Inovatif

Author: admin

  • Manulife and Bank of China Malaysia launch global income fund to strengthen retirement readiness

    Manulife and Bank of China Malaysia launch global income fund to strengthen retirement readiness

    Financial wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of long-term health and longevity, with many acknowledging that financial fitness can significantly influence their quality of life as they age. In response to this growing awareness – and the pressing need to help investors in Malaysia better prepare for retirement – Manulife Investments and Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad (BOCM) announced that they are offering BOCM clients the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Fund). The Fund invests at least 85% of its net asset value into the Manulife Global Fund – Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Target Fund).

    The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund is suitable for investors who seek regular income, and wish to participate in a diversified portfolio of assets in the global markets, and have a medium to long-term investment horizon.

    A recent survey[1] conducted by Manulife revealed that only 58% of Malaysians believe they have sufficient funds for retirement – raising concerns that the remaining 42% may face health and longevity challenges post-retirement. Additionally, over half (56%) believe it is critical to have a steady income stream after retirement, while nearly one-third say a diversified investment portfolio helps bridge their financial gap.

    The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund takes a differentiated approach to income generation, focusing less on equity appreciation and more on delivering yield through fixed income and an option writing strategy. A key feature of the strategy is the tactical use of option writing, which may provide a steady income stream in both rising and falling markets. Option premiums tend to increase with market volatility, making this approach particularly valuable during market downturns – when traditional capital payouts may be under pressure.

    Yan Ye, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCM, said “BOCM understands that the country will become an aged nation earlier than expected by 2040, with those who are 60 years old and above accounting for 17% of the population[2] . According to a public mandatory retirement scheme, most Malaysians do not have enough savings for their retirement. Therefore, planning for retirement should start early to enable individuals to adopt suitable strategy. As a financial service provider, BOCM provides banking solutions that bridge the financial needs of Malaysians. Leveraging the Fund’s objective and Manulife Investments’ fund management expertise over the years, we are onboarding the Fund on our platform to enhance the range of options available for our customers’ selection.”

    Grace Ho, Head of Retail Wealth Distribution and Direct Digital Business, Asia, Manulife Investments said: “We are pleased to offer the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund to the valued customers of BOCM. Across Asia, we continue to see rising demand for income solutions that can help investors navigate longer lifespans, shifting retirement expectations, and evolving market conditions. Bringing this established strategy to Malaysia reflects our commitment to supporting local investors with proven, globally diversified approaches that align with their long-term financial goals.”

    BOCM customers can subscribe to the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund through bank branches and mobile banking (eWealth Banking) platform.

  • Razorpay Curlec and VISA launch instalment payments

    As Malaysia’s consumer spending gears up for a strong 2025, driven by an average income growth of 3.3% year-on-year, household expenditures are set to rise sharply – from RM896.9 billion in 2024 to an anticipated RM943.7 billion this year.

    But what’s truly reshaping the consumer spending landscape? A new wave of digitally savvy Malaysians is demanding smarter, more flexible payment solutions such as Easy Payment Plans (EPP) to help manage both planned and unplanned purchases.

    Recognising this shift in consumer expectations, Malaysia’s leading payment gateway, Razorpay Curlec, has joined forces with the trusted leader in digital payments, VISA, in a strategic partnership to deliver credit card-based instalment plans through VISA Instalment Solutions (VIS).

    This game-changing collaboration is designed to empower businesses nationwide, enabling them to offer customers easy and affordable ways to manage both planned expenditures and unexpected expenses.

    With VIS now integrated into the Razorpay Curlec platform, businesses can provide their customers the freedom to spread the cost of big-ticket items over manageable monthly instalments, available on credit cards from major banks. This partnership not only meets the evolving needs of Malaysia’s consumers but also unlocks fresh growth opportunities for businesses in a fast-paced digital economy.

    Kevin Lee, Country Head and Chief Executive Officer of Razorpay Curlec, said, “Today’s consumers do not just appreciate flexibility, they expect it, especially when it comes to making high-value purchases. To stay ahead, Malaysian businesses need solutions that deliver choice without compromising cash flow or customer experience.

    Through our partnership with Visa, we are enabling thousands of Razorpay Curlec businesses to offer trusted, seamless instalment options, empowering them to elevate the checkout experience, deepen customer relationships, and unlock new avenues for growth and loyalty,” Lee concluded.

    Previn Pillay, Country Manager of Visa Malaysia, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Razorpay Curlec to enable Visa Instalment Solutions at checkout, empowering consumers with seamless and flexible ways to pay. Instalments are increasingly becoming a smart and manageable way to spend, whether on everyday essentials or larger purchases, because they provide both choice and peace of mind. By bringing VIS to Razorpay Curlec, we are supporting financial confidence and giving consumers greater control of their spending, underscoring our commitment to driving inclusive payments built around the needs of consumers.”

    According to the 2024 Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study, card payments are especially prevalent in more mature markets such as Singapore and Malaysia (91%), where card usage maintains a deeper foothold than other newer payment methods, despite the momentum for mobile wallets.

    With EPP, businesses offer customers 0% interest and no management fees on purchases with flexible instalments for credit card users. Customers can access over thousands of participating retailers across categories like home & living, electronics, jewellery, and beauty services.

    By combining world-class technology with deep local insight, Razorpay Curlec is redefining what it means to be a modern payment gateway in Malaysia. Trusted by businesses of all sizes, Razorpay Curlec remains committed to driving innovation, strengthening security, and delivering customer-first solutions to Malaysian businesses, powering growth in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies.

  • TikTok Shop’s continues to invest in security for a safe e-commerce ecosystem

    TikTok Shop’s continues to invest in security for a safe e-commerce ecosystem

    Malaysia’s digital economy continues to gain momentum, with an expanding community of over 1.8 million local sellers and 3.8 million affiliate creators leveraging TikTok Shop as the trusted full-funnel e-commerce ecosystem to create sustainable livelihoods.

    With TikTok Shop recording more than 100 million daily product searches in Malaysia, it is uniquely positioned to accelerate the digital transformation of these homegrown entrepreneurs, as proven by its recent milestone of over 130% year-on-year sales uplift for Malaysian-made products under the #JomLokal initiative.

    At the heart of this progress is TikTok Shop’s continuous efforts to build and maintain a safe e-commerce ecosystem that facilitates secure shopping experiences for a nationwide community, from discovery to purchase.

    “Safety is the top priority for TikTok Shop. This commitment is underpinned by our continuous investment, robust end-to-end policies, and compliance with local laws,” said Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Director of Strategic Partnerships, TikTok Shop Malaysia.

    “As of December 2024, we have invested nearly USD1 billion globally in tools, technologies, and people to protect our community of shoppers, sellers, and affiliate creators from fraudulent, dangerous, illegal, and violative activities,” she emphasised.

    According to Azre, TikTok Shop adopts a four-pronged approach to safety, which includes Proactive Seller Screening, Proactive Product Listing Governance, Reactive Platform Policy Enforcement, and Safety by Design.

    “We believe creating a trustworthy and secure environment for our community starts with prevention. To this end, TikTok Shop implements extensive proactive measures to screen sellers upon account registration and before products are listed,” she added.

    Diving deeper, Azre mentioned that all businesses must submit official documentation when applying to register for a TikTok Shop Seller Account.

    These applications are said to be scrutinised closely to comply with applicable local regulations and TikTok Shop’s extensive policies, including ensuring that the Identity Card (IC) or relevant business certificates submitted match the corresponding TikTok Shop account and bank account details.

    Even the store names of all sellers must strictly adhere to a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure accurate business representation, such as restrictions on terms like “Official”, “Flagship”, or “Authorised”.

    “With these preventive processes, from July to December 2024, TikTok Shop has proactively declined 1.6 million seller account registrations globally that did not meet our rigorous standards,” said Azre.

    Once successfully registered, new sellers are then placed on a temporary probation period, with limited daily orders and product listings, to help familiarise themselves with TikTok Shop’s policies and stabilise their operations.

    These policies include TikTok Shop’s Product Listing Guidelines, which explicitly outline prohibited products, including counterfeits and knockoffs.

    “From July to December 2024, TikTok Shop has proactively rejected over 50 million product listing attempts worldwide that violate our guidelines,” explained Azre.

    Affiliate creators are similarly held to high standards under TikTok Shop’s Content Policy, which ensures responsible product promotions by prohibiting illegal activities, intellectual property (IP) rights infringement, misleading or false content, Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), and more.

    “However, there is no finish line when it comes to safety. Users are encouraged to directly report violative products, content, and sellers on TikTok Shop via the in-app reporting channel,” Azre reminded.

    Strict enforcement actions are then taken against any sellers or creators who breached its policies, based on TikTok Shop’s Seller Performance Evaluation Policy and Creator Performance Evaluation Guidelines.

    Azre highlighted that, worldwide between July 2024 and December 2024, TikTok Shop removed more than 90,000 listed products, disabled e-commerce features for more than 700,000 creators, and removed more than 450,000 sellers as a result of shop-level violations.

    “In addition to our platform’s proactive and reactive governance, security is also embedded into users’ in-app shopping experience, through our Safety by Design approach,” she underscored.

    All orders on TikTok Shop are protected by its robust Free Returns and Refunds Policy, which facilitates simplified and fair after-sales requests for customers.

    “TikTok Shop will continue collaborating with our community, regulators, and industry stakeholders to share insights, refine best practices, and shape forward-looking policies that promote a safe and vibrant e-commerce ecosystem for all, such as through our #ShopSafe scam prevention initiative,” Azre concluded.

  • RHB’s net profit up 7.0% to RM1.6 billion in 1H FY2025

    RHB’s net profit up 7.0% to RM1.6 billion in 1H FY2025

    RHB Bank Berhad (RHB or the Group) registered a net profit of RM1.6 billion in the first half of its financial year ending 31 December 2025 (1H FY2025), a 7.0% Y-o-Y increase, primarily driven by higher net fund-based income, disciplined credit cost management and improved credit quality, reflecting the Group’s strong fundamentals and prudent risk discipline.

    Total income expanded marginally at RM4.2 billion, mainly from higher net fund-based income but partially offset with contraction in non-fund based income. The Group maintained operational stability, supported by prudent cost management, continued strength in capital and liquidity positions. Cost growth was contained at 2.1% with CIR at 47.3%.

    Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “The first half of 2025 was marked by global uncertainties and industry headwinds. Despite this, RHB remained resilient in delivering performance with sustained growth, lower ECL, and disciplined cost management. Our domestic loan growth tracked well with the industry, supported by sound asset quality. These results underscore our strength and position us well to capture new growth avenues in the months ahead.”

    “We remain focused on sharpening the execution of PROGRESS27, our three-year strategic roadmap. The recently concluded strategic bancassurance and bancatakaful partnerships reinforce our commitment to staying relevant to customers, diversifying income streams, and driving sustainable long-term growth. This is aligned to our strategic priorities, enabling us to deliver broader value for stakeholders, strengthen our non-interest income base, and unlock greater opportunities ahead,” added Dato’ Mohd Rashid.

    Strong Capital and Liquidity Position
    The Group’s total assets rose to RM354 billion, supported by healthy balance sheet growth and prudent capital management. Group shareholders’ equity stood at RM33 billion, with the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratio of 15.9% and Total Capital Ratio (TCR) at 18.3%, reinforcing a strong capital position to support future growth ambitions while providing ample buffers against macroeconomic uncertainties. Whereas the Bank’s CET-1 and TCR stood at 14.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Loan loss coverage ratio including regulatory reserves, improved to 116.5%, reflecting sound provisioning practices.

    Domestic loan growth of 4.2% (annualised) tracking well against the industry’s 4.3%, while the Group’s GIL ratio contained at 1.51%, and the domestic GIL ratio was below the industry average, demonstrating sound credit quality.

    The Group has delivered RM48 billion in sustainable financial services, achieving more than half of its RM90 billion target for 2027. This underscores its commitment to sustainable financing and supporting the nation’s low-carbon transition agenda. Most recently, the Group partnered with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) to activate the RHB-MRL 360⁰ ESG Finance Ecosystem, a first-of-its-kind sustainable financial value chain transition roadmap. Through this partnership, MRL has placed funds in RHB ESG Deposits to finance green and social projects, embedding sustainability into the core of banking while reinforcing the role of financial flows in driving climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

    Outlook: Building on Momentum
    Looking ahead, Malaysia’s economy is projected to remain resilient, with strong domestic demand, growth in tourism activity, job creation, and sustained investment activity from both private and public sectors. The Government’s Ekonomi MADANI framework is key to guiding sustainable and inclusive growth, emphasising high value activities, fiscal consolidation, and social equity. Initiatives such as the Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, alongside the steady rollout of structural reforms, are expected to further stimulate investment and economic growth. In this environment, the operating landscape remains conducive for the Group to pursue its growth ambitions under PROGRESS27.

  • Saudi commits to drive Malaysia’s visitor growth

    Saudi commits to drive Malaysia’s visitor growth

    Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ reinforced its commitment to the Malaysian market recently at its B2B trade show, where they hosted over 30 Saudi stakeholders and more than 150 local and regional trade partners to explore collaboration opportunities. The trade show garnered strong support from Saudi Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), airlines, and hotels as well as key local travel associations, such as Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) and The Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators (BUMITRA). The aim was to expand tourism offerings, such as Umrah+ packages within Saudi, diverse leisure destinations, and innovative travel solutions designed for Malaysian travellers.

    “We are seeing growing interest from Malaysian visitors to Saudi beyond Umrah. As of June 2025, we’ve recorded a 9% increase in Malaysian visitors compared to 2024 and we are confidently on track to surpass 300,000 visitors by year-end. This robust growth highlights the rising demand among Malaysians to experience Saudi beyond its spiritual offerings, with destinations like the Saudi Red Sea, AlUla, Aseer, and Al Baha gaining popularity,” says Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority. “We are fully committed to working with our travel trade partners to develop tailored packages, promote leisure experiences, to sustain the momentum of this expanding and dynamic market.”

    To further enhance accessibility, Saudi showcased its unparalleled air connectivity, facilitated by SAUDIA, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Air Asia X, Air Arabia, to name few. These carriers collectively serve over 25 destinations across Saudi. The trade show also featured an array of B2B incentives and giveaways, designed to highlight Saudi’s accessibility and services:

    • Airline tickets: Including SAUDIA tickets from Kuala Lumpur to any part of Saudi, an AirAsia X return ticket to Medina, Air Arabia return tickets to Abha and Yanbu, and a grand prize of return Business Class tickets from Johor Bahru to Madinah with Amal by Malaysia Airlines.
    • Exclusive prizes: an Alif Dinar Gold Bar from WeXpress; a two-night stay in a five-star Riyadh hotel by Middle East Made Yours; a two-night stay at the Address Hotel Jabal Omar, Makkah; a complimentary 50-seater bus from Makkah to Ala Khutah (courtesy of Ala Khutah, a new Prophets’ Hijra route destination); two-night stays at Maysan Hotels in Makkah and Madinah; and a one-day Maybach chauffeur-driven tour in Riyadh with Talia Tourism.

    Innovative products and initiatives were presented to enhance travel experience and support agencies alike:

    • Aroya Cruises: Saudi-owned cruise liner, set to bring’ Malaysian passengers into Jeddah in 2026.
    • Touch ‘n Go partnership: Up to 5% cashback when using the TNG travel card in Saudi, plus a dedicated Saudi app-page with real-time Riyal conversion.
    • WeXpress collaboration: Streamlined logistics support for Umrah travellers.
    • VAT Tax Refund: The Saudi authorities have recently introduced new shopping incentives for travelers and tourists into Saudi Arabia, allowing them to get a tax refund upon spending more than SAR 500.

    Recognising the growing demand for diverse travel experiences, new and emerging destinations were introduced to cater to both Umrah+ and leisure travellers.

    • Our Habitas Hotel & Shaden Hotel in AlUla: Participation in Malaysia for the first time showed increasing interest in AlUla among travellers for both religious and leisure purposes. AlUla is becoming a more common destination for Umrah pilgrims, who are now including it in their itineraries for day trips or overnight stays.
    • Al Baha & Aseer (Abha): These newly introduced cool-weather highland escapes are positioned for year-round tourism.
    • Saudi Red Sea: An 1,800-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline split into three regions, where travelers can embark on truly unique adventures.
    • Ala Khutah: a journey 470 km long that follows the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, retracing the historical route of the Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, and featuring 7 overnight stations and 41 historical sites.

    Furthermore, the Saudi Travel Fair will return in 2025 at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya in October featuring curated Umrah+ leisure packages in Saudi from selected travel agents.

  • Students champion 3R values in PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign

    Students champion 3R values in PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign

    In a bid to cultivate environmental awareness among Malaysian youth, the Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) celebrated the achievements of tertiary students from across the country at a recent prize-giving ceremony held at its headquarters. The event honoured nine winners whose creative, inspiring and authentic submissions showcased how they incorporate the practices of 3R into their daily life. This was the first nationwide initiative under PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign.
    The campaign, which took place between May and June 2025, invited Malaysian tertiary students to submit short, creative videos showing how they incorporate the principles of 3R – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – in their daily lives. Open to tertiary students, the campaign was designed to encourage personal reflection and storytelling on sustainable living.

    PIAM’s Chief Executive Officer, Chua Kim Soon, shared that the initiative came at a time when environmental issues are increasingly affecting the general insurance industry. He explained that, “We have seen how floods and storms are becoming more frequent and severe. As insurers, we help with the aftermath, but we also feel a responsibility to be part of the solution. Through the 3R Campaign under our #GoGreenWithPIAM initiative, we are hoping to bring back simple habits from the past, like using tiffin carriers instead of plastic containers, that can help protect the environment and ourselves.”

    He also highlighted how the younger generation brings fresh energy and creativity to such efforts, saying, “What made many of the video entries stand out was how personal and authentic they were. These students didn’t just talk about recycling, they showed how it fits into their lifestyle. Their sincerity, combined with strong editing and storytelling, was impressive and inspiring.”

    One of those standout voices came from the Grand Prize winner, Nur Aqilah Binti Noor Hisyam from Perlis, whose video was praised for its creativity and heartfelt message. “It has been a passion of mine for some time now, and this campaign gave me the platform to showcase my commitment to sustainable living,” she said. “Organising a community recycling drive and seeing young children learn about waste really stuck with me, it showed how small actions can spark bigger change. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but I have learnt that simple habits, like using reusables or encouraging others to recycle, do make a difference.” She shared that the prize money will go towards her studies in environmental science and, if possible, a small eco-project like a compost bin or mini garden to keep the campaign’s spirit alive.

    The campaign was led by Lee Chiew Lai, Programme Leader of the 3R Campaign and member of PIAM’s Climate Change Action Committee (CCAC). He explained that this first initiative is part of a broader, long-term goal to drive behaviour change starting with young people. “We believe tertiary students are future leaders. If they start building sustainable habits now, they will influence their peers, families, and eventually the wider community,” he said.

    Lee added that the campaign was not just about promoting recycling, but about encouraging deeper thinking around reducing waste and reusing materials in practical, everyday ways. “Our goal is to encourage a circular economy mindset. It’s not just about what we throw away, but how we can reduce what we use in the first place,” he said. “This is only the beginning of our #GoGreenWithPIAM journey, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.”

    The campaign received submissions from across the country, with students showcasing a mix of creativity, storytelling and technical skill. Prizes were awarded to nine winners, including a Grand Prize of RM3,000, three Runner-Up prizes of RM750 each, and five Consolation Prizes of RM350.

    PIAM hopes to continue engaging the youth through more campaigns in the future, while also expanding outreach to schools and local communities. Chua emphasised that the association is focused on long-term change, not just short-term impact. “Our aim is to encourage lasting habits of environmental responsibility. Through education and awareness, we hope to inspire a mindset shift that stays with people for life,” he said.

  • RHB-OSK property partnership expands Malaysians’ access to prime overseas properties

    RHB-OSK property partnership expands Malaysians’ access to prime overseas properties

    RHB Banking Group (RHB or the Group) recently announced a strategic collaboration with OSK Property to offer Malaysians greater access to overseas residential properties through the launch of the RHB Overseas Property Financing solution. This offering debuts with Melbourne Square, OSK Property’s landmark development in Southbank, Melbourne, Australia.

    Melbourne Square is a mixed-use precinct offering spacious residences with panoramic city views, extensive green spaces, and convenient proximity to universities, retail hubs, and cultural attractions. This makes it an attractive choice for Malaysian seeking to secure an alternate residence with long-term capital appreciation.

    Under this strategic partnership, RHB Premier clients now access Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)-denominated full flexi housing loans for overseas residential properties in Australia. The RHB Overseas Property Financing solution, designed for Malaysians who are neither permanent residents nor citizens of Australia, is applicable for properties in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia (within a 30km radius of the Central Business District). The financing comes with flexible repayment terms, no-cost redraw facilities, and early release options during the construction phase.

    The financing solution is also applicable for properties in London, UK (Zones 1-3). This offering is part of the Group’s plan to expand its overseas property financing to key global cities, aligning with market trends and the aspirations of its Premier clients. The product’s features are designed for clients to manage foreign exchange exposure while complying with Bank Negara Malaysia’s regulations.

    Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, RHB Banking Group Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer said “RHB remains committed to being the trusted partner for our Premier clients as they diversify and expand their residential real estate portfolios beyond Malaysia’s borders. Property continues to be a time-tested, resilient asset class, offering long-term value and a natural hedge against inflation. Through this partnership with OSK Property, we are offering our clients with seamless financing solutions that enable them to confidently capitalise on premium overseas opportunities like Melbourne Square.”

    Ong Ju Yan, Group Managing Director, OSK Property Group, added, “RHB Bank has introduced an innovative and flexible financing product for Malaysians to acquire properties overseas. This unique product can help Malaysian investors and families to fulfil their dreams of owning a property in a prime location like Melbourne Square.”

    The partnership was launched at Beyond Borders: Australia Property Investment Outlook, an exclusive event that brought together property experts and investors. Dominic Heaton-Watson, Associate Director of the International Residential Property at Knight Frank Malaysia, delivered the keynote presentation, highlighting Melbourne’s robust economic fundamentals and rising popularity among buyers seeking property for their children’s education.

    RHB plans to expand its overseas property financing to include more Australian cities and outer zones of London, aligned with market trends and client needs. The RHB Premier proposition reinforces the Group’s commitment to delivering financial solutions that help clients grow their international real estate investments.

  • Alibaba Cloud is Selangor’s official cloud service provider

    Alibaba Cloud is Selangor’s official cloud service provider

    Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has been officially recognised as one of the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the newly launched Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) — a strategic state initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and driving digital transformation across Selangor.

    Spearheaded by Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) or MBI Selangor via its wholly owned subsidiary Smartsel Sdn Bhd (SMARTSEL), the SMC was launched at MBI Digital Innovation Day by Selangor Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari. The initiative plays a central role in realising the state’s Smart Selangor ambitions under Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) and the upcoming RS-2.

    As part of its collaboration, Alibaba Cloud, facilitated by its local partner VSTECS Bhd, will provide secure, scalable multi-cloud solutions to support digitalisation across government agencies and state-linked entities.

    “We are proud to be one of the official cloud service providers for the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) to support the digitalisation for the state. Our collaboration with the MBI Selangor reflects a shared vision to create an inclusive, knowledge-driven digital economy. By combining Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technological capabilities with the state’s bold digital agenda, we aim to build a future where digital innovation is accessible to everyone, from public agencies to students and entrepreneurs,” said Kun Huang, General Manager of Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

    In addition to cloud infrastructure, Alibaba Cloud is rolling out two key initiatives to promote broader AI literacy and accessibility; the Alibaba Cloud AI Toolkit and the “Celik AI Selangor” online learning programme — both designed to make AI technology more accessible to government agencies, educators, students, and grassroots communities.

    As part of its support for the SMC rollout, Alibaba Cloud also introduced its AI Toolkit — a comprehensive, all-in-one resource designed to equip users across various sectors with the tools and support needed to begin building AI applications with ease and at no upfront cost.
    Tailored to meet the diverse needs of startups, SMEs, students, educators, and enterprises, the AI Toolkit includes:

    • 1 Million Free Tokens per Model – Users receive up to 1 million free tokens across selected large language models (LLMs) via Alibaba Cloud Model Studio — ideal for prototyping, testing, and small-scale deployments.
    • Free Tier and Promotional Credits – New users can access complimentary computing, storage, API calls, and serverless inference through Alibaba Cloud’s Promo Center — enabling low-cost experimentation and development.
    • User-Friendly Tools and Learning Resources – The toolkit supports both technical and non-technical users with hands-on access to real-world tools and datasets, helping accelerate AI literacy and practical application. Free training is also available for non-technical users to understand core AI concepts and apply them to real-world challenges.

    In tandem with infrastructure support, Alibaba Cloud also introduced Celik AI Selangor — a new online learning platform created for rakyat of Selangor, the platform provides free access to:

    • Eight foundational AI and cloud computing courses curated to meet Malaysia’s public sector and grassroots needs
    • Alibaba Cloud certifications that can unlock further career and learning opportunities
    • Eligibility for government staff, educators, and students across Selangor

    The programme is designed to build foundational AI literacy, especially among youth, civil servants, and educators, empowering the rakyat to become active participants in Malaysia’s digital future.

    Through initiatives like the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services, Alibaba Cloud is deepening its role as a trusted partner in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. Beyond delivering world-class infrastructure, it is also creating pathways for inclusive participation in the digital economy, advancing the nation’s journey toward a high-income, knowledge-based future.

  • FedEx’s intelligent AI-powered customs solutions to streamline global trade

    FedEx’s intelligent AI-powered customs solutions to streamline global trade

    Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) launches two AI-powered tools — Customs AI and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature across Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, designed to simplify the often-complex process of completing global shipping documents needed for international shipments, empowering businesses and individuals to ship with greater ease, accuracy, and confidence.

    Inaccurate shipping documentation continues to be a major challenge in global trade. To address this challenge, FedEx has integrated new tools into its FedEx Ship Manager™ platform at fedex.com, offering customers an intuitive solution to more seamlessly navigate shipment requirements.

    “At FedEx, we are driven by our commitment to delivering flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence for our customers,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of marketing & customer experience for APAC at FedEx. “By leveraging advanced digital insights and intuitive tools, we’re empowering businesses with the agility to adapt, the efficiency to streamline operations, and the intelligence to make better decisions. These innovations not only simplify global trade but also enable our customers to grow their businesses with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace.”

    The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature assists customers in their selection of correct HTS code for U.S. import clearance. Customers can input an item description, and the system will automatically suggest the most appropriate HTS code options, along with a confidence score, from which the customer can choose.

    Currently available in Australia, Guam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines, Customs AI leverages advanced generative AI technology to help simplify the shipment documentation process. By analyzing customer inputs in real time, the chatbot intelligently prompts the customer to provide a specific item description and assists customers in selecting the corresponding HTS codes, which can be applied directly to shipment documentation with a single click.

    Each suggested HTS code also includes a direct link to the official U.S. HTS tariff schedule, educating customers on the selection and ensuring full transparency and verification. The system is updated to maintain regulatory compliance in an evolving trade landscape, helping customers remain compliant with the latest customs requirements while saving valuable time and effort.

    Together, these tools deliver a unified solution that simplifies global trade by addressing key challenges in clearance. Customers may benefit from:

    1. Efficient Customs Clearance: The AI-powered chatbot dynamically tailors questions based on the item being shipped, guiding customers through a simplified documentation process that helps them provide complete and accurate data to brokers. This can help speed up clearance and drive compliance for U.S.-bound packages.
    2. More Accurate Duty & Tax Estimation: Proper HTS code classification enables more precise calculation of import duties and taxes, helping customers better forecast and manage international shipping expenses.
    3. Reduced Delays: Specific item descriptions and HTS code classifications from the outset significantly reduce the likelihood of shipments being held during customs clearance, supporting on-time delivery.
    4. Potential Cost Savings: By avoiding errors in documentation, customers can mitigate the risk of additional handling fees, penalties, or delays caused by non-compliance.

    To further support businesses in navigating evolving trade regulations, FedEx offers a range of customer-centric initiatives, including webinars designed to provide practical knowledge and insights on customs compliance and global shipping best practices. These webinars, combined with the robust FedEx suite of digital Import solutions such as the FedEx Import Tool and Collaborative Shipping Tool, empower businesses to adapt confidently to dynamic trade environments.

  • Bridge Data Centres partners with Johor Special Water for Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant facility

    Bridge Data Centres partners with Johor Special Water for Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant facility

    Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a leading regional provider of hyperscale data centre solutions, has partnered with Johor Special Water (JSW) to embark on Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) integrated within a data centre facility.

    The Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) is the first of its kind, repurposing treated effluent from a
    nearby Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) facility and converting it into high-grade reclaimed water
    suitable for data centre cooling.

    The plant applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO)
    technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Located at the MY07 campus in Ulu
    Tiram, Johor, the initiative is an exciting step forward in aligning high-performance digital
    infrastructure with national sustainability goals.

    Mr Eric Fan, CEO of Bridge Data Centres, said the project demonstrates BDC’s commitment to
    environmental leadership and sustainable growth in Malaysia. “This is more than a technical
    achievement — it is an innovative response to growing industry demand for hyperscalers which
    vie for water resources. BDC’s investments in infrastructure and technologies in this plant are
    anchored on harvesting recycled water for industrial use instead of competing for potable water
    supplies”, said Mr Fan.

    The plant significantly reduces reliance on potable water and strengthens the long-term resilience
    of BDC’s operations, while supporting Johor’s broader environmental agenda. With cumulative
    investments in Johor exceeding billions, BDC’s facility in MY07 is designed to support up to over
    200MW of IT load across multiple phases and serves cloud providers, AI compute operators, and
    mission-critical enterprises across Southeast Asia. More than 200 skilled jobs in engineering, IT,
    and operations have been created as part of the MY07 development.

    Mr Fan added that the project was designed in full compliance with guidelines issued by the
    National Water Services Commission (SPAN), and that BDC worked closely with regulatory
    agencies, JSW, IWK, and Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT) throughout the planning and execution
    phases.

    In addition to the Water Reclamation Plant, BDC’s broader water sustainability strategy includes
    rainwater harvesting, condensate recovery, and the exploration of alternative effluent sources to
    diversify supply and minimise environmental impact. The plant also features smart water metering
    for real-time monitoring, enabling a more efficient and measurable approach to water use.
    Currently in its final commissioning phase, the Water Reclamation Plant is expected to be fully
    operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. Test runs have already demonstrated water quality
    outputs that exceed industry standards.

    BDC’s initiative not only sets a new benchmark for sustainable data centre operations but also
    positions Johor as a rising hub for climate-conscious digital infrastructure in the region. As the
    demand for hyperscale capacity continues to grow, this model offers a blueprint for how the
    industry can address resource challenges through innovation and partnership.

    BDC currently has six data centres in operation or development across Malaysia.