SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — LockIn Company, a prominent mobile app security firm, has taken a significant stride in bolstering mobile app security with the unveiling of its latest innovation, LISS (LIAPP Secure Screen) technology. This state-of-the-art security solution is poised to redefine content and copyright protection within mobile applications, providing users with an unparalleled level of protection against data leakage and unauthorized sharing.
LockIn Company’s LISS technology secures sensitive information within mobile apps.
LockIn Company’s LISS technology is equipped with a robust suite of features meticulously crafted to safeguard sensitive information within mobile apps. LISS effectively thwarts unauthorized screen captures, ensuring the utmost security for valuable content within the app. Furthermore, it diligently blocks screen recording capabilities, guaranteeing that no one can create unauthorized copies of your app’s content. Additionally, LISS possesses the ability to detect and promptly alert users to the presence of remote-control apps, thereby preventing any unauthorized access to the mobile app.
A standout feature of LISS is its library-style Software Development Kit (SDK), which seamlessly integrates into service apps. This integration empowers developers to implement formidable security measures without the need for extensive development resources. Users can enjoy heightened security without the inconvenience of additional app installations.
Myoung Kyu Choi, CEO of LockIn Company, shared his insights regarding the current landscape of mobile app security, stating, “With the mobile app market reaching a staggering 500 billion dollars, the threats to mobile apps are also on the ascent. The app security market, aimed at preventing information leaks and copyright infringements through apps, is poised for remarkable growth.”
LockIn Company, a member company of Global Digital Innovation Network (formerly known as Born2Global Centre), has been a trailblazer in the realm of mobile app security, earning acclaim for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding digital content. In addition to LISS, the company offers other robust security solutions, including LIAPP for mobile app protection and the secure keypad, LIKEY. In 2018, LockIn Company garnered recognition as a major global vendor in Gartner’s “Market Guide for Application Shielding” report. Furthermore, in 2023, the company clinched three prestigious gold awards at the CYBER SECURITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS in the categories of “Mobile Application Security,” “Application Security,” and “Runtime Application Self-Protection.”
Intel has been on a mission to break into the GPU market and offer more options to gamers. The latest step in this journey is the introduction of the Intel Arc A580. Positioned as a mid-range contender, this GPU is touted to have remarkable performance and promises excellent value for your money. Currently, only ASRock, GUNNIR, Photon and SPARKLE have announced their versions of the A580.
Irrespective of the brand you choose, the heart of these cards remains the same: the Intel Arc A580 GPU. This GPU is not only about providing an additional choice for PC enthusiasts but also about introducing a new tier to the desktop graphics card lineup. The Intel Arc A580 belongs to the Intel Arc A5 family, fitting snugly between the high-performance A750 and A770 and the budget-friendly A380 GPUs.
But what sets the Intel Arc A580 apart is its hardware specs. It comes equipped with 8 GB of VRAM, which should be ample memory to run 1080p games. Memory bandwidth is equally impressive, boasting a total of 512GB/s.
While the Intel Arc A580 falls between the A380 and A750 in terms of positioning, its hardware specs align more with the A750. What truly sets it apart is the number of Xe-cores, the computational powerhouses behind the graphics magic. The Arc A580 sports 24 Xe-cores, which positions it close to the top end of the A-Series GPUs.
Moreover, “OC” in most of the add-in board names indicates overclocking. All three cards are configured to run at 2000 MHz, approximately 18% faster than Intel’s 1700 MHz reference specification.
Gaming Performance
The Intel Arc A580 leverages the power of Game On driver updates to ensure top-notch performance in both new and legacy games. It’s equipped to handle even the latest games at 1080p High settings with ease. Intel touts that titles like “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” run natively on the A580 at over 60 FPS. But here’s the exciting part: there’s more performance potential to be unlocked in these cards.
The Intel Arc GPUs come packed with powerful AI capabilities and take full advantage of Intel® Xe Super Sampling (XeSS). The Intel Arc A580 is no exception, offering impressive performance enhancements when XeSS is enabled. For instance, in the case of “Remnant II,” enabling XeSS boosts the A580’s performance from around 50 fps to a highly playable 73 FPS—a remarkable 46% improvement according to Intel. In well-optimized games like “Ghostwire Tokyo,” XeSS takes performance to a new level, delivering over 2x the speed with this technology.
Beyond Gaming
Intel Arc GPUs have always been about more than just gaming. Content creation is a breeze with these cards, offering AV1 video encoding hardware, AI acceleration through XMX engines, and a streaming studio within Arc Control software. This combination unlocks endless possibilities, from AI-generated art to supercharged video editing.
One of the most exciting features for video editors is the introduction of dual encoding, designed to save precious time. By utilizing both Multi-Format Codec Engines (MFXs) on the Intel Arc A580, video encoding is accelerated, reducing encoding time by an impressive 35%. This feature is already rolling out to various applications, ensuring a smoother and faster editing process.
Pricing and Availability
The Intel Arc A580 is now available globally. Prices for these GPUs start at $179 (MYR703.12).
Qualcomm, the powerhouse behind cutting-edge chipsets, is changing the game yet again. This time, it’s not about the chips themselves, but their names. Say goodbye to the “c” series and welcome the “X” series.
For years, Qualcomm has been synonymous with top-of-the-line chipsets, but not so much with memorable names. Now, after thorough analysis and consumer feedback, they’re revamping their PC chipset branding. Out goes the “c” series, and in comes the Snapdragon X Series. This change is not just cosmetic; it’s a leap into the future of PC experiences.
The “X” identifier distinguishes the PC platforms from other Snapdragon product categories, eliminating confusion. Now, it’s all about streamlined, user-friendly naming. No more puzzling over which chipset is right for you—Qualcomm has sorted it out.
But it’s not just about the name. Qualcomm is preparing to launch a whole new generation of chipsets that it touts will redefine your PC experience. These Snapdragon X series platforms build on Qualcomm’s expertise in CPU, GPU, and NPU (neural processing unit) technologies. It all starts with the Qualcomm Oryon CPU, a significant leap forward in both performance and power efficiency.
Qualcomm expects that as we move into 2024, the PC industry is about to witness a seismic shift. The Snapdragon X series promises exceptional performance, AI capabilities, unmatched connectivity, and impressive battery life. The Oryon CPU, combined with its NPU, is set to deliver blazingly fast on-device experiences.
The company will be revealing more at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit later this year.
Sony has put the PlayStation 5 on a diet! The chunky monkey we all love and adore has gone on a diet. It is now slimmer and more stylish than ever but it’s got more storage. The new slimmer PlayStation 5 comes with design updates that tweak its futuristic design with optimisations that help it shed its bulk for a sleeker profile.
Source: Sony PlayStation
However, don’t be fooled; these new units maintain the same internal hardware power as the original PS5. What’s truly impressive is the substantial reduction in size and weight—over 30% in volume and 18-24% in weight compared to its predecessors. Inside, the new models boast a roomy 1TB SSD – an upgrade from the original’s 825GB of storage.
The redesign of the new PS5 models is not just about slimness. It introduces a stunning visual element with faceplates that feature a curved slit bisecting each faceplate into “glossy” upper and “matte” lower sections. If you want to add a splash of colour, Sony has you covered; New coloured faceplates will be available, starting in early 2024, for just USD$54.99 (MYR259.48). You’ll be able to get more options like the recently announced Deep Earth Collection soon.
One of these panels now houses the attachment area for the removable disc drive. This also means that you can “upgrade” your digital-only PS5 to a “full” PS5 by purchasing the Ultra HD Blu-ray drive for an additional USD$79.99 (MYR377.47).
Source: Sony PlayStation
However, it’s essential to note that the slimmer models won’t stand vertically out of the box. For that, you’ll need a Vertical Stand, available separately for USD$29.99 (MYR141.52). Another notable change is the front-facing USB-A port, which has been replaced with a second USB-C port.
With these enhancements comes a slight adjustment in pricing. The MSRP for the PS5 Digital Edition is being increased from USD$399.99 (MYR1,887.36) to USD$449.99 (MYR2,123.29) in the US while the standard PS5 remains at USD$499.99 (MYR2,359.21). The new design also marks the end of production for the original PS5s. When the current inventory is sold out, you’ll only be able to get the new, slim design.
Source: Sony PlayStation
Pricing & Availability
The new PS5 models will roll out this month. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended retail prices for these models:
Region
Model
Price
United States
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive PS5 Digital Edition
USD$499.99 USD$449.99
Europe
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive PS5 Digital Edition
€549.99 €449.99
United Kingdom
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive PS5 Digital Edition
£479.99 £389.99
Japan
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive PS5 Digital Edition
Samsung has discreetly revealed its budget-friendly tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+, primarily in the Indian market. These newcomers join the Galaxy A series, emerging as competitive contenders in the budget tablet arena and are hot on the heel of the announcement of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series. Despite the hushed release, they promise impressive specifications and features.
Galaxy Tab A9: Compact and Capable
The Galaxy Tab A9 is compact, sporting an 8.7-inch LCD with 800 x 1340 pixels resolution. Powering this tab is MediaTek’s Helio G99 SoC which should deliver commendable performance with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
In the camera department, the Tab A9 features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel selfie shooter. This tablet is designed for extended use, thanks to a robust 5100mAh battery. Furthermore, it comes in two variants: Wi-Fi and 5G.
Samsung doesn’t skimp on audio quality; the Tab A9 is equipped with AKG-powered dual speakers. You can choose from three appealing colour options: Grey, Dark Blue, and Silver.
Galaxy Tab A9+: Bigger and Better
The Galaxy Tab A9+ follows in the footsteps of its sibling, maintaining the same design aesthetics and colour choices. However, it steps up the game with an 11-inch LCD boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It houses a Snapdragon 695 SoC for enhanced performance and is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Photography enthusiasts can enjoy an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This tablet also incorporates a quad-speaker system to amplify your audio experience.
Pricing & Availability:
In India, the Galaxy Tab A9 is competitively priced at INR12,999 (MYR738.70) for the 4GB RAM variant (Wi-Fi only). The 5G variant, offering extended connectivity options, is available at INR15,999 (MYR908.40).
For the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus, the Wi-Fi model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, retails at INR20,999 (MYR1,192.29). The pricing of the 5G variant is yet to be disclosed.
No word yet on if the tablet will be making its way to Malaysia.
Sony is at it again bringing its audio prowess to gaming-focused products. Its latest offerings, the INZONE Buds and INZONE H5 are set to level up your gaming experience. These audio devices are a collaboration with Fnatic, the iconic esports team with back-to-back international titles.
INZONE Buds Wirelessly Elevating Your Gameplay
With the INZONE Buds, your gaming experience becomes a truly wireless one. The INZONE Buds come with a high-performance driver unit, the Dynamic Driver X, which can deliver deep bass, robust mids and highs. It also brings every sound within the game, from powerful explosions to subtle footsteps to life off the screen with minimal distortion. Sony touts unparalleled auditory realism with Buds. They also come with a new design that minimizes ear contact, making extended gaming sessions more comfortable.
The INZONE Buds comes with 360 Spatial Sound. The 360 Spatial Sound immerses you in the game. You’ll be able to hear your opponents no matter where they are with precision giving you a competitive edge. Sony has taken the science of sound to another level by customizing the sound field to your ears. Using the 360 Spatial Sound Personaliser app, you can create a personalized hearing profile based on your ear shape and canal acoustics.
INZONE Buds feature Sony’s active noise cancellation, ensuring you’re fully immersed in your game. This is enhanced with AI-augmented noise reduction which utilises the microphones of the buds to intelligently cancel out ambient noise.
Sony’s INZONE Buds takes speed and latency seriously. Like its recently announced PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, the INZONE Buds come with a USB-C dongle connection. According to Sony, the USB-C dongle ensures a latency of less than 30ms and latency is crucial when it comes to gaming especially if you’re doing it competitively.
The INZONE Buds boast an impressive battery life, thanks to the low-power L1 processor. You get up to 12 hours on the headphones and an additional 24 hours with the charging case – the industry’s longest battery life. With Bluetooth Low Energy compatibility the INZONE Buds can provide 24 hours of battery life when connected to your smart device. You can even leverage Sony’s Headphone Connect app to tweak your settings.
INZONE H5: Your Ideal Gaming Companion
The INZONE H5 Headphones are a step above the H3 which was announced nearly a year ago. They offer a 2.4GHz wireless connection freeing you from your gaming setup. Like the INZONE Buds, the H5 delivers 360 Spatial Sound, pinpointing sound positions in 3D space.
Weighing just 260g, featuring soft-fit ear pads and a low-pressure design, the INZONE H5 is built for extended gaming sessions. AI-based noise reduction and a bi-directional microphone enhance your gaming experience while you also get to communicate seamlessly with your teammates.
You’ll be able to enjoy up to 28 hours of wireless gameplay on a single charge. If you run out of juice midway through your gaming session, you can simply plug in with the 3.5 mm plug.
Pricing & Availability:
These gaming audio devices will be available in Malaysia from October 2023.
The INZONE Buds will be available in Black and White and will be priced from MYR899.
The INZONE H5 will be available in Black and White. No pricing details have been announced just yet. However, given that it’s positioned between the H3 which is priced at MYR439 and the H7 which is priced at MYR1,099, we expect it to be priced at about MYR700 to MYR850. In the US, the H5 is priced at USD$149.99 which equates to about MYR709.
Together with the two new products, Sony also announced a new black colour for the INZONE H9 which is priced at MYR1,299.
PARIS, Oct. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In her new book, Margherita Pagani explores the interaction between artificial intelligence and business creativity. “Artificial Intelligence for Business Creativity”, published by Routledge, is a comprehensive guide to how AI is not just reshaping the business landscape, but acting as a catalyst for creativity and innovation within organisations.
AI and Innovation: a creative revolution in business?” Publication of a new book by Margherita Pagani, Director of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence at Skema Business School in Paris
“Artificial Intelligence for Business Creativity” examines the extent to which AI is capable of supporting the creative process within businesses. Co-edited by Margherita Pagani, Director of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) and Professor of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, and Renaud Champion, the late AI expert, the book explores the complex relationship between individual creativity on a micro scale and organisational innovation on a macro scale from an AI perspective.
It features numerous contributions from recognised researchers in the field of AI from esteemed institutions such as Wharton, Royal Holloway, Bayes Business School and the University of Birmingham. The foreword was written by Igor Jablokov, CEO and founder of Pryon and inventor of the voice assistant Alexa, who is also a member of the scientific committee of the SCAI – SKEMA Centre for Artificial Intelligence research center.
Optimizing processes, improving human interaction
By shedding light on three crucial areas where AI can stimulate business creativity: product and service design, process optimisation and enhancement of organisational collaboration, the authors reveal the transformative potential of AI. “Artificial Intelligence for Business Creativity” is designed to be an invaluable guide for business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and those with a keen interest in the intersection between AI and creativity. It offers practical guidance, insightful recommendations and an in-depth understanding of AI’s role in fostering creativity. It equips its readers with the tools to navigate and excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.
Professor of artificial intelligence in marketing, Margherita Pagani is director of the SKEMA Centre for Artificial Intelligence research laboratory. An advisor to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the Consultative Commission on industrial change, she is also deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine Micro & Macro Marketing.
A world-renowned and award-winning researcher, her publications in top international journals focus on the impact of AI on consumer behavior and on digital ecosystems.
The University of New England is the first law school in Australia to partner with Relativity’s global Academic Partner Program
CHICAGO and ARMIDALE, Australia, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Relativity, a global legal technology company, today announced it has partnered with The University of New England (UNE) School of Law in Australia, to provide hands-on e-discovery education to its law students. UNE is the first school in the APAC region to benefit from the success of Relativity’s Academic Partner Program.
Launched in 2015, Relativity designed its Academic Partner program to meet the evolving needs of the legal industry, helping programs more easily integrate technology into their litigation and discovery curricula. The program has since established itself in 116 schools and reaches 4,000 students in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland. Relativity’s academic partnerships are comprised of paralegal programs, law schools, and data science and cybersecurity programs. Relativity’s Academic Partner program provides students with hands-on experience with RelativityOne for complex litigation before working on real cases.
“Technology is an indispensable part of any legal team’s toolkit, and it has changed the way we teach and practice law around the world. However, most lawyers’ first encounter with legal technology doesn’t occur until they’re already working in the field,” said Georgia Foster, Managing Director and Vice President of Sales, International at Relativity. “Our Academic Partner program equips the next generation of legal professionals, like those at UNE’s School of Law, with advanced technical skills while still in school, making them more marketable in a competitive job market after graduation.”
The UNE School of Law is Australia’s largest and most experienced online law school with world standard research, allowing students to undertake Australian legal studies while continuing their careers or balancing their personal lives. UNE School of Law’s unique mix of legal scholars, researchers, faculty, and highly regarded legal curriculum, combined with Relativity’s partnership, will enable UNE law students to become RelativityOne proficient prior to joining professional organizations.
“As Australia’s legal landscape evolves, clients expect their legal teams to rapidly adopt and master new technology while also handling complex litigation matters,” said Dr. Anne Fitzgerald, Lecturer at UNE School of Law and Coordinator of the capstone unit, Technology and the Law. “Introducing students to e-discovery theory and legal technology software is an essential aspect of UNE’s Technology and the Law unit. The quality of Relativity’s e-discovery education program was brought to my attention by legal colleague and guest lecturer, Paul Armbruster, who was awarded the Futurist Award at the Corporate eDiscovery Hero Awards in New York in 2020. Relativity’s Academic Partner program offers excellent opportunities for UNE law students to learn and understand the importance of e-discovery in the legal process, and to equip themselves with the practical skills they need to deal with real-world challenges when working in the legal industry.”
As part of the partnership, Gulsun Demirel, UNE School of Law alumna and Community and Customer Enablement Manager at Relativity, will serve as guest lecturer for the program.
“As an alumna of UNE, I am thrilled to showcase RelativityOne to its students as the first university in Australia to receive in-depth training and real-world experience, while sharing my journey into legal technology following my studies,” said Demirel. “RelativityOne is a critical tool for many of the world’s top law firms, corporations, and government agencies as they prepare for litigation in their pursuit of justice. Thanks to our partner program, students can begin their careers with confidence knowing they have the skills to navigate the technology effectively throughout the e-discovery process and jump into legal work immediately.”
Additional information about Relativity’s Academic Partner program can be found here. Universities interested in becoming a Relativity Academic Partner should contact academic@relativity.com.
About Relativity
Relativity makes software to help users organize data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organizations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors. Please contact Relativity at sales@relativity.com or visit www.relativity.com for more information.
About University of New England
UNE is the oldest university in Australia established outside a capital city and is the longest continuous provider of online education. UNE’s primary campus is located in Armidale, a vibrant regional city in the picturesque New England Tableland region of northern New South Wales, with a second campus in Parramatta, Sydney. More than 22,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate coursework and higher degree research programs across fields of study that include arts, humanities, education, health, nursing, business, law, environmental science, rural science, and technology.
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — While the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has among the highest levels of per capita adoption of social media networks globally, a majority of Arab youth say they are struggling to disconnect, and that social media addiction is negatively impacting their mental health.
Three-quarters of Arab youth say they struggle to disconnect from social media
These are some of the key findings under the theme, ‘My Lifestyle,’ of the 15thannual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind of the Arab world’s largest demographic, its over 200 million youth, conducted by ASDA’A BCW, MENA’s leading communications consultancy.
This year’s survey reveals that nearly three-fourths (74%) of young Arabs are struggling to disconnect from social media. Additionally, about two-thirds (61%) agreed that social media addiction negatively impacts their mental health.
The findings of the survey were launched at a special event organised by blinx, the new digital media hub focused on youth in the Middle East, to mark the World Mental Health Day. Sunil John, President, MENA, BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, and Nakhle Elhage, General Manager of blinx, discussed the findings.
Asked which social channels are most important to them, 18% said of the respondents said Facebook, followed by Instagram (17%), WhatsApp (16%), YouTube (13%), TikTok (12%), SnapChat (11%), X/Twitter (8%) and LinkedIn (4%).
But most Arab youth (92%) also said big tech companies such as Meta, Apple, Netflix and Google have ‘too much power’. Similarly, an overwhelming majority (92%) said social media companies need to do more to stop disinformation on their sites.
Despite their struggle to disconnect, many young Arabs are swayed by the prospect of fame via social media, reflecting their ‘soft career’ choices rather than pursue challenging jobs in technology, medicine or engineering.
Asked which field they would want to achieve fame, the highest percentage (13%) of Arab youth said they would rather be famous as ‘a social media influencer.’ The respondents had the option of naming multiple fields from over 30 options including careers in industry, education, business, healthcare, tourism, and others.
To be known as chefs, food critics or food bloggers was equally popular (12%) while 11% each said they would like to be known for their humanitarian work or for their contribution to technology.
Social media as top source of news
Nearly two-thirds (61%) of the respondents said they get their news from social media, but this is a significant drop from 2019 when almost 80% of young Arabs surveyed said they get their news from social channels. Television, however, continues to be the second most preferred source of news – named by nearly half of young Arabs (45%).
Television is the most trusted source of news for young Arabs – named by 89% followed by online news portals (79%) and print dailies (76%). Social media influencers are not as trusted with 42% saying they are ‘not trustworthy’.
Announcing the findings, Sunil John, said: “The overt dependence on social media appears to have left many young people living in a bubble, unaware of the socioeconomic realities. With the highest levels of youth unemployment in the world, it is important for the MENA region to channel the energies of these young men and women into vocational training and quality education for the jobs of the future.”
“In the face of intriguing revelations by the ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, blinx, with its focus on Gen Z and Millennials across the Middle East, finds these insights particularly enlightening,” said Nakhle Elhage. “As we learn more about Arab youth media consumption habits and preferences from the recent survey findings, we, at blinx, are committed to keeping it real and genuine, away from fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.”
ASDA’A BCW commissioned SixthFactor Consulting, a leading research company, to conduct the 15th edition of the Arab Youth Survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in 53 cities across 18 Arab states, the largest sample in the survey’s history. All the published findings are freely available with expert commentaries at arabyouthsurvey.com
Young Arabs would rather be a famous social media influencer, chef or charity worker
This article is contributed by Shubham Saran, Head of Logistics, foodpanda Malaysia
Delivery riders see p-hailing as a viable income lifeline with its flexibility and quick access to fair and supplementary wages. A viable springboard to other industries and entrepreneurship, platform providers have been giving upskilling opportunities to delivery partners but will need the Government’s assistance to widen the scope.
Gig Economy’s Substantial Impact
The gig economy in Malaysia has witnessed an unprecedented surge over the last few years. Catapulted by the Covid-19 lockdown, this has revolutionised the country’s employment landscape, especially in how freelancing work is viewed. This transformation is most evident with the sheer number of p-hailing jobs out there now, which have also become integral to serving the daily lives of Malaysians.
According to the Economic Planning Unit, the gig economy contributed approximately 7% to the nation’s GDP in 2021, underlining its substantial impact[1]. Moreover, this sector has provided income opportunities to around 2 million Malaysians, cementing its role as a significant source of employment. This was especially critical during the pandemic when it became a lifeline for many suffering from the economic impact of Covid-19.
From that, 7 out of 10 workers are p-hailing delivery partners, according to a survey by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), showing just how important riders are to the economy. The same survey revealed almost half of all gig workers cited financial sustainability as their main reason for joining the gig economy. The reasons are obvious – gig work is the fastest and most flexible source of income, whether supplementary or primarily.
Riders have seamlessly integrated into Malaysian life, facilitating the delivery of food, groceries, packages, and more. Millions of orders crisscross cities and towns to be delivered each day. P-hailing riders not only provide convenience to consumers but significantly boost the growth of quick-commerce and online services. Their work is the backbone of the gig economy and bolsters the broader economy by driving trade and consumption.
In Malaysia, the gig economy has been evolving over the years and the role of riders has been both crucial and complex. While riders view this job as a convenient source of income, drawn in by its flexibility and quick access to fair income, many have criticised the nature of the work as an impediment to socio-economic mobility. But if we look from the lens of the younger generation, they would find gig work a viable springboard to other industries or even entrepreneurship opportunities.
We have to accept that there are many pathways to success for young Malaysians. However, the key importance is in recognising the potential for growth and upskilling within this sector. We delve into the issue currently and encourage our riders to embrace the upskilling opportunities provided to stay relevant in an ever-changing job market for those who view gig economy jobs as a mid- to long-term opportunity.
Commitment to Rider Upskilling
In line with this, it has been the core of foodpanda’s engagement with our delivery partners to provide numerous benefits and upskilling benefits for them. We recognise the pivotal role of riders in the gig economy and are committed to enhancing their value beyond delivery service.
For example, we recently partnered with Manipal International University (MIU) to provide riders with the opportunity to pursue tertiary education focusing on a two-year sponsored journey to complete their Diploma in Business Management. This initiative aims to help our delivery partners enhance the skills and qualifications they need to advance their careers.
In recognition of the importance of language proficiency, foodpanda has taken proactive steps to empower its riders with short English courses. Called ‘Panda Purpose,’ these courses are designed to enhance the English literacy skills of delivery partners, ultimately increasing their job delivery capabilities and employability. This commitment to language education and skills development underscores foodpanda’s dedication to its workforce as well as the quality of service it provides to its customers
Hopes for Gig Workers in Budget 2024
While foodpanda and many of our fellow platform operators have taken proactive steps in providing upskilling opportunities for our delivery partners, we can certainly do more with assistance from the Government. In line with the upcoming Budget to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 13, we hope that this will be a priority in ensuring that gig workers are given every opportunity to upskill and reskill themselves.
Furthermore, we anticipate and expect improved access to motorcycle loans for the B40 community, aiming to alleviate their financial burdens and for telco companies and 5G service providers to consider reducing pricing for riders and merchants, ensuring better connectivity for all.
P-Hailing Professionals as Pillars of Reliability
In this industry, riders constantly face challenges, and they respond well with solutions that improve the way things work. These riders are quick thinkers and always prioritise the customers. For instance, many riders share their tips among themselves to purchase marker pens and cling film to make sure orders are accurately written and the meals and drinks are delivered intact. This teamwork is key to successful deliveries. Merchants count on riders as a vital extension of their service, and their ability to work well together is a skill they’ve honed over time.
Although foodpanda and many other platform providers rely on cutting-edge data technology and understanding customer behaviour with surgical precision, it is our delivery partners who will ensure that every order will be an enjoyable experience for our customers. Exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of their work. They handle inquiries, resolve issues, and often go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
The gig economy, including p-hailing, is known for its ever-changing landscape. Whether it’s adapting to new routes, technologies, or customer preferences, these riders are always on their toes. They embrace change and adaptability as part of their daily routine. The ability to pivot in response to evolving circumstances is a skill the riders continually refine.
P-hailing workers are the backbone of modern food and goods delivery services, proving to be indispensable during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring access to essential items and enhancing the quality of life for many. Additionally, the gig economy provides crucial income opportunities for various individuals seeking flexible work arrangements, promoting financial stability and independence.
A career in p-hailing encompasses a rich tapestry of skills and qualities that profoundly impact our daily lives. These professionals are not just delivery partners but problem solvers, team players, customer service champions, and adaptable individuals in our society. It’s time we celebrate and honour their contributions to our society and economy while giving them the opportunity to thrive.
[1] Chapter 3, Macroeconomic Outlook, Ministry of Finance
