Inovatif

Category: lifestyle

  • Alibaba Cloud and MDEC launch SME Digitalisation Program

    Alibaba Cloud and MDEC launch SME Digitalisation Program

    Alibaba Cloud and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched the SME Digitalisation Program — a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate the digital transformation journey of Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
    Developed in support of MDEC’s Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI), the programme aims to empower Malaysia’s SMEs to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, technologies that underpin productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.

    Recognising that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to Malaysia’s socioeconomic development and central to achieving the 2030 GDP growth targets outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), this initiative addresses a critical national priority. Built around four key pillars of digital transformation; Awareness, Upskilling, Adoption, and Innovation, the program is designed to accelerate digital adoption, strengthen the SME ecosystem, and foster sustainable, innovation-led growth for local businesses.

    “By focusing on SMEs, this programme ensures that a broad segment of Malaysia’s business ecosystem can harness the transformative potential of AI and cloud technologies. said Feifei Li, President of International Business and SVP of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, “Leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technologies in AI and cloud computing, we are excited to partner with MDEC to empower Malaysian businesses to innovate, scale, and thrive in the digital economy—driving sustainable growth and strengthen competitiveness at scale.”

    Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC added, “Malaysia’s SMEs are an integral part of our aspiration to become an AI- nation by 2030. The ability to adopt advanced digital tools, particularly AI and cloud technologies, is critical to strengthening our competitive edge. Through this strategic public-private collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, we aim to bridge the digital divide and uplift our SMEs. By equipping businesses with accessible and impactful digital solutions, we are accelerating nationwide digital adoption and establishing the foundations of a resilient innovation-led economy.”

    The SME Digitalisation Program will roll out a series of targeted initiatives including educational campaigns, interactive workshops, webinar series, and ready-to-use solution kits, all designed to support SMEs at every stage of their business journey and empower them to turn challenges into growth.
    With practical upskilling and real-world application at its core, the initiative empowers SME to become a digitally capable force that drives Malaysia’s national digital transformation goals under the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative.

    This collaboration reinforces Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital economy by empowering local businesses with secure, scalable, and accessible technologies. Through this program Alibaba Cloud and MDEC are bridging capability gaps, nurturing innovation, and contributing to a robust, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem across the nation.

  • MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB announces a strategic partnership with Navigator Global, a pioneering global trade platform developed by the Santander Group, aimed at transforming how Malaysian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) access international markets.

    Through this partnership, MBSB will connect Malaysian businesses to Navigator Global’s powerful digital platform, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that simplifies international trade and helps to accelerate growth. These include tailored market-entry action plans, real-time global market intelligence, an extensive network of verified providers and local experts, as well as a rich calendar of educational events and webinars. The goal is clear: to help Malaysian SMEs overcome traditional barriers and participate more confidently in the global economy.

    “This partnership with Navigator Global is a landmark achievement for MBSB and for the future of Malaysian SMEs,” said Rafe Haneef, Group Chief Executive Officer of MBSB. “In an era defined by connection, global trade offers significant opportunities for growth. This collaboration aligns with our strategic imperative to empower businesses with the confidence and acumen to extend their footprint far beyond Malaysia’s shores. We see Navigator Global becoming an indispensable ally for many of our SMEs, breaking down the complexity to international commerce and making global markets more accessible than ever.”

    A pilot programme in the UK demonstrated strong impact, having supported more than 2,500 UK businesses in expanding internationally and catalysing hundreds of global connections. The enhanced Navigator Global platform, now introduced to Malaysia via MBSB’s Commercial Business Division, features an intuitive trade tool that generates bespoke export action plans and provides direct access to verified global providers. It is designed not only to inform, but to enable decisive action and sustained international growth.

    “Our collaboration with MBSB represents a significant stride forward in our mission to simplify international trade, and help to accelerate SME growth” said John Carroll, CEO of Navigator Global Ltd. “We are a membership club, that guides ambitious businesses through the international trade journey and offers end-to-end solutions.” SME’s are the centre of the Malaysian success story, they are the inventors, the job creators and the lifeblood of communities. Through this partnership we can help to reduce the cost, time and risks associated with going global. This alliance reflects a shared vision: a more integrated, accessible and prosperous global trade ecosystem, where SMEs get the support they need.”

    Navigator Global directly addresses the core challenges businesses face when venturing abroad, including complexity, high risks of failure and limited visibility of credible partners. The platform offers clear guidance on local regulations and compliance, privileged access to experts, verified partners and comprehensive, actionable market intelligence. This helps SMEs identify and connect with trusted local contacts, significantly streamlining their expansion efforts.

    The platform is available to businesses at any stage in their international growth journey, from identifying their first market, to expanding within existing ones and looking for new opportunities.

  • Western Union launches first two company-owned retail stores

    Western Union launches its first two company-owned retail locations in Malaysia. This forms part of the company’s global retail strategy, aiming to offer customers enhanced service and, ultimately, enable them to enjoy an omni-channel experience.

    The launch represents an investment by Western Union in its retail presence in Malaysia, while supporting financial inclusion in migrant communities. Malaysia has the second highest number of company-owned stores in Asia for Western Union. The first store is located in Semenyih, a locality southeast of Kuala Lumpur, and caters to the needs of the high proportion of residents there from overseas that have strong ties to countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and Myanmar. The second store is also found in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, in Sunway, another area where migrants in Malaysia live and work.

    Western Union-owned stores represent a new retail offering, where customers can not only make international money transfers, but also benefit from premium brand experience and level of service.

    Bhavin Shah, Country Director for Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau at Western Union, said, “I am extremely pleased with the launch of the first two Western Union owned locations in Malaysia. This is a vote of confidence in the nation’s retail sector, which caters to a growing population of migrant workers since the pandemic.”

    “This store marks a new way for us to re-invent and evolve our retail presence in Malaysia alongside our key committed partners and serve our customers even better. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to trial new products and services, as we aim to become a one-stop shop for all our customers’ financial needs,” continued Bhavin.

    Western Union has been present in Malaysia since 1993, with a retail network that spans the entire country.

     

  • Tiny footprints, Big impact on eco-tourism

    Tiny footprints, Big impact on eco-tourism

    Big Tiny was founded on a simple but ambitious purpose: enable people to rediscover the joy of simple living while protecting the landscapes that make these experiences possible. Since introducing its first tiny houses in Australia in 2017, the Singapore-born brand has grown across the region—including Malaysia—championing a model of tourism that treads lightly yet delivers enriching experiences.

    Sustainability was not an afterthought for Big Tiny. From the beginning, its founders set out to reimagine how people can experience travel by creating a model that reduces impact, restores balance and reconnects people with nature. This experience is made accessible through its Tiny Away booking platform, where travellers discover curated eco-conscious stays across the region.

    Tiny houses seamlessly blend with nature.

    Big Tiny believes that its products can assist in making better use of land, limit overdevelopment and offer a meaningful alternative to the resource-heavy, high-footfall model of mass tourism. The company does so via thoughtful systems including the way its tiny houses are built and deployed to how resources are managed, its partnership with landowners and engagements with the local communities. Every tiny house is built with light gauge steel, durable composite materials and modular construction to reduce waste. Across its global portfolio of more than 650 units, off-grid and hybrid models rely on solar energy, rainwater harvesting and composting systems, ensuring minimal disturbance to the land.

    “We view our efforts as part of an evolving commitment to operationalise sustainability and accountability, and we are confident that with consistency and improvements, a better tomorrow is within reach,” – Adrian, CEO and Co-Founder, Big Tiny.

    In 2025, Big Tiny advanced this promise by achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognition for its Lazarus Island project, with more sites worldwide aiming for certification by 2026. Building on this achievement, Big Tiny is also working towards including its other global projects under the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels certification by 2026, for a consistent benchmark across its portfolio. Additionally, it has also initiated environmental impact assessments at Grampians Edge and Granite Belt in Australia.

    One with nature, sustainable living in tiny houses.

    Big Tiny’s impact extends beyond environmental stewardship as everywhere the brand sets foot in, it believes that local relevance and global consistency can co-exist. Its tiny houses support local economies by engaging over 1,200 stakeholders—from land hosts to owners—and partnering with 300 organisations. The company also collaborates with local artisans, brands, producers, merchants and landowners to infuse authenticity into each stay—whether through region-specific furnishings, community partnerships or curated experiences.

    Soon, the brand looks to strengthen its advocacy for regenerative tourism, as guests’ sustainability expectations continue to rise. Efforts in the pipeline include increasing its green procurement with a goal of ensuring at least 15% of materials come from recycled sources by 2030. Big Tiny is also exploring solar-wind hybrid systems that can generate power even at night which will increase the usage of natural sources by another 10%, come 2030. It is also exploring ways to adopt even more energy-efficient appliances to further reduce overall consumption.

    For Malaysia, Big Tiny looks to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional travel experience by activating underutilised rural or natural spaces, converting them into low-impact, eco-conscious getaways. With abundance of land and natural landscapes, Big Tiny sees vast potential for growth while simultaneously playing a role setting a benchmark for the country’s eco-tourism landscape and in time, shaping its regenerative tourism industry. Malaysians can also purchase entire tiny homes or share ownership, enjoying passive income from these sustainable stays.

    All tiny houses are listed for stays through Big Tiny’s Tiny Away platform (tinyaway.com), alongside other major booking sites.

  • NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

    NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

    NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group) marks a significant double milestone — the launch of its maiden RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme, with Maybank participating in the first tranche up to RM390 million in unrated Sukuk, alongside the ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 2 of its flagship NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

    The award-winning developer established the RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme to enhance funding flexibility for its working capital needs and support the Group’s long-term growth strategy, while broadening its access to the domestic debt capital market.

    Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group, said “We are delighted to work with Maybank as our valued partner in our Sukuk Wakalah Programme, a key initiative that strengthens our financial foundation. The Sukuk Programme will provide us with greater flexibility to pursue new opportunities, driving us into the next phase of growth as we continue to deliver developments that generate sustainable value for our stakeholders.”

    The Group has appointed Maybank Investment Bank Berhad as the Sole Principal Adviser and Sole Lead Arranger for the establishment of the Sukuk Wakalah Programme, as well as the Sole Lead Manager for the first tranche of the unrated Sukuk.

    Following the Sukuk announcement, NCT Group also celebrated the ground-breaking of Phase 2 of its 732.5-acre NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

    With a gross development value of RM2.5 billion, the ground-breaking of Phase 2 underscores NCT Group’s strong commitment to driving industrial transformation and promoting economic growth in the state through world-class development built on the pillars of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

    The new phase will build upon the success of Phase 1, featuring similar industrial components with larger plots and enhanced infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of high-technology, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Maintaining NSIP’s core focus on smart and sustainability-driven development, Phase 2 will further strengthen the park’s integrated ecosystem with improved connectivity, upgraded utilities, and advanced digital systems that support automation and future-ready operations for long-term industrial growth. Completion of Phase 2 is scheduled for 2029.

    Dato’ Sri Yap added, “Another key milestone has been achieved today with this ground-breaking. Given the scale and expectations of this project, we are determined to ensure that each phase is completed well within its timeline as we continue to shape the nation’s industrial future. This next chapter brings us closer to realising a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive ecosystem that will elevate the sector.”

    Located within the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP is NCT Group’s flagship project and one of Malaysia’s most advanced managed industrial ecosystems that is redefining industrial development in the region while meeting global ESG standards. Once fully developed, NSIP will serve as a key catalyst for the progress of Selangor and the broader IDRISS corridor.

     

  • Razorpay Curlec and NPCI International introduce UPI payments

    Razorpay Curlec and NPCI International introduce UPI payments

    Razorpay Curlec has partnered with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to bring India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Malaysia.

    This partnership will empower Malaysian businesses to receive instant payments from millions of Indian travellers through their preferred UPI apps, marking a major step toward seamless and instant cross-border commerce between the two countries.

    In 2024, Malaysia welcomed one million Indian tourists, who spent RM 6.11 billion – a 71.7% increase from the previous year. This growing travel corridor presents an opportunity to further simplify cross-border payments, enhancing convenience for Indian travellers and driving greater business for Malaysian merchants.

    Through this partnership, Indian visitors will be able to pay instantly using UPI-enabled apps to Malaysian merchants, who will accept payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform – settled in ringgit, without the need for international cards or extra integration. This groundbreaking partnership that links one of the world’s most advanced real-time payment systems, India’s UPI, with Malaysia’s fast-growing digital economy will usher in a new era of seamless, instant, and inclusive cross-border commerce.

    Razorpay Curlec will soon be one of the first payment service providers in Malaysia to offer UPI acceptance.

  • MEASAT, Guodian Gaoke and Starwin form strategic alliance to power Sarawak’s digital ambition

    MEASAT, Guodian Gaoke and Starwin form strategic alliance to power Sarawak’s digital ambition

    MEASAT Global Berhad (MEASAT) enters a tripartite strategic alliance agreement with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. (Guodian Gaoke), and China StarWin Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (StarWin) to offer Internet of Things (“IoT”) services supported by the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (“LEO”) Constellation in Malaysia.

    Under the collaboration, MEASAT will be the authorised service provider for the Tianqi Constellation’s satellite-based IoT services in Malaysia, leveraging its market expertise and distribution network to drive commercial rollout next year. Meanwhile, Guodian Gaoke will provide the Tianqi LEO satellite constellation and related systems, enabling seamless integration with local businesses and StarWin will supply and integrate certified ground terminals, ensuring compliance with Malaysia’s technical and regulatory standards to support end-user needs.

    The strategic alliance was formalised during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (“IDECS”) 2025 in Kuching, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Haji Openg and Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi. MEASAT was represented by Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim, Guodian Gaoke by Chief Operating Officer Guo Zhongjia, and StarWin by Chairman James Li.

    “Digital transformation is key to boosting Sarawak’s economic efficiency and productivity through technology such as Big Data, IoT and Blockchain. To enable this, upgrading our digital infrastructure is essential, where MEASAT and the Tianqi Constellation can play a vital role. Under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, Sarawak aims to become high-income and developed by 2030, with 96% high-speed internet coverage, 20% GDP contribution from the digital economy, and 100% online delivery of government services. By this time, technologies such as AI, cloud computing, IoT and 5G will empower businesses of all sizes,” said Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

    Highlighting early success, he noted that a smart farming initiative using IoT had boosted productivity by 20% and farmer income significantly. Sarawak now targets IoT adoption across all agriculture stations, aiming for a 50% increase in yield, 40% rise in household income, and 40% reduction in labour costs.

  • MBSB Bank commits RM1 billion to solar financing

    MBSB Bank commits RM1 billion to solar financing

    MBSB Bank Berhad (“MBSB Bank”) announces a dedicated RM1 billion allocation for solar financing, with RM104 million already in the process of disbursement, reinforcing its role as a catalyst in Malaysia’s renewable energy transformation and in advancing the objectives outlined under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

    “Our RM1 billion allocation for solar financing is designed to empower SMEs and industry players to invest in renewable energy projects that can accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon future,” said Jesleigh Johari, Chief Operating Officer of MBSB Bank.

    Under its Sustainable and Transition Finance Framework, MBSB Bank has already mobilised over RM4.7 billion in sustainable and transition financing — nearly halfway to its RM10 billion target by 2026.
    Through a dual-financing model with MIDF, MBSB Bank offers SMEs a structured pathway to growth via facilities such as the High Tech and Green Facility (HTG), All Economic Sectors (AES), and Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF).

    Recently, MBSB Bank reached a major milestone by formalising RM1.3 billion in Islamic Financing Facilities for Cypark Resources Berhad, Malaysia’s leading renewable energy and environmental solutions provider
    Jesleigh added, “Beyond financing, transformation happens when industries collaborate and share ideas. Our partnership with MPSEA reflects our shared vision of a resilient, low-carbon Malaysia powered by innovation, purpose, and responsible finance.”

    MBSB Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to support the nation’s energy transition, empowering businesses and communities to embrace a future powered by innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth.

  • SC and TERAJU to boost capital market access for Bumiputera MSME and MTC

    SC and TERAJU to boost capital market access for Bumiputera MSME and MTC

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and TERAJU Bumiputera Corporation (TERAJU) have jointly agreed to facilitate better access to capital market financing for Bumiputera micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and mid-tier companies (MTC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    The two-year MoU supports the SC’s ‘Catalysing MSME and MTC Access to the Capital Market: 5-Year Roadmap (2024-2028)’ (Roadmap), which is aimed at increasing MSME and MTC market-based fundraising to RM40 billion in 2028. In addition, this partnership supports SC’s capacity building initiatives as outlined under the Roadmap aimed at enhancing the readiness of MSMEs and MTCs for capital raising.
    The tie-up also aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan aspirations to scale up SMEs and enable Bumiputera entrepreneurs to compete regionally and globally.

    Dato’ Mohammad Faiz said that Bumiputera companies have significant potential to scale, and capital market financing can be an important catalyst for their next phase of growth. “Through this collaboration with TERAJU, we aim to build a stronger pipeline of investment-ready companies that can raise funds, expand their businesses and compete regionally,” he said.

    TERAJU’s CEO Encik Junady Nawawi said, “This collaboration opens up new pathways for Bumiputera companies to expand beyond traditional financing. By working together with the SC, we are preparing more Bumiputera enterprises to access capital market opportunities with stronger governance, sharper financial discipline, and the confidence to compete regionally and globally.”

    A key outcome from this collaboration is to strengthen the fundraising readiness and leadership capacity of Bumiputera companies.

    This will be achieved through targeted capacity building initiatives, including the creation of the Elevate–TERAJU cohort under the SC’s Elevate programme, led by Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), an SC affiliate.
    The Elevate programme is an executive leadership and fundraising readiness programme that help MTCs and SMEs strengthen their business strategy, governance, and financial management to meet the standards expected by investors.

    Since its launch, five cohorts, comprising 78 companies have now successfully completed the Elevate programme. Under this initiative, 20 Bumiputera companies from the manufacturing, healthcare, engineering and technology sectors has been selected for the inaugural Elevate–TERAJU cohort, marking the first step toward broader participation in Malaysia’s capital market.
    The MoU will cover the following areas:

    • Build a strong pipeline of Bumiputera companies with the potential to access capital market financing.
    • Explore financing avenues through potential co-investment opportunities with private investors, to support the growth and expansion of Bumiputera companies.
    • Support sustainability disclosures for companies through the adoption of the SC’s Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide and targeted capacity-building programmes.
  • TikTok strengthens Malaysia’s scam prevention efforts with multilingual #ThinkTwice knowledge hub

    TikTok strengthens Malaysia’s scam prevention efforts with multilingual #ThinkTwice knowledge hub

    TikTok Malaysia has expanded its #ThinkTwice digital literacy initiative this year with simplified access to additional resources on scam prevention through its multilingual in-app knowledge hub, search banners, short videos, creator content, and upcoming series of industry dialogues.

    The in-app knowledge hub is now available in more languages, including English, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Tamil. This initiative aims to spread awareness across millions of users nationwide through a multi-pronged approach in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), and other key government agencies.

    Firdaus Fadzil, Head of Public Policy, TikTok Malaysia, said: “Online safety is a shared responsibility. It requires collaborative and continuous efforts across all segments of society. This is especially true in the case of scams as the modus operandi of cybercriminals are constantly changing. Education is key and we are delighted to empower Malaysians with the knowledge and tools to combat scams together through #ThinkTwice.”

    TikTok’s digital literacy initiative encourages Malaysians to Pause, Prevent, and Protect. Pausing represents taking a moment to reflect and refrain from activities that violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines and local laws. Prevention means proactively deploying TikTok’s safety features and tools from local authorities to identify red flags. Protection rallies the community to keep each other safe by reporting potentially violative activities.

    Dato’ Rusdi Mohd Isa, Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), remarked: “Most of the scams can, in fact, be prevented. Among the most prevalent in Malaysia are investment scams, phishing, phone scams, job scams, love scams, and loan scams. There are readily accessible tools to assist the public in detecting such threats, including PDRM’s Semak Mule portal. Strengthening the nation’s scam prevention ecosystem requires the concerted involvement of both the public and private sectors. In this regard, TikTok’s support in enhancing public awareness is most timely and greatly appreciated.”

    Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), underscored that: “Awareness and education remain our strongest defence against scams. While advanced tools and strong policies play a critical role, it is the public’s ability to detect and reject fraudulent tactics that ultimately determine our collective resilience. We are pleased to collaborate with TikTok to build a more informed and vigilant community. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify the reach of Sebenarnya.my, MCMC’s official verification portal, and AIFA, our AI-powered fact-checking assistant that helps users verify information instantly and confidently.”

    Malaysians can easily access the knowledge hub by searching #ThinkTwice or relevant keywords on the TikTok app. It features four main pillars of information, mainly scam prevention tips using publicly available tools from key government agencies, TikTok’s Community Guidelines, TikTok’s safety features, and helplines to local authorities.