Cisco has announced the acquisition of Splunk for a whopping USD$28 billion. Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk marks a pivotal moment in data management and security. With the ink now dry on the deal, Cisco is equipped to change the way organizations harness data to navigate the digital landscape.
In today’s digital age, connectivity and security are paramount. Companies need to seamlessly integrate their people, applications, and devices while safeguarding against cybersecurity threats and downtime. With Splunk now in its arsenal, Cisco is set to deliver an unmatched level of visibility and insights across the entire digital footprint of organizations.
Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the transformative potential it holds. By leveraging data in innovative ways, Cisco aims to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions and safeguard their operations in the age of artificial intelligence.
Gary Steele, Executive Vice President of Splunk, echoed Robbins’ sentiment, highlighting the unparalleled value that Cisco will bring to customers worldwide with Splunk’s innovative technologies. The coming together of Cisco and Splunk will provide comprehensive visibility and insights, enabling organizations to enhance resilience and tackle the most complex challenges head-on.
With the convergence of Cisco’s network expertise and Splunk’s cutting-edge solutions, customers can expect a slew of benefits across security, observability, networking, and AI. Together, Cisco and Splunk will offer a holistic suite of solutions that streamline operations, enhance security, and drive business value.
Industry experts have lauded the merger, recognizing its potential to unlock new levels of business value. Stephen Elliot from IDC emphasized the transformative nature of the combination, while Julie Sweet from Accenture expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to drive innovation for clients.
Looking ahead, customers can anticipate a wave of new product innovations as Cisco integrates Splunk’s capabilities into its portfolio. These innovations will be showcased at upcoming events, including Cisco Live and .conf24, providing customers with a glimpse into the future of data management and security.
In terms of the transaction details, Cisco acquired Splunk for $157 per share in cash, amounting to approximately USD$28 billion in equity value. The transaction is expected to drive revenue growth and margin expansion for Cisco, positioning the company for long-term success in the evolving digital landscape.
With the completion of the acquisition, Cisco and Splunk are ready to embark on a new chapter of innovation and collaboration. Together, they are poised to redefine the standards of data management and security, empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age.
Schneider Electric, the trailblazer in energy management and automation, is teaming up with NVIDIA to redefine the landscape of data centre infrastructure. Their mission? To supercharge the capabilities of edge artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technologies, paving the way for a future powered by unparalleled innovation.
Picture this: cutting-edge data centre reference designs, meticulously crafted to harness the full potential of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing clusters. With a laser focus on high-power distribution, liquid-cooling systems, and controls engineered for reliability, they’re setting new benchmarks for performance, scalability, and sustainability.
Natalya Makarochkina, Senior Vice President of Secure Power International at Schneider Electric, is exhilarated about the possibilities: “Our collaboration with NVIDIA isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about unlocking the boundless potential of AI. Together, we’re dismantling the constraints of traditional data centre infrastructure, propelling us towards a future that’s efficient, sustainable, and transformative.”
But that’s only the beginning. These reference designs aren’t static blueprints; they’re dynamic frameworks designed to evolve alongside the ever-changing landscape of AI. Ian Buck, Vice President of Hyperscale and HPC at NVIDIA, shares the excitement: “With Schneider Electric, we’re not just building data centres; we’re building gateways to innovation. These designs empower organizations to harness the full power of AI, driving unprecedented levels of innovation across industries.”
Looking ahead, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are on a relentless quest to explore new frontiers in AI-driven technology. And they’re not alone in this journey. AVEVA, Schneider Electric’s visionary subsidiary, is poised to revolutionize virtual simulation and collaboration with its integration of NVIDIA Omniverse. Together, they’re creating a digital playground where imagination knows no bounds.
Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, envisions a future where digital intelligence and real-world outcomes converge: “This partnership isn’t just about simulation; it’s about transformation. By merging digital intelligence with real-world applications, we’re redefining the possibilities of industry, empowering organizations to operate safer, smarter, and more sustainably than ever before.”
In a world propelled by innovation, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are at the forefront of change. Together, they’re not just building data centres; they’re building bridges to the future. And with every breakthrough, they’re inspiring a new generation of pioneers to dream bigger, aim higher, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
VAST Data has launched its regional headquarters in Singapore, marking its entry into the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. This expansion follows a significant US$118 million Series E funding round, propelling its valuation to US$9.1 billion. Founded in 2016 and officially launched in 2019, the company’s unique architecture unifies unstructured and structured data into a single system, revolutionizing data storage and processing.
Renen Hallak, co-founder, and CEO of VAST Data, underscores the importance of data in today’s digital landscape. “Data is the backbone of the digital economy, yet much of it remains untapped. With the VAST Data Platform, organizations can make real-time, data-driven decisions.”
Singapore is an ideal base for the company’s APJ (Asia Pacific and Japan) operations, boasting a robust data centre ecosystem and strategic location. Sunil Chavan, Vice-President of VAST Data for Asia Pacific and Japan, highlights Singapore’s pivotal role in the company’s expansion. “Singapore’s pro-business environment and tech hub status make it the perfect launchpad for our regional operations.”
Partnering with local cloud providers, the company aims to revolutionize industries across the region. Agoda, the digital travel platform, has become the company’s first client embracing VAST Data’s innovative solutions to drive business growth.
This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager at Lenovo Malaysia.
Those of us in the manufacturing industry have already come to terms with a difficult truth: manufacturing output is set to shrink by 3.2% this year. Stringent regulations and decreased consumer demand are proving very trying in a recessionary environment.
And many manufacturers still find themselves short-staffed. They are tasked with doing more with less. Upping output without the talent and financial resources they relied on in the past.
I see only one way forward: doing whatever we possibly can to create a streamlined working environment. Organizations that get hung up on what they don’t have will fall behind. Smart organizations think laterally. They understand that they have the means to effect change on their environments. And that seemingly small changes quickly add up.
Creating a streamlined, productive environment is the way forward. Increasing operational efficiency has never been as crucial as it is at this moment in time. Organizations that take action to create this kind of environment now will reap the rewards and come out stronger.
The three building blocks of an efficient environment
1. Making the most of your assets with IT and OT convergence
As a reminder, IT is Information Technology, tools that process data. OT is Operational Technology, tools for managing physical assets. IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technology can bring IT and OT together. With IIoT tools like smart sensors, digital twins, and machine learning, physical assets come to life in the IT space. When leadership can see crucial data and insights on how machines are doing, they can ensure that they make the most of them. A great example of a product that can assist with making the most of your assets through IT convergence is the ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 11, powered by Intel® Core™ i5-1335U processor (13th Gen), built for what IT needs and users want.
Utility consumption monitoring is a great example of the benefits of converged IT and OT. Electricity, water, and gas make up a significant part of any manufacturer’s budget. Sensors on the factory floor can detect when a process consumes more power than necessary. This data is then acted on in real time – and the process is automatically adjusted until it’s optimal. For example, temperature and water use can automatically be controlled to create an environment that supports efficient energy use. Where equipment needs to be warmer to operate, they can automatically be switched on when the time’s exactly right – eliminating the wastage that comes with guessing the wrong timing. Sensors that detect compressed-air leaks allows leadership to act before more energy goes to waste.
The cumulative savings tend to make a profound difference to utility bills. Even better: IIoT helps manufacturers get closer to their ESG goals and safeguard the environment.
2. Staying a step ahead with predictive maintenance
The technological advances in predictive maintenance are some of the most exciting I’ve seen in my career. Instead of waiting for machines to break down, we can now proactively prevent them from reaching a state of disrepair. There’s now no reason for manufacturers to be wrong-footed by ‘cranky’ or ‘moody’ machinery.
In order to reap the benefits of predictive maintenance, manufacturers need to have the right solutions in place. High-quality sensors, reliable and fast connectivity, and servers that can process asset data and allow it to be analyzed, fast.
Naturally, I’m a big advocate of Lenovo’s ThinkEdge servers, powered by Intel® and enabled by AI. These servers have the processing power required to make quick work of asset data. They are rugged and sturdy and can withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. My clients store these servers on the floor, close to where data is generated. This reduces latency between data collection and a resulting insight – allowing leadership to act fast when an AI alerts them of a potential issue or a worrisome trend.
3. Keep quality high with virtual inspection
In manufacturing, high-quality products are what we live for, and inspection is a crucial process for any manufacturer. More and more, I’m seeing manual quality assurance become a thing of the past.
Continuous, virtual inspection means that manufacturers can track every process, part, and final product. If a quality issue arises on the floor, IIoT technology means that a real-time notification will trigger necessary corrective actions for related processes or down-the-line tasks – including dynamically adjusting product runs.
This kind of intelligent inspection leads to time and money saved. Fixing potential issues before they lead to defective products is obviously much less costly than tossing out goods that are not up to standard. But it’s more than that: a smart factory floor with integrated IT and OT means that AI is continuously learning to improve and streamline processes. This allows manufacturers to create products they can be proud of, keeping their customer experiences high while boosting their productivity. It’s a win-win.
Following its acquisition of VMware in November 2023, Broadcom has decided to discontinue the free version of VMware’s ESXi hypervisor. This decision, outlined in a knowledge base article, aligns with Broadcom’s termination of perpetual licensing, marking the Free ESXi Hypervisor as End Of General Availability (EOGA).
The announcement states, “VMware vSphere Hypervisor (free edition) is no longer available on the VMware website,” impacting versions ESXi 7.x and 8.x. While the free version had limitations, such as restrictions on cores and memory, it was popular among hobbyists and testers due to its advanced management features.
Despite discontinuing the free version, users can still access the hypervisor through VMware User Group ‘advantage’ licensing. Broadcom has clarified that no substitute product is offered for the free version.
This decision is part of Broadcom’s broader strategy, seen in a list of discontinued services on the company’s blog. Among 59 products no longer available as standalone options, only 32 have received a replacement or add-on product. Broadcom’s recent changes include setting a minimum requirement of 3,500 cores running VMware Cloud Foundation for inclusion in its cloud partner program and terminating perpetual licenses in favour of subscriptions.
This move and other significant alterations have stirred customer dissatisfaction, prompting some to explore alternative solutions.
In a broader context, Broadcom’s $61 billion acquisition of VMware has led to substantial transformations, including layoffs, the end of perpetual licenses, and now, the discontinuation of the free ESXi hypervisor. These strategic moves indicate Broadcom’s intent to reshape VMware’s portfolio but have also raised concerns among users about the rapid and impactful changes.
For those who utilized the free ESXi hypervisor, the options for migration to alternative products like Proxmox, XCP-ng, or even the Hyper-V capabilities in Windows 10 and 11 Pro versions are suggested. As Broadcom steers VMware towards a new direction, users are advised to adapt to the evolving landscape of virtualization solutions.
This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager at Lenovo Malaysia
Production and manufacturing processes are becoming more complex and demanding as customers expect higher quality, lower cost, and faster delivery of products. To meet these challenges, manufacturers need to leverage the power of advanced technologies, such as high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and spatial computing. In this article, we will explore how a workstation can increase productivity for production and manufacturing processes by using spatial computing solutions, data science and client AI solutions, NVIDIA Omniverse, and remote workstation solutions. Examples of noteworthy workstation options include the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G2, Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower and the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 Tower operating on Windows 11 Pro. Use Windows 11 Pro for Workstations to blaze through workloads with lag-free multitasking across your most demanding applications.
Spatial Computing Solutions
Spatial computing is a technology that can digitize the spatial relationships between machines, people, objects, and environments, and enable and optimize their operations and interactions. Spatial computing can help manufacturers with product design, quality control, safety, and efficiency. For example, spatial computing can enable digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical assets or processes that can be used for simulation, testing, and optimization. Spatial computing can also facilitate augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, which can enhance the visualization and collaboration of design and engineering teams, as well as provide immersive training and guidance for workers. A workstation that can handle spatial computing tasks should have a powerful GPU, a large memory, and a high-resolution display. A possible choice is the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Mobile Workstation, which has an NVIDIA® RTX 5000 Ada graphics card, an Intel® Core™ i9-13950HX processor, and up to 192GB of memory.
Data Science and Client AI Solutions
Data science and client AI solutions can help manufacturers analyze and utilize the vast amounts of data generated by production and manufacturing processes, such as sensor data, quality data, customer data, and market data. Data science and client AI solutions can help manufacturers with demand forecasting, inventory management, process optimization, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and customer satisfaction. For example, data science and client AI solutions can help manufacturers create and fine-tune foundation models, which are large and versatile AI models that can perform multiple tasks, such as natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition, and more. Data science and client AI solutions can also help manufacturers interact with and explore data through conversational interfaces, visualizations, and summarizations. A workstation that can handle data science and client AI tasks should have a fast and reliable processor, a large and expandable memory, and a flexible and scalable storage system. A possible choice is the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Workstation, which has a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processor, up to 128GB of memory, and up to 32TB of storage.
NVIDIA Omniverse
NVIDIA Omniverse is a platform that enables the creation and operation of complex, AI-enabled virtual environments, or digital twins, for factory and warehouse design. These virtual replicas facilitate real-time collaboration among teams and are the key to unleashing operational efficiencies with predictive analysis and process automation. NVIDIA Omniverse allows manufacturers to import and export data from various sources, such as CAD tools, simulation software, and IoT devices, and create realistic and interactive simulations of production and manufacturing scenarios. NVIDIA Omniverse also supports ray tracing, physics, and sound rendering, which can enhance the quality and realism of the virtual environments. A workstation that can handle NVIDIA Omniverse tasks should have a powerful graphics card, a high-performance CPU, and a large memory. A possible choice is the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 Tower Workstation, which has up to 64 cores CPU, a 10Gb Ethernet port, and plenty of storage capabilities.
Remote Workstation Solutions
Remote workstation solutions can help manufacturers access their physical workstations from virtually anywhere with rich graphics acceleration via leading remote visualization tools. Remote workstation solutions can help manufacturers with remote design, engineering, and collaboration, as well as reduce the cost and maintenance of physical workstations. Remote workstation solutions can also provide security and compliance features, such as encryption, authentication, and auditing. A workstation that can handle remote workstation tasks should have a low-latency frame encode, accelerated desktop capture, headless graphics support, and leading pro-ISV certifications, like the majority of the Workstations from Lenovo. The Lenovo remote TGX solution is the best way to connect to your Workstation cluster from anywhere in the world.
Wrap up
A workstation can increase productivity for production and manufacturing processes by using various technologies, such as spatial computing, data science and client AI, NVIDIA Omniverse, and remote workstation solutions. These technologies can help manufacturers improve their design, engineering, simulation, production, and collaboration workflows, as well as reduce their costs, risks, and environmental impact. A workstation that can support these technologies should have a combination of hardware and software features, such as a powerful GPU, a fast CPU, large memory, flexible storage, and a reliable network. Lenovo offers a range of workstation solutions that can meet the needs of different production and manufacturing scenarios, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Intel (16″) Mobile Workstation, the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Workstation, the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 Tower Workstation, and the TGX Remote Workstation.
This article is contributed by Márton Kiss, Vice President of Product Success at Graphisoft
Today, the once-solid blueprints of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) have morphed into fluid sketches, adapting to the evolving customer needs and technological advancements. As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.
Here, we will delve into the vibrant palette of trends and key areas that may help navigate this transformative path in the AEC industry.
1. Bridging the digitalization gap
Despite being slow to embrace digital transformation, the AEC sector has shown promising signs in recent years, with technology adoption and awareness of its benefits steadily rising. However, a noticeable gap emerges when transitioning from the design to the construction phase. While current tools enable detailed digital models, the actualization often relies heavily on on-site workers, creating a disconnect in the integrated workflow.
Bridging this gap and driving the push towards greater digitization and automation requires a two-pronged approach – first, fostering a demand for digital design practices, and second, reducing legal and regulatory barriers that impede the implementations. Additionally, a global trend towards collaborative building lifecycles is gaining momentum. As the integration across the building lifecycle strengthens, so does the impetus for comprehensive digitalization, highlighting the critical role of quality design in this process.
2. Unlocking the potential of BIM
While Asia Pacific trails developed nations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption, progress is evident. Governments like Malaysia, aiming for 80% adoption by 2025, are actively driving its implementation due to proven productivity and competitive advantages—however, BIM’s true potential lies beyond mere data and 3D models.
It is about integrated design, where architects, engineers, builders, owners, and technology providers collaborate within a single model, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional handoffs and discrepancies. This ‘single source of truth’ fosters early alignment of building systems and informed decision-making across disciplines. At Graphisoft, we champion OPEN BIM, a future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Recent developments, like seamlessstructural engineering integration andcloud collaboration, reflect our commitment to this collaborative future.
BIM will continue to see greater interoperability and capabilities. However, the key to maximizing what it can offer eventually lies in fostering a culture of openness and information sharing.
3. Driving the shift towards sustainable design
The green buildings market is expected to cross USD1,948 billion by the end of 2036, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for 32%[1] Sustainability pressures are pushing the industry towards innovative materials and energy-efficient design. Net-zero buildings will remain a focus, achieving energy savings through renewables, smart design, and storage. Building performance and management will also be key, tying into the digitalization trend for optimal efficiency.
Cost-effectiveness, however, remains crucial. While adopting these practices might seem daunting, firms can start small. Explore concepts, experiment with materials, and utilize BIM as a bridge between elements. Integrating building systems, structures, and architecture early on makes informed decisions about materials, shapes, and even programs possible. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this shift requires a closer alignment between design decisions and long-term outcomes, driven by the overarching goals of sustainability and efficiency.
4. Making the most of AI and other emerging technologies
The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) goes beyond automation. It is becoming the industry’s secret weapon, empowering professionals across the project lifecycle. From design optimization with photorealistic visualization to predictive analysis and BIM integration, AI transforms how we overcome challenges and make informed decisions.
The future is not just about scratching the surface with AI. We see a convergence of technologies, where Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) enhances collaborative BIM workflows, and digital twins evolve beyond virtual models, becoming real-time data oracles. This will redefine our standards for efficiency, accuracy and profitability, allowing designers to focus on their true value – creativity. Graphisoft remains at the forefront of this revolution, investing in emerging technologies that assist and empower, not replace.
5. Emphasis on continuous learning
The future sprints, not strolls, and therefore upskilling is an essential ticket to the ride. But it is not a solo journey. Organizations must be bold co-pilots, investing in the latest tools, processes, and training. Fear of the unknown is natural, but the changing roles of AEC professionals are inevitable. Technology like AI excels in crunching data and optimizing processes but still lacks the human touch that breathes life into novel designs. And that is the true power of real architects – crafting beauty that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful. Technology is the hammer, but people are the architects of change. Those who embrace continuous learning will be the ones shaping the future of AEC, brick by innovative brick, pixel by inspiring pixel.
The future of the built environment demands active participation. Architects, engineers and contractors must embrace digital tools and progress alongside advancements. BIM will be their blueprint, green principles their guiding star, and emerging technologies their canvas extension. The opportunity to create great architectures is boundless when we successfully integrate people, workflows and real-time information.
[1] Green Buildings Market Size & Share, Research Nester (Nov 2023)
In an era marked by swift technological progress which is often seen as disruptors to jobs, it’s time to shift our perspective. As the job landscape undergoes transformation, many individuals find themselves standing at a crossroads in the evolving workforce. Instead of fearing obsolescence, people are embracing the new era of technology-enabled learning and reskilling. In Malaysia, 96% of employers are either currently using or planning to use GenAI technology in 2024. This means that employees will now need to further build their skills to keep up with evolving job descriptions. Fortunately, a wide array of online courses, skilling content, AI-guided career counselling, and virtual reality simulations are readily available to assist employees in advancing or pivoting their career paths.
Welcome to the era where technology is spearheading a reskilling and upskilling revolution that transforms careers. To access this, you don’t have to go to a university and attend classes in person – today, there are a variety of options, from online courses to complimentary upskilling apps available to anyone seeking it.
Unlocking the potential of upskilling and reskilling in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is home to the third-largest labour force which is predominantly young. In Malaysia, the labour force makes up 16.97 million persons, indicating that there is an enormous potential for skilled labour. Yet, job participation, skill development and productivity levels are still lagging behind. Over the past decade, labour force participation in some Southeast Asian countries has gradually increased, while others have seen their rates fall significantly. What’s more, high rates of informal employment and a lack of support for older workers has slowed the region’s shift to a knowledge-based economy.
Research by PwC indicates that upskilling and reskilling, with a focus on digital-first capabilities, can potentially boost Southeast Asia’s GDP by 4% by 2030, creating nearly 680,000 new jobs. Importantly, it helps to create an agile and resilient workforce in the face of economic uncertainty and geopolitical strife.
Technology as a learning tool
In light of these circumstances, we urgently need to rethink our approach to upskilling. Lifelong learning programs, utilising technology to deliver online content, offer greater benefits to adults and older professionals seeking fresh challenges beyond the limited courses offered by traditional education institutions. In markets like Malaysia, digital skills are the top focus for employees, with most still prioritising basic digital skills (83.1%).
Technology empowers learners, giving them control and personalisation. This allows them to set their own pace since lectures and materials are pre-recorded, or they can participate in virtual lessons via online platforms such as Jobstreet’s Career Hub powered by seekMax, eliminating the need for in-person attendance. Through online platform learning such as this, the learner will be able to focus on gaining the skills they want to prioritise to be more suited for their next job.
In comparison to full-time universities that emphasise rigorous academics, upskilling and lifelong learning institutions provide easily digestible, bite-sized content for rapid knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, these modern educational models are designed to accommodate busy schedules and shorter attention spans, placing a strong emphasis on accessibility and convenience.
What’s particularly significant is that these accessible platforms empower learners to develop both hard and soft skills. For instance, individuals in today’s workforce can equip themselves with essential skills such as salary negotiation and leadership.
Enhancing the upskilling experience
Once considered staid, lifelong learning platforms are continuously innovating to improve the social aspects of their programs. To do this, many programs promote learning through collaboration and communication. Talent embarking on a lifelong learning journey can engage in group learning activities to interact with course material, forums, quizzes, masterclasses, or online discussions.
With the rise of online communities, it’s easier than ever for a working professional to gain relevant and practical insights from like-minded peers or industry experts who can help them navigate their careers by providing tailored advice.
This is exactly the sort of positive learning environment we’re creating with Jobstreet’s Career Hub powered by seekMAX, SEEK’s free innovative in-app learning and community platform that’s designed for on-the-go learners – with access to a wealth of content as well as industry experts. Since launch, nearly 1 in 3 monthly active users of the Jobstreet platform have already started using seekMAX as a tool to learn new skills and share insights amongst the community.
As the world’s workforce continues to evolve – lifelong learning platforms are crucial to personal growth and professional success. Lean into the opportunities they offer to stay relevant and competitive. The public and private sectors must also encourage this mindset in order to build a future-proof workforce.
CelcomDigi is really upping the ante when it comes to owning devices with an RM0 upfront payment. The Telco is looking to make electronic vehicle (EV) ownership even easier with a CelcomDigi postpaid subscription. In partnership with Yinson GreenTech, the Telco will be making ownership of an e-bike as easy as owning a smartphone with its Easy360 instalment plans. The partnership will see RydeEV’s electric bikes become an option for subscribers with their postpaid plans for as low as RM299.
The new initiative lowers the cost of ownership of EVs tremendously. It comes as a result of a partnership between CelcomDigi’s Innovation Center and Yinson GreenTech. Under this plan, customers will be able to own either rydeEV’s Ryder or Hyper e-bike models with CelcomDigi’s Postpaid for RM299 and RM430 a month respectively. This will be in addition to the Postpaid subscription which starts at RM70. After a contract period of 36 months, customers will have the option of owning the bike for a further RM1 payment.
In addition to the subscription plan, customers who qualify for the Electric Motorcycle Use Promotion Scheme (MARiiCas) from the government will receive a further RM2,400 rebate on their e-bike purchases. This will be remitted as a monthly RM200 rebate over a period of 12 months. This means that you’ll be able to own an e-bike for as low as RM169 a month for the first year. Early birds will also get a limited edition helmet.
Both the Ryder and Hyper e-bikes from RydeEV have a riding range of 70-75km on a full charge at 45km/h speeds. However, they differ in their top speeds; the Ryder caps out at 65km/h while the Hyper caps at 90km/h. The Ryder is only available in red while the Hyper is available in three colours: red, blue and orange. If you run out of power, you won’t need to plug in as you can simply swap the battery out at a charging station. According to Yinson GreenTech, there are over 60 stations available in the Klang Valley area with more to come in the coming months.
Recruitment and the tech industry are things that aren’t going hand in hand at the moment. With the unprecedented growth of the tech industry during the COVID pandemic, it is experiencing a large number of layoffs as it continues to return to “normal”. However, with the contraction of large tech MNCs, comes an opportunity for Malaysian SMEs to acquire the talent they sorely need.
Source: Employment Hero
“Amid the pandemic, many tech firms flourished as people embraced online activities. However, the return to regular work patterns led to significant layoffs due to economic strains. Currently, the tech sector is cautiously recovering, showing restrained spending on innovation despite abundant growth potential, especially driven by AI’s widespread adoption across various industries“
A Need to Stay Competitive and Look Beyond Local Borders Despite Higher Costs
Employment Hero, recently highlighted in its “State of Recruitment” whitepaper, that Malaysian SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) are facing stiff competition when it comes to recruitment. Not only are they competing with MNCs when it comes to benefits, culture and remuneration, but they are also facing gaps when it comes to integrating technology into their recruitment processes. This is further compounded by the outlook of potential recruits who vie for positions in MNCs and conglomerates for stability and equity.
There’s no denying that there has been a steep increase in the cost of talent over the years. However, this increase corresponds to a steeply increasing cost of living thanks to a projected economic downturn. In fact, Employment Hero’s report notes that 52% of recruiters see this as a main factor in the increasing cost. That said, should SMEs take the lead in providing or realigning their minimum wages to a more livable wage beyond the current RM1,500 requirement? That’s a question for SMEs to ponder as they continue to form an increasingly important contributor to the Malaysian economy with a contribution of over 38% in 2022, a 3.4% growth year on year from 2021. Not to mention, they account for over 60% of employment nationwide.
SMEs can no longer sit idly by vying for the scraps of larger corporations and MNCs if they want to remain competitive. Like the Malay proverb “Bagaikan cendawan tumbuh selepas hujan” which indicates that mushrooms sprout increasingly after the rain, the Malaysian SME industry is a dime a dozen when it comes to competition. SMEs need to ensure that they are catering to a market larger than just Malaysia. They need to vie for a piece of the international pie and they can only do this if they set their sights and benchmarks at that level.
Source: Employment Hero
“To stay ahead of their competitors, local tech SMEs can emphasise their distinctive strengths within the company, such as a supportive and positive work environment, growth opportunities and customise recruitment and retention strategies to resonate with the needs and aspirations of potential employees. Sharing their narrative and embodying values is crucial for SMEs, especially since millennial candidates actively seek employers with whom they can form genuine connections.“
Malaysian SMEs can also differentiate themselves with intangible benefits such as workplace culture, work environment, growth opportunities and even retention strategies. These items, which are totally in the hands of business owners and board members in SMEs allow them to offer a better, more coherent work environment that caters not only to the company’s bottom line but also to the well-being of their workforce. An increasingly weighty consideration for candidates is a remote work policy. The Malaysian government has also mandated that companies need to have a remote work policy. While this may seem to be a remnant of the COVID pandemic, it’s become an increasingly crucial consideration for workers, particularly young parents. However, it’s not the only younger ones that look for this, it’s an increasingly sought-after mode of work. What’s more, research has shown that remote work is as effective as – if not more effective than – working in person.
That said, the Malaysian government continues to invest in the tech industry. This is particularly true when it comes to 5G- and AI-related technologies at large. Drilling down, the country is also investing in segments for animation, game development and even manufacturing when it comes to tech. With these investments, SMEs can expect more talent to come their way. It falls on their plate whether they are willing to invest in long-term wins rather than short-term gains when it comes to talent.
More Candidates Does Not Mean More Quality or Shorter Lead Times
Even with those considerations, the Malaysian hiring landscape is not an easy one especially when it comes to SMEs. A staggering 70% of hiring leaders state takes up to a month to fill a vacant position. This is despite getting a large number of applicants. In fact, the larger the number, the longer it took recruiters to fill a position. What’s more, things get a little more complex when it comes to retaining new talent. About 43% of hiring managers report that less than 5% of new recruits actually last beyond their probationary period.
According to Employment Hero, this could be a mismatch between the candidates and the job role or expectations. To minimize the mismatch, Employment Hero recommends that a job description (JD) should be as detailed as possible. JDs should provide enough insight into the role. Companies should provide a deep dive into the skills required and indicate where this role fits into the larger corporation. It should be a launching pad for the candidate for the rest of the recruitment process.
Source: Employment Hero
“As more hiring leaders implement AI in their hiring processes, they are likely to see a wider talent pool, better candidate matching and reduced bias. Importantly, we expect it to greatly reduce the entire recruitment lifecycle tremendously. So where something previously took hiring managers 41 days, it is now likely to be done in a much more accelerated time frame.”
This level of detail helps leaders filter candidates better. In fact, the whitepaper indicates that over-hiring leaders who interviewed a smaller number of candidates saw better retention of their candidates. The number was as high as 63% of hiring leaders reporting this. In essence, companies need to look at vetting their applications from the get-go with a detailed JD followed by a precise, targeted approach to vetting job applications with a truncated timeline.
Using AI to Improve Hiring Outcomes
Of course, with technology seeping into nearly every crevice of work, it comes as no surprise that it is leaving its mark on recruitment as well. The integration of technologies like AI will undoubtedly help bolster the quality of candidates as well as the rate of retention of new talent.
However, it’s also posing a hurdle as SMEs continue to wrestle with investing both monetarily and when it comes to skills. Unfortunately, when it comes to skills, SMEs are eventually going to have to choose between upskilling the talent they have or investing copiously in third-party recruiters who have the know-how. That said, it’s again a choice between short-term gains versus long-term gains. It falls to SMEs where their appetite for investment is and how they see their organization benefiting.
There is, however, another option – leveraging AI technology. AI is simplifying the search for talent in many ways. In fact, Employment Hero has noted that 99% in Malaysia are already using some form of AI in their recruitment practices. AI is being leveraged to improve decision-making and detect anomalies in applications. It can also be used to gauge the candidate’s suitability for the company.
With AI integrations, recruitment timelines are being shortened while increasing the quality of candidates. It’s even making changes to how companies onboard new candidates. It can even be used for background checks.
A Balancing Act between Recruitment, Growth and Investment
As much as the climate for recruitment is improving, it is increasingly becoming a balancing act for SMEs. SMEs need to determine where their priorities are; be it in recruiting high-caliber talent, upskilling and retaining current talent or even investing in technology to improve the overall recruiting process. The bottom line lies with the priorities of SMEs themselves.
