability of its firing technique. Just like our tagline, ‘Painted By Fire’, Raku firing is done in an extremely hot kiln and then removed while the ceramic piece is still red-hot or molten. Immediately after coming out of the kiln, the ceramic piece is then placed in a reduction chamber filled with sawdust or paper. The extreme heat from the ceramic piece then ignites the combustible material in the reduction chamber, which is then sealed for a while.”

     

    Adil continue to explain that what happens inside the reduction chamber is the key to the unique and unpredictable colours of each Raku ceramic piece. “At RAAQUU, each ceramic piece are different and cannot be reproduced. This makes each piece a unique work of art with its own story to tell. It is the main factor that drives the interest towards RAAQUU and made it into a coveted collector’s item.”

    RAAQUU’s products ranges from miniature vases that you could slip into your pocket, to experimental sculptural pottery pieces from its Life Magnified collection created by Adil as the brand’s Creative Director and Ceramicist. The variety of products especially the one-of-a-kind sculptures are created to spark interest on RAAQUU and create a talkability and shareability factor, which is extremely important in this day and age. They are made at RAAQUU’s operations base at Ara Damansara where the design studio and management office are also located.

     

    Raw materials, mainly clays, are ethically sourced from Mukim Sayong in Perak, the birthplace of another design marvel, our very own ‘labu Sayong’ or ‘water calabash’, a Malay traditional earthenware water container. “I feel that the merge between the historical elements of Malaysia and Japan where local crafts are concerned has in itself taken RAAQUU to another level of distinction and gravitas”, quips Adil on another noteworthy feature of RAAQUU.

     

    Adil is currently busy preparing for RAAQUU’s first solo exhibition that is scheduled for mid January 2024. “We hope to show at least 20 large-scale sculptural pieces that have never been seen, and we will also be introducing our accessory items too. This is on top of RAAQUU’s most popular contemporary and functional home decoration products. For now, I must say that the RAAQUU team is fired up for our next phase of expansion. My focus is of course to ensure that RAAQUU maintains its level of artistry. We are in consistent R&D mode – researching and experimenting on how we could make our products better while still honouring the tradition and culture from which these incredible pieces came from”. He concluded, “In 2024, I am looking at collaborating with designers from any discipline to create other exciting and unique products for RAAQUU, and are keen to explore new partnerships especially in the retail industry. So far, RAAQUU’s partnerships with The Datai in Langkawi, FERN Batik Collective and Gudang have created various positive impact to the brand”, says Adil enthusiastically.

    RAAQUU currently ships to 32 countries worldwide and can be purchased online via www.raaquu.com where you can also find other in-depth information on the brand. RAAQUU is also available on Etsy, Amazon, Patreon etc. Terms and conditions apply.

     

    Follow RAAQUU on social media for latest updates on the brand, as follows:

    Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/raaquuceramics

    Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@RAAQUUceramics

    Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/raaquuceramics

    YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@raaquuceramics

     

  • RM1 THIRST QUENCHER CAMPAIGN THROUGH ATLAS VENDING EMPOWERS LOWER INCOME GROUPS, PARTNERS WITH MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

    KUALA LUMPUR, 15 NOVEMBER 2023 – ATLAS Vending Sdn Bhd, the vending machine branch of  Etika Sdn Bhd, the beverage producer for well known brands announced the launch of its collaboration with Ministry of Economy for Kempen Penyegar Dahaga RM1, part of the ongoing initiative by the government under Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) or the People’s Income Initiative.

     

    As the largest food and beverage (F&B) vending machine operator, ATLAS Vending sets out on a mission to empower low-income earners through the use of its vending Machines available nationwide. Aligning its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment with the Ministry’s vision of helping over 130,000 hardcore poor Malaysians, the initiative between these two parties is also aimed at tackling inflation and purchasing parity of the country in support of the circular economy.

     

    ATLAS Vending stands as the largest F&B vending operator across Malaysia & Singapore, with reach across every state. Their impact is felt through the 3,210 machines under the IPR RM1 initiative nationwide, a testament to their commitment towards extending to people across the country. 

     

    Announcing the partnership and launch of the vending machines at KL Sentral today with YB Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economy in attendance, ATLAS Vending is introducing its first vending machine under the IPR initiative for beverages. Available for purchase at RM1 are three beverages under the Etika Group; Pepsi Black, bottled mineral water and Revive Isotonic, all of which are healthy refreshments that fulfil government guidelines, bearing the Healthier Choice logo.

     

    Etika’s Chief Executive Officer, Santharuban Thurai Sundaram said “We believe that every small step can lead to significant change. With this, we embark on a journey to empower communities, one refreshing sip at a time. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards making a positive impact on the lives of Malaysians.”

     

    He also said “ATLAS Vending is proud to introduce the RM1 drink vending machine, collaboration with the Ministry of Economy Malaysia, a testament to our commitment to the People Income Initiative. We hope to truly make a difference for our people and the country of Malaysia, which is now made possible through our efforts in providing affordable refreshments to all Malaysians.”

     

    Minister of Economy, Yang Berhormat Tuan Rafizi Ramli said, “Our goal is to provide affordable options to all Malaysians, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a moment o f respite without stretching their wallets. This initiative doesn’t just quench your thirst; it nourishes the spirit of unity and shared prosperity. Since the launch of the vending machine initiative under IPR, many Malaysians from the low income group have been able to benefit from the affordable meal options provided by the vendors operating these vending machines.

     

    He also said “We believe that the initiative is not just about the RM1 drink; it is also about working together with partners and stakeholders to focus on the social inclusivity and welfare of Malaysians, one of the aspects under the 12th Malaysian Plan. We are certainly pleased to have partners such as ATLAS Vending coming in to take the lead in this initiative, enabling the ministry to realise the shared vision of equitable distribution of benefits, and this initiative is a step in that direction.”

    Rafizi Wujudkan Inisiatif Minuman RM1, Vending Machine Seluruh Negara
    The People Income Initiative or Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) was launched in February 2023 and focuses on a two-pronged strategy to increase the income of resilient poor families and the B40 while simultaneously addressing daily economic issues through its initiatives. IPR concentrates on eradicating poverty and increasing people’s income through initiatives in agriculture, food businesses, and service providers.

     

    Under IPR, the Ministry is focusing on three key modules to eradicate poverty amongst the low-income group. This comprises Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (Intan), Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) and Services Operator Initiative (Ikhsan).

     

    With the partnership announcement between ATLAS and the Ministry of Economy, the RM1 drinks will be made available nationwide across 3,210 vending machines.

     

    ATLAS Vending’s expertise extends beyond food and beverage vending solutions. They also empower retail brands through their vending machine automation as seen through their partnership with Siti Khadijah, enhancing accessibility and convenience for the ibadah needs of Malaysians. Brands interested in exploring a partnership with ATLAS Vending can contact them at customercarelineMY@atlasasia.co

    For more information on this collaboration, check out ATLAS Vending’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/atlasasia.co/. For more information on the People’s Income Initiative, please visit https://ipr.epu.gov.my/about

     

  • Up To 50% of Business in Southeast Asia and Oceania Checked Find Device Works No Security Features

     

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – 6 November 2023 –A study 1 by Samsung Electronics and Tech Research Asia that surveyed more than 1,440 businesses in Southeast Asia and Oceania found that more than half of these businesses felt device security was a common problem. 33% of respondents find their business devices too old to run applications, while 44% have devices that require additional hardware or accessories to function.

     

    With a large number of businesses at risk of compromising their data via their corporate liable devices, they struggle to find the balance between a secure and flexible solution and maximizing productivity from digitalization.

     

    “To thrive in this fast-changing world, businesses need a robust and secure technology infrastructure to support flexible work – and a closed ecosystem just isn’t the answer,” said Ian Chong, Regional Director & Head of Mobile Experience B2B, Southeast Asia & Oceania.

     

    “Samsung’s Galaxy for Work equips businesses with an open ecosystem of secure, versatile devices that are optimized for their unique needs, giving them all the freedom and confidence they need to stay competitive in today’s business landscape.”

     

    Samsung has brought Galaxy for Work to Southeast Asia and Oceania as workforces in the region are getting more hybrid and decentralized, and businesses feel the need to digitalize to avoid employee downtime, lost revenue and other opportunity costs.

     

    The Power of Galaxy’s Open Ecosystem

    With in-depth expertise in mobile security and digitalization, Samsung offers an open ecosystem by putting trust in collaboration. Running on the Android Open source, this was made available to carriers, OEM and developers alike to make their innovative ideas a reality. This allows some of the biggest names in tech to and work together to step up their game, strengthening it collectively. Opening the ecosystem has not led to more vulnerabilities, but to greater and more diverse security practices. This collaboration enables businesses to focus on what is most important to them, by giving them the freedom of streamlined productivity, seamless device continuity, and effortless management of devices all with a solution trusted by governments worldwide – Samsung Knox 2 .

     

    Versatile Devices with Optimized Experiences

    Samsung continues to empower businesses with versatile Galaxy devices that cater to their unique operational needs. From cutting-edge Enterprise Edition devices to the resilient Ruggedized Series, our wide-ranging product lineup, complemented by Samsung Knox and B2B accessories, ensures seamless remote deployment and easy customization for diverse sectors.

     

    Security Leadership with Samsung Knox’s End-to-End, Real-Time Protection

    In an era where work and personal lives intertwine, businesses face the challenge of safeguarding data security while respecting individual privacy. As a leading global company that designs and manufactures its own products, Samsung is able to keep an eye on each component from the processor up. Organizations are secured from day one, thanks to security-specific hardware and isolated software integrated across Samsung’s portfolio and supply chain that provides end-to-end, protection at all levels of the mobile experience, from the chips inside to the apps. A secured supply chain, prevents unauthorized access to Galaxy devices and provides users with a product they can trust.

     

    Samsung’s commitment to data protection continues with Samsung Knox, offering real-time protection against data attacks and malware. Unauthorized attempts to access or modify the core of Galaxy devices are promptly blocked, ensuring user information remains safe.

    Your Privacy, Secured with Transparency and Control

     Security should never compromise personal privacy. Therefore, Samsung's Security & Privacy Dashboard gives users a comprehensive view of their data, empowering them with transparency and control. For business, while users have control and transparency of their Samsung Galaxy devices, businesses can determine what happens to their data with features such as Security and Privacy Dashboard and Permission Manager without invading their employee’s personal privacy.

    Samsung remains dedicated to delivering top-notch security while respecting individual privacy, setting new standards for user trust in the digital world.

    With “Galaxy for Work”, businesses can now integrate agility, seamless productivity and resilience into their core to quickly adapt to current challenges and become digital-first.

     

    The latest Galaxy Enterprise Edition product line-up includes the newly launched Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro that combines advanced functionality with a sleek design. The Galaxy Ruggedized Series includes the ruggedized Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro and Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro smartphone, delivering excellent performance in the toughest conditions.

     

    Galaxy Enterprise Edition

    Tailored for the rigors of the business world, Galaxy Enterprise Edition 3 offers the most advanced mobile experience for enterprises. It bundles cutting-edge, customizable and secure Samsung devices with a guaranteed product life cycle of a minimum of two years 4 , up to 5 years of extended security support 5 for business continuity, and 1 year of Knox Suite 6 , which consists of mobility solutions such as Knox Manage and Knox Asset Intelligence, 7 for efficient business management.

     

    Galaxy Ruggedized Series

    Designed for frontline workers, the Galaxy Ruggedized series offer smartphones and tablets that can meet the MIL-STD-810H 7 standard to withstand extreme conditions. Additional features and accessories are also available to maximize efficiency and convenience. For example, Samsung DeX 8 allows employees to connect their compatible Galaxy mobile device to a monitor and turn it into a desktop workstation seamlessly, so your team can continue to deliver excellence wherever they work.