Category Archives: Business

Business, News

Grab & OpenAI Join Forces to Supercharge the Superapp Experience in Southeast Asia with AI

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AI is in vogue right now. The latest company to jump on the AI bandwagon? Grab. Yep, that’s right. The same Grab that you use on a daily basis to order food, call a ride and more. Southeast Asia’s leading superapp has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This partnership – a first-of-its-kind for OpenAI in Asia – will see Grab leverage generative AI to enhance the superapp experience across multiple facets from user experience to employee productivity.

The collaboration will focus on two key areas: developing AI-powered solutions for Grab’s user base and partners, and piloting the use of AI within Grab’s workforce.

grab x openai

Building a More Inclusive Experience

One of the most exciting aspects of the partnership is the potential to make Grab’s services more accessible. Grab will utilize OpenAI’s expertise in text and voice technologies to create features that cater to users with visual impairments or elderly individuals who might find navigating the app interface challenging. This could involve implementing voice commands or text-to-speech functionalities, making it easier for everyone to interact with the Grab platform.

Enhanced Customer Support and Faster Mapping Updates

The partnership extends to improving customer support. Grab will explore building AI-powered chatbots capable of better understanding user inquiries and resolving issues more efficiently. This would streamline the customer support process, leading to faster resolution times and a more satisfying user experience.

OpenAI’s vision capabilities will also play a role in enhancing GrabMaps. By leveraging AI to automate tasks and extract data more effectively from visual imagery, Grab can potentially update maps at a faster pace. This ensures users and driver-partners have access to the most up-to-date information, improving navigation and overall efficiency within the Grab ecosystem.

AI Pilot Program for Employees

Beyond user-facing solutions, Grab also plans to pilot the use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise among select employees. This initiative complements Grab’s existing efforts to integrate AI tools across its workforce, aiming to boost productivity and explore new ways to utilize this technology for internal processes.

This collaboration between Grab and OpenAI has the potential to significantly transform the way users, partners, and employees interact with the Grab platform. By harnessing the power of AI, Grab can create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience, optimize internal operations, and ultimately solidify its position as a leader in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.

Business, Mobile

Truecaller Will Allow You to Create a Personalized AI Assistant with Your Own Voice

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Truecaller, the popular caller identification app, has announced an interesting use of AI. The app’s latest feature allows users to create a digital version of their own voice to interact with the Truecaller Assistant. This development, powered by Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, personalizes the call screening experience and adds a layer of user control.

Truecaller AI Voice MS Azure

Traditionally, AI assistants rely on pre-recorded voices. Truecaller’s innovation breaks the mould by allowing users to record and personalize the voice used by their Assistant. This not only adds a touch of uniqueness but also potentially increases trust and user comfort when interacting with the AI.

How it Works

Setting up your personalized voice is a simple process. According to Truecaller’s user guide, users can access the Personal Voice option within the app settings and follow the on-screen instructions to record their voice. The recorded Assistant will then use this Truecaller voice to greet callers, identify the purpose of their call, and potentially even manage basic interactions on your behalf.

The ability to personalize your voice assistant is made possible through a partnership with Microsoft. Truecaller leverages Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, ensuring a high-quality and secure voice experience.

While the initial focus is on call screening, the implications of personalized voice assistants extend further. Tech news outlets like Engadget speculate on the potential for this technology to revolutionize how we interact with our smartphones. TechRadar explores the possibility of using your personalized voice assistant for a wider range of tasks, potentially transforming it into a virtual personal secretary.

Business

Opera Browser Gets AI Infusion with Google Cloud & Gemini

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Opera has announced that it will be collaborating with Google Cloud to integrate Google’s Gemini AI models into its Aria browser AI. This partnership leverages the power of Google’s large language models (LLMs) to enhance Opera’s existing AI features. This integration promises to deliver a range of benefits to Opera users, including improved access to information, enhanced performance, and a more intuitive browsing experience.

Opera Browser Gemini AI Integration

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into Aria will manifest in several ways for Opera users. One key benefit is the ability to access and process information more efficiently. By leveraging the power of AI, Opera can provide users with more relevant search results and content suggestions. Additionally, the Gemini AI models can enhance browser performance, leading to faster loading times and a smoother overall browsing experience.

The partnership will also extend beyond core functionalities. Opera also plans to utilize Google’s AI models for image generation and text-to-voice capabilities. These features offer exciting possibilities for content creation and information consumption within the browser itself.

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into Opera’s Aria browser AI marks a significant step forward for the company. This collaboration has the potential to redefine the browsing experience for users, offering a more intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly way to navigate the web.

Business, News

Jom! Get Ready to Experience Malaysia’s First Apple Store On June 22nd!

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Malaysians… the wait is finally over! After much anticipation, Apple has officially announced the grand opening of its first-ever Apple Store in the country, set for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 10 am. The store is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s business district at The Exchange TRX. This marks a significant milestone for Apple’s presence in Southeast Asia, joining the ranks of the already established stores in Singapore and Bangkok.

Apple The Exchange TRX

But what exactly can you expect from this exciting new addition? Well, if you’ve ever visited an Apple Store elsewhere in the world, you already know you’re in for a treat. Apple Stores are more than just retail outlets; they’re immersive experiences designed to let you explore the full potential of Apple products.

Imagine strolling through a sleek, modern space filled with the latest iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. You can tinker with every device, test out new features, and get personalized advice from Apple’s friendly and knowledgeable staff. Need help setting up your new iPhone or transferring data from your old one? The Apple Store team, or Geniuses, is there to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless transition.

Screenshot 2024 05 29 at 20 41 07 The Exchange TRX Apple Store

If other countries are any indication, Apple Stores are more than just places to buy – they’re hubs for learning and creativity. Apple also hosts workshops on everything from photography with iPhones to mastering video editing on iPads. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or just starting, there’s always something new to discover.

Apple Stores are designed to foster a sense of community and creativity. Striking visuals showcase Apple’s latest products in action, while comfortable seating areas invite you to relax, browse the web, or, hopefully, join a Today at Apple session – interactive presentations led by Apple staff on a variety of topics.

Mark Your Calendars for June 22nd, 10 am!

With the grand opening just around the corner, it’s time to mark your calendars for June 22nd! The arrival of the first Apple Store in Malaysia signifies a new era of Apple experiences for Malaysians. Get ready to explore, learn, and be inspired by the magic of Apple!

Business, News

Google Responds to YouTube Skipping Glitch for Adblock Users

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Remember the YouTube meltdown where videos kept skipping to the end for ad blocker users? Conspiracy theories flew faster than likes on a cat video, accusing YouTube of targeting ad blockers. Well, YouTube claims innocence, but the plot twist might leave you reaching for your tinfoil hat (or maybe your credit card).

Person Holding a Black Cellphone
Photo by greenwish on Pexels.com

It all started with frustrated viewers, especially those with ad blockers, whose videos were inexplicably jumping to the finish line. The internet buzzed with accusations. Was YouTube, owned by ad giant Google, punishing ad blocker rebels? YouTube scrambled to control the narrative, releasing a statement to 9to5 Google blaming a recent performance update gone awry. They reiterated their stance on ad blockers violating their Terms of Service and, not-so-subtly, encouraged viewers to support creators through ads (or that tempting YouTube Premium subscription).

While YouTube’s explanation seems reasonable, a healthy dose of scepticism lingers. The glitch’s timing, coinciding with rising ad blocker use, feels a bit too convenient. And tech companies have a not-so-stellar track record of using similar tactics to discourage ad blockers. So, is YouTube being entirely truthful?

The YouTube skipping saga highlights the constant struggle between user experience and ad revenue. Ad blockers undeniably impact a platform’s income, but resorting to underhanded tactics to force ad views is a risky PR gamble.

Business, News

Google’s Search Ranking System Has Leaked! Here’s What You Need to Know

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For years, Google has presented itself as the champion of unbiased search results, prioritizing user intent and high-quality content. However, a recent leak of internal Google documents has cast doubt on this narrative, revealing a complex ranking system heavily reliant on user clicks and potentially contradicting past statements from the company.

Black Samsung Tablet on Google Page
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels

What Leaked?

In late May 2024, a significant leak of internal Google documents, believed to be part of the company’s Content API Warehouse, surfaced online. This leak offered a glimpse into the previously hidden world of Google’s search algorithms, detailing ranking systems, data storage practices, and user interactions.

google api content warehouse quality navboost 1536x860 1
Source: SparkToro

One of the most intriguing revelations from the leak concerns the prominent role of user clicks in Google’s “NavBoost” system. The documents highlight how NavBoost analyzes clicks, including the number and duration (short clicks versus long clicks), to assess user satisfaction with search results. This emphasis on clicks raises a critical question: does it contradict Google’s past statements about ranking factors?

The Leak Contradicts Google’s Official Statements

In past public pronouncements and legal battles (such as the American Department of Justice case against Google), Google representatives have emphasized factors like content quality, backlinks from reputable websites, and user experience metrics (mobile-friendliness, page speed) as major contributors to search ranking. However, the leaked documents elevate the importance of clicks, potentially suggesting a greater influence than previously acknowledged.

This discrepancy between past statements and the leak’s revelations raises concerns about potential bias or manipulation within search results. Critics argue that an overreliance on clicks could lead to scenarios where sensationalized content or websites with “clickbait” tactics receive higher rankings despite offering lower-quality information. This could ultimately distort user access to accurate and valuable online resources.

How Will This Impact Search and Google?

The Google Search leak represents a turning point in the ongoing conversation about search engine transparency. While the leaked documents don’t provide a complete picture, they highlight a potential disconnect between Google’s public statements and its algorithmic practices.

The question remains: how will Google respond to this leak? Will it address concerns about click-based bias and strive for greater transparency in its search ranking system? Ultimately, the future of unbiased search results depends on Google’s commitment to fostering a fair and informative online landscape.

This leak serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing scrutiny and accountability in the realm of search engines. Only through transparency and a focus on user intent can Google maintain its reputation as a reliable source of information in the digital age.

Business

Alibaba Cloud Expands Global Footprint with New Availability Zones

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Alibaba Cloud, the tech giant behind Alibaba Group, has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). This ambitious plan involves expanding its physical footprint, forging strategic partnerships, and nurturing future AI talent.

The centrepiece of this initiative is the construction of new cloud regions and data centres in key international markets: Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AI solutions across various industries. By establishing a physical presence closer to these markets, Alibaba Cloud aims to deliver its services with greater efficiency and reliability.

Selina Yuan President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence announced Alibaba Cloud will Launch New Availability Zones and Global Investment to Fuel AI Innovation

International developers and enterprises will soon have access to Alibaba Cloud’s premier AI development platform, Model Studio. This platform streamlines the process of building and deploying AI models, even for those without extensive AI expertise. Through Model Studio, developers can leverage Alibaba Cloud’s powerful large language model, Qwen, to create custom AI applications. Additional tools and services are slated for release later this year, further empowering developers to tackle complex AI tasks cost-effectively.

Alibaba Cloud recognizes the importance of collaboration in the AI landscape. The company has deepened its partnership with SAP to offer a one-stop solution for SMEs in Asia. This integrated cloud-based offering combines the robust business management capabilities of SAP Business One with Alibaba Cloud’s secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. This empowers SMEs to embrace digital transformation without hefty upfront investments.

Looking to cater to multinational companies in China, Alibaba Cloud is developing a dedicated training program for Salesforce on Alibaba Cloud. This program equips participants with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the Salesforce CRM platform within the specific context of the Chinese market. The program aims to train over 10,000 individuals by the end of 2025, fostering a skilled workforce comfortable with Salesforce within the Alibaba Cloud ecosystem.

Several prominent organizations are already benefiting from Alibaba Cloud’s AI expertise. Luxury giant LVMH Group has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to leverage AI-powered innovations in retail and online experiences. Integrating Alibaba Cloud’s generative AI capabilities, LVMH is pushing the boundaries of luxury customer experiences in China.

FathomX, a digital health AI company, has utilized Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to optimize its AI-driven breast cancer detection system. This partnership has resulted in a significant reduction in infrastructure costs, allowing FathomX to expand its reach and deliver advanced healthcare solutions globally.

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is another organization collaborating with Alibaba Cloud to explore the potential of AI in promoting environmental sustainability. By leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI-powered ESG solutions, the ICF aims to minimize the environmental impact of its events and promote sustainable practices within the sporting world.

Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to global AI leadership is evident in its multifaceted approach. By expanding its infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in talent development, the company is well-positioned to empower businesses and organizations worldwide to harness the transformative power of AI.

Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle

U Mobile Celebrates Kaamatan with Free 5G Bus and Exciting Activities

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U Mobile is kindling the spirit of Kaamatan to Sabah with Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan, a festive event happening from May 27th to 31st, 2024. Located right across from the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) where official Kaamatan celebrations unfold, Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan promises a fun-filled experience for all festivalgoers.

U Mobile Kaamatan 2024

U Mobile ups the ante this Kaamatan by launching Sabah’s first-ever 5G Bus! This double-decker provides free shuttle services between Imago Mall and KDCA, operating from 10 am to 7 pm daily. But it’s not just a ride – it’s an experience. Powered by U Mobile’s robust 5G network, passengers can enjoy lightning-fast internet access throughout the journey.

The 5G Bus isn’t just about connectivity. Passengers can also enjoy VR gaming, sing their hearts out at karaoke, be entertained by live busker performances, and strike a pose at the neon-lit Wall. Snap a photo with the wall, upload it to Instagram or TikTok, and you can win exciting prizes like 5G phones and earbuds! Feel free to stay onboard for multiple trips and experience everything the 5G Bus has to offer.

U Mobile Kaamatan 2024 KV 2

The 5G Bus drops you off at Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan, where even more excitement awaits. U Mobile is giving away 2,000 prizes throughout the event, including 5G phones, earbuds, Grab vouchers, and classic festival treats like popcorn and cotton candy. Meet your favourite ERA Sabah personalities, beauty queens, and content creators, and indulge in delicious offerings from GrabFood’s dedicated 5-star booth.

This event follows the recent opening of U Mobile’s first store in East Malaysia, located at Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu. It’s another chapter in U Mobile’s ongoing commitment to expanding its brand presence and network in the region.

Ready to join the festivities? Visit the official Facebook event page for Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan and the first-ever 5G Bus!

Business, News

UniKL and Huawei Malaysia Join Forces to Advance Smart City and Flood Mitigation Technologies

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Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Huawei Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on academic and research initiatives focused on smart city technology and urban disaster prevention, particularly flood mitigation. This partnership promises advancements in these critical areas while fostering innovation and practical training for future generations.

A central pillar of the collaboration is the establishment of a Huawei Intelligent Operation Center (IOC) at UniKL British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI). This centre will serve a dual purpose: providing valuable research and development (R&D) opportunities and empowering UniKL to offer authorized short-course training programs. Students and the public will benefit from gaining practical experience with cutting-edge smart city technologies.

The MoU also paves the way for knowledge exchange between Huawei Malaysia and UniKL on flood monitoring and control. This collaboration in research and information sharing holds promise for developing effective solutions to combat this recurring challenge in Malaysia.

Huawei UniKl

The signing ceremony, held at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China, was witnessed by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi. Signing on behalf of their respective organizations were Mr Simon Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Malaysia, and Associate Professor Ir Dr Azman Senin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UniKL.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Dr Azman Senin stated, “This MoU underscores UniKL’s unwavering commitment to providing our students with access to the best learning opportunities and resources. We anticipate a productive collaboration with Huawei Malaysia that will benefit not only our students and researchers but also the wider community.”

Mr Simon Sun, CEO of Huawei Malaysia, elaborated on the significance of the IOC: “The Huawei IOC utilizes vast amounts of industry-specific data to generate predictive models, aiding in efficient resource allocation during critical situations like floods. This ultimately leads to better city management and paves the way for a connected, intelligent future for smart cities. The UniKL BMI-based IOC will serve as a powerful educational and R&D tool, equipping students and researchers for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

This partnership between UniKL and Huawei Malaysia signifies a significant step forward. By combining academic expertise with industry knowledge, they aim to tackle real-world challenges, nurture the next generation of innovators, and contribute to building smarter and more resilient Malaysian cities.

Business, News

CelcomDigi Puts Customers in the Driver’s Seat for New Retail Store Design

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CelcomDigi is shaking things up with a unique approach to retail store design. In a first for Malaysia, CelcomDigi is inviting customers to co-create the interior design of their upcoming CelcomDigi stores, promising a more engaging and customer-centric experience.

Starting today and running until June 3rd, 2024, customers can participate in the “Design the New CelcomDigi Store” campaign. This online initiative, accessible through the CelcomDigi website, allows customers to submit their ideas on how to enhance the look and feel of the stores, ultimately shaping the overall in-store experience. Participants can also share their design ideas on social media using the hashtag . Who knows, you might see your vision come to life in the new stores!

CelcomDigi Retail Transformation

This customer-centric design initiative is part of CelcomDigi’s year-long retail transformation program. The program aims to deliver the best possible experience for customers navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. This transformation includes consolidating the existing network of Celcom Bluecubes and Digi Stores into a unified CelcomDigi brand. These new stores will act as a one-stop shop for all things connectivity, offering the latest products and services to meet a wide range of customer needs.

“Our recent integration of retail touchpoints has allowed us to seamlessly serve both Celcom and Digi customers,” said CelcomDigi’s Chief Sales & Retail Officer, Cheng Weng Hong. “This retail transformation takes things a step further, solidifying our retail footprint with a unified brand identity. A single store will allow us to better cater to the ever-growing connectivity needs of our customers.”

Cheng further elaborated on the gamified approach to design, stating, “By involving customers through this interactive campaign, we’re making them a part of CelcomDigi’s transformation journey. The online game will provide valuable insights and inspiration for the ideal interior layout, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for customers from the moment they step through the door.”

Throughout the retail transformation period, CelcomDigi is committed to ensuring minimal disruption for customers. They guarantee continued support and reliable service experiences. During any store closures for renovation, customers will be directed to the nearest operational store. In some locations, temporary CelcomDigi pop-up stores will be established to ensure service continuity. Additionally, customers can always leverage the convenience of self-serve transactions through the Celcom Life or MyDigi apps.

Stay tuned for further details on the retail transformation program and updates on participating stores in the coming weeks.