Inovatif

Category: events

  • WCT Bahrain signs MoU to advance brine recovery solutions in Bahrain

    WCT Bahrain signs MoU to advance brine recovery solutions in Bahrain

    WCT Bahrain WLL (“WCT Bahrain”), a subsidiary of WCT Berhad, Tahliya Water Treatment WLL (“TWT”), and the Saudi Water Authority (“SWA”) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to promote collaboration in implementing brine recovery solutions for desalination plants in Bahrain.

    The initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of desalination processes while producing valuable by-products such as Sodium Chloride and other minerals. The project aligns with Bahrain’s goals of enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports, contributing to sustainable regional development to combat sea level rise and climate change.

    The MoU was signed in conjunction with the 3rd Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference, hosted by SWA in Jeddah under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

    Under the MoU, WCT Bahrain will serve as the design-and-build contractor, overseeing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) aspects of the project while TWT will act as the plant owner, responsible for project CAPEX and operation management. SWA is responsible in providing strategic and technical advisory services, guiding the deployment of brine recovery technology.

    This collaboration aims to develop and implement advanced brine mining technology, improve desalination efficiency, conserve energy, and produce valuable minerals locally to reduce import dependency.  Bahrain’s existing desalination plants will benefit from these advancements, aligning with the nation’s sustainability priorities.

  • AXXESS Introduces Mobility Protect for Touch ‘n Go Users

    Over 30 million Touch n’ Go card and 3.6 million registered RFID tag users can now access Mobility Protect, an innovative insurance solution designed to protect personal belongings or mitigate medical costs due to unforeseen accidents or loss when using toll roads, car park facilities or public transport.

    At RM2.99 per month for unlimited usage, commuters receive on-demand, convenient access to loss and accident coverage each time they tap their card or scan their RFID tag. Developed by AXXESS in collaboration with Touch n’ Go and AIG, the key benefits of Mobility Protect include:

    • Toll Road Protection: Includes transportation allowance due to accident, accidental injury hospitalisation income, tyre damage, hotel accommodation in case of an accident.
    • Parking Coverage: Protection against vehicle break-in, theft, key replacement, medical reimbursement.
    • Public Transport Benefits: Transportation allowance and medical reimbursement due to accident, snatch theft, accidental injury hospitalisation income.

    “This benefit marks another step in our mission to elevate the everyday experiences of Touch ‘n Go users,” said Mr. Praba Sangarajoo, CEO of Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd.

    “Mobility Protect was designed specifically for our Touch ‘n Go customers, providing additional protection and peace of mind as they go about their daily lives.”

    The monthly subscription provides comprehensive access to Mobility Protect with coverage automatically activated once the card is tapped to begin a journey or entry into a car park and deactivated when tapping out once that journey ends.

    “With over 30 million Touch ‘n Go card and 3.6 million+ registered RFID tag users we saw a unique opportunity to provide a truly personalized and on-demand insurance solution that fits into the daily commute of Malaysians,” said Tan Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir, Executive Director of AXXESS.

    “Mobility Protect provides commuters with the flexibility and convenience they require, offering peace of mind with every ‘tap’ or ‘scan’.”

    “We’re excited to partner with AXXESS and Touch ‘n Go on this transformative insurance product,” said Mr. Antony Lee, CEO of AIG Malaysia. “At AIG, we are committed to offering insurance solutions that help people protect their assets and manage risks.”

  • Kaspersky: Businesses in Southeast Asia faced over 140K web cyberthreats daily

    Kaspersky: Businesses in Southeast Asia faced over 140K web cyberthreats daily

    In Southeast Asia, businesses face a growing spectrum of web, or internet-born threats as they navigate an increasingly digital economy. The region’s rapid digitalisation has made it both a hub for growth and a target for cybercriminals.

    In the first half of 2024, Kaspersky has detected and blocked over 26 million web threats from its security solutions for businesses in the region, averaging 146,944 web attacks every day.

    Companies and organisations in Malaysia faced 19,615,255 web-based threats in the first six months of the year, placing the nation at the top of the rank among SEA countries. Indonesia trailed behind in second spot with 3,204,294.

    Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action via the internet. Web threats are made possible by end-user vulnerabilities, web service developers/operators, or web services themselves. Regardless of intent or cause, the consequences of a web threat may damage both individuals and organisations.

    Vietnam and Thailand are sitting lower in the regional rank, with total web attacks of 1,445,452 and 1,057,732, while 846,837 threats were recorded in the Philippines and 574,292 in Singapore.

    “As businesses and governments in the region continue to embrace digitalisation to drive economic growth, their increased reliance on digital platforms broadens their attack surface. This leads to more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in unprotected systems, which can cause disruptions to supply chains, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure such as healthcare and energy. Such incidents can damage productivity, lead to financial losses, and erode trust in digital systems,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

    While governments are increasingly focusing on mandatory regulations and laws to protect data and enforce accountability for cybersecurity incidents, it is important that local businesses too must continue keeping round-the-clock vigilance, prioritising and strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

    “Cybercriminals in the region are becoming more sophisticated, utilising AI-driven attacks and other tools and techniques Businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity tools like endpoint protection, firewalls, and real-time event monitoring and management. Regular security assessment and audits must be conducted to identify weaknesses and address vulnerabilities,” Yeo remarks.

  • A TRANSFORMATIVE DAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES OF MALAYSIA, YB DATUK CHAN FOONG HIN.

    A TRANSFORMATIVE DAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES OF MALAYSIA, YB DATUK CHAN FOONG HIN.

    Kuala Lumpur – The second edition of the Sustainable Action Conference 2024 (SAC 2.0) concluded with remarkable success on 21st November 2024 at the Sunway Resort Hotel, Malaysia. Co-organized by Control Union Malaysia and the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), in collaboration with the MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA), the event was proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

    The conference was officially launched by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia, accompanied by H.E. Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia, and H.E. Rafael Tristan Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Malaysia, Ir. TS. Shamsul Bahar, Group Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Mr. Dirk Teichert, Managing Director of Control Union Asia Holdings and Mr. Supun Nigamuni, Managing Director, Control Union Malaysia.

    The conference brought together corporate leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates from across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, plantations, forestry, energy, oil & gas, construction, finance, and tourism. With the theme “Transforming Pledges into Action: Realizing a Sustainable Future,” SAC 2024 showcased real-world case studies, provided actionable insights, and spotlighted best practices in sustainable land use, green financing, energy-efficient manufacturing, and sustainable tourism.

    SAC 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by hosting a carbon-neutral event, by offsetting emissions through the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project, Malaysia’s first nature-based carbon initiative registered under VERRA powered by Saxon Renewables and reinvesting all proceeds into charitable organizations supporting impactful sustainability efforts.

    One of the highlights of SAC 2024 was the Non-Government Organization (NGO) funding project. After a rigorous selection process, Dignity for Children Foundation emerged as the winner of the RM 50,000 grant for the Empowerment of Orang Asli Youth Project. This initiative, designed to address educational challenges faced by the Orang Asli community, exemplifies the impact of aligning visionary projects with actionable sustainability goals. This was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Control Union Malaysia, CarbonSpace, Saxon Renewables, SaraCarbon, EPIC Berhad, and Corsair, reaffirming their commitment to driving impactful change through sustainable practices.

    The conference featured distinguished speakers from leading organizations, including PETRONAS, Bursa Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, CIMB Islamic Bank, European Union, Malaysian Timber Association (MTA), SP Setia Berhad, Tourism Malaysia, MATRADE, Climate Governance Malaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF), Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), SD Guthrie, Signify, and more. Their insights provided invaluable guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, addressing global environmental challenges, and fostering innovation.

    SAC 2024 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s sustainability journey, offering a platform for collaboration, learning, and impactful decision-making. By uniting thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the event underscored the importance of collective efforts to advance sustainability across core industries.

    Control Union Malaysia thanks all attendees, sponsors, and partners for making SAC 2024 a success and looks forward to further strengthening Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability.

    For more information on SAC 2024 and future initiatives, visit www.sustainableactionconference.com.

     

  • BINA PURI ASSOCIATE WINS ARBITRATION CASE AGAINST PROLINTAS

    BINA PURI ASSOCIATE WINS ARBITRATION CASE AGAINST PROLINTAS

    KUALA LUMPUR: KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway Bhd (“LATAR”), an associate company of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd (“Bina Puri”) has won an arbitration case against PROLINTAS, over non-payment of monies to LATAR under the Co-ordination and Cost-sharing agreement. 

    In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Bina Puri said LATAR commenced arbitral proceedings on  July 19, 2019 against PROLINTAS at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. 

    The arbitration tribunal ordered PROLINTAS to pay RM46,131,147.57 with interest to LATAR in its judgment on Nov 7 this year. 

    LATAR is the concessionaire for the 33km-long Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor expressway which was open to the public on June 23, 2011.  

    PROLINTAS is an investment holding company that designs, builds, operates, and maintains highways.

  • DUOPHARMA BIOTECH AND UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA PARTNER TO ELEVATE HALAL STANDARDS IN HEALTHCARE

    DUOPHARMA BIOTECH AND UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA PARTNER TO ELEVATE HALAL STANDARDS IN HEALTHCARE

    Kuala Lumpur, 12 November 2024 – Duopharma Biotech Berhad (“Duopharma Biotech” or
    “the Company”) partnered with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s Faculty of Pharmacy
    and IDEA Centre – the university’s strategic office for Research and Innovation, to organise a
    one-day Halal Pharmaceutical Symposium 2024 (HPS 2024) in Putrajaya recently, themed
    “Bridging Halal to Health: Fostering Inclusivity, Innovation and Healthcare Excellence”. The
    event saw the attendance of about 300 delegates from Malaysia.

    Launched by Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of Halal Development Corporation (HDC), the
    symposium saw the participation of Prof Dato’ Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid, Pro Vice-Chancellor
    (Kuala Lumpur Campus), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group
    Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Berhad and various other representatives from the
    pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including Government and non-government bodies;
    academic and research institutions; healthcare practitioners as well as industry players.

    Aiming to provide a platform for exposure, knowledge sharing and discussion among
    delegates, thus contributing to enhancing the sustainability of the Halal pharmaceutical
    industry in Malaysia and globally, the symposium featured a panel discussion, paper
    presentations, viewing of research posters and a research colloquium. The panel discussion
    saw sharing of insights from speakers representing UKM, Duopharma Biotech, the
    Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), HDC, the Ministry of Defence and the
    Malaysian Pharmacist Society.

    Continuing collaboration
    HPS 2024 is a continuation of several initiatives between UKM and Duopharma Biotech since
    2019 to bolster the Halal pharmaceutical economy, with Duopharma Biotech also funding
    research and development efforts by UKM, based at the Halal Pharmaceutical Business
    Initiative Centre (HPBI) under the coordination of the UKM Graduate School of Business
    (UKM-GSB). HPBI is a shared facility for UKM faculty members from different disciplines,
    including the Faculties of Science and Technology, Pharmacy and Islamic Studies and the
    Graduate School of Business. Meanwhile, the university’s IDEA Centre has established a
    Halal Economy research group involving the Faculties of Economics, Management,
    Pharmacy, Islamic Studies, Science & Technology, and UNIPEQ Sdn Bhd – the university’s
    commercialisation arm. The group aims to advance knowledge through research, training,
    professional certification, conferences and collaborations with global stakeholders.

    Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Berhad
    commented, “We are honoured to co-organise HPS 2024 with UKM. As our longstanding R&D
    partner in Halal pharmaceutical science and commercial applications, we have made
    significant progress together and look forward to reaching many more milestones. Through
    this symposium, Duopharma Biotech is maintaining our momentum in spearheading strategic
    collaborations to capture fast-growing potential in the Halal pharmaceutical industry and
    elevate the position of Halal pharmaceuticals within the global pharmaceutical landscape.”

    “As the Halal Pharmaceutical leader in Malaysia with 25 years of excellence in producing Halal
    certified products for consumers, our efforts are driven by our “Halal Built-in” policy and ESG
    commitment which includes a focus on Access to Medicine. Our aim is to enhance inclusivity
    in healthcare, enabling all patients to have choices in the therapies and medications they need
    for their well-being – safe for use and effective, high in quality, hygienic and Halal-certified,”
    he added.

    Prof Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr Mohd Ekhwan Hj Toriman, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Kebangsaan
    Malaysia, emphasised the importance of academic research in advancing the Halal
    pharmaceutical sector. “UKM is one of Malaysia’s leading public universities, known for its
    strong emphasis on research, including in fields like science, technology and medicine. At
    UKM, we believe that Halal pharmaceuticals represent a critical opportunity to merge scientific
    and business innovation with religious compliance. This collaboration between academia and
    industry can lead to new research initiatives, product development, training modules and
    advancements in Halal certification, ensuring global access to Halal-compliant pharmaceutical
    products.”

    Malaysia’s Halal industry is projected to expand to USD113.2 billion by 2030, with a GDP
    contribution of 8.1% by 2025 through the Halal Industry Master Plan 20301

    , spurred by the
    Government’s aim to elevate Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global Halal market.
    Pharmaceuticals are a key growth sector, increasing 156.7% from 2021 to 2022 – the highest
    growth recorded. Globally, the Halal industry offers enormous potential, projected to rise to
    USD5 trillion in value by 2030 from the current USD3.5 trillion, alongside a growth in consumer
    numbers from 1.9 billion to 2.3 billion by 2030

    Established leadership
    Duopharma Biotech was the first pharmaceutical Company to receive Halal certification from
    JAKIM for its Consumer Healthcare Products in 1999, in accordance with MS 1500:2009
    standards, pioneering a range of 100% Halal health supplements, including CHAMPS,
    Flavettes, Proviton and Naturalle products. The Company also complies with the Malaysian
    Standard on Halal Pharmaceuticals MS 2424:2019, which provides clear guidance on the
    requirements for producing Halal pharmaceuticals.

    Duopharma Biotech is also the first pharmaceutical company to receive Halal certification from
    JAKIM for an oncology product, produced at its cutting-edge Highly Potent Active
    Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HAPI) facility located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, the first cancer
    medicine manufacturing facility in Malaysia, with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
    certification from the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. The Company’s
    first biosimilar registered in Malaysia, Erysaa (Erythropoietin) is also the first in its category to
    be certified Halal by the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) in 2020. Likewise, Duopharma
    Biotech’s cosmeceutical range IRORO Nutreatment haircare products developed using stem
    cell technology, is Halal-certified by KMF. Duopharma Biotech is a member of the HDC’s
    Sectoral Working Group.

    For more information on the Halal Pharmaceuticals Symposium 2024, please visit
    https://halal4pharma.com/hps2024/

  • Scoot Expands its Network to Padang, Phu Quoc and Shantou, Bringing Malaysians Closer to Asia’s Hidden Treasures

    Scoot Expands its Network to Padang, Phu Quoc and Shantou, Bringing Malaysians Closer to Asia’s Hidden Treasures

    MALAYSIA – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today announced
    the launch of three new flight services to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Padang in Indonesia and
    Shantou in China. Flights to Phu Quoc and Padang will commence on 20 December 2024
    and 6 January 2025, respectively, and will be operated on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft
    while flights to Shantou will begin on 16 January 2025 on the Airbus A320 family aircraft.

    Known for its rare wildlife and pristine beaches, Phu Quoc is a tropical haven perfect for a
    holiday of adventure or relaxation. It also houses the Phu Quoc National Park, recognised as
    a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At present, Phu Quoc is the only destination in Vietnam that
    has a 30-day visa-free policy, offering international travellers convenient access. From 20
    December 2024, Scoot will operate three times weekly flights to Phu Quoc. Two more
    weekly flights will be added from 25 January 2025, bringing the total number of weekly flights
    between Singapore and Phu Quoc to five times.

    Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra and the birthplace of Padang cuisine (Nasi
    Padang), is a vibrant destination known for its Minangkabau culture and breathtaking
    beaches for surfing. Whether a culture seeker, a nature or food lover, Padang is a hidden
    gem waiting to be discovered. Scoot will operate four times weekly flights to Padang.

    Shantou, a coastal city located in the province of Guangdong in China, is a destination with
    deep cultural heritage and home to Chaoshan cuisine including marinated raw seafood.
    Travellers may like to stroll down Shantou Small Park to see the memorial hall of Dr Sun Yat-
    sen at Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, or escape the city to bask in Nan Ao Island’s blue
    skies, sandy beaches and majestic mountains. Scoot will operate three times weekly flights
    to Shantou.

    In addition to the new destinations, Scoot will be making some adjustments to its network to
    better match capacity to demand and optimise fleet deployment.

    Scoot will add two more weekly flights to Jakarta, bringing the total number of weekly flights
    to 19 times weekly from 24 November 2024. Services to Koh Samui will be increased from
    14 to 21 times weekly from 20 December 2024, and services to Davao will increase from five
    times weekly to daily flights from 22 December 2024. Flights to Vientiane will increase from
    four to five times weekly from 9 February 2025. Operations to Nanchang will be suspended
    after the last flight on 14 February 2025.

    With the launch of services to Phu Quoc, Padang and Shantou, Scoot will offer Malaysians
    easier access to Asia’s hidden gems, with 31 weekly flights to three cities in Vietnam, 84
    weekly flights to 11 cities in Indonesia and 89 weekly flights to 17 points in China by January
    2025.

    Flights to Phu Quoc, Padang and Shantou will be available for booking from today, via
    Scoot’s website, mobile app, and progressively through other channels. One-way Economy
    class fares 1 start from RM299 to Phu Quoc, RM269 to Padang, and RM409 to Shantou,
    inclusive of taxes.

    Mr Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot said, “We are happy to announce the
    introduction of flight services to Padang, Phu Quoc and Shantou, and hope to inspire more
    travellers to discover the diverse experiences our new destinations have to offer. We will
    continue to seek opportunities, expand our network and connect our customers to new travel
    experiences.”

  • Zurich Takaful Malaysia Launches MediAfya+: Comprehensive Medical Plan with Takaful Term 80 for Long-Term Protection

    Zurich Takaful Malaysia Launches MediAfya+: Comprehensive Medical Plan with Takaful Term 80 for Long-Term Protection

    KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2024 – Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZTMB) is excited to introduce MediAfya+, an innovative medical plan designed to offer comprehensive protection, ensuring Malaysians are prepared for life’s unexpected health challenges. This plan, when paired with Takaful Term 80, provides long-term security and peace of mind with an annual coverage limit of up to RM1,000,000.

    As part of the launch celebrations, ZTMB hosted the “Power Up Hidupmu dengan MediAfya+” event on 2 November 2024 at Marina Putrajaya. The event featured a range of engaging activities, including cardio boxing sessions, interactive booths, and expert health insights, making it a fun and informative day for attendees. Guests also had the chance to win RM100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet credits through rezeki draws.

    In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, MediAfya+ addresses the concerns of Malaysians by providing coverage that spans both emergency treatment and long-term care needs, ensuring customers are well-prepared for any situation. With Takaful Term 80, customers will be provided medical coverage that extends up to age of 80, making it ideal for individuals seeking a balance of affordability and comprehensive protection.

    Fatihah Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of ZTMB, said, “Healthcare protection is not just about covering medical bills. It’s about giving people the confidence to live life fully, knowing they are prepared for the unexpected. MediAfya+ represents Zurich Malaysia’s commitment to providing solutions that truly care for what matters, offering comprehensive protection with the flexibility that today’s customers seek.”

    Key Features* of MediAfya+:

    • Comprehensive Protection: Includes pre and post-hospitalisation, out-patient care, and global Emergency Assistance, covering medical, travel, car and home support.
    • High Annual Limit: Up to RM1,000,000 in coverage per year, with no lifetime limit, offering long-term financial security.
    • Hassle-Free Hospital Admission: Expedited admission process at panel hospitals ensures timely and efficient care.
    • Flexibility: Choose between two plans with Deductibles of RM500 or RM5,000, tailored to fit different budgets and coverage needs.
    • Waiver and Deductible: Emergency treatments and government health care facilities are eligible for waivers, reducing out-of-pocket costs during treatment.

    In response to overwhelming demand, ZTMB is delighted to announce the launch of Year End Campaign – ‘Cashback Syok’ till 30 December 2024. This campaign offers customers the opportunity to benefit from MediAfya+ with Takaful Term 80, and as an added incentive, customers will receive up to 2 months cashback depending on the contribution mode. This offer underscores ZTMB’s commitment to enhancing its customers’ healthcare experiences by providing extra benefits along with financial protection.

    For more details on the MediAfya+, please visit the official website at https://www.zurich.com.my/takaful-products/protection/for-my-health/mediafya-plus.

    *Terms and conditions apply.

  • Getting a Good Deal For Online Shopping With Omnichannel Solutions

    Getting a Good Deal For Online Shopping With Omnichannel Solutions

    Malaysians just love discounts, and monthly sales events like 11.11 are the perfect example of that. As the sales period rolls around, shoppers eagerly anticipate the slashed prices and irresistible promotions, whether it is to hunt down a long-desired item or spontaneously adding to cart. 

    However, amid this shopping frenzy, customers often face challenges that can dampen the excitement. Slow loading websites, forgotten carts, and delayed customer support can turn the shopping experience from fun to frustrating. Depending on the frequency, some platforms may face a lot of negative feedback from customers – driving a wrench for shoppers and sellers alike. 

    With that in mind, how can businesses turn these challenges into opportunities, and streamline the ecommerce experience for their customer?

    This is where an omnichannel approach makes for the perfect solution. This new system within the ecommerce world revolves around the integration of different interaction methods to customers. Here in Malaysia, WhatsApp has  up to 13.8 million users which is a substantial sum of potential customers waiting to be nudged. In fact, a record surge can be seen last year with over 8.2 billion messages being sent during Cyber Week over mobile-friendly, conversational channels, showcasing just how essential it is to stay connected across multiple touchpoints.

    Here’s how omnichannel solutions can deliver a seamless shopping experience for both businesses and shoppers:

    Elevating Promotions with Multi-Platform Messages

    Getting the word out on current promotions is one of the key parts to capture customer interest and driving sales. Omnichannel platforms enable businesses to share offers, product launches, and updates across various social channels at once, making sure no one misses out on the fun. 

    Picture this: a shopper browses a store in person, spots an item they like, and decides to wait for an upcoming sale. By following the brand on Instagram, they later receive a notification about a sale which includes that very item. After their purchase, the brand keeps them updated via WhatsApp and email, ensuring the item arrives safely. This seamless communication ecosystem makes the entire shopping process cohesive and keeps customers engaged with the brand at all times.

    Timely Reminders to Boost Conversions

    Speaking of time, a smooth shopping journey is not just about promotions – it is about maintaining customer interest until the very second they complete a purchase. In fact, 63% of people start their shopping online but nearly half still prefer making their final purchase in-store. Omnichannel platforms excel in this area by providing smart reminders to prompt customers in every step of the way. Tailored notifications and prompts can tap into customers’ past browsing behaviour or previous purchases to help them stay connected to products they love. This includes back-in-stock alerts, sale notifications, or abandoned cart nudges, which can make all the difference in turning a browser into a buyer.

    Instant Updates for Transparent Transactions

    Another important factor about online shopping is keeping customers informed to build trust. Omnichannel platforms shine in this area by providing real-time notifications that ensure customers are aware of every step of their order journey. From confirmation emails to tracking details and delivery updates, these instant notifications help alleviate any worries customers might have about their purchase.

    Beyond the transaction itself, notifications about loyalty programmes, upcoming promotions or special rewards can also deepen customer engagement. Even a simple post-purchase survey can become a great way for businesses to collect feedback and fine-tune their offerings – making sure that they continue to offer the best services for the customers when they return. 

    24/7 Support with AI-Powered Assistance

    The online world moves fast, and customers expect support that moves just as quickly. Thanks to the advancements in AI, businesses can now provide round-the-clock assistance that enhances the overall shopping experience. AI-driven chatbots can handle everything from answering FAQs to more complex tasks like providing document provisioning – making customer support both efficient and accessible.

    Automating certain processes also reduces operational costs while ensuring customers receive timely responses. For more intricate inquiries, these bots can pass the conversations to human agents, empowering businesses to deliver superior customer service. This perfect blend of AI and human expertise strengthens customer relationships and ensures that no question goes unanswered.

    At the end of the day, ecommerce remains a highly competitive world. Businesses that decide to equip themselves with omnichannel platforms can create a shopping experience that is smooth, satisfying, and frustration-free – even during the hustle and bustle of high-traffic sales periods like the upcoming 11.11 event. By integrating these nifty tools, businesses can not only address common customer pain points but also foster stronger relationships and build lasting loyalty. The result? Happier customers and a healthier bottom line for all businesses.

  • Maxim E-hailing Launches a New Rate to Support People with Special Needs

    According to the statistics, “special people represent 16%of the world’s population or ⅙ of people who also need fair transportation and facilities.” They need to move around for various everyday activities, like going to work or hospital appointments, attending training courses, and visiting friends. That’s why they need fair transportation, a convenient, affordable, and socially friendly service.

    Maxim E-hailing has recently introduced a new rate called “Mesra OKU” in their app to show their support and cater to the special needs of such people. It is designed to help special people get comfortable rides. The new rate includes additional assistance services and facilities.

    With Mesra OKU, the waiting period after the partner-driver arrives at the pick-up location is extended by additional five minutes. This allows passengers to slowly get in the car, without having to be in a rush or worry about additional costs for keeping the driver waiting for too long. Maxim understands that some people who use wheelchairs, walking frames, walking sticks, and other mobility aids need more time to reach the vehicle.

    This rate also allows clients to take their pets with them for the ride without any additional charges. Passengers with disabilities can inform drivers about their four-legged travel companion in advance by messaging or calling them through the app. Moreover, the app also has a speech recognition feature for people with vision impairments who can book rides using their own voice instead of relying upon others. This speech recognition feature of the app is a useful addition designed to make the special clients more independent; it’s also a step towards Maxim Malaysia’s commitment to creating a user-friendly app.

    Not only that, but Maxim also briefs and educates its partner-drivers on how to work with disabled passengers and ensure their comfort during rides. Passengers are to receive help from drivers without any charges and to be allowed to keep their helping tools at the back of the vehicle.

    “At Maxim, we believe that inclusivity is key, and we’re excited to be able to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Whether it’s for routine activities, medical appointments, or social engagements, we hope to provide a seamless, stress-free experience that helps improve mobility and comfort of our OKU passengers. We are continually striving to create a transportation ecosystem that is accessible to all,” said the Director of Maxim Malaysia, Mohd Hazwan Musley.

    “E-hailing is the main mode of transportation for the community of blind people, and we need it on a daily basis for our routine activities, like going to work or moving from one location to another. It is very convenient for us to use e-hailing because of its comfort and safety, as it offers us direct transportation from one location to another. Previously, we used to rely a lot on buses, but there were several incidents where it proved to be a bit hard for us to arrive at the exact location we needed,” said Adzohari Jamil from the Sarawak Society for the Blind.

    Maxim E-hailing is a socially friendly service that takes care of people. Recently, the service collaborated with two local entities and provided free rides for their members: The Sarawak Society for the Blind and the para swimmers team (during Para-Sukma 2024). This enabled the beneficiaries to move around and complete daily tasks with more convenience.

    How to place an order:

    Select the “Mesra Oku” rate in the “Passenger Cars” section in the Maxim app and enjoy your ride.

    The app is available on the following platforms: Google Play Store, App Store, Huawei AppGallery, GetApps, Oppo App Market, Vivo App Store, and Galaxy Store.

    The mission of the service is to constantly improve user interaction and help people move towards their goals!