Equinix Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure, has expanded its footprint in Southeast Asia with the opening of two new International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres in Malaysia. The launch of these facilities in Johor (JH1) and Kuala Lumpur (KL1) signifies a significant step forward for Malaysia’s digital ambitions, providing businesses with access to a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem.
Equinix’s entry into Malaysia aligns with the nation’s MyDIGITAL initiative, a government-led strategy to accelerate the development of digital products and services. These carrier-neutral data centres offer a cloud-adjacent and network-dense environment, catering to businesses seeking seamless digital infrastructure solutions. By joining Platform Equinix, Malaysian companies gain access to a global network of over 10,000 enterprises, including leading cloud service providers, content delivery networks, and network service providers. This connectivity empowers businesses to embrace digital transformation and keep pace with the evolving technological landscape.
A Closer Look at JH1 & KL1
Located in Nusajaya Tech Park, Johor, the JH1 facility boasts an initial investment of US$40 million and offers up to 500 cabinets and 1,800 square meters of colocation space. Strategically positioned near Singapore, this data centre caters to both local and regional businesses. The KL1 facility, situated in Cyberjaya, just outside of Kuala Lumpur, is expected to provide a total of 900 cabinets and 2,630 square meters of colocation space upon completion. Notably, both facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy, reflecting Equinix’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
KL1 Exterior (Source: Equinix)
Equinix plans to introduce a comprehensive suite of interconnection and digital services at both JH1 and KL1. This includes Equinix Internet Access, Equinix Fabric, Equinix Fabric Cloud Router, and Equinix Internet Exchange (IX). These services empower businesses with enhanced scalability, optimized performance, and seamless connectivity, allowing them to thrive in the digital age.
JH1 Exterior (Source: Equinix)
The official opening of the JH1 and KL1 data centres marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s digital transformation journey. By providing access to a global digital ecosystem and advanced technologies, Equinix is empowering Malaysian businesses to compete on the international stage and propels the nation towards a prosperous future in the digital economy.
TM‘s Unifi has launched “UniVerse”, a new suite of customizable, converged packages designed to cater to the diverse needs of modern digital customers. UniVerse offers a one-stop shop for home connectivity, entertainment, and potentially even smart home features.
UniVerse departs from the traditional one-size-fits-all internet packages. It allows customers to build a plan that aligns with their specific requirements. This flexibility caters to various users, from individuals seeking basic internet access to families requiring high-speed connectivity, entertainment options, and smart home functionalities.
Unifi’s UniVerse consists of three core components: UniFi Home, UniFi Mobile, and UniFi TV. The diverse range of offerings allows users to customise and converge home fibre connectivity, mobile 5G connectivity and IPTV entertainment. Here’s a quick rundown of the offerings for each segment:
UniFi Home: Customers can choose from various internet speeds, ranging from a value-driven 100Mbps plan to a supercharged 800Mbps option for those who demand lightning-fast connectivity.
UniFi Mobile: UniVerse allows users to bundle their home internet plan with a data plan under the UniFi Mobile banner. This potentially offers cost savings and a convenient way to manage both services under one platform.
UniFi TV: UniVerse offers a variety of TV packages catering to different interests and budgets. This could include a basic package with local channels or a comprehensive family package with diverse entertainment options.
Unifi does offer the option to add smart home features to the UniVerse bundle. However, it doesn’t seem possible to include it in a bundle with Unifi TV, Fibre and Mobile. We expect that the offering will be available in the future. This could allow users to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices from the comfort of their couch or remotely using a smartphone.
Managing all internet, mobile, TV, and potentially even smart home features under one platform offers convenience. Customers can eliminate the need to juggle separate bills and providers. Bundling services through UniVerse has the potential to unlock significant savings compared to purchasing each service individually.
The launch of UniVerse signifies a potential shift in how Unifi caters to its customers. This customizable package suite empowers users to build a plan that reflects their needs and offers a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to manage their home’s digital landscape and entertainment options.
Samsung Malaysia has embarked on an exciting new initiative to nurture the next generation of tech innovators. The company recently kicked off its inaugural Galaxy Campus Program, selecting 19 talented students from various universities across the country.
These students will participate in a year-long program designed to equip them with valuable skills and knowledge in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The program focuses heavily on social media content creation, leveraging the latest Galaxy innovations.
The program kicked off with an immersive workshop led by a Samsung Galaxy trainer. Here, students gained hands-on experience with the powerful Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, learning how to create engaging and impactful content.
Throughout the year, participants will enjoy exclusive access to a wide range of events and workshops hosted by Samsung Malaysia. This provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with local tech enthusiasts and industry leaders.
By fostering a collaborative and enriching environment, Samsung aims to empower these students to become future content creators and tech thought leaders.
Lenovo is solidifying its position as a trusted partner in sustainable IT solutions with the launch of the Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA). This AI-powered tool empowers businesses to make data-driven IT decisions that minimize their environmental footprint.
LISSA acts as a one-stop shop for businesses seeking to make informed and environmentally conscious IT choices. According to Lenovo, here’s how LISSA empowers users:
Actionable Sustainability Insights: Gain a clear understanding of your estimated emissions impact across the entire IT lifecycle, from hardware acquisition to disposal. This includes factors like material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and product use.
Customized Solutions: Develop tailored plans that align with your specific sustainability goals. LISSA considers your industry, business size, and existing IT infrastructure to recommend the most impactful solutions.
AI-Powered Recommendations with Transparency: Leverage the power of Generative AI to explore the environmental impact of various Lenovo sustainability solutions. This includes options like TruScale Device as a Service (DaaS), Asset Recovery programs, and energy-efficient packaging choices. LISSA provides clear data on the estimated carbon emissions associated with each option, ensuring transparency in your decision-making process.
LISSA goes beyond simple data analysis. It simulates various IT solution pathways, identifying potential opportunities to reduce emissions and support your organization’s decarbonization goals in the digital workplace. This aligns perfectly with a recent survey where 87% of executives believe AI can play a crucial role in combating climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
“Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a core business principle,” emphasizes Claudia Contreras, Executive Director of Global Sustainability Services for Lenovo. “LISSA equips customers with the data and AI-powered recommendations they need to make informed IT purchasing decisions with environmental impact in mind.”
Lenovo remains committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and LISSA is a key tool in empowering its customers to join them on this journey.
Contreras acknowledges that “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach” to sustainability. LISSA caters to this by providing each customer with a personalized sustainability journey. Businesses of all sizes can leverage LISSA’s data-driven insights and AI-powered recommendations to optimize their IT investments while prioritizing environmental responsibility. This empowers them to not only compare IT solutions in real-time but also design solutions that align with both budgetary and sustainability goals.
With tools like LISSA, Lenovo is taking a proactive approach to building a more sustainable future for the IT industry and beyond.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched its operations on May 26, 2024, marking a significant milestone as Malaysia’s first fully Islamic digital bank. The launch ceremony, held at AEON Hall, AEON Mall Shah Alam, was attended by prominent figures from the financial sector and government, including Yang Bahagi Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance.
From left to right: Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance; Raja Teh Maimunah, CEO of AEON Bank (M) Berhad; Daisuke Maeda, Non-Independent Executive Director of AEON Bank (M) Berhad & Chairman ofAEON Credit Service (M) Berhad; Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON Co (M) Berhad
AEON Bank offers a variety of Shariah-compliant digital banking solutions for personal banking customers. These currently include:
Savings Account-i: This account offers a competitive profit rate.
Savings Pots: Users can create customized savings pots to achieve specific financial goals.
Budgeting Tools: These tools help users manage their finances effectively.
Customers who activate their accounts can immediately access a virtual AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i. A physical debit card option is also available upon request.
AEON Bank emphasizes providing a seamless user experience. New customers signing up during the launch campaign can enjoy a 3,000 AEON Points bonus and earn triple the points on transactions using their new debit card. Additionally, existing members of the AEON Points program will have their membership automatically linked to the AEON Bank app. This integration unlocks further benefits and rewards across the extensive AEON ecosystem, encompassing AEON Malls, supermarkets, and partner merchants. Points earned can be conveniently converted to cash within the user’s AEON Bank account.
AEON Bank is committed to reaching a broad customer base. The launch campaign at AEON Mall Shah Alam featured public activations, family-oriented activities, and exclusive giveaways to engage with the community. This approach will continue with nationwide roadshows planned across eight Malaysian states from June to November 2024.
By prioritizing accessibility, AEON Bank aims to empower all Malaysians, particularly the underserved and unbanked segments, to participate in the financial system and achieve their financial goals. The launch of this Islamic digital bank is a noteworthy development in Malaysia’s evolving financial landscape.
The fight for consumer rights to repair their own electronics took a significant blow this month. Following a leaked contract revealing controversial practices, iFixit, a leading online repair resource and parts supplier, announced the termination of its collaboration with Samsung.
The controversy stems from a leaked Samsung repair contract which outlines some concerning stipulations for independent repair shops. According to the leaked document, Samsung allegedly requires these shops to:
Share customer data: This includes names, contact information, and details of the repair itself. This data would be uploaded daily to a Samsung database.
“Snitch” on customers using aftermarket parts: The contract reportedly requires shops to identify and report customers who choose to use non-Samsung repair parts.
Disassemble phones with aftermarket parts: Independent repair shops would be obligated to dismantle any device found to have non-Samsung parts, essentially rendering it unusable.
These requirements raise serious privacy concerns and limit consumer choice when it comes to repairing their own devices.
In response to these revelations, iFixit announced the official termination of its partnership with Samsung. Their statement highlights the “unreasonable restrictions” and “lack of trust” that ultimately led to the decision. This move reflects iFixit’s commitment to advocating for consumer repair rights and ensuring access to the information and parts needed for independent repairs.
Samsung issued a statement acknowledging the partnership’s end but downplaying the leaked contract’s implications. They claim their data collection practices are for “security purposes” and emphasize their commitment to providing repair options.
However, the controversy reignites the debate around the “Right to Repair” movement. Consumers are increasingly demanding the freedom to choose how and where they get their devices fixed. Legislation aimed at ensuring access to repair manuals, parts, and diagnostic tools is gaining traction worldwide.
The situation between Samsung and iFixit serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for consumer repair rights. While some manufacturers prioritize control and proprietary parts, movements like iFixit and the “Right to Repair” campaign advocate for user empowerment and environmental sustainability through independent repairs.
Following a period of uncertainty and user frustration after its acquisition by Broadcom, VMware has announced a surprising move – making its professional-grade desktop hypervisor applications, VMware Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro, available for free for personal use. This decision comes after a period of backlash surrounding the discontinuation of free player versions and a shift towards a subscription model for commercial users.
Previously, VMware offered free “Player” versions of both Fusion and Workstation, catering to individual users who wanted to run virtual machines on their computers. However, these free options were discontinued as part of Broadcom’s integration plans. The news sparked concern and frustration within the tech community, particularly among students, educators, and hobbyists who relied on the free software for learning and personal projects.
VMware’s latest announcement seems to be a course correction, addressing user concerns and offering a free tier for personal users. Both Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro are now available for download with a “Free Personal Use” license. These full-featured applications offer a significant upgrade compared to the discontinued player versions, providing users with advanced functionalities for managing and running virtual machines.
This move is likely an effort to appease the personal user base that felt left behind by the initial changes. While the free tier doesn’t extend to commercial use cases, it offers a robust solution for individuals seeking a powerful and feature-rich virtualization tool for personal projects or learning purposes. Businesses will still require paid subscriptions to leverage these applications in commercial environments.
While the long-term implications of this decision remain to be seen, it does signal a potential shift in VMware’s approach under Broadcom’s ownership. By offering a free tier for personal users, VMware can potentially retain a strong foothold in the educational and hobbyist communities, fostering brand loyalty and building a pipeline of future professional users.
For individual users, this is a welcome change. The free access to professional-grade virtualization software opens doors for experimentation, learning, and exploring the world of virtual machines. Whether it’s running a specific operating system for testing purposes, creating isolated development environments, or simply experiencing the benefits of virtualization, the free tier of VMware Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro empowers individuals to explore these functionalities without financial barriers.
AMD has expanded its EPYC™ CPU portfolio with the introduction of the EPYC 4004 series. This new line of processors is designed to strike a balance between performance and affordability, making it ideal for businesses seeking a powerful yet cost-effective solution for their everyday server needs.
The EPYC 4004 series leverages the powerful “Zen 4” core architecture, offering businesses a cost-competitive option without sacrificing processing muscle. This translates to strong performance for running essential server workloads like file sharing, email services, and web applications. The competitive price point makes the EPYC 4004 series a compelling choice for businesses with budget constraints.
The EPYC 4004 series caters to a variety of server needs by offering a range of core count options, from 4 cores to 16 cores. This allows businesses to select the processing power that best suits their specific workload demands. For instance, a small business with basic file-sharing requirements could opt for a 4-core processor, while a growing company managing a large database might require the additional processing power of a 16-core option. The EPYC 4004 series provides this flexibility, ensuring businesses invest in the optimal processing power for their needs.
Data centres are known for their significant energy consumption. The EPYC 4004 series boasts improved energy efficiency compared to previous generations. This translates to potentially lower electricity costs for businesses, making them a more sustainable server solution. The focus on energy efficiency not only benefits the bottom line but also aligns with growing environmental concerns.
The EPYC 4004 series is designed for easy integration into existing server infrastructure. These processors are compatible with industry-standard server operating systems and software, minimizing setup complexities for businesses and IT teams. This user-friendly approach allows businesses to get their servers up and running quickly and efficiently.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing of the new AMD EPYC 4004 series processors will depend on the number of cores and overall performance. There are a total of 8 SKUs under this series alone. Pricing is as listed below.
Microsoft is signaling a paradigm shift in PCs with the introduction of CoPilot+ PCs. This new generation of intelligent machines leverages the power of ARM processors and AI features to redefine user experience. Here’s a closer look at the all-new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, the first devices to spearhead the CoPilot+ revolution.
Surface Laptop – Designed for Mobility and Productivity
The Surface Laptop continues its legacy of being a thin-and-light laptop. Starting at a feathery 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg), it boasts a 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen HDR display with vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. The AI-powered features take center stage, with innovations like “Recall” allowing users to effortlessly search through past activities and retrieve information. Imagine revisiting a specific point in a document you viewed weeks ago – Recall surfaces it instantly.
The Surface Laptop is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors with upto 32 GB of RAM and upto 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. Multiple sources, including Engadget, highlight an impressive battery life exceeding 22 hours on a single charge – perfect for professionals and students on the go. The sleek, signature design is available in a variety of captivating colors, making a statement wherever you take it.
Surface Pro – Unmatched Versatility and Power
The Surface Pro remains the ultimate device for those who demand flexibility. This 2-in-1 powerhouse seamlessly transforms from a high-performance laptop to a versatile tablet with its stunning 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. The detachable keyboard with backlit keys ensures a comfortable typing experience, while the integrated kickstand allows for effortless adaptation to any work style.
Under the hood, the Surface Pro boasts the mighty Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips complemented by up to 32GB of RAM and 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and creative workflows.
Pricing & Availability
The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro with CoPilot+ features are available for pre-order now, with official release dates expected in early July.
The Surface Laptop starts at $999 and comes in a variety of colors, including Sapphire, Platinum, and the ever-popular Matte Black.
The Surface Pro starts at $1,000 and is available in Platinum and Graphite color options.
The personal computer landscape is on the edge of a revolution. Microsoft has just introduced Copilot+ PCs. These PCs are powered by next-generation ARM processors which signifies a bold leap forward in AI-powered computing experiences.
Pivoting to ARM’s x64 Architecture for Both Power and Efficiency
For decades, x86 processors have dominated the PC market. However, ARM processors, known for their superior power efficiency in mobile devices, are finally making significant inroads into the PC realm. It also marks a shift to x64-based programs which are able to perform more efficiently. This shift paves the way for lighter, fanless designs and significantly longer battery life – features highly sought after by mobile professionals and everyday users alike.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips powering Copilot+ PCs boast over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This immense processing power isn’t just about raw speed; it fuels the next wave of AI applications directly on the device.
Copilot+ PCs – Microsoft’s Big Shift in Human-PC Interactions
Copilot+ PCs aren’t merely hardware upgrades. They are a shift in both performance and efficiency but, more than that, these laptops seem to be Microsoft’s way of changing the way we interact with our PCs.
A key feature is “Recall,” a revolutionary AI assistant that functions as a virtual memory bank. Recall leverages the power of the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to continuously record and analyze user activity. This allows users to effortlessly search through past browsing history, voice chats, documents, and even specific on-screen moments. Imagine presenting and needing to reference a specific point you saw in a research paper two weeks ago – Recall can instantly surface that information, making research and presentations a breeze. Students can revisit key points from lectures, writers can effortlessly find inspiration from past notes, and the possibilities extend to countless other scenarios.
Recall is just the tip of the iceberg. Copilot+ PCs offer a broader array of AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. Imagine a virtual language coach providing real-time feedback during presentations, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting alternative phrasing. Creatives can leverage AI-powered tools for tasks like content creation, video editing, and graphic design, with the system intelligently adapting to their workflow and suggesting improvements.
Microsoft has meticulously reimagined Windows 11 to seamlessly integrate with ARM processors and unlock the full potential of AI features. Features like “Cocreator” allow for real-time collaboration on creative projects, with AI assisting in brainstorming and suggesting ideas. “Windows Studio Effects” leverages AI to enhance video calls, automatically adjusting lighting, background noise, and even eye contact to create a more professional and engaging experience. These features, combined with the power of the NPU, promise to transform the way we work, create, and connect.
Security remains a paramount concern in today’s digital world. Copilot+ PCs are built with security in mind, featuring the latest security features from Microsoft and Qualcomm. All Copilot+ PCs are “Secure Core” PCs, with additional hardware and software protections built-in to safeguard user data and privacy. This comprehensive approach to security ensures a worry-free experience for users who can focus on their tasks without compromising their digital safety.
Bridging the Gap with Prism
The transition to ARM processors and the integration of advanced AI features like Recall represent a turning point for Microsoft and the PC industry as a whole. While some existing software may require adaptation, the potential benefits are undeniable. With longer battery life, superior performance, and groundbreaking AI features, Copilot+ PCs promise to usher in a new era of intelligent and user-centric computing. Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem.
Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem. A key component of this strategy is “Prism,” a translation layer that acts as a bridge between ARM processors and existing x86 applications. Similar to Rosetta on Macs, Prism allows users to run x86 applications seamlessly on their ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of existing software. It is reported that Prism can even improve the performance of some x86 applications on ARM hardware.
Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead
While Copilot+ PCs represent a significant leap forward, some questions linger. The compatibility of existing software with ARM architecture needs to be addressed, and the long-term impact on software developers requires careful consideration. However, Microsoft’s commitment to developer tools and emulation solutions suggests a proactive approach to these challenges. That said, the company’s track record with Windows on ARM has not been the most reassuring.
Be that as it may, the arrival of Copilot+ PCs marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computing. Not only is this the first time we have had multiple OEMs jump on the Windows on ARM bandwagon, but it’s also the first time that they’ve done it with some of their most successful laptop lineups. .
