Welcome to our in-depth review of the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 series! In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, and the powerhouse Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
We explore the key features, including the stunning displays, powerful processor in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, advanced camera systems, battery life, and the latest software innovations in Samsung’s One UI 7. We also compare the differences between the three models to help you decide which Galaxy S25 phone is the perfect fit for you.
Whether you’re curious about the camera capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the balanced performance of the Galaxy S25+, or the sleek design of the standard Galaxy S25, we’ve got you covered. We delve into the specifications, discuss the user experience, and share our honest thoughts on the value proposition of the entire Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup.
In this video, we cover:
0:00 – Intro 0:27 – A detailed look at the design and build quality of the Galaxy S25 series. 1:14 – A look into the hardware that comes with the cameras of the Galaxy S25 Series 1:35 – Performance and insights into the processing power and battery life. 2:35 – An analysis of the key differences between the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. 6:00 – A Breakdown of How Galaxy AI changes the user experience on the S25 series. 7:28 – A dive into the software optimisations on Samsung’s S25 Series and One UI 7 8:05 – Looking back at the Hardware 8:50 – Concluding thoughts: Should you upgrade? 9:45 – Outro: A thorough examination of the camera features and photo/video quality across all models.
This article is written from an interview with Mr Ruch De Silva, Head of Patient & Payor Solutions and M&A Lead at DKSH Healthcare
Southeast Asia presents a fascinating paradox: a region surging with technological adoption and economic growth, yet grappling with healthcare systems often hindered by fragmentation and disparity. The ambition of achieving truly integrated, accessible, and high-quality medical care faces persistent challenges. This complexity stems from a confluence of factors, including the diverse regulatory landscapes across different countries that complicate the implementation of standardised digital health solutions, as well as varying levels of healthcare infrastructure and maturity. Adding to these systemic issues, as Ruch De Silva, Head of Patient and Payor Solutions and M&A Lead at DKSH Healthcare, pointed out, “Inadequate infrastructure in rural areas also hinders access to digital tools, while a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals exacerbates inefficiencies, as existing staff often lack the training needed to manage digitised systems.” These are not theoretical obstacles; they are tangible barriers impacting millions seeking consistent, quality care.
Overcoming such deeply embedded challenges requires a transformative approach, one that leverages technology to fundamentally redefine how healthcare is delivered. This is the driving force behind integrated, patient-centric platforms like DKSH Patient Solutions. Born from a clear recognition of the region’s fragmented healthcare landscape, DKSH Patient Solutions platform is designed to bridge these gaps and, as Ruch explained, “empower patients by placing them at the centre of the healthcare journey by improving availability, accessibility, and convenience.” By building with local insights and navigating the complexities of diverse national regulations, DKSH aims to forge a more unified and accessible healthcare experience across Southeast Asia.
Bringing Healthcare Beyond the Clinic Walls
One of the most immediate and practical benefits of integrated digital platforms for individuals is the extension of healthcare services beyond the confines of physical clinics and hospitals. In a region where geography can be a major barrier and travel a burden, bringing care closer to the patient is crucial for improving access and ensuring continuity of treatment.
DKSH Patient Solutions’ platforms facilitate a range of home-based and remote care solutions. Telemedicine stands out, enabling remote consultations that significantly reduce the need for patients, particularly those in distant or underserved areas, to travel long distances. As Ruch noted, this is “particularly beneficial for the elderly, patients with mobility issues and those in rural areas.” When you consider the uneven distribution of medical professionals, such as the low doctor-to-population ratio in some rural parts of the region, telemedicine becomes an indispensable tool for extending the reach of limited medical expertise.
The platform’s capabilities extend beyond consultations to practical logistics. Direct-to-patient delivery services ensure essential medications and supplies reach individuals at their homes, overcoming significant infrastructure and logistical challenges. Integrated services like Home Pulse further support this by offering safe transportation for tests or medication delivery. Ruch highlighted that this service actively “prioritises patient convenience by minimising travel time, wait times, and disruptions to daily routines.”
Supplementing these direct services are digital engagement tools designed for ongoing patient involvement and education. A Patient Education Portal digitises educational resources into interactive formats, accessible on demand, empowering patients with knowledge about their health. Features like medication and symptom trackers, combined with multi-channel support, help patients stay connected and adhere to their treatment plans. This ecosystem creates multiple points of contact, allowing the platform to “gather insights into their unmet needs, and provide tailored support to enhance overall satisfaction,” according to Ruch. The platform’s proven ability to run over 200 programs across eight markets in the Asia-Pacific region and support multiple languages demonstrates the essential scalability and adaptability required to cater to the region’s immense diversity.
The Data Engine: Powering Personalisation Securely
At the core of delivering effective, personalised remote and home-based care lies the intelligent and secure management of patient data. Integrated digital health systems generate vast amounts of information – medical histories, treatment plans, adherence data, communication logs, and more. Transforming this raw data into actionable insights is the crucial engine that drives personalised care pathways and improves outcomes.
DKSH Patient Solutions’ platforms employ a sophisticated technical architecture for robust data management. Data is aggregated into a secure data lake infrastructure, processed by a rule-based engine for consistency. To ensure patient privacy while enabling analysis, the platform incorporates crucial layers: a synonymised layer for data mapping and integration, and a vital anonymisation layer that protects sensitive personal information. This layered approach ensures “secure data analysis without compromising patient confidentiality,” allowing the platform to safely leverage data as a powerful resource.
The ultimate objective of this data management is to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. As Ruch explained, when handled safely, “healthcare systems can leverage on this wealth of data resource to ensure that providers can analyse trends, identify gaps, and improve service delivery – ultimately enhancing performance and leading to better health outcomes.” By analysing anonymised data on patient trends, adherence, and engagement, healthcare providers gain insights that enable them to “refine healthcare strategies and enhance patient outcomes.” This data-driven approach is fundamental to delivering the “personalised patient experiences” that make care more effective and engaging, contributing to a significant shift towards “more personalised care, early intervention, and continuous monitoring.” DKSH views its Patient Solutions’ platforms as a “catalyst for digitising and integrating Southeast Asia’s healthcare systems”, providing a concrete example of how digital solutions can mitigate complexity by focusing on patient-centric concepts like Access, Adherence, and Convenience, all powered by the effective use of data.
Trust is Paramount: Navigating the Security and Compliance Maze
In the digital healthcare space, trust is the bedrock, built upon rigorous data security and unwavering compliance. Handling sensitive health information across markets with differing regulations is a significant challenge. DKSH prioritises this, implementing practices to “ensure patient trust and safety.”
Navigating the complex regulatory environment across Southeast Asia requires dedicated expertise. DKSH maintains a regional compliance function and develops country-specific SOPs to ensure alignment with local regulations. Beyond policy, robust technical and organisational measures are essential to safeguard patient data against cyber threats. This includes secure access controls, advanced encryption protocols, regular security audits, and continuous system monitoring. Adherence to international standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA is a cornerstone of their data security framework. Transparency is also key, with all interactions being “auditable via eAudit logins, with support from accredited industry leaders like Accenture and PwC,” providing crucial accountability. Balancing personalized communication needs with privacy is managed through secure messenger systems integrated within the platform.
The AI Horizon: Empowering Analysis for Better Health
The secure, structured data environment established by integrated platforms provides a powerful foundation for the next wave of healthcare innovation: Artificial Intelligence. While the current focus is on leveraging data to generate actionable insights and analyse trends for healthcare providers, AI has the potential to dramatically enhance these capabilities.
AI generated image using Microsoft Copilot depicting the use of AI in a futuristic medical diagnosis
AI algorithms are exceptionally skilled at processing vast, complex datasets to identify subtle patterns and predictive indicators that might be imperceptible to traditional methods. Building upon the secure data infrastructure and analytics layers, AI could significantly improve the ability to analyse patient data for earlier identification of health risks, prediction of treatment responses, and further refinement of personalised care plans based on aggregated learnings from similar patient profiles. This is not about replacing clinicians but augmenting their expertise with sophisticated data-driven intelligence, leading to more informed decisions and potentially more proactive and effective interventions. The evolution from current analytics to AI-powered insights represents a significant step towards making personalised healthcare more precise, efficient, and impactful.
Digital Inclusion and Integration will make healthcare more personal and allow it to exit the four walls of a diagnosis room
The challenges facing healthcare systems in Southeast Asia are substantial, but the development and deployment of integrated digital platforms like those from DKSH Patient Solutions offer a compelling vision for the future. By focusing on patient centricity, securely managing and leveraging data, and expanding the reach of care through remote and home-based services, these platforms are directly addressing key regional pain points.
The ability to deliver high-quality, personalised care conveniently to patients, regardless of their location or mobility, represents a transformative step forward. Empowering patients with knowledge, facilitating continuous engagement, and providing healthcare providers with data-driven insights fosters a more effective and responsive healthcare ecosystem. This shift towards truly personalised care, delivered securely and built upon robust technological architecture, holds immense promise for improving not only the efficiency of healthcare systems but, more crucially, the health outcomes for individuals across Southeast Asia. As digital integration deepens and the capabilities of AI in healthcare analytics continue to advance, the future of accessible, equitable, and personalised healthcare in the region looks increasingly promising.
This article is written from an interview with Mr Ruch De Silva, Head of Patient & Payor Solutions and M&A Lead at DKSH Healthcare
Ruch De Silva Head of Patient & Payor Solutions and M&A Lead DKSH
Ruch de Silva joined DKSH as Director, Service Development for Patient Solutions in October 2018. He was designated Head of Patient & Payor Solutions and M&A Lead in July 2024 and is a member of DKSH Business Unit Healthcare’s Senior Leadership Team. Ruch has over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry.
He held previous senior positions at Datamonitor Healthcare and at Takeda, where he was the Director of Business Operations and Analytics. He has a proven track record of delivering high-impact growth initiatives across various areas that ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.
Home entertainment has evolved significantly, with many enthusiasts now considering projectors as a viable and often superior alternative to traditional smart TVs for creating an immersive home theatre experience. The allure of a large, cinematic screen that can fill a wall is a major draw, offering a viewing scale that even the largest televisions struggle to match. However, assembling a high-quality home theatre setup, complete with a capable projector and a robust sound system, can often be a significant financial undertaking, with costs for good components easily running into the many thousands of Ringgit.
Positioned in the market with a sub-RM5,000 price point, the EPSON EpiqVision Mini EF-22N seems to be a compelling option for those aspiring to build a home theatre without breaking the bank. This projector packs several key features that make it attractive for this purpose, including a Full HD 1080p resolution, a laser light source for vibrant and consistent brightness, 3LCD technology which eliminates the rainbow effect, a high dynamic contrast ratio of over 5,000,000:1, and built-in speakers with Dolby Audio support. Furthermore, its integrated Google TV platform simplifies access to streaming services, and automatic image adjustments like keystone correction and focus aid in flexible placement and setup.
In this review, we will delve deeper into the EPSON EF-22N to determine if its features and performance justify the investment for individuals looking to establish or upgrade their home theatre setup within a more accessible budget. We will explore its capabilities and limitations to help you decide if the EF-22N is truly worth it and how well it can integrate into your home entertainment space.
Design
The design of the EPSON EF-22N is a notable aspect, especially for modern living spaces. Its compact dimensions, listed at approximately 236 x 191 x 191 mm, make it a suitable fit even for smaller home layouts where space is at a premium. Complementing its size is a relatively light weight of approximately 3.0 kg, which is advantageous for potential ceiling mounting, simplifying installation without the need for extensive structural modifications or “hacking.”
A key feature of the EF-22N’s design is its integrated swivel base. This stand allows for remarkable flexibility in positioning, offering 360-degree horizontal rotation and 150-degree vertical rotation. This dynamic adjustability makes it easy to achieve the perfect projection angle in almost any room setup, adapting to various surfaces, including ceilings. However, it’s worth noting that this swivel base operates manually, requiring physical adjustment to orient the projector as needed. While the stand enhances the projector experience with instant auto keystone correction, the base itself is not electronically controlled for automated positioning.
In terms of aesthetics, the EF-22N features a sleek and modern, minimalistic design. The EF-22N specifically comes in a Metallic Navy colour. While this offers a touch of sophistication, we feel that the inclusion of more neutral and minimal colour options, like a standard white or black, would allow the projector to blend even more seamlessly into a wider variety of home décors and setups.
Hardware
The EPSON EF-22N is equipped with a set of hardware specifications designed to deliver a capable home theatre experience in a compact form factor. At its core, it utilises an RGB liquid crystal shutter projection system with a 0.62-inch LCD panel, producing a Native Resolution of Full HD (1080p). The light source is a durable Laser Diode, boasting an impressive life of up to 20,000 hours in both Normal and Quiet modes.
For visuals, the projector offers a White and Colour Light Output of 1,000 lumens, suitable for various lighting conditions, and an exceptional Contrast Ratio of over 5,000,000:1, contributing to sharp and detailed images. It is capable of projecting screen sizes ranging from 30 to an expansive 150 inches. Audio is handled by built-in 5W x2 speakers, complemented by a Passive Radiator on the EF-22N model, and supports Dolby Audio.
In terms of connectivity, the EF-22N includes built-in wireless capabilities. For physical connections, it provides one HDMI input (with HDCP 2.3 and ARC support), one USB Type-A port (for USB storage, camera, mic, or HID), one USB Type Mini-B port (for service), and a Stereo Mini audio output for headphones.
While the inclusion of essential ports covers basic connectivity, the presence of only a single HDMI input could be a limiting factor for users with multiple external devices such as gaming consoles (like a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch), set-top boxes (such as Astro), Blu-ray players, and other media streamers. Juggling between these devices would require frequent unplugging and re-plugging, which might impact the seamlessness of a home theatre setup.
Specifications
Projection Technology
RGB liquid crystal shutter projection system
LCD Size
0.62-inch
Native Resolution
Full HD (1080p)
Light Source
Laser Diode
Light Source Life
20,000 hours (Normal/Quiet)
Screen Size
30″ to 150″
White/Colour Light Output
1,000 lm/1,000 lm
Contrast Ratio
Over 5,000,000:1
Internal Speaker(s)
5W x2 + Passive Radiator
HDMI In
1 (HDCP 2.3, ARC Supported)
Wireless
Built-in
USB Type A
1 (For USB Storage, Camera, Mic, HID)
USB Type Mini-B
1 (For service)
Audio Out
1 (Stereo Mini for Head Phone)
Dimensions (WxDxH)
236 x 191 x 191 mm (Excluding Feet)
Weight
Approx. 3.0 kg
Power Consumption
103W/73W (Normal/Eco)
Fan Noise
22dB/18dB (Normal/Eco)
Retail Price (RM)
RM4,689.00
Retail Price (USD)
USD$999.99
User Interface
The user interface of the EPSON EF-22N is built around the integrated Google TV operating system, offering a user-friendly and intuitive experience from the moment you power it on. The initial setup is notably seamless, with the UI providing clear, step-by-step guidance to get the projector connected and configured. This simplicity ensures that even those who are not tech-savvy can navigate the process with ease, minimising potential frustration.
The inclusion of Google TV is a significant advantage, transforming the projector into a smart media hub. This platform offers a streamlined interface that is familiar to anyone who has used an Android TV or other modern smart TV systems. Navigating through menus, finding content, and managing applications feels intuitive and responsive. Google TV organises movies, shows, and live TV from various streaming services into a single, easily searchable interface, often providing personalised recommendations based on your viewing habits. Access to the Google Play Store allows users to download a wide array of apps, further expanding the entertainment options beyond pre-installed services like Netflix.
Complementing the Google TV experience is the built-in Google Cast functionality. This feature allows for effortless casting of content directly from compatible devices such as Android or iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as Chrome browsers on computers. This means you can easily share videos, photos, or even mirror your device’s screen onto the large projection surface. The combination of the intuitive Google TV interface and the convenience of Google Cast makes interacting with the EF-22N straightforward and enjoyable, closely mirroring the experience of using a high-quality smart television.
Performance
The performance of the EPSON EF-22N is a critical aspect for its role as a home theatre projector. Starting with its graphical capabilities, the projector delivers a Full HD (1080p) native resolution, providing crisp and clear images for movies and series. While the resolution is a standard for many home projectors, a notable point regarding its performance is the refresh rate. Contrary to initial assumptions, the EF-22N boasts a 2D Vertical Refresh Rate of 200 Hz – 240 Hz. This high refresh rate is actually quite beneficial, particularly for gaming, as it can result in smoother motion and a more responsive experience. This makes the projector surprisingly capable for gamers, even those who might consider themselves “hardcore,” as a high refresh rate is a sought-after feature in gaming displays. Beyond gaming, this high refresh rate contributes to the overall fluidity of motion in movies and fast-paced content.
The projector also handles movies and series commendably. With support for HDR10 and a high contrast ratio of over 5,000,000:1, it delivers enhanced detail in both bright and dark scenes. We observed commendable performance even in challenging dark scenes, such as the battle sequences in Game of Thrones, where details remained visible and blacks were reasonably deep, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.
Furthermore, the EF-22N demonstrates a commendable ability to perform even in brightly lit environments. With a peak brightness of 1,000 lumens for both white and colour light output, the projector is designed to combat ambient light. In our testing, the image remained clear and crisp even in a fully lit room with outside light pouring in and projecting onto a reflective wall, which is a challenging scenario for many projectors. This makes the EF-22N versatile for use in various room conditions, not just dedicated dark home theatre rooms.
Moving to audio performance, the built-in 5W x2 speakers provide a surprising amount of volume and should suffice for smaller rooms, eliminating the immediate need for external speakers for casual viewing. The projector also supports Dolby Audio, enhancing the sound quality even from the integrated speakers. However, we would advise against consistently pushing the volume to its maximum for prolonged periods to avoid potential speaker tearing over time. For a more robust and immersive audio experience, connecting external speakers or a sound system would be recommended.
Regarding the cooling system, the EF-22N managed to remain relatively cool throughout a continuous 6-hour usage session. It appears that prolonged use did not result in noticeable burn-ins or overheating issues during our testing period. However, as with any electronic device, particularly projectors with powerful light sources, we would advise allowing the system to cool off significantly after extended viewing sessions. Additionally, ensuring the projector is set up in a well-ventilated area is crucial to provide adequate airflow for cooling and prevent potential overheating, contributing to the longevity of the device.
A Compelling Home Theatre Offering that Punches Above Its Weight with Compelling Features and Performance
the EPSON EpiqVision Mini EF-22N stands out as a compelling entry point for individuals looking to venture into the realm of home theatre projection. Its compact design and ease of setup, coupled with the intuitive Google TV interface, make it accessible even for those new to projectors.
One notable limitation, however, is the restricted number of ports, particularly the single HDMI input. In a market where many households utilise multiple devices such as gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players, having only one HDMI port can be a significant drawback, necessitating frequent cable swapping. It is worth noting, however, that projectors offering two or three HDMI ports typically come at a price point at least double that of the EF-22N.
Despite this limitation, the EF-22N presents a compelling value proposition at its sub-RM5,000 price point. While other brands are introducing competitive offerings in the more affordable projector space, creating a challenge for differentiation, the EF-22N distinguishes itself through Epson’s established know-how and extensive experience in projection technology.
The projector’s performance is where it truly shines. It delivers sharp Full HD images, supports HDR for enhanced contrast and detail, and provides a surprisingly high refresh rate of 200 Hz – 240 Hz, making it suitable even for gaming. Its ability to perform commendably even in brightly lit environments, maintaining a clear and crisp image, showcases its technical prowess and Epson’s expertise. The inclusion of Dolby Audio support for the built-in speakers further enhances the out-of-the-box experience.
While it may be priced slightly higher than some other offerings in the budget segment, the EF-22N justifies this with its nearly perfect performance in key areas, including image sharpness, high refresh rate, and its capability in less-than-ideal viewing conditions. For those seeking a reliable and high-performing projector to enter the world of home theatre without a top-tier budget, the EPSON EF-22N is a strong contender worth serious consideration.
vivo just dropped the vivo V50 Lite 5G in Malaysia, and it’s the latest in their V50 series. This phone is all about packing a punch with its battery, looking good with a super-slim design, and being tough enough for everyday life. vivo’s aiming it at people who want a phone that’s both stylish and performs well. The V50 Lite 5G’s got vivo’s slimmest 6500 mAh battery, it’s built to last, snaps great pics with AI, and gives you a smooth experience.
The vivo V50 Lite 5G is super slim at just 7.79mm and has a 2.5D flat screen, and comes in three cool, nature-inspired colors — Titanium Gold, Phantom Black, and Fantasy Purple. It’s also got a shiny frame. If you’re into watching stuff on your phone, the V50 Lite 5G has a 6.77-inch low blue light eye comfort display with P-OLED tech and tiny bezels, so you get a massive 94.2% screen-to-body ratio for watching videos.
The vivo V50 Lite 5G has vivo’s slimmest 6500 mAh BlueVolt battery. That means you can watch YouTube for up to 27.41 hours or scroll through TikTok for over 15 hours without needing to charge. It even lets you charge other devices with its reverse charging feature. vivo’s used some smart tech to make the battery better, like Carbon Recomposition, Electrode Reshaping, and Laser Etching, which makes it store more power and work more efficiently.
vivo’s Battery Encapsulation Technology makes the battery 50% smaller than the one in the V40 Lite, which helps keep the phone slim. The battery’s also super safe, with 24-Dimension Security Protection and a 5-Year Health guarantee. It’s designed to keep at least 80% of its capacity even after 1,700 charge cycles and can handle extreme temperatures from -20°C to 50°C.
And when you do need to charge, the 90W FlashCharge gets you to 20% in just 7.5 minutes and fully charged in 52.5 minutes. Plus, it has AI-Charging to help the battery age more slowly and Zero-Power Superfast Startup to get you back up and running quickly when you charge it from being totally dead.
The vivo V50 Lite 5G is designed to handle everyday wear and tear. It’s got an SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance rating and military-grade certification, thanks to its Comprehensive Cushioning Structure and reinforced Shield Glass. It’s also IP65 dust and water-resistant. Even if you’ve got wet or greasy fingers, the Wet-Hand Touch technology makes sure the screen still works. vivo says the phone will stay smooth for up to 5 years, with Memory Booster tech to help with multitasking.
For taking photos, the vivo V50 Lite 5G has a 50 MP Main Camera, an 8 MP 120° Ultra Wide-Angle Camera, a 32 MP Selfie Camera, and vivo’s Aura Light system. The main camera uses a Sony IMX882 sensor for clear photos. Portrait mode gives you 2x zoom, and the Aura Light adjusts the color temperature. The AI Image Studio has AI Erase 2.0 and AI Photo Enhance for easy photo editing.
Under the hood, the vivo V50 Lite 5G runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, which can hit speeds up to 2.2 GHz. It’s got a 120 Hz Ultra Vision AMOLED display for great visuals and 400% Volume Dual Stereo Speakers for awesome sound. Other cool AI features include AI SuperLink for better connectivity, Circle to Search with Google, Live Text for copying text from images, and AI Screen Translation for 132 languages.
Pricing & Availability
You can grab the vivo V50 Lite 5G in Malaysia starting at RM1,299.
vivo’s also throwing in some freebies until 2 June 2025 if you buy it at a vivo Concept Store. Purchases of the V50 Lite 5G will come with a set of vivo Buds (worth RM129), an RM100 cashback, a 1+1 years extended warranty, a 5-year battery warranty, 180-day screen protection, Multi-region warranty.
And if you buy from a vivo Concept Store, you’ll also get an additional RM100 off with SpayLater (until 31 May 2025).
U Mobile is collaborating with Celcom Timur Sabah (CT Sabah) to strengthen its rollout of Malaysia’s second 5G network deployment in Sabah and WP Labuan.
The core of this collaboration is an agreement where U Mobile will utilise CT Sabah’s existing fibre optic infrastructure. This is a crucial aspect of 5G network deployment, as fibre optic cables play a vital role in providing the necessary “backhaul”. Backhaul refers to the network that connects the cellular towers or base stations to the core network, enabling the high-speed data transfer that 5G promises.
(From left) Wong Heang Tuck, Chief Executive Officer of U Mobile; Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile; Zurinah Datuk Hanafiah, Chief Executive Officer of CT Sabah; Shaharul Niza Mohamad, Chief Financial Officer of CT Sabah
Specifically, CT Sabah will upgrade its current 4G leased circuit sites to support 5G technology and also establish new leased circuit sites to meet the specific requirements of U Mobile’s 5G network. This involves enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the existing infrastructure to handle the increased data traffic and speed demands of 5G.
U Mobile is set to leverage CT Sabah’s extensive fibre network, which spans over 10,000 kilometres across Sabah and WP Labuan. This widespread network is essential for ensuring robust, stable, and high-capacity connectivity, which is critical for delivering a reliable and high-performance 5G experience to both businesses and individual consumers in the region.
U Mobile’s CTO, Woon Ooi Yuen, emphasised that this partnership is instrumental in accelerating 5G coverage expansion throughout Malaysia and delivering a superior 5G experience. He also reiterated U Mobile’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and supporting Malaysia’s digital ambitions.
CT Sabah’s CEO, Zurinah Datuk Hanafiah, highlighted the company’s focus on improving digital connectivity in Sabah and WP Labuan. She stressed the importance of 5G in driving digital transformation, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for the communities in the region.
The initial agreement between the two companies was formalized through a term sheet signed by key representatives, with the final Definitive Agreement expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd. (CT Sabah) is identified as a key provider of fibre optic infrastructure services in Sabah and WP Labuan.
Sony has introduced the FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM), a telephoto zoom lens designed for professional photographers and videographers working in various fields such as wedding, portrait, and indoor sports photography.
This lens is distinguished as the world’s first telephoto zoom lens to offer a maximum focal length of 150mm and a constant F2 aperture. It provides a versatile focal range, starting at a standard 50mm and extending to 150mm, while maintaining a bright F2 aperture throughout the zoom range.
The lens’s optical design incorporates several advanced elements to achieve high image quality. These include two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, which work together to minimize aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images across the zoom range. The lens also features a floating focusing system, enabling a minimum focusing distance of 0.4 meters at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.20 for close-up shooting.
The FE 50-150mm F2 GM is designed to produce smooth bokeh, thanks to its constant F2 aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture. These features make it suitable for photographers who want to isolate their subjects with a shallow depth of field.
Source: Sony
For video recording, the lens aims to deliver clear and cinematic results. It also incorporates Sony’s Nano AR Coating II to reduce ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity in various lighting conditions.
In terms of size and weight, the lens measures approximately 200mm in length and weighs about 1,340g. Its internal zoom mechanism helps maintain balance, making it suitable for handheld shooting and use with gimbals.
The lens is equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and advanced control algorithms to provide fast, precise, and quiet autofocus (AF). It supports continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking at up to 120 frames per second on compatible cameras like the Sony Alpha 9 III. This autofocus performance makes it well-suited for capturing fast-moving subjects in sports and events.
For video applications, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation feature on select Alpha cameras. It also offers Linear Response MF for precise manual focus control and quiet XD linear motors to reduce recording noise.
The lens is designed to be durable, with a dust- and moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel contaminants.
Pricing & Availability
The FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM) will be available in Malaysia in May 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to the date. Sony has started an interest registration for the SEL50150GM, and those interested can visit the registry website for more details.
Getting insurance and Takaful coverage has long been a complex, mind boggling experience thanks to the multitudes of options and providers. insureKU is looking to simplify that process. The new startup is calling itself Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator. The company has officially launched its services, providing a platform for Malaysian consumers to compare, select, and purchase insurance and takaful plans online.
As an insurance aggregator, insureKU’s platform gathers and presents insurance products from various providers in one place, allowing consumers to easily compare options. The platform, which shares the same name, is developed in partnership with Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Censof Holdings Berhad. Its primary aim is to offer this service with a focus on user-friendliness. The development partnership leverages Censof Holdings Berhad’s extensive experience as a technology company specialising in financial management and solutions.
insureKU will initially feature travel insurance options, with plans to expand into other insurance categories later in the year. The platform’s comparison tool allows users to specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes. Initial insurance providers include Generali, Tokio Marine, and Tune Protect.
insureKU emphasizes its use of technology to provide an intuitive and empowering solution for consumers. As an early authorized participant in Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has undergone a year of development and testing.
insureKU aims to simplify the insurance process through education, comparison tools, and aggregated information, with the goal of offering competitive pricing by passing on savings to consumers. Upcoming features include multi-lingual support and financial planning tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator.
To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is offering the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform exclusive merchandise items.
Taobao Malaysia is preparing to introduce a Malay language interface for its mobile app, with plans to make it available around June.
This update is designed to better align with the language preferences of shoppers in Malaysia and to support the increasing trend of Malaysians engaging in online shopping across borders.
AI Generated Image Showing TaoBao’s Interfaces
The announcement comes at a time when the Taobao app is experiencing increased popularity on a global scale. The app has recently achieved notable download rankings in several countries, securing the second-most downloaded position in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and claiming the top spot in France.
Here in Malaysia, the Taobao app has also seen a rise in popularity, recently becoming the second-most downloaded shopping app on the iOS platform, which indicates a considerable degree of interest and confidence in the platform among local shoppers.
Jess Lew, Country Head of Taobao Malaysia, stated that the planned launch of a Malay language interface marks another significant step in Taobao’s efforts to provide a more accessible and user-friendly shopping experience for every Malaysian user.
Taobao is a prominent e-commerce platform in China, known for its extensive selection of products and its focus on creating an engaging and personalized shopping journey for its users.
To provide some background, Taobao launched an English version of its app in Malaysia in September of last year, utilizing AI-powered automatic translation technology. Currently, the app offers customer service support in both English and Chinese. Malaysian users can already benefit from features such as product descriptions in English, prices displayed in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and a simplified and intuitive interface.
Taobao’s platform is supported by payment and logistics systems provided by Antom and Cainiao, aiming to facilitate smooth and dependable transactions and deliveries. Shoppers in Malaysia can choose from a variety of payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, online banking, e-wallets, and installment plans. The app also offers order tracking functionality to keep users informed about their purchases.
The Taobao app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
vivo Malaysia is getting ready to launch a new smartphone, the vivo V50 Lite, and it’s all about giving you the power to stay connected without constantly searching for a charger.
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, this phone is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. The key feature is its hefty 6500mAh “vivo BlueVolt” battery. vivo says this battery will get you through your day and even beyond, so you can ditch that battery anxiety.
And when you do need to charge, the V50 Lite has you covered with 90W FlashCharge. vivo claims you can get a quick 20% boost in just 7.5 minutes, and a full charge in under an hour. That’s pretty handy for those times when you’re rushing out the door. You can even use the phone to charge other devices, like your wireless earbuds, thanks to its reverse charging capability.
vivo has also included some smart battery tech to make things even better. The phone has a special design that helps it stay cool and use power efficiently. Plus, they’ve managed to pack that big battery into a slim 7.79mm body, so it doesn’t feel bulky. Other features help the battery last longer and stay healthy over time. vivo has even tested the phone in extreme temperatures to ensure it’s reliable.
The V50 Lite isn’t just about power, though; it’s designed to look good too. It’s slim, sleek, and comes in colours like Titanium Gold, Phantom Black, and Fantasy Purple. The phone also has a large 6.77-inch screen that’s easy on the eyes, with super-thin edges to maximise your viewing experience.
To celebrate the upcoming launch, vivo Malaysia is holding a fun TikTok challenge called #BlueVoltBatteryMissionMY from May 1st to 18th, 2025. You can create videos showing off what you’d do with the V50 Lite’s long-lasting battery for a chance to win prizes, including the phone itself.
vivo will be releasing more information about the V50 Lite soon, so stay tuned for all the details.
U Mobile has announced the transfer of its GoBiz merchant acquiring business to NTT DATA Cardpay, a subsidiary of NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd. This move comes on the heels of U Mobile’s intensified focus on developing and delivering advanced 5G and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) solutions as part of Malaysia’s second 5G network.
GoBiz was U Mobile’s platform that empowered businesses, particularly merchants, to efficiently accept a wide range of digital payments from their customers. It formed a component of U Mobile’s broader suite of services aimed at supporting business operations. However, U Mobile’s crucial role in the nationwide 5G rollout has presented a compelling opportunity to prioritise and invest heavily in leveraging 5G technology to drive significant digital transformation across various enterprise sectors.
This transfer of the GoBiz merchant acquiring business to NTT DATA Cardpay enables U Mobile to concentrate its resources and technical expertise on the development and deployment of innovative 5G-based solutions tailored for enterprise clients. U Mobile envisions 5G as a key enabler for widespread enterprise digitalisation, facilitating the adoption of transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT), ultimately contributing to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a digitally advanced, high-income nation. This strategic shift directly aligns with U Mobile’s broader 5G initiatives and underscores its commitment to driving 5G adoption in the enterprise space.
NTT DATA Payment Services is committed to ensuring a seamless and transparent transition for existing GoBiz merchants. The company has pledged to maintain the same level of service excellence, comprehensive support, and user-friendly experience that merchants and their customers have come to rely on, minimising any potential disruptions during the transition process.
In addition, U Mobile and NTT DATA Payment Services are actively exploring potential avenues for collaboration to create enhanced digital solutions specifically designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). By effectively combining U Mobile’s cutting-edge 5G infrastructure and technological capabilities with NTT DATA Payment Services’ established expertise in payment solutions and fintech innovation, the partnership aims to equip SMEs with the essential tools and resources they need to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of digital commerce and achieve sustainable growth in the digital economy.
This lens is distinguished as the world’s first telephoto zoom lens to offer a maximum focal length of 150mm and a constant F2 aperture. It provides a versatile focal range, starting at a standard 50mm and extending to 150mm, while maintaining a bright F2 aperture throughout the zoom range.
For video applications, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation feature on select Alpha cameras. It also offers Linear Response MF for precise manual focus control and quiet XD linear motors to reduce recording noise.
