CUKTECH, is officially in the Malaysian market. This expansion marks a significant step for CUKTECH, aiming to empower Malaysians with cutting-edge charging technology while supporting the country’s clean energy ambitions.
CUKTECH boasts a rich history since 2016, further bolstered by a strategic merger with ZMI’s core team in 2022. This powerful synergy translates into experience and scale – CUKTECH has shipped over 150 million power banks and 20 million chargers worldwide. Their secret weapon? Advanced Cuk circuit technology, designed to deliver efficient and low-ripple DC-DC power conversion, promising a smooth and reliable charging experience.
CUKTECH enters the Malaysian market with a diverse lineup of premium power banks, catering to a wide range of power needs. Here are some highlights:
CUKTECH 30: The ultimate powerhouse, featuring a massive 40,000mAh capacity and an impressive 300W output. This versatility translates to dual USB-C, USB-A ports, and even 20W wireless charging support.
CUKTECH 20: Offering a 25,000mAh capacity and 210W output with PD3.1 fast charging, the CUKTECH 20 is perfect for powering laptops and other high-powered devices.
CUKTECH 15: A versatile option with a 20,000mAh capacity and 150W output, ideal for smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
CUKTECH 10: For those seeking a sleek and compact option, the CUKTECH 10 offers a 10,000mAh capacity with 100W output and a built-in TFT display for real-time charging insights.
CUKTECH 15 Ultra
For power users and mobile professionals, the CUKTECH 15 Ultra is a true game-changer. This high-performance power bank boasts features like:
165W MAX Dual-Port Extreme Self-Charging Mode: Fully recharge the device in just 45 minutes.
210W MAX Total Output: Fast-charge multiple devices simultaneously, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Advanced Features: Wide fast-charging protocol support, enhanced compatibility with flagship devices, and a 1.3-inch TFT color display for real-time charging insights and customization.
CUKTECH views Malaysia as a key launchpad for its vision of building a sustainable and advanced charging ecosystem. They’ve partnered with Shopee Malaysia as their launch platform, aiming to empower Malaysians with access to cutting-edge charging solutions. This commitment to clean energy aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations for a greener future.
Maybank has taken a significant step towards boosting online banking security with the launch of Money Lock, a first-of-its-kind feature on the MAE app. This innovative tool empowers customers to take control of their finances by allowing them to “lock” specific amounts within their savings or current accounts, effectively preventing online access to those funds.
Peace of Mind with Secured Bank Balances
Money Lock addresses a growing concern for many: online scams and fraudulent activity. By adding this extra layer of protection, Maybank allows its customers to enjoy the convenience of online banking with a heightened sense of security.
The feature offers a high degree of user control. Customers can choose to lock any amount from RM10 upwards, right up to their entire account balance. This flexibility allows for tailored protection based on individual needs. Additionally, increasing locked amounts is a breeze through the MAE app, and there are no fees or restrictions on how often Money Lock can be activated.
Money Lock is the latest feature focused on creating a more secure banking environment for bankers. Malay The introduction of Money Lock in Malaysia follows the feature’s successful implementation in Singapore.
“Money Lock empowers customers with confidence,” states Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO of Community Financial Services at Maybank. He emphasizes that customers can conduct online transactions securely while still earning interest on their locked funds.
Unlocking Funds and Avoiding Disruptions
Unlocking requires a visit to a Maybank ATM or branch for verification, ensuring the locked funds remain secure. This step is crucial in preventing unauthorized access.
Maybank emphasizes the importance of careful financial planning before activating Money Lock. Customers should consider upcoming commitments and ensure sufficient funds are available for essential transactions to avoid disruptions.
A Multi-Layered Approach to Fraud Prevention & Security
Money Lock is one piece of a comprehensive security puzzle. Maybank highlights other measures taken to combat fraud, including replacing SMS OTP with the more secure Secure2u system, restricting online banking access to one device per customer, and implementing cooling-off periods for limit increases.
Alongside technological advancements, customer awareness remains vital in the fight against scams. Maybank encourages users to be cautious of calls and messages from unknown numbers, to only download apps from official stores, and to never share online banking credentials with anyone.
The business laptop has long been a staple of the professional world, a silent partner in countless meetings, presentations, and late-night work sessions. But in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, the very definition of what a business laptop should be is undergoing a transformation. The ASUS ExpertBook P5 arrives at this pivotal moment, not just as a new model, but as a potential herald of this changing landscape.
One of the first things you notice about the ExpertBook P5 is its design. It’s not flashy or attention-grabbing; instead, it exudes a quiet professionalism. The aluminum chassis speaks to a focus on both aesthetics and durability. This isn’t a laptop designed to turn heads in a crowded coffee shop (though it certainly wouldn’t look out of place); it’s a tool designed for serious work, meant to seamlessly integrate into any professional setting. This understated elegance is a deliberate choice, reflecting the priorities of the modern business user: reliability, functionality, and a sense of understated sophistication.
But beneath this professional exterior lies a powerful engine of innovation: AI. The ExpertBook P5 isn’t just a laptop with a few tacked-on AI features; it’s a machine designed with AI at its core. The AI ExpertMeet software is a prime example. Features like the Screen Watermark, AI-powered transcription and summaries, and AI noise cancellation aren’t just gimmicks; they’re practical tools designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Think about the implications of these features: confidential data protected by a simple overlay, meetings transcribed and summarized automatically, and crystal-clear communication even in noisy environments. These aren’t just incremental improvements; they represent a fundamental shift in how we interact with our technology and conduct business.
The power driving these AI capabilities is the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. While raw performance is important, what truly sets this processor apart is its efficiency. The reported two-day battery life is a significant achievement, bringing the ExpertBook P5 into the same league as recent Snapdragon-powered offerings. This efficiency isn’t just about convenience; it’s about enabling true mobility. It’s about being able to work for extended periods without being tethered to a power outlet, empowering professionals to be productive wherever they are. And the absence of software compatibility issues is a crucial advantage, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free user experience.
The ASUS ExpertBook P5 isn’t just a laptop; it’s a statement about the future of work. It’s a reflection of a world where AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an integral part of our daily lives. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design and engineering to create tools that truly empower professionals. At RM6,859, it represents a significant investment, but it’s an investment in a machine that’s designed to not just keep up with the demands of today’s business world, but to help shape the future of work itself. It prompts a question: are we ready to fully embrace the potential of AI-powered business tools like the ExpertBook P5, and what new possibilities will they unlock?
The modern workplace is no longer confined to the four walls of an office. It’s a coffee shop, a co-working space, an airport lounge, or even your own kitchen table. This shift towards mobile work has created a demand for devices that can keep pace – laptops that are powerful enough to handle demanding tasks yet portable enough to carry anywhere. The ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1403) enters this arena, not just as another laptop, but as a potential enabler of this new era of work.
One of the key challenges for mobile professionals is balancing performance with portability. You need a machine that can handle your workload without weighing you down. The ExpertBook P1 addresses this with up to a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor. This isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about efficiency. It’s about being able to seamlessly switch between applications, handle complex spreadsheets, and deliver compelling presentations without experiencing frustrating lag. In a world where time is our most precious commodity, a responsive and efficient laptop is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
But raw power is only one piece of the puzzle. The modern professional also needs intelligent tools that can streamline workflows and enhance productivity. This is where the AI features of the ExpertBook P1 come into play. Take AI ExpertMeet, for example. The ability to automatically transcribe meetings, identify speakers, and generate summaries is a game-changer. Think about the countless hours wasted taking notes, trying to decipher illegible scribbles, or sifting through recordings to find key information. AI ExpertMeet automates this process, freeing up valuable time and allowing professionals to focus on more strategic tasks. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowering people to work smarter, not harder.
Portability, of course, remains paramount. The ExpertBook P1’s lightweight design makes it an ideal companion for the mobile professional. But portability shouldn’t come at the expense of durability. The ExpertBook P1 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, boasting military-grade durability. This is a crucial consideration for anyone who travels frequently or works in demanding environments. A laptop that can withstand the bumps and knocks of life on the go provides peace of mind and ensures that your work isn’t disrupted by accidental damage.
Connectivity and security are also essential considerations for the modern mobile workforce. The ExpertBook P1 offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows. And with robust security features, including potential fingerprint readers and TPM, professionals can rest assured that their sensitive data is protected. In an age of increasing cyber threats, robust security is no longer a perk; it’s a fundamental requirement.
The ASUS ExpertBook P1 isn’t just about hardware specifications; it’s about enabling a new way of working. It’s about empowering professionals to be productive and efficient, regardless of their location. It’s about providing the tools and technologies that allow people to thrive in the increasingly mobile and dynamic world of work. With pricing starting from RM3,799, it also positions itself as an accessible option for businesses and individuals looking to embrace the future of work. It’s an interesting proposition that deserves consideration in the ongoing conversation about how we work best.
The insurance industry has long been associated with complexity, opaque processes, and a significant knowledge gap between providers and consumers. For years, consumers have struggled to navigate the maze of insurance options, bogged down by technical jargon, lengthy claims processes, and a lack of transparency. Recognizing these pain points, Malaysian startup InsureKU has entered the scene with a bold vision: to revolutionize the insurance journey through cutting-edge AI and digital tools, transforming the experience for consumers while empowering insurance providers with unprecedented operational efficiency.
Simplifying the Insurance Journey for Consumers
At the heart of InsureKU’s mission is the drive to make insurance more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly. The platform achieves this through a combination of intuitive design and advanced algorithms. Its real-time aggregation engine, powered by server-side rendering (SSR), ensures users can access and compare policies with minimal latency. Additionally, the integration of AI-driven tools enhances user guidance by breaking down complex insurance jargon into understandable terms, offering a seamless and informative experience. “The driving force behind InsureKU’s inception was recognizing a significant gap in the insurance market, especially in streamlining processes like issuing Guarantee Letters for hospital admissions, which are often tedious and time-consuming,” explains Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and CEO of InsureKU. “Additionally, while people understand the importance of insurance, many feel overwhelmed by the options and complex information, making them hesitant to commit.”
To address these challenges, InsureKU has developed a custom-built aggregation engine that integrates with multiple insurance and takaful providers. This engine is powered by advanced data integration frameworks and APIs that facilitate seamless connectivity with providers’ systems. Built on a robust cloud infrastructure, the engine employs machine learning algorithms to optimize policy recommendations and ensure real-time quote generation. Additionally, the use of modern development frameworks, like Next.js, ensures high performance and scalability, delivering a user experience that is both intuitive and efficient. This engine allows users to access real-time quotes and seamlessly compare policies across various categories, including medical, life, and motor insurance, all within a single platform. By leveraging server-side rendering (SSR) capabilities, the platform delivers highly dynamic and responsive user experiences, ensuring real-time updates on quotes and features. Unlike traditional client-side rendering, SSR processes the HTML on the server before sending it to the user’s browser, significantly reducing load times and improving search engine optimization (SEO). This approach not only enhances performance but also ensures a smoother, more interactive experience for users navigating through complex insurance data.
Source: Screencap of InsureKU’s Website
“We aim to demystify insurance and empower individuals to make confident, informed decisions about their coverage,” adds Shadhana. The platform’s user-centric approach includes features such as live chat, email, and phone assistance to provide guidance during policy selection and post-purchase support, ensuring that consumers feel supported at every step of their insurance journey.
AI-Powered Innovations Transforming the Industry
While InsureKU’s aggregation engine sets the foundation for its digital platform, its AI-driven features truly set it apart. The company is actively exploring the use of custom AI models to build a comprehensive knowledge base for insurance products. This knowledge base enables users to ask specific questions about policies in real-time, leveraging natural language processing (NLP) models to interpret and respond to queries with high accuracy. By employing NLP, the platform can understand complex user inputs and provide contextually relevant information, creating a more intuitive and guided experience. These AI techniques enable dynamic interactions, allowing users to access tailored insights without needing deep technical knowledge.
“We’re working on integrating AI-driven features to further enhance the insurance and takaful aggregation experience,” Shadhana shares. “For instance, automated claim processing and fraud detection are key areas where AI can significantly ease pain points for both customers and insurance partners.” By analyzing claim documents and detecting fraudulent requests, InsureKU aims to streamline the claims process, reducing delays and enhancing trust between consumers and providers. The platform employs machine learning models such as anomaly detection algorithms to identify irregular patterns in claims data, flagging potential fraud with high accuracy. These AI-driven methods not only speed up the validation process but also minimize false positives, ensuring a smoother experience for legitimate claims while maintaining robust security against fraudulent activities.
The potential of AI extends beyond claims processing. InsureKU’s platform can analyze large datasets from various insurers to ensure better risk assessment and offer the most competitive rates tailored to individual customer profiles. This data-driven approach not only benefits consumers but also helps insurers refine their offerings and pricing strategies, fostering a more competitive and transparent marketplace.
Promoting Transparency & Trust
Transparency is a cornerstone of InsureKU’s philosophy. The platform’s digital-first approach promotes visibility and accountability by streamlining processes such as claims tracking, policy management, and customer support. Consumers have real-time access to critical information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and fostering trust in a traditionally opaque industry.
“The digitization of the insurance sector is set to majorly help the finance and insurance sectors, allowing a large part of the population to have easy access to policy buying and proper knowledge about all the products available in the market,” Shadhana notes. She anticipates that younger, tech-savvy consumers will lead this shift toward online platforms, seeking convenience and minimal hassle.
InsureKU’s commitment to transparency is further underscored by its adherence to Bank Negara Malaysia’s guidelines on internet insurance and IT environment management. The platform employs multi-layered security measures, including data encryption and continuous monitoring, to protect sensitive user information and maintain a robust security posture.
Empowering Insurance Providers Through Technology
While InsureKU’s innovations are consumer-focused, the platform also delivers significant value to insurance providers. By aggregating real-time data and enabling seamless comparisons, InsureKU helps insurers reach a broader audience and present their products in a transparent, accessible manner. This fosters healthier competition and encourages providers to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
The platform’s scalability and reliability are powered by modern frontend and backend frameworks, including Next.js, which ensures smooth navigation and minimal latency. Next.js was chosen for its ability to support server-side rendering (SSR), which enhances performance by preloading content on the server before delivering it to the user’s browser. This framework also provides excellent scalability, allowing the platform to handle a growing user base without compromising speed or functionality. Additionally, its modular architecture simplifies development and maintenance, ensuring the platform remains robust and responsive as it evolves. Hosted on a secure cloud infrastructure, InsureKU offers insurers a stable and reliable environment to engage with potential customers while safeguarding sensitive data.
The Future of Digital Insurance
As InsureKU continues to grow, the company has ambitious plans to expand its offerings and further enhance its platform. “We’re working hard to include other insurance products such as travel, critical illness, medical cards, and motor insurance in the upcoming months,” Shadhana reveals. The team is also developing a mobile app, set to launch in the second half of 2025, to provide users with a seamless, on-the-go experience. The app will feature advanced functionalities such as real-time policy comparisons, AI-driven customer support, and biometric authentication for enhanced security. Additionally, it will integrate with the platform’s core aggregation engine, ensuring that users can access the same comprehensive insurance options and personalized recommendations directly from their mobile devices.
Additionally, InsureKU is exploring the integration of AI-powered chatbots for 24/7 customer support, as well as advanced analytics tools to refine its risk assessment and pricing models. These advancements are poised to set new standards for digital insurance, making the industry more accessible, transparent, and efficient than ever before.
Redefining the Insurance Landscape
InsureKU’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology in addressing long-standing challenges in the insurance industry. By combining AI-driven innovations with a commitment to transparency and user-centric design, the platform is redefining the insurance landscape in Malaysia and beyond.
“Our goal is to raise the bar, making insurance more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of today’s consumers,” Shadhana concludes. With its forward-thinking approach and relentless focus on innovation, InsureKU is not just simplifying insurance; it’s setting the stage for a smarter, more inclusive future for the entire industry.
This article is written from an interview with Ms Shadhana Sekaran, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at InsureKU
Shadhana Sekaran is the co-founder, and serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InsureKU Malaysia, the first true end to end Insurance and Takaful Aggregation and Recommendation Platform in Malaysia. She brings over 21 years of real world experience in business and leadership capacities within the insurance industry to this unique offering. With a unique amalgamation of strategic prowess and deep industry knowledge, Sekaran orchestrates the overarching business strategy, fostering innovation and driving transformative initiatives within the insurance sector. At InsureKU, she spearheads pioneering solutions, harnessing a user-centric website platform to facilitate seamless comparison of insurance and takaful product quotes and recommendations for Malaysian consumers. Acknowledged for her remarkable accomplishments within the Insurance and Takaful industry, including the much coveted Million Dollar Round Table Producer accolade, and the Double Kris Award, Sekaran commands respect through her actions and her commitment to bettering the world around her. Additionally, she contributes significantly to local entrepreneurial development, serving as the Chairman for Domestic Trade at the Kuala Lumpur Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Beyond her corporate endeavors, she actively participates in community outreach initiatives, holding the position of Deputy President at the Soroptimist International Club of Sentul and leading impactful programs such as the Educare Programme. Armed with a degree in International Business Administration from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, Sekaran is a proven corporate and community leader that has a varied and respected career characterised by versatility and an unwavering commitment to innovative solutions for the benefit of her customers.. Presently, she continues to redefine Malaysia’s insurance and takaful landscape, championing accessibility and simplicity in insurance through insureKU.
As industries worldwide face the dual imperatives of innovation and sustainability, companies are grappling with how to address environmental challenges while advancing technological progress. Micron Technology, one of the largest companies fabricating memory and storage solutions, is a company striving to meet this challenge. Micron’s unique approach to achieving its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, championing sustainability, and integrating them into its operations is proof that environmental responsibility can complement technological innovation.
Source: Micron Technology
“Micron is continuously striving to improve and make a positive impact, mindful that our business, operations, and sourcing practices affect our team members, partners, customers, communities, and planet.”
Micron’s efforts are built on a framework that integrates sustainability with business strategy. In 2020, the company announced ambitious ESG goals to achieve significant environmental milestones, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Source: Facebook
“Our sustainability goals are integrated into our broader strategy, ensuring that we are innovating responsibly and continuously measuring our impact.”
These goals encompass interim targets such as a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. This means monitoring and measuring emissions of greenhouse gases directly from Micron’s operations and indirectly from third party suppliers and other sources related to Micron and its operations. In addition, the company is also targeting achieving 100% renewable energy globally, and ensuring 100% water reuse and zero waste to landfill across operations.
Partnerships Driving Sustainability
Achieving impactful sustainability is no small feat. Micron recognizes this and acknowledges that it and it recognizes that achieving sustainability at scale requires collaboration. To this end, the company has formed strategic partnerships with governments, industry players, and startups to accelerate progress across its ESG priorities.
Government Collaborations
In Malaysia, Micron works closely with local authorities to integrate renewable energy into its operations. Through the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP), Micron partnered with Solarvest to develop solar farms, marking a significant step toward its renewable energy goals.
Additionally, Micron participates in initiatives like Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET) program, which supports the country’s renewable energy transition. Micron’s collaboration and partnership with these bodies doesn’t just selfishly benefit the company, instead the company is making a larger impact by also contributing to national climate action strategies.
Perhaps one of the largest things to take back from these government collaboration is that sustainability cannot be a just a top-down endeavour from governments or municipalities, instead, it requires a huge amount of support from industries and even from grassroots. This also ensures that sustainability isn’t just a short term flash in the pan, but an ever improving, growing and self-sufficient process that will continue well into the future.
Startup Partnerships
It’s not just about collaborating with governments either. Micron readily collaborates with companies, non-governmental organisations and even start ups. In Amarjit Sandhu’s own words, “Micron is not the expert when it comes to [sustainability]. So, we have to collaborate with the experts and let them determine how we can create lasting impact”.
Micron’s collaborations collaboration aren’t just beneficial when it comes to sustainability, in fact, some efforts even benefit its own operations. Take for example, Micron’s collaboration with Aqua Membranes. This partnership with an innovative start up has yielded dual benefits of sustainability and efficiency. By adopting Aqua Membranes’ printed spacer technology for reverse osmosis systems, Micron has achieved a 20% reduction in energy consumption during water treatment. These partnerships are part of Micron Ventures, an initiative designed to support early-stage companies focused on breakthrough technologies.
Source: Facebook
“Startups bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise. Collaborating with them helps us accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that align with our sustainability goals.”
Micron is also a member of global industry consortia that aims to standardize and advance sustainable practices. These alliances provide a platform for sharing best practices, setting benchmarks, and fostering innovation. For example, Micron participates in initiatives to promote a circular economy within the semiconductor industry, encouraging resource efficiency and waste minimization.
Measuring Impact: Transparency and Accountability
As a part of its ESG commitment, Micron has also made a commitment to transparency. In fact, it is a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy. The company has developed a comprehensive framework for tracking, reporting, and communicating its progress toward ESG goals. This approach involves a combination of internal assessments, third-party audits, and public reporting to ensure accountability at every step.
Reporting Frameworks
Micron aligns its reporting with internationally recognized standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). These frameworks provide a structured way to disclose performance data across key environmental, social, and governance metrics.
“By adhering to global reporting standards, we ensure consistency and comparability in how we share our progress, allowing stakeholders to assess our performance objectively,” Sandhu notes.
The company also aligns its initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on areas such as climate action, clean water, and decent work. Each of these alignments reinforces Micron’s broader role in addressing global challenges.
Data-Driven Insights
Being a technology and engineering company, data is also playing a huge part in the company’s efforts. Micron leverages advanced data analytics to track key performance indicators (KPIs) across its operations. These KPIs include:
Emission intensity per unit of production.
Water withdrawal, reuse, and recycling rates across facilities.
Waste diversion metrics, including tons of materials recycled or recovered.
This data is used to generate detailed annual sustainability reports, which are publicly accessible to ensure full transparency. Sandhu explains, “Our data-driven approach allows us to identify trends, evaluate the effectiveness of our initiatives, and adjust strategies as needed to stay on track.”
Third-Party Verification
To enhance credibility, Micron engages independent organizations to verify its environmental data and assess the integrity of its reporting. These third-party audits validate the company’s methodologies, ensuring that its claims are accurate and aligned with industry best practices.
Renewable Energy: Progress and Challenges
Renewable energy forms a cornerstone of Micron’s sustainability efforts. The company has made strides in regions like Malaysia, where it sources 100% renewable electricity through the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) program. Initiatives like this have reduced emissions significantly—equivalent to removing over 35,000 cars from the road annually.
Collaborations with renewable energy providers, such as Solarvest, ensure that Micron can scale these efforts across its operations. However, variability in renewable energy availability and infrastructure poses challenges that require ongoing investment and adaptation.
Addressing Water Scarcity
Water scarcity presents another significant challenge for industries, particularly in manufacturing. Micron is addressing this issue through innovative technologies aimed at achieving 100% water reuse, recycling, and restoration.
One promising development is its collaboration with Aqua Membranes. Early testing at the Boise facility showed a 20% reduction in energy consumption for reverse osmosis systems using Aqua Membranes’ printed spacer technology. While these initial results are encouraging, widespread implementation will depend on scalability and long-term viability.
In addition to this, the company has recently partnered with the Global Peace Foundation in Malaysia for its AquaConnect Project. This project aims to supply clean water for sanitation and consumption to remote Orang Asli villages. Micron is supporting this project with an RM1 million donation as it kicks off. The RM1 million will be used to create gravity-supported piping that will deliver clean water to the villages in the immediate community around Micron’s Tanjung Agas facility in Johor. Four villages located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Tangkak, Johor, and Muar, Johor will be the focus of this effort.
Sandhu notes, “Innovations like these are part of our commitment to reducing environmental impact while ensuring operational efficiency.”
Waste Management: Moving Toward Circularity
Micron’s waste management goals include diverting 95% of waste from landfills by 2030. This involves implementing recycling and recovery processes as well as rethinking product design to extend lifecycle usability.
The development of modular memory products, such as the LPCAMM2, reflects a commitment to circular economy principles. By enabling component upgrades instead of replacements, Micron aims to reduce electronic waste while offering cost benefits to consumers.
The partnership with iFixit further illustrates this effort, providing repair kits for select products to encourage reuse. While these initiatives mark progress, achieving zero waste remains a significant undertaking requiring industry-wide collaboration.
Facilities as a Reflection of Sustainability Goals
Micron’s facilities exemplify its efforts to balance growth with sustainability. The company has integrated green building practices into several of its operations, achieving LEED Gold certifications for plants in Taiwan and Singapore and a LEED Platinum certification for its office in India.
Source: Facebook
“Our Batu Kawan facility is designed to meet growing technology demands while incorporating sustainability at its core. It’s a model for how we aim to expand responsibly.”
In Malaysia, the expansion of the Batu Kawan facility, a USD$1 billion investment, reflects Micron’s intent to scale operations while adhering to sustainability principles. However, balancing production demands with environmental goals requires ongoing innovation and vigilance.
Shaping the Future
Micron’s sustainability efforts are a work in progress, reflecting both the complexity of the challenges it faces and the company’s commitment to addressing them. By focusing on transparency, measurable impact, and collaboration, Micron is setting a standard for integrating environmental responsibility into industrial innovation.
Amarjit Sandhu aptly encompasses Micron’s ethos when it comes to sustainability in this statement, “Our focus is on building a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring that our progress benefits both people and the planet.” Perhaps more importantly, this ethos might be the difference between treating ESG goals and SDGs as a check box rather than an effort to drive mutually beneficial innovations that benefit more than just the bottom line.
This article was based on an interview with Mr Amarjit Sandhu, Corporate Vice President of Assembly and Test NAND Operations at Micron Technology.
Ramon Pinero Corporate Vice President of Assembly and Test NAND Operations, Micron Technology
Mr Amarjit Singh Sandhu is the Corporate Vice President, Assembly and Test NAND Operations for Micron (Singapore and Malaysia). He has 30 years of Operations Management expertise in locations such as Singapore, China, and Malaysia. He currently oversees the Assembly and Test sites namely in Micron Singapore, Muar (Johor) and Penang, engaged in manufacturing NAND and DRAM components, Solid State Devices (SSD) and memory modules. He has pioneered 4 Green field manufacturing startups in different geographies and led 3 successful turnarounds of matured organizations in the last 10 years in China, Singapore and Malaysia. Amarjit built up his career in the semiconductor industry with Texas Instruments Singapore, United Test and Assembly Center (UTAC), Western Digital Corporation (WDC) prior to joining Micron Semiconductor Asia in 2018. He earned his MBA from the Warwick Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore.
This article is contributed by Dhawal Shah, Regional Managing Director and Co-founder of 2Stallions
The digital marketing industry in Malaysia continues to soar, with it raking in RM66.22 billion in the first half of 2024 alone, handily surpassing the full-year digital investment for 2023 of RM46.2 billion. This massive growth can be attributed to a wide range of factors; however, we must acknowledge that the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in not only this sector, but across all industries, has definitely been a major contributor. As a matter of fact, AI has boosted every single industry’s revenue by 10% to 35% globally.
Source: 2Stalliions via Shutterstock
With this in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the 6 ways AI has transformed digital marketing in 2024, as well as why all digital marketers should adopt it fully before it’s too late.
Content, Products, And Brands: Specifically For You
AI has completely supercharged companies’ abilities to deliver hyper-personalised content to users. With the power to analyse data such as browsing habits, past purchases, and even real-time interactions to tailor content to individual preferences, marketers can create dynamic content that changes based on a user’s profile or real-time behaviour, enhancing engagement.
In addition, AI-powered recommendation engines — think the suggestions you get on Amazon or Netflix — have become the gold standard. These systems are perfect examples for marketers to be inspired by, in terms of how tracking customer preferences can be used to suggest products and services that match their interests.
Getting Your Brand To The Top AI has radically transformed search engine optimisation (SEO). With AI tools like Google’s BERT and MUM models, we can now get a clearer sense of what people are searching for and tailor content to match their intent more accurately. AI also powers natural language processing (NLP) tools and generation models like OpenAI’s GPT, making it possible to create more human and authentic content—at a much faster pace.
Automated content creation is another leap forward, with AI tools generating blog posts, ad copy, and even social media content. AI doesn’t just speed up the content creation process for this area though; it’s smart enough to analyse real-time data and tweak messaging for better engagement. Whether it’s blog posts, social media updates, or ad copy, AI helps make sure your content resonates with the right audience.
Your Campaigns Can Run Themselves
AI has completely transformed the way we manage campaigns, from increased efficiency to improved idea generation and more . Imagine having tools that not only target the right audience but also optimise everything in real-time—from bidding strategies to audience segmentation and
performance tracking. With AI, it’s now possible to automate many aspects of campaign management, ensuring your ads always perform at their best.
And it doesn’t stop there. AI is also changing how programmatic advertising works, automating the entire ad-buying process across multiple platforms through specially designed programmatic algorithms. This ensures that your ads are reaching the right people at the right moment, helping you get the most out of your marketing budget and further maximising your return-on-investment (ROI).
Talk Chatbot To Me
The rise of AI-powered chatbots in customer support has been one of the most interesting developments in the marketing sector. As of 2024, chatbots have become smarter (literally), and are capable of handling more complex queries through natural language understanding (NLU), the better to deliver faster, more accurate responses. This trend has led to improved user experiences, with bots providing 24/7 support, personalising responses based on customer history, and escalating issues to human agents only when necessary, such as in the case of Google’s Customer Engagement Suite.
In industries like retail and e-commerce, these AI chatbots are a game-changer. They can cut response times and improve customer satisfaction, all while gathering data that helps businesses refine their future marketing strategies.
Future-Powered Targets
AI’s ability to sift through massive amounts of data has brought predictive analytics to a whole new level. By 2024, marketers can anticipate trends, customer behaviour, and buying patterns with stunning accuracy. These predictive models allow businesses to hit the sweet spot when customers are most likely to engage or purchase, making marketing even more effective.
From predicting future purchases to knowing when a customer might unsubscribe, these insights can go a long way towards helping companies deliver personalised, timely offers that resonate with their audience, ultimately boosting marketing efficiency.
Visual and Voice Searches
Voice search is booming, and AI is at the heart of this shift. By 2024, over half of all internet searches are expected to be voice-based, thanks to AI-driven tools like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. With conversational queries on the rise, businesses need to optimise their content to ensure they actively feature in voice search results.
AI is also revolutionising visual search. Tools like Google Lens now enable users to find products or information just by snapping a photo. This trend is pushing brands to rethink how they optimise their content, ensuring they’re ready for both voice and visual searches as they become even more integral to how people discover information.
Security continues to top the list of concerns for organizations as we end 2024 and head into 2025. As cyberattacks grow in sophistication and scale, businesses are rethinking their strategies to protect critical systems and data. Open-source technology, often perceived as a double-edged sword in terms of security, is proving to be a powerful tool in building secure, resilient infrastructures.
Source: SUSE
“If you hide things, you may think you are safe, but once compromised, you might not even know it. Open-source projects leverage the power of a global community, with many eyes constantly reviewing the code. This collaborative scrutiny allows for faster identification and resolution of vulnerabilities…”
Vishal Ghariwala, Chief Technology Officer, SUSE Asia Pacific
SUSE, a global leader in enterprise-grade open-source solutions, is at the forefront of this revolution. According to Vishal Ghariwala, Chief Technology Officer at SUSE Asia Pacific, “SUSE provides solutions that are secure, interoperable, and empower enterprises to innovate, ultimately delivering value-added services to end consumers.” This ethos has driven SUSE’s success across industries, from finance to automotive, proving that open-source technologies aren’t just about openness—they are about building stronger, safer and more resilient systems.
Breaking the Myths Around Open Source Security
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about open-source technology is that its transparency makes it inherently insecure. The logic follows that, since anyone can view the source code, it becomes more vulnerable to exploitation. However, as Ghariwala explains, this openness is precisely what strengthens its security.
“If you hide things, you may think you are safe, but once compromised, you might not even know it. Open-source projects leverage the power of a global community, with many eyes constantly reviewing the code. This collaborative scrutiny allows for faster identification and resolution of vulnerabilities,” he says.
Open-source projects are frequently reviewed and analyzed by a broad community of developers, security experts, and organizations, making them inherently resilient against security vulnerabilities. Unlike proprietary systems, which rely on a limited internal team for updates, open-source systems benefit from the collective knowledge and efforts of a global network. This transparency accelerates the identification and resolution of security flaws and minimizes the risk of undetected vulnerabilities.
The Security Framework of Open-Source Technologies
SUSE has built its security framework around best practices in open-source governance and proactive risk management. One of the pillars of SUSE’s security is code auditing. Every update or change to SUSE’s open-source software goes through a rigorous code audit process. Developers and security experts in the community conduct continuous reviews to ensure that any potential vulnerabilities are quickly addressed before they can be exploited.
Additionally, vulnerability management within SUSE open-source platforms involves tracking and analyzing emerging threats. SUSE’s security teams regularly patch and update the software to address newly discovered vulnerabilities, ensuring that users are always operating with the most secure versions.
Incident response is another vital aspect of SUSE’s approach to open-source security. In the event of a cyberattack or security breach, SUSE’s dedicated security team is responsible for handling all SUSE product-related security incidents. This allows for rapid containment and recovery. This decentralized, transparent approach to security provides organizations with greater visibility and control over their systems compared to traditional proprietary solutions.
SUSE’s Commitment to Secure Open Source
SUSE has built its reputation on providing enterprise-grade open-source solutions that ensure organizations can innovate securely. SUSE’s solutions are designed to support highly available, secure, and scalable systems across a range of industries. Some of SUSE’s flagship offerings include:
SUSE Linux Solutions: Robust Linux operating system solutions tailored for enterprise needs, providing the foundation for secure, mission-critical workloads.
Cloud-Native Solutions: These include SUSE Rancher Prime, a leading enterprise container management platform, with centralized authentication, access control, observability, and built-in security across the entire stack.
Edge Computing Solutions: SUSE’s Edge solutions bring computing power to remote or edge locations, enabling secure operations even in challenging environments.
SUSE’s commitment to open-source transparency and support for its solutions ensures that its users benefit from the same features regardless of whether they choose the open-source or enterprise version of the software. “We don’t create paywalls or separate proprietary versions,” Ghariwala asserts. “The features you get in the open source version are the same as what you get with our enterprise-grade products. The major difference is that our enterprise products are backed by support, patches, and certifications.”
This unique approach gives organizations the flexibility to adopt cutting-edge open-source technologies without compromising on enterprise-level security and performance.
Comparative Analysis: Open Source vs. Proprietary Systems
One of the critical advantages of open-source technology over proprietary systems is the reduced vendor lock-in. Open-source solutions enable organizations to avoid being tethered to a single vendor, which can limit flexibility and innovation. By leveraging open-source tools like SUSE’s Linux Enterprise and Rancher, companies can seamlessly integrate various technologies into their infrastructure, creating a more agile, future-proof system.
Another advantage is the transparency of open-source systems. In proprietary systems, vulnerabilities may remain undetected for extended periods, leaving organizations exposed to cyber threats. With open-source, vulnerabilities are more quickly identified, allowing for faster patching and reducing the window of exposure.
In contrast, proprietary solutions often limit access to source code, making it challenging for security experts outside of the company to perform audits or contribute to improvements. Open-source solutions, by their nature, encourage collaboration, which strengthens the overall security and reliability of the system.
Enhancing Resilience Through Security Innovations
The rise of cloud-native architectures has transformed how applications are developed and deployed. However, this shift has also expanded the attack surface, requiring new approaches to security. SUSE has embraced this challenge with the SUSE Security (formerly NeuVector) platform.
Source: SUSE
“Modern threats like zero-day attacks and ransomware require solutions that are proactive, not just reactive…”
Vishal Ghariwala, Chief Technology Officer, SUSE Asia Pacific
SUSE Security provides comprehensive container security, scanning code for vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and continuously monitoring for potential threats. “Modern threats like zero-day attacks and ransomware require solutions that are proactive, not just reactive,” Ghariwala explains. “NeuVector SUSE Security employs behavioral-based security to anticipate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.”
In addition to scanning, SUSE Security’s zero-trust approach monitors application runtime behaviours, automatically identifying deviations that may indicate a threat. This ensures that even unknown vulnerabilities can be mitigated before they are exploited.
SUSE’s Rancher Prime platform enhances resilience by enabling secure deployment and management of containerized applications. Rancher Prime’s application catalog offers trusted software artifacts, ensuring that developers can build with confidence. Furthermore, its Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) provides a clear dependency chain, enabling rapid identification and resolution of vulnerabilities.
Case Study: Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company’s transition to becoming a leader in All-Connected Cars highlights the critical role of open-source technology in enabling innovation. By integrating SUSE Rancher Prime, Hyundai achieved a remarkable 99.95% service level agreement for its Kubernetes-based services. This reliability has empowered Hyundai to deliver over-the-air updates for its software-defined vehicles, enhancing features like safety, navigation, and performance.
The flexibility and scalability of Rancher Prime allowed Hyundai’s development team to focus on creating cutting-edge technologies for connected vehicles, rather than dealing with the complexity of infrastructure management. “Rancher Prime’s intuitive interface has revolutionized how we manage clusters, drastically reducing setup and management time,” said the Head of Hyundai’s Car Cloud Platform Development Team.
Case Study: IDC Frontier
IDC Frontier, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group, used SUSE NeuVector to secure its cloud platform, enabling its customers to confidently deploy containerized applications. NeuVector’s comprehensive security features—including real-time monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and compliance checks—have been crucial in safeguarding IDC Frontier’s services against emerging cyber threats.
As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-native applications, solutions like NeuVector provide the security and flexibility needed to meet the demands of modern, dynamic environments. IDC Frontier’s use of SUSE’s open-source tools demonstrates the strength of open-source solutions in securing cloud environments at scale.
Case Study: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
Handling over 14 million transactions daily, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) needed a secure, high-performance solution to meet the demands of India’s growing digital payments ecosystem. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server provided NPCI with the stability and security required to support its complex infrastructure. By leveraging SUSE’s enterprise-grade solutions, NPCI achieved high availability, reliability, and robust data protection, ensuring smooth transactions even under heavy load.
NPCI’s success story highlights how SUSE’s open-source solutions can support critical financial services, where uptime and security are paramount.
Emerging Threats and SUSE’s Forward-Thinking Approach
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging regularly. Among the most concerning are AI-generated malware and ransomware-as-a-service, which are reshaping the threat landscape. “Tools like FraudGPT and WormGPT are now available on the dark web, enabling even non-technical users to create sophisticated malware,” Ghariwala warns. These tools make it easier for cybercriminals to launch targeted attacks at scale, bypassing traditional defense mechanisms.
SUSE’s proactive security measures, including its zero-trust architecture and behavioral-based monitoring, help organizations defend against these sophisticated threats. By embedding security at every layer of the infrastructure, from development to deployment, SUSE ensures that organizations are prepared for both known and unknown challenges.
Interoperability: The Cornerstone of Digital Resilience
Digital resilience is more than just surviving a cyberattack—it’s about ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption. Open-source technology plays a critical role in achieving this by promoting interoperability and reducing vendor lock-in.
“Interoperability is essential for building resilient infrastructures,” Ghariwala emphasizes. “SUSE solutions work seamlessly with other technologies, giving organizations the flexibility and choice to adopt diverse IT stacks. This diversity in choice is crucial for avoiding single points of failure.”
The recent CrowdStrike incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with single-vendor dependency. Ghariwala points out that “a dual-vendor strategy, incorporating open-source solutions, can significantly enhance resilience by providing fallback options.”
Compliance and the Malaysian Cybersecurity Bill
The passage of Malaysia’s Cybersecurity Bill highlights the growing regulatory pressure on organizations to maintain secure, resilient systems. SUSE’s solutions help businesses comply with these evolving regulations, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains protected against cyber threats.
“Our philosophy emphasizes interoperability, technology choice and resilience, helping customers avoid the risks of software concentration,” Ghariwala explains. SUSE’s open-source solutions are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing organizations to meet compliance standards while maintaining operational agility.
The Future of Open Source and Cybersecurity
Looking ahead, SUSE envisions open-source technology playing an even greater role in cybersecurity and digital resilience. “We’ll continue to focus on security as a horizontal pillar across all our offerings,” Ghariwala says.
Open source is not just supporting some of the largest institutions in the world, it’s building security and resilience that most can benefit from. Companies like SUSE continue to prove this with by supporting innovative industries like automotive to safeguarding financial systems. They demonstrate how open-source technologies can drive resilience and security without compromising on innovation.
This article was based on an interview with Vishal Ghariwala, Chief Technology Officer at SUSE Asia Pacific.
Vishal Ghariwala Chief Technology Officer, SUSE Asia Pacific
Vishal Ghariwala is the Chief Technology Officer for SUSE for the APJ and Greater China regions. In this capacity, he engages with customer and partner executives across the region, and is responsible for growing SUSE’s mindshare by being the executive technical voice to the market, press, and analysts. He also supports the global Office of the CTO to assess relevant industry, market and technology trends and identify opportunities aligned with the company’s strategy.
Prior to joining SUSE, Vishal was the Director for Cloud Native Applications at Red Hat where he led a team of senior technologists responsible for driving the growth and adoption of the Red Hat OpenShift and Middleware portfolios across the Asia Pacific region.
Vishal has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
ASUS Malaysia is expanding its ExpertBook lineup, bolstering its ASUS Business offerings. The two new laptops—the ExpertBook P1 and ExpertBook P5—are designed specifically for professionals and businesses in different segments. Both laptops offer a balance of performance, portability, and security.
ExpertBook P1: A Reliable and Affordable Option
The ExpertBook P1 is a more budget-friendly option for professionals who prioritize essential computing tasks. It features a sleek and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. Powered by the latest Intel Core processors, the P1 delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks.
The new offering under the ASUS Business portfolio comes with a 13th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor with up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB PCIe 4.0 Storage. It comes with support for Dual DDR SO-DIMM slots for high performance RAM upgrades and Dual-SSD RAID support for better memory reliability and performance.
In addition to this, the laptop also comes with miliary-grade durability for peace of mind when working on the go. The laptop also comes with a bevvy of AI features that are designed to enhance the user experience. A standout AI feature is the ASUS AI ExpertMeet that helps enhance meeting productivity with on the fly translations, translations and meeting summaries. Key features of the ExpertBook P1 include:
ExpertBook P5: A Powerful and AI-Driven Laptop
The ExpertBook P5 is a high-performance laptop designed for professionals who demand the best. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, the P5 offers exceptional performance and AI-powered features.
The P5 is designed to be lightweight and durable – two important factors for people who work on-the-go. It comes with a high-resolution, 14-inch display with a 2.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The laptop also comes with an enhanced cooling system that ensures optimal performance even under heavy load. It also comes with enterprise level security including TPM 2.0 and BIOS protection.
Like the ExpertBook P1, the Expert Book P5 comes with AI features to help with productivity. However, unlike the P1, the P5 is a Copilot+ for Work PC which comes with Microsoft’s Copilot+ enhancements including features that help with meeting productivity and enhanced security. It is also ready for Microsoft Recall, that will be rolling out later on.
ASUS is also providing 3-year warranty that includes on-site service and 24/7 customer support for the P5.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ExpertBook P1 series starts at RM3,799, while the ExpertBook P5 is priced at RM6,859. Both laptops are available now in Malaysia.
This article was based on an interview with Mr Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia; Ms Levana Sani, Co-Founder and CEO, Nalagenetics and Ms Kamonlawan Chomchopbun, Product Manager and Market Access Lead, NalaGenetics.
Personalized medicine marks a turning point in healthcare, where treatments and preventive care are tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup. The approach seems very daunting with genetic testing becoming one of the key components, however, companies like Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) and NalaGenetics are forging ahead to not only make it a standard but the norm. NalaGenetics, an innovative startup specializing in genetic testing is one of the finalists of the Zurich Innovation Championship (ZIC). As part of its journey in the ZIC, NalaGenetics has the unique opportunity to work with Zurich. This collaboration is breaking new ground by co-creating solutions that could revolutionize how healthcare and insurance work together to deliver preventive care that is both personalized and efficient.
As healthcare and treatment options become more data-driven and proactive, Zurich and NalaGenetics are showing how co-creation and innovation can lead to powerful outcomes that improve individual health and reshape the broader insurance landscape. The collaboration also allows Zurich to be ahead of the curve and adopt a more agile approach to its key businesses.
The Zurich Innovation Championship: Catalysing Change and Empowering InsurTech Agility
Let’s start at the very beginning of this collaboration with the Zurich Innovation Championship (ZIC). Founded in 2018, the ZIC was designed to connect Zurich with startups that offer cutting-edge solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the insurance industry. At its core, ZIC accelerates innovation by working with agile, experimental startups like NalaGenetics, which can bring fresh perspectives and technical prowess to Zurich’s century-old business.
Source: Zurich
“The Zurich Innovation Championship is about bringing innovative thinking and technology closer to Zurich. We work with startups like NalaGenetics to deliver faster, more effective solutions that can fundamentally change how we connect with our customers.”
Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia
As Zurich seeks to maintain its competitive edge and better serve its customers in a rapidly changing world, the ZIC enables the company to tap into external innovation. Since its inception, the ZIC has seen over 7,000 submissions, resulting in over 70 pilots, 50 active initiatives, and a presence in over 30 countries. The collaboration with NalaGenetics in Malaysia stands as a prime example of how Zurich uses co-creation to solve real-world problems and modernize its offerings.
NalaGenetics Spearheading Genetic Relevance in Healthcare with Personalized Medicine
Let’s talk a little about NalaGenetics, one of the winners of the recent ZIC. NalaGenetics was founded on the belief that genetic testing could radically improve how patients are diagnosed and treated, particularly when it comes to drug metabolism, disease prevention, and overall health management. The company specializes in creating genetic tests that can predict how individuals will respond to medications, helping physicians tailor treatments more accurately to reduce adverse reactions and improve health outcomes.
In a world where medications are often designed based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach, NalaGenetics offers a much-needed alternative. Genetic testing can reveal how certain populations, such as Asians, metabolize drugs differently. This is even more pertinent with recent studies showing an increasing disparity between genetic populations and treatment efficacy. One such study highlights that 40-50% of Asians don’t respond well to the commonly prescribed anti-platelet medication Clopidogrel. It goes on to present data that shows that this population also sees an increased risk of cardiovascular events when prescribed Clopidogrel.
By leveraging genetic data, NalaGenetics allows physicians to make better-informed decisions, prescribing appropriate medications and lifestyle adjustments to their patients. But, as NalaGenetics’ founders quickly realized, providing genetic information alone isn’t enough—it’s essential to ensure patients take action based on these insights. That’s where NalaGenetics’ holistic approach comes in, combining genetic testing with physician-guided prevention programs to help patients improve their health outcomes.
Shaping the Future of Health and InsurTech with Co-Creation
As part of the Zurich Innovation Championship, Zurich in Malaysia and NalaGenetics entered into a unique collaboration that involves the co-creation of a solution that can impact the healthcare and insurance industries. Unlike traditional collaborations where a startup might deliver a product and then step aside, Zurich and NalaGenetics have adopted a more collaborative approach. Over a 3- to 6-month accelerator phase, both companies worked together in an agile, co-creative process to design a solution that aligns with Zurich’s goals of delivering personalized, preventive care through its life insurance and family takaful products.
“Co-creation is key to what we do,” Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia emphasized. “We don’t just invest in these startups. We work together, Zurich and NalaGenetics experts, in an iterative, agile manner to find solutions that solve real-world problems.”
During this period, both companies collaborated closely, sharing relevant data, insights, and expertise. They tested different product models, gathered customer feedback, and refined their offerings based on real-world data. The pilot program initially targeted existing Zurich Malaysia customers, offering genetic testing followed by personalized health advice from physicians. This was then expanded to new customers, with a focus on integrating preventive care into Zurich’s life insurance policies.
The co-creation process allows Zurich to respond to the market’s evolving needs, particularly as more customers seek health solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. The feedback from both customers and Zurich agents in Malaysia has been overwhelmingly positive. Agents, who initially approached the program cautiously, were so impressed after trying the service themselves that they became enthusiastic advocates, helping to drive customer interest and engagement.
Championing Personalized Medicine and Creating a New Standard in Healthcare and Insurance
The integration of personalized medicine into insurance is one of the most exciting developments in both industries. Genetic testing is becoming a crucial tool in preventive healthcare, allowing doctors to tailor treatments to individual patients and prevent costly medical conditions before they arise.
As part of their collaboration, Zurich and NalaGenetics aim to make personalized, preventive care a cornerstone of Zurich’s health insurance offerings. The aim is to enhance health outcomes and decrease long-term insurance claims by managing health risks at an early stage.
Source: NalaGenetics
“It’s about more than just selling a product—it’s about giving customers the tools they need to live healthier, longer lives. Even when we design products, we meet the doctors in the middle, we always ask them whether or not this truly benefits care – is there a true clinical decision point that we helped them address?”
Levana Sani, Co-Founder and CEO, Nalagenetics
In practical terms, the program involves offering genetic tests to customers, followed by regular consultations with physicians to discuss the results and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. For example, if a patient’s genetic test reveals they are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, their physician can prescribe preventive measures, such as changes in diet or early medication interventions, to mitigate the risk before it becomes a serious issue.
The Benefits of Co-Creation: Early Results from the Pilot
The benefits of leveraging genetic testing and insights in this co-creation process are already apparent. During the pilot phase, Zurich Malaysia and NalaGenetics tested their product on a group of customers, gathering valuable data to refine their approach. One of the key takeaways was the high level of customer interest in genetic testing—80% of surveyed customers expressed a desire to undergo genetic testing, and 90% were willing to participate in associated health programs.
Customers also appreciated Zurich’s move away from traditional insurance or takaful products toward something more personalized and proactive. During the interview, Kamonlawan Chomchopbun, Product Manager and Market Access Lead at NalaGenetics who works on the ground with the Zurich Malaysia team, shared that even agents are empowered by the solution. The impact of the co-created solution was so immense that the agent shared, “It’s not just about offering coverage anymore—it’s about caring for the customer’s overall well-being.”
Feedback from customers participating in the program revealed that they valued having a deeper understanding of their health risks and felt empowered to take preventive action. In one notable case, a patient with persistent GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) discovered through genetic testing that they had a mild lactose intolerance and a sensitivity to coffee. By making simple adjustments to their diet, the patient’s symptoms improved dramatically within three months, eliminating the need for further doctor visits.
This kind of personalized, preventive approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the likelihood of costly insurance claims, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both customers and Zurich.
A Glimpse into the Future: Data-Driven Decisions and Preventive Care
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Zurich and NalaGenetics can have a lasting impact on both the health and insurance industry. As more data is gathered through genetic testing and preventive care programs, Zurich will be able to make more informed decisions about how to cater to the evolving needs of its clients while helping them optimize health outcomes. The potential for AI-driven insights, automation and more significantly genetic insights will undoubtedly play an increasing role in shaping the future of healthcare and insurance.
Source: Zurich
“If we look ahead to 2030, we’ll see more data-driven decisions in every part of life. Insurance products will need to modernize alongside this trend, offering customers not just coverage but proactive solutions that help them live healthier lives.”
Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia
As the collaboration evolves, both companies expect the demand for personalized medicine to grow, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where genetic differences often mean that standard treatments are less effective. The insights gathered from this co-creation process will be invaluable in shaping Zurich’s future offerings and making personalized care a mainstream component of health insurance. It will also help make genetic testing the standard when it comes to treatment plans and optimizing patient care.
Pioneering the Future of Personalized Healthcare
The co-creation between NalaGenetics and Zurich is a powerful example of how collaborations between startups and established corporations can drive meaningful change. Through the Zurich Innovation Championship, the companies are poised to bring personalized medicine into the insurance space. The co-creation process has allowed them to offer customers more than just peace of mind, they’re offering the tools to live healthier, longer lives.
By focusing on genetic testing, preventive care, and data-driven solutions, Zurich and NalaGenetics are paving the way for a future where healthcare and insurance are fully integrated, providing a holistic approach to well-being. This collaboration not only sets Zurich Malaysia apart in the insurance market but also offers a glimpse into the future of personalized, proactive healthcare.
As the world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of healthcare is personal, and Zurich and NalaGenetics are leading the way.
This article was based on an interview with Mr Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia; Ms Levana Sani, Co-Founder and CEO, Nalagenetics and Ms Kamonlawan Chomchopbun, Product Manager and Market Access Lead, NalaGenetics.
Alastair Robertson (Ally) Country Chief Operations Officer (COO) Zurich Malaysia
Ally is an experienced industry professional with over 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has helmed various leadership roles across Strategy, Transformation and Operational Excellence. He has experience in leading large-scale change teams, focusing on Lean Thinking, Automation and AI.
He also has cross-functional experience, which includes P&C, Life, Claims, Group, Underwriting & Shared Services and has extensive knowledge of working with suppliers both on and offshore. Prior to his current appointment, Ally held the role of Head of Enterprise Transformation at Zurich Australia and New Zealand and has experience working across five different continents while at Zurich.
Ally is highly energetic and has the ability to connect, influence and develop collaborative business relationships at all levels. Given his experience working on different continents, he is well-versed in managing diverse teams while driving a real sense of togetherness and team spirit that is focused on business outcomes.
Levana Sani is the co-founder and CEO of NalaGenetics, a biotechnology startup transforming personalized healthcare through advanced predictive genetic testing for diverse populations. NalaGenetics addresses the limitations of traditional germline sequencing by combining monogenic risk, polygenic risk, and clinical risk scores, enabling healthcare providers to offer more sensitive, comprehensive, and cost-effective testing solutions for cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Levana studied biochemistry, genetics, and business and holds a Bachelor of Biochemistry from the University of Southern California followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. While being a part of the Genome Institute of Singapore, Levana and a team of scientists founded NalaGenetics in 2016. Her contributions to NalaGenetics led to Levana being selected in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2021.
In 2022, NalaGenetics became a part of Singapore’s SG100K study, aimed at mapping genomes of 10,000 participants to advance precision medicine and prevent chronic diseases in Singaporean and other Asian populations. Today, NalaGenetics’ solutions are offered by a growing number of healthcare providers and laboratories in Asia and Europe, reflecting the company’s exceptional standards and depth of research as a scientist-led company.
Kamonlawan Chomchopbun Product Manager and Market Access Lead, NalaGenetics.
Kamonlawan is a seasoned product leader with extensive experience in genetic testing and healthcare solutions across Southeast Asia. As the Market Access and Product Lead at NalaGenetics, she oversees genetic test services, including product management, operations, and business monitoring. Her work focuses on driving innovative solutions like NalaCare™, a personalized wellness program aimed at improving customer engagement and satisfaction in insurance and healthcare. With a passion for making an impact through education, product development, and personalized healthcare, she has successfully led projects that blend science with real-world applications.
Kamonlawan holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the National University of Singapore, where her academic journey reinforced her commitment to medication safety and healthcare quality improvement.
