Tag Archives: Digitization

DNB & Ericsson Spearhead Enterprise Digitalization With Malaysia’s World-Class 5G Infrastructure

Malaysia is poised for a digital revolution, and at the forefront of this transformation is a powerful combination: a world-leading 5G network and a collaborative program designed to unlock its potential for businesses.

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking initiative that will catalyze the digitalization of enterprises across Malaysia. This program, formalized through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders like eMooVit Technology, Scania, SKF Malaysia, and Intel, paves the way for advanced technologies to empower businesses of all sizes.

DNB x Ericsson

Leveraging World-class Infrastructure with Wide Coverage

Malaysia boasts one of the most impressive 5G networks globally, with over 80% population coverage and exceptional performance. This robust infrastructure, as Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, DNB’s Chief Strategy Officer, highlights, positions Malaysia uniquely to accelerate its digital journey.

“The network already covers more than 80% of the population and has one of the best experiential and consistent performances in the world,” says Zahid. “To further drive the adoption of 5G amongst enterprises, DNB and Ericsson have initiated this program.”

Creating “Lighthouses” to Propel Digitization and Adoption

This program focuses on establishing “lighthouse” projects across key industries. These projects will showcase the transformative potential of 5G integration, acting as catalysts to inspire and guide widespread digitalization efforts.

Intel, a leading technology provider, brings its expertise to the table as a partner in this initiative. Ms. AK Chong, VP of Foundry Manufacturing & Supply Chain and Intel Malaysia MD, emphasizes the crucial role of 5G in driving industry transformation.

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MoU signing ceremony. (From left to right) Mr David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; Mr Nunzio Mirtillo, Former Head of Market Area South East Asia Oceania and India; Mr Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson; Mr Andrés Vicente, Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania & India; Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, DNB Chief Strategy Officer; Mr Börje Ekholm, Ericsson Group CEO; YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital; Tuan Ma Sivanesan, Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Policy), Ministry Of Digital; Mr Nasution Mohamed, Chief Operating Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad; Ms AK Chong, VP of Foundry Manufacturing & Supply Chain and Intel Malaysia; Dr. Hairi Zamzuri, CEO of eMooVit Technology; Ms Heba Eltarifi, Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia; Mr Vignesh Sakthinathan, Managing Director of SKF Malaysia

“As 5G becomes a catalyst for industry transformation,” says Chong, “Intel’s technology is at the heart of this change, catalyzing AI at the edge and breaking down barriers in the 5G core space.”

The program focuses on developing customized solutions for various industries. Here are some exciting collaborations already underway:

  • eMooVit Technology: This collaboration will explore the use of 5G for autonomous vehicles, a technology with the potential to revolutionize urban transportation. Dr. Hairi Zamzuri, CEO of eMooVit, highlights the significance of this partnership: “This exciting collaboration with Ericsson will be key to bringing these solutions to life through enterprise adoption, and in the long-term, revolutionize urban transportation together.”
  • Scania: With Scania, the focus is on optimizing assembly lines and fleet management systems using 5G’s Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) capabilities. As Ms. Heba Eltarifi, Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, explains: “With 5G technology, Scania Malaysia aims to explore further optimizing our assembly and our fleet management system to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness to our customers.”
  • SKF Malaysia: This collaboration will leverage 5G to enable wireless digitalization on the manufacturing shop floor. This will allow for real-time data collection and analysis, leading to increased efficiency and innovation. Mr. Vignesh Sakthinathan, Managing Director of SKF Malaysia, expresses his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey… As the world’s leader in Bearing, Seals, Lubrication systems and technologies, SKF Malaysia’s manufacturing arm is committed to embracing digitalization to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers.”

This initiative by DNB and Ericsson, along with their industry partners, presents a significant leap forward for Malaysia’s digital transformation. By harnessing the power of 5G, businesses across the nation can unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation. As David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, concludes: “The digitalization of industries in Malaysia will enable the country to leapfrog as a Digital Nation. But they need to begin planning and investing in their digital journey now.”

Empowering Schools for The Digital Age

In recent years, rapid technological advancement and shifting societal needs have evolved the educational landscape significantly.  Technology now plays an integral part in revolutionising traditional learning methods, offering new avenues to enhance teaching and learning modes.

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Schools must comprehend and effectively utilise technology to fully harness its benefits. In line with this, Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced the Digital Education Policy, which aims to seamlessly integrate digital technology into the learning environment, cultivating a generation of digital-savvy students and educators.

However, the key to effective technology-based learning and teaching lies in schools’ adept approach to integrating technology with the right strategies. It’s not just about adding new gadgets or software in classrooms; rather, it’s about thoughtful planning and implementation to ensure technology enhances educational outcomes.

What Does Digital Strategy for Schools Mean?

A digital strategy for schools encompasses a holistic plan that outlines how technology will be leveraged to elevate and transform various aspects of the educational process. It involves strategically integrating digital tools, resources, and technologies into the education ecosystem to refine teaching methods, enrich student learning experiences, streamline administrative processes, and foster a future-ready learning environment.

Central to this approach is identifying specific goals and objectives of the institution, understanding the needs of educators and students, and aligning technology initiatives to address them effectively.

Preparing Schools for a Comprehensive Digital Strategy

As we embrace a new era in education, preparing schools for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow has become a paramount priority. Key components of a digital strategy for schools include:

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Infrastructure and Technology Integration

A robust IT infrastructure stands as the cornerstone of any successful digital strategy within educational institutions. It requires essential hardware such as computers, tablets, and interactive displays, alongside establishing a secure, high-speed network, to effectively support digital initiatives in schools. Investing in technology can be costly; however, teaming up with technology vendors like Lenovo, who provide device seeding for cutting-edge products like the Lenovo K14 G2 Intel-powered by the Intel® Core™ i7 U Series processor (13th Gen), can help.

Technology integration must also go beyond device presence, strategically including digital tools across classrooms and administrative functions. From interactive whiteboards to educational software, schools should purposefully integrate technology to improve teaching methods and student learning.

Digital Literacy Development for Educators

For digital strategies to be successful, educators must be empowered with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize technology in classrooms effectively. Digital literacy development initiatives are essential in providing teachers with the confidence and expertise to integrate digital tools into their teaching methodologies.

As a trusted partner in the transformation journey, Lenovo has established the Lenovo EdVision Community program in Malaysia to hone technological literacy and digital skills among students while providing resources and support for teachers to prepare them for a more digital educational landscape. Our program offers IT-enablement product training and webinars for teachers, along with easy-to-use total education solutions encompassing hardware, software, and services to ensure a seamless education experience. Malaysian teachers can register on the Edvision Community website to be part of the community for free.

When teachers are well-prepared, they can craft engaging, and dynamic learning experiences tailored to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.

Collaboration and Communication

Digital strategies should prioritize seamless communication and collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and school staff. Technology tools like virtual classrooms and parent-teacher communication platforms facilitate real-time communication and promote engagement.

Furthermore, strategies should extend collaboration beyond schools by leveraging technology to connect with experts and resources globally.

By adopting these digital strategies, schools can equip students with the essential skills and competencies needed to excel in a technology-driven society.

VAST Data Expands into the APJ Region with Singapore Headquarters


VAST Data has launched its regional headquarters in Singapore, marking its entry into the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. This expansion follows a significant US$118 million Series E funding round, propelling its valuation to US$9.1 billion. Founded in 2016 and officially launched in 2019, the company’s unique architecture unifies unstructured and structured data into a single system, revolutionizing data storage and processing.

VAST Data

Renen Hallak, co-founder, and CEO of VAST Data, underscores the importance of data in today’s digital landscape. “Data is the backbone of the digital economy, yet much of it remains untapped. With the VAST Data Platform, organizations can make real-time, data-driven decisions.”

Singapore is an ideal base for the company’s APJ (Asia Pacific and Japan) operations, boasting a robust data centre ecosystem and strategic location. Sunil Chavan, Vice-President of VAST Data for Asia Pacific and Japan, highlights Singapore’s pivotal role in the company’s expansion. “Singapore’s pro-business environment and tech hub status make it the perfect launchpad for our regional operations.”

Partnering with local cloud providers, the company aims to revolutionize industries across the region. Agoda, the digital travel platform, has become the company’s first client embracing VAST Data’s innovative solutions to drive business growth.

Navigating the Transformation Paths in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry

This article is contributed by Márton Kiss, Vice President of Product Success at Graphisoft

Today, the once-solid blueprints of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) have morphed into fluid sketches, adapting to the evolving customer needs and technological advancements. As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.

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Photo by Pixabay

Here, we will delve into the vibrant palette of trends and key areas that may help navigate this transformative path in the AEC industry.

1. Bridging the digitalization gap

Despite being slow to embrace digital transformation, the AEC sector has shown promising signs in recent years, with technology adoption and awareness of its benefits steadily rising. However, a noticeable gap emerges when transitioning from the design to the construction phase. While current tools enable detailed digital models, the actualization often relies heavily on on-site workers, creating a disconnect in the integrated workflow.

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Photo by Minku Kang on Unsplash

Bridging this gap and driving the push towards greater digitization and automation requires a two-pronged approach – first, fostering a demand for digital design practices, and second, reducing legal and regulatory barriers that impede the implementations. Additionally, a global trend towards collaborative building lifecycles is gaining momentum. As the integration across the building lifecycle strengthens, so does the impetus for comprehensive digitalization, highlighting the critical role of quality design in this process.

2. Unlocking the potential of BIM

While Asia Pacific trails developed nations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption, progress is evident. Governments like Malaysia, aiming for 80% adoption by 2025, are actively driving its implementation due to proven productivity and competitive advantages—however, BIM’s true potential lies beyond mere data and 3D models.

It is about integrated design, where architects, engineers, builders, owners, and technology providers collaborate within a single model, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional handoffs and discrepancies. This ‘single source of truth’ fosters early alignment of building systems and informed decision-making across disciplines. At Graphisoft, we champion OPEN BIM, a future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Recent developments, like seamless structural engineering integration and cloud collaboration, reflect our commitment to this collaborative future.

BIM will continue to see greater interoperability and capabilities. However, the key to maximizing what it can offer eventually lies in fostering a culture of openness and information sharing.

3. Driving the shift towards sustainable design

The green buildings market is expected to cross USD1,948 billion by the end of 2036, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for 32%[1]  Sustainability pressures are pushing the industry towards innovative materials and energy-efficient design. Net-zero buildings will remain a focus, achieving energy savings through renewables, smart design, and storage. Building performance and management will also be key, tying into the digitalization trend for optimal efficiency.

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Photo by Pixabay

Cost-effectiveness, however, remains crucial. While adopting these practices might seem daunting, firms can start small. Explore concepts, experiment with materials, and utilize BIM as a bridge between elements. Integrating building systems, structures, and architecture early on makes informed decisions about materials, shapes, and even programs possible. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this shift requires a closer alignment between design decisions and long-term outcomes, driven by the overarching goals of sustainability and efficiency.

4. Making the most of AI and other emerging technologies

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) goes beyond automation. It is becoming the industry’s secret weapon, empowering professionals across the project lifecycle. From design optimization with photorealistic visualization to predictive analysis and BIM integration, AI transforms how we overcome challenges and make informed decisions.

The future is not just about scratching the surface with AI. We see a convergence of technologies, where Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) enhances collaborative BIM workflows, and digital twins evolve beyond virtual models, becoming real-time data oracles. This will redefine our standards for efficiency, accuracy and profitability, allowing designers to focus on their true value – creativity. Graphisoft remains at the forefront of this revolution, investing in emerging technologies that assist and empower, not replace.

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5. Emphasis on continuous learning

The future sprints, not strolls, and therefore upskilling is an essential ticket to the ride. But it is not a solo journey. Organizations must be bold co-pilots, investing in the latest tools, processes, and training. Fear of the unknown is natural, but the changing roles of AEC professionals are inevitable. Technology like AI excels in crunching data and optimizing processes but still lacks the human touch that breathes life into novel designs. And that is the true power of real architects – crafting beauty that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful. Technology is the hammer, but people are the architects of change. Those who embrace continuous learning will be the ones shaping the future of AEC, brick by innovative brick, pixel by inspiring pixel.

The future of the built environment demands active participation. Architects, engineers and contractors must embrace digital tools and progress alongside advancements. BIM will be their blueprint, green principles their guiding star, and emerging technologies their canvas extension. The opportunity to create great architectures is boundless when we successfully integrate people, workflows and real-time information.


[1]   Green Buildings Market Size & Share, Research Nester (Nov 2023)

Travel Transformed: How Technology is Reshaping the Digital Nomad

This article is contributed by Lim Paik Wan, Country Manager of Wise Malaysia

As the world rekindles its wanderlust post-pandemic, a silent revolution has begun beneath the surface—a digital renaissance reshaping every aspect of our travels. 

Recent data reveals that 7 out of 10 Malaysians use digital tools to meticulously plan their travels. They rely on websites and apps to arrange nearly every aspect of their journeys, from booking flights and accommodations to planning activities. This isn’t just a fleeting trend, from the moment plans are conceived to the final steps of the journey, technology is shaping every aspect of travel, including birthing a new era of digital nomads who work remotely and simultaneously travel whenever, wherever they want. 

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This paradigm shift reflects a desire to maximise time off, achieve greater work-life balance, and redefine the conventional boundaries of traditional employment.

Rise of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

The term ‘digital nomad’ is not a new concept, but the pandemic has certainly flipped the way that employees work. As organisations become more accepting of where, when and how people work – we’re seeing an influx of digital nomads heading to getaways with only a laptop, a backpack, a smartphone, and a sense of adventure. There’s a noticeable surge in demand for places that cater to remote work, beyond traditional tourist hotspots. Typically, these places offer travellers the opportunity to go exploring after work hours or set up their workspace at desirable locations, like the beach. 

Several countries are proactively responding to this shift by introducing digital nomad visas, including Portugal, which has issued 2,600 such visas, and Greece, with 1,693 granted. Closer to home, Bali recently announced a collaboration with Airbnb, allowing visitors to work remotely for six months, without paying income tax. Not to be left behind – even Malaysia has introduced its version of the visa called De Rantau which allows foreign and local talents to work and live in the country for three to 12 months. Employers are also offering flexible, work-from-anywhere options. Wise, for example, has a Mobile Wiser programme that lets employees work remotely from almost anywhere in the world for up to 90 days. 

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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

However, the possibility of all this freedom presents challenges for businesses and employers, including payments, legal, tax and cultural issues. Any first step requires businesses to restructure themselves around roles, employee locations, travel durations and employee education. A well-designed global mobility plan is essential for employers to navigate complexities and avoid unintended payments and tax issues – and business leaders must stay updated on global tax and compliance laws. 

The Power of Technology 

Despite these considerations, it appears that remote work is here to stay, with one study of 3,000 remote workers revealing that 90% of them would like to continue working remotely. In the face of technological advancements, this is entirely possible today – tools like Google Drive, Figma, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams give workers remote access to data and files to complete their tasks and collaborate across different functions.

Traditionally, managing money across borders has been challenging because there isn’t a truly international bank account in place. But now, with strong digital payment solutions like Wise, remote workers can receive and send money all over the world, without any hassle. Furthermore, freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork provide tools and features that allow them to manage their work, including invoicing. 

Card Wise

When it comes to handling currency differences, Wise stands out by offering low, transparent fees and using the fair, mid-market exchange rate. Digital nomads can access account details in 10 different currencies via their Wise account, enabling them to receive funds in these currencies from any location and send funds to over 160 countries – an ideal solution for individuals constantly on the move. Additionally, they can hold over 40 currencies & transact in the local currency with the Wise multi-currency account and prepaid card, allowing users to move, spend and manage money in different currencies within one platform.

As digital nomads lead increasingly borderless lives, the need for faster, cheaper and more transparent solutions that transcend geographical boundaries becomes paramount, especially when it comes to payments. Businesses need to prepare for this shift by actively harnessing the available technology that enables it and putting in place cultures and processes to adeptly meet the ever-growing demands of a digital-nomad workforce. Ultimately, business leaders need to recognise that the digital nomad trend is here to stay and to obtain the best talent, one needs to open their horizons to new ways of working.

Thriving Forward: Embracing The Digital Lifeline of Restaurants for Continued Business Resilience And Growth

This article is contributed by Jay Ar Juan, Senior Commercial Director, foodpanda Malaysia

In the rapidly evolving food industry landscape, digitalisation has become more than just a trend – it is now a necessity for survival and growth. The surge in technological advancements has propelled restaurants into a new era, reshaping the way they operate and connect with customers. Embarking on a journey through the impact of digitalisation on the food industry, we’ll explore recent changes and how food delivery platforms navigate this transformative landscape, with a specific focus on its implications for local vendors in Malaysia.

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Photo by Chan Walrus on Pexels.com

From a restaurant’s perspective, digitalisation is about leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business growth. This is a crucial aspect of driving the business as a whole. The benefits of it are extensive, ranging from increased efficiency to data-driven insights that enable personalised customer interactions. Particularly in the last few years, we’ve witnessed a profound impact on communities as restaurants adapt to these changes. The food industry is inherently competitive, and the digital shift provides a competitive edge.

The evolution of the food industry has resulted in several fundamental changes. One prominent shift is the rise of delivery services, enabling restaurants to expand their reach and increase revenue. Additionally, data-driven insights have become invaluable, allowing businesses to tailor their offerings to suit customer preferences. These components will put small business owners on a level playing field with mammoth chains. The community impact is substantial, with local businesses gaining visibility beyond physical constraints. Even small roadside vendors can now showcase their offerings to a vast audience using platforms like foodpanda.

Digitalisation upscales businesses, including food

Embracing delivery services has not only expanded revenue streams but has also eliminated geographical barriers, allowing restaurants of all sizes to compete on a level playing field. The convenience of ordering from anywhere has become a customer expectation, providing businesses with a broader reach.

Being part of a marketplace like foodpanda democratises visibility, giving even the smallest establishments a chance to showcase their offerings. A roadside stall will have the same opportunity for eyeballs via the app as a massive restaurant chain at the most valuable rental space in a busy shopping district. With just a few taps, customers will be able to discover even the most obscure vendors within seconds.

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Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Additionally, the integration of technology has brought about data-driven insights, enabling personalized experiences by analysing customer preferences. This not only tailors menus and marketing strategies but also enhances customers’ overall satisfaction. The rise of contactless dining, payments, and reservations, coupled with the use of platforms for marketing, has further enhanced convenience and customer engagement, fostering loyalty and attracting new patrons. Digitalisation is not merely about efficiency, it’s a holistic approach aimed at creating memorable customer experiences and ensuring the sustained relevance of restaurants in an evolving landscape.

Supporting the restaurants in their digital transformation is foodpanda with tools at their disposal. The Panda Partner app is available on both Google Play and Apple App Store, providing vendors with insights into sales, operations, and marketing, all from the convenience of their phones. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced by digital marketing through the Panda Partner app, making it easy for restaurant operators to market themselves through several simple clicks, even for those without prior digital marketing knowledge. The transparency in tracking results enables vendors to be more strategic in their marketing efforts, contributing to their growth as entrepreneurs.

In the past, data and results simply weren’t trackable, such as knowing how many customers visited their stores and placed an order from thereon. Restaurants and even large chains normally have had to spend big money to analyse these data for them. But with foodpanda’s digital marketing support, they would know how much they have spent and how much sales they generated from these marketing activities, fundamentally allowing them to be better entrepreneurs.

Going beyond the pandemic lifeline

Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, there are restaurants that have adapted to digitalisation and have experienced significant differences in their business.  For instance, one of our restaurant partners in Penang, Uncle Lan’z, has strategically leveraged digitalisation to reach customers beyond the usual coverage area and saw a significant surge in sales and heightened brand recognition. Digitalisation became the backbone of Uncle Lan’z’s business, with delivery alone accounting for 70% of total sales during this challenging lockdown period. A partnership lasting over four years has positioned Uncle Lan’z as one of the highest-grossing vendors in the northern region, underscoring the transformative impact of embracing digital platforms.

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Photo by iMin Technology on Pexels.com

Similarly, Gerai Ulique Corner faced adversity during the lockdown, leading to a temporary closure of the outlet. With digital platforms providing support, restaurant owner Cik Norlia started selling her fare from home, ensuring business continuity and fostering loyalty. The adaptability facilitated by digital platforms allowed Gerai Ulique Corner to resume business fully as the economy recovered, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges.

On the other hand, the advent of food delivery platforms has contributed to the rise of F&B operators that exist purely for the food delivery market. For cloud kitchen operator Foodle, the partnership with foodpanda since Q3 2022 has brought substantial growth through exclusive collaborations and benefits. Enjoying priority placement on platforms, dedicated marketing support, and access to specialized promotional opportunities, Foodle thrived as a dynamic and diverse cloud kitchen business. By leveraging digital tools to assess physical store potential, facilitate collaborations, and focus on top-performing items, Foodle’s success story exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between cloud kitchens and digital platforms in the evolving landscape of the food industry. The digital transformation facilitated by platforms like foodpanda is reshaping the restaurant landscape. The benefits of going digital are evident, from increased reach to data-driven insights and enhanced customer experiences. As we navigate the ever-evolving food industry, embracing digitalisation is not just a choice but a strategic imperative for sustained growth and resilience. foodpanda remains a key partner in this transformative journey, empowering restaurants to thrive in the digital era.

Businesses Need to Go Back to Basics and Focus Customer Experiences as Generative AI Tools Become Mainstream

Where it was once heavily reliant on customers’ experience through physical interactions, it is now primarily dominated by digital experiences where bots dominate these interactions. From a customer interaction model where nearly every experience the consumer goes through is positive or unique, it is now one where AI and Bots guide consumers coldly through touchpoints. Oftentimes, this paradigm and approach leave customers dissatisfied and irate.

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Photo by Demian Smit on Pexels.com

This is where Infobip is now looking to change things by looking at the emerging behavioural trends of consumers. Today’s consumers want things to be faster, more efficient and personalised all while being online. The company is placing their focus on adapting Generative AI into its systems with the intent of providing customers with a more personalized experience shopping online akin to the experience they’ve become accustomed to offline.

Back to Basics – Interactions & Experiences Matter

“…It goes all back to the basics.” That is the overarching theme of the solutions that Infobip is developing. Miguel Turnbull, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Infobip explains a fundamental shift in the paradigm of customer interactions, “The goal is to bring back personalization and the uniqueness of these interactions to a digital experience. So still, in the comfort of your phone, being able to have the same experience you would have if you physically went to a shop.”

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Infobip’s Executives at the recent panel discussion.

This could not be more true with the shift of consumers from buying offline to buying online. A phenomenon that was put into overdrive over the course of the recent pandemic. In fact, the business landscape has changed so drastically we’re seeing the re-emergence of experience-centric behaviours rather than choice and brand-driven ones.

George Ni, Regional Director of Partnerships and Alliances for APAC at Infobip explains, “It is about experiences as Miguel said, but it is also about timely responses meaning that I want it tomorrow, I want it now and how do I quickly get into a particular experience platform? It has evolved that it is no longer a single point-to-point service provision but a single point-to-multi-point or multi-point to multi-point service provision and this is what we call the ecosystem. Meaning that a vendor who must survive in this business today will be required to survive in this greater ecosystem.”

An Omnichannel Solution for a Multifaceted Problem

Infobip is developing solutions that will help businesses leverage business insights and interconnectivity. The mainstay of their offering – the Infobip exchange marketplace – empowers businesses to stay on the ball by democratising the marketplace and allowing businesses to more readily monetize their intellectual properties. Of course, with an open forum like the Infobip marketplace, businesses are also able to collaborate and develop solutions that can then be provisioned.

Infobip’s solution in assisting future partners or businesses in this era of change is by providing an Omnichannel Platform; A platform provides a range of services across channels seamlessly. Together with this, they have also created user-friendly stack automation tools known as SaaS (Software as a service) layers consisting of diverse building blocks or APIs that partners can easily incorporate into their platform.

Conversational Cloud with Generative AI in Forging Lasting Business-Customer Relationships

In leveraging these tools, brands and businesses will be able to leverage their insights to forge lasting relationships – albeit digitally – with their customers. In fact, according to Velid Begovic, Infobip’s Vice President of Revenue in APAC, the cornerstone of this lasting relationship is smoother, more thoughtful and efficient communication between brands and their audiences. This can be achieved by using an emerging technology called the conversational cloud.

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Velid Begovic, Infobip’s Vice President of Revenue in APAC, expounded his views on the shift in paradigm and the emergence of the conversational cloud.

He explains, “The rise of conversational cloud, a set of cloud-based solutions facilitating business-customer interactions, is driven by the shift to mobile-first online experiences. Brands are moving beyond reactive social media use to adopt a proactive conversational strategy. WhatsApp for business is gaining traction, especially in regions like Malaysia. Brands are integrating Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to extend conversations across various channels, including in-app, popular OTT platforms, and traditional communication channels. This shift reflects a broader transformation of transactions into conversations, emphasizing the importance of immediate and responsive communication. Brands embracing a conversational-first approach aim to provide a personalized and outstanding customer experience, setting the stage for success.”

We’re seeing an increase in the importance of these interactions. Platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram now rate pages and businesses on their responsiveness. While we can use chatbots, Generative AI and conversational cloud are the natural next steps in developing solutions that will allow businesses of any size to forge lasting relationships with their customers.

A Delicate Balance Between Customer Experience (CX) and Customer Service (CS)

It has become more apparent that customer service and customer experience go hand in hand. However, there needs to be a delicate balance between the two; one that is unique to each business but makes all the difference in a world where CX and CS go hand-in-hand. According to a recent McKinsey report, 71% of customers expect relevant and personalized attention from brands and are frustrated by not getting quality responses, especially through online engagements.

Infobip is looking to drive a shift in paradigm to alleviate and turn around the outcomes from these customer interactions. According to Turnbull, “The McKinsey report is unique, as we also have reports from our groups stating that 75% of people are tired of talking to robotised machines.”. He further explains, “In a world of abundant choices and rapid technological advancements, consumers’ impatience is fueled by the vast information and options available. Brands must adapt by promptly delivering information and responding to customer needs, the increasing pace of technological development, using the example of ChatGPT as a trend that gained widespread attention. This technology, integrated into their platform in collaboration with Microsoft, aims to provide a humanized experience through chatbots its why Infobip was the first to integrate their platform ChatGPT technology. By infusing personality into these automated solutions, brands can enhance the consumer-brand relationship. This personalized approach is crucial as brands compete fiercely for customer attention and loyalty.”

At The Edge of A Paradigm Shift, Poised to Lead

It comes as no surprise then that businesses will need to inevitably invest in technologies that will enhance and improve their CX. It would then be prudent for businesses to look at solutions that will not only provide short-term advantages but also long-term outcomes.

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Source: Infobip

The Malaysian business landscape has already, albeit defiantly, tapped into this strategy. However, the nation still remains an early adopter of technologies which empower this strategy. This can be seen in both individual and large-scale aspects like governments and businesses. In fact, Malaysia’s speed in moving from a nation depending on cash to a cashless one demonstrates the nation’s willingness to adopt and adapt to technologies in day-to-day business systems.

While Infobip continues to deliver solutions in the form of data centres, SaaS stacks and even advisory, it falls to the businesses themselves to develop policies and approaches that will minimize exposure and keep potential threats at bay. With growing concern among businesses and the general public about data privacy, it would be prudent that businesses then make strides to deploy these technologies tactfully.

GDS Empowers Southeast Asia’s Digital Transformation with Cutting-Edge Data Center in Johor, Malaysia

GDS, a key player in high-performance data centres, inaugurated its Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP) Data Centre Campus in Johor, Malaysia. The grand event, attended by dignitaries like YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, marked GDS’s strategic entry into Southeast Asia.

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GDS takes a huge step in expanding to Southeast Asia with the Nusajaya Tech Park Data Center Campus, the region’s first. The campus, featuring Nusajaya 1, 2, and 3 data centres, covers 22,500 square metres and boasts an impressive 69.5 MW IT power capacity. This move positions GDS to address the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia as digitization becomes more imperative with the advancement of AI-driven digitalization.

GDS’s strategic categorization of industry players and its customer-centric approach set it apart. With a 22-year track record, GDS has developed an understanding of the diverse needs of its customers and the budding ecosystem of digitized services. This has enabled them to foster an ecosystem that is able to meet these requirements. An example of this is the innovative Smart DC product that utilises AI and IoT for efficient data centre management.

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As digitization continues its rapid deployment across businesses in Southeast Asia, GDS’s Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre is being geared to address the need for rapid deployment. GDS will employ cutting-edge prefabricated technology, enabling the swift construction of data centres. The NTP Data Center Campus currently hosts 40 employees, with ambitious plans to expand headcount significantly. As the move into Malaysia – and particularly into Johor – will necessitate the expansion and hiring of a workforce with relevant digital skills, GDS will be actively collaborating with colleges, nurturing future talent and contributing to the local tech ecosystem. That said, the company will also be working on hiring skilled talent and upskilling talent to meet the demands of its business.

GDS envisions a robust expansion of its data centre footprint across Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the next decade. The launch of GDS NTP Data Center Campus Phase 1 signifies a strategic focus on SIJORI locations, actively building an ecosystem to meet the region’s growing data centre demands.

Embracing the Golden Digital Era: Elevating Malaysia’s Potential with Cloud Adoption & Skilling

This article is contributed by Azhar Abdullah, Head of Enterprise at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

As Malaysia pushes towards becoming a regional leader in the digital economy under the Malaysia Madani vision of achieving a highly-skilled, prosperous, and sustainable economy, organizations must now take steps to adopt a digital-first mindset to innovate and transform their businesses.

The digital economy is one of the key economic pillars contributing to 23.2%[1] of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is set to increase to 25.5% by 2025. However, 77%[2] of small and medium enterprises, which contribute almost 40%[3] of Malaysia’s GDP, are still early in their digitalization journey. This represents a huge opportunity for Malaysian businesses to accelerate the pace of digital adoption for tech transformations across the board.

white switch hub turned on
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

As new technologies emerge, businesses need to invest in both solutions and training to enhance efficiency and productivity in day-to-day work and position themselves for growth. Digital upskilling is a key component of Malaysia’s digital transformation, which includes ensuring employees are equipped with capabilities to deploy cloud-enabled solutions, individuals are empowered for future digital careers, and the digital inclusion of citizens is advanced.

Keeping Pace in an Evolving Landscape

To keep pace with industry disruptions and evolving customer needs, it is essential for business leaders to embrace cloud technology as a strategic priority. Doing so will allow them to benefit from the cost-efficiency, reliability, flexibility, scalability, and security of the cloud.

One such example is the well-loved homegrown curry powder and spice brand, Baba’s Products[4], which adopted AWS cloud to efficiently scale, optimize costs, and implement disaster recovery strategies. With AWS, Baba’s Products has achieved faster time-to-value, reducing the order-to-cash cycle by 40%, and supporting its expanding regional presence with products sold across nearly all retail grocery stores in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

close up photo of person typing on laptop
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

Malaysian businesses should move forward on their digitization efforts, to reduce the risk of falling behind as the country moves towards achieving its digital economy goals. Without integrating digital tools and strategies into operations, businesses may face several challenges such as inefficiencies in their productivity levels, resulting in slower delivery of customer products or services. Additionally, with data playing a critical role in decision-making, they might miss out on valuable insights, hindering their ability to make informed choices and strategic decisions.

As part of its strategy, Maxis, Malaysia’s leading converged solutions company and AWS Advanced Tier Partner, taps into resources from the global community AWS Partner Network[5] to drive innovation, modernization, and deliver enhanced personalized experiences for its end customers. Maxis leverages more than 400 AWS-accredited employees to date that provide solutions to local businesses to accelerate cloud adoption.

Building Malaysia’s digital workforce with the right talent

As technology continues to shape the world, education, skilling, and talent play a pivotal role in driving innovation, economic growth, as well as societal progress. In June 2023, Human Resource Minister V. Sivakumar highlighted that based on 2020 World Economic Forum predictions, 4.5 million Malaysians are likely to lose their jobs by 2030 if they do not improve their skills with the emergence of AI[6]

AWS has committed to training 29 million[7] people globally in cloud computing through free training programs by 2025 and has helped 13 million globally access cloud skills training to date. Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 1 million individuals across ASEAN and more than 50,000 individuals in Malaysia.

hands holding a smartphone with data on screen
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Training programs like AWS re/Start prepare the workforce for a digital economy, as well as transforming lives in Malaysia. One example is Malaysia’s own re/Start alumni, Ganesan Mahesan, who was faced with the challenge of finding a professional job when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “During the pandemic, I struggled to find employment in my field. I came across the AWS re/Start program, and it was an excellent introduction to core cloud concepts. I was excited to learn new skills.” Through the program, Ganesan secured a job with the chemical company Evonik as an IT Support Engineer.

Investment in skilling is equally beneficial to both individuals in the workforce and employers. According to a Gallup study,[8] organizations that employ digitally advanced workers, digital technology, and cloud technology reap higher business growth and innovation. In a similar vein, Malaysian workers with advanced digital skills can earn salaries 106% higher, and 74% of respondents express higher job satisfaction.

To stay ahead of the evolving job landscape and skills demands, Bank Islam, Malaysia’s first listed Islamic financial services institution, launched a broad staff upskilling program to give more than 4,000 Bank Islam employees access to foundational cloud skills. This was achieved through a combination of on-demand digital training, live instructor-led training, and group interaction sessions, as part of a skills roadmap to establish the Bank Islam Digital Academy, a permanent learning centre that will drive and grow digital skills across the organization.

Long-term commitment to enable Malaysia’s Digital Era

It is inspiring to see the potential of how cloud technology can enable SMEs, enterprises, government agencies, and citizens. In the public sector, government agencies can tap into the Cloud Framework Agreement with the Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU), which grants Malaysia’s government agencies and departments access to power IT modernizations and improve citizen services.

Earlier in March, AWS announced its plans to launch an AWS infrastructure Region in Malaysia, which will give government, developers, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations across the country the access to greater choices – from compute and storage, to artificial intelligence and machine learning, and more, to foster innovation and growth. As part of its commitment to the region, AWS is planning to invest $6 billion (approx. MYR 25.5 billion) in Malaysia by 2037. We look forward to seeing how this investment will spur job creation, cultivate skills training, and provide growth opportunities to the communities surrounding our data centres, helping Malaysia reach its potential as a digital leader in the region.


[1]Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal, Ministry of Economy
[2] SME Corp, Post-pandemic growth: Address barriers to business digital transformation
[3] Contribution of SMEs in Malaysia and China, Department of Statistics Malaysia, Newsroom
[4] AWS, Baba’s Keeps Its Spices Fresh with Real-Time Data from SAP on AWS
[5] AWS, Join the AWS Partner Network
[6] HR minister: Malaysia needs to retrain 50% of workforce amid AI rise
[7] Amazon, Our Upskilling Commitments
[8] AWS, Study by Gallup and AWS shows digital skills drive economic growth across APAC

RapidKL’s My50 & MyCity Passes Now Available for Purchase Online!

RapidKL is finally launching and selling its My50 and MyCity passes making it easier for users to purchase the pass instantly without going through the hassle. The passes can be purchased through The MyRapid Pulse app, which is available on the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and the Huawei AppGallery. It is also available for purchase through the online MyRapid Shop. With this system in place, it allows commuters to buy these passes online instead of at customer service counters in RapidKL train stations and bus hubs.

Key Visual RapidKL My50 & MyCity Pass online purchase
Source: RapidKL/Prasarana

However, like many of its other “advancements”, the transition to an online system seems like two steps forward and a step back. As mentioned in its own FAQs, while the passes are being sold online, they will not be able to be activated on the MyKad or Touch ‘n Go card after the purchase. Instead, users must activate the pass at customer service counters at public transport stations like KL Sentral.

There is, however, a good reason why users must activate it at customer service counters. As of current My50 and MyCity passes are only available to Malaysians. That said, it doesn’t look like RapidKL has implemented a KYC (Know Your Client) protocol in place. Hence, proving nationality through the Pulse app or MyRapid Shop will be difficult. According to them, this is also due to the Touch n’ Go system that needs the passes to be physically activated.

That said, the new implementation is a step forward. However, it would be a big benefit to users if these passes are available via platforms like ewallets, Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Users will then be able to simply tap in or out with their cellphones. It is worth noting though, that, recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that RapidKL’s parent firm, Prasarana, is working on an open payment system for 2024. We’ll have to wait and see if the process changes when that is launched.