Category: News & Events

  • UEM Edgenta’s Speedy COVID-19 ICU Build Earns Malaysia Book of Records Recognition

    UEM Edgenta Berhad, a leading Asset Management & Infrastructure Solutions company in the region, has been recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for its rapid construction of a Field Hybrid Intensive Care Unit (FHyICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This award, presented to its subsidiary Edgenta Healthtronics Sdn Bhd (EHSB), acknowledges their achievement in building the “FASTEST CONSTRUCTION OF FHyICU BUILDING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC,” a groundbreaking project that exemplifies UEM Edgenta’s dedication to innovation and project execution in challenging times.

    The inception of the FHyICU project was initiated by the Minister of Health and his Secretary-General as a response to the escalating COVID-19 infections in 2020. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), UEM Edgenta embarked on this strategic partnership to elevate healthcare infrastructure and strengthen the nation’s health capacity.

    Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, emphasized their commitment to supporting the government’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. Leveraging their specialized expertise, they successfully brought the MOH’s innovative FHyICU concept to life—a mobile ICU unit with its own self-sustaining power, oxygen, and water supply.

    Shaiful Subhan, Managing Director of Edgenta Mediserve Sdn Bhd and Head of Healthcare Solutions at UEM Edgenta, expressed pride in receiving recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and advancing Malaysia’s healthcare landscape, even in challenging circumstances.

    The construction of the 150-bed FHyICU facility was a groundbreaking initiative that enhanced critical care capabilities across multiple locations in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement underscored UEM Edgenta’s dedication to healthcare excellence and its support for the nation’s healthcare infrastructure during crises.

    The successful completion of the FHyICU project was the result of collaborative efforts between UEM Edgenta and its esteemed partners. UEM Edgenta, through EHSB, served as the main contractor and worked seamlessly with various partners, including Synar Setara Resources Sdn. Bhd., S&A Bintang Sdn. Bhd., and Perunding Al-Shura M&E Sdn. Bhd., each playing a pivotal role in this accomplishment.

    The certification ceremony, held at UEM Edgenta’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, featured Edwin Yeoh Tiong Chin, Senior Record Consultant from MBOR, presenting the award to Shaiful Subhan. Tuan Hj. Yahaya Saad, Director of the Engineering Services Division, along with representatives from MOH and Ir Mazlan Yusoff, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Healthcare Solutions at UEM Edgenta, were also present to witness this historic moment.

    UEM Edgenta remains committed to its journey of innovation, driving growth while delivering technology and sustainability-enabled impact to all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.uemedgenta.com.

  • Cracking the Code of Neuropathic Pain: Early Diagnosis Vital for Diabetics

    September marks Global Pain Awareness Month, a critical time to illuminate the significance of pain and its management. Chronic pain affects a staggering 30% of the global population, plaguing individuals for more than three months.

    In an endeavor to comprehend the impact of neuropathic pain (NeP) and the unmet needs of diabetes sufferers, Viatris conducted a comprehensive survey involving 963 patients hailing from Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Mexico, and South Korea.

    Neuropathic pain (NeP), arising from somatosensory nervous system disorders, constitutes 20-25% of chronic pain cases. Regrettably, it is frequently underdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment. One of the prime culprits of NeP is painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN), the most prevalent chronic complication of diabetes, resulting in agonizing nerve damage in the feet, legs, and hands.

    Key Insights

    One in four individuals with diabetes may develop painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN), profoundly affecting their daily lives and emotional well-being.

    Patients’ Awareness and Diagnosis Experience

    • In Malaysia, 68% of patients were cognizant of the connection between pain symptoms and diabetes before receiving a diagnosis.
    • Globally, patients typically consulted physicians within four months of symptom onset, with diagnoses occurring within six months.
    • Misdiagnosis remains a pressing issue in Malaysia, impacting 63% of respondents.

    Impact of pDPN on patients

    • pDPN significantly compromises various aspects of patients’ lives, emotionally and practically. A staggering 75% in Malaysia had to adapt their work schedules, with 61% taking extended leaves from work.
    • Effects extend to mood (37%), participation in sports (48%), and sleep quality (37%).
    • Remarkably, only 1 in 5 patients worldwide feel comfortable discussing their condition, citing fears of discrimination, workplace issues, and embarrassment.

    The Imperative of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Early diagnosis and timely treatment are paramount for managing underlying diseases and enhancing life quality.
    • In Malaysia, 58% of respondents are on prescription medications, with 23% expressing high satisfaction with their treatment.
    • Other avenues of treatment include dietary supplements (55%), physiotherapy (48%), and herbal remedies (33%).
    • Encouragingly, 48% of patients feel supported by loved ones, and 51% have learned to adapt to their condition.

    Jeff Bote, Country Manager of Viatris Malaysia, emphasized their commitment to supporting individuals grappling with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, given the profound impact on their quality of life. They underscore the importance of raising awareness regarding early detection, access to proper treatment, and addressing the unmet needs and challenges faced by those with this condition.

    In hindsight, one-third of patients worldwide would have sought advice earlier, avoided underestimating their symptoms, and communicated more effectively with their physicians. Patients express a need for more information on daily pain management (36%), increased public awareness (43%), and access to psychological support (47%).

  • Datuk Ir. Dr. Dennis Ganendra Achieves Coveted RAE International Fellowship for Exceptional Engineering Contributions

    The British Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) has bestowed its prestigious International Fellowship upon Datuk Ir. Dr. Dennis Ganendra, CEO of Malaysia’s Minconsult. This esteemed honour, the highest recognition from the RAE, acknowledges Dr. Ganendra’s outstanding engineering contributions, his unwavering dedication to innovation, infrastructure projects, policy, and academic progress.

    Notably, Dr. Ganendra stands as the sole Asian recipient among the eight distinguished international fellows selected this year. With an impressive background, he holds fellowships from institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), Institution of Engineers (IEM) Malaysia, Institution of Highways and Transportation, Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), and is a Climate Action Fellow of the UN Global Compact – Network Malaysia.

    Datuk. Ir. Dr Dennis Ganendra

    Dr. Ganendra, as the Chief Executive Officer of Minconsult Sdn Bhd, a prominent Malaysian engineering consultancy firm, brings over 30 years of multidisciplinary engineering project experience, boasting numerous award-winning local and international projects in his portfolio. His visionary leadership and nation-building initiatives continue to shape the industry, fostering transformative change for the betterment of societies. Additionally, he is the Founder of the pioneering renewable energy contractor, Timeless Green Sdn Bhd.

    Dr. Ganendra now joins an illustrious group of international fellows, which includes luminaries like Steven Chu FREng, Nobel Prize in Physics from Stanford University; John Hennessy FREng, former President of Stanford University and pioneer of RISC; and Frances Arnold FREng, Nobel Prize in Chemistry from Caltech. The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), founded under Royal Charter in the UK, is dedicated to the promotion of engineering excellence and the advancement of the engineering profession. Its charter emphasizes the pursuit, encouragement, and maintenance of excellence in the field of engineering for the greater benefit of the public and the economy.

    The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) is UK-based and created by Royal Charter. The RAE is dedicated to promoting engineering excellence and advancing the engineering profession. Its charter provides that: “The object of the Academy shall be the pursuit, encouragement and maintenance of excellence in the whole field of engineering to useful purpose in order to promote the advancement of the science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public and economy”.

  • Worldwide Holdings Berhad Leading the Green Revolution

    In a remarkable stride towards environmental sustainability and energy innovation, Worldwide Holdings Berhad (WHB) is at the forefront of driving Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects in Selangor, Malaysia. The company is currently spearheading the development of the largest and most advanced WTE facility in the country, marking a significant leap in the region’s waste management industry.

    The cornerstone of WHB’s commitment to sustainable development lies in its ambitious plan to develop the Jeram Waste-to-Energy Project. This project will collectively process an impressive 3,000 tons per day (tpd) of solid waste at the company’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Center (ISWMC) in Jeram, generating about 50 MW of clean and renewable energy. Additionally, another WTE plant to be developed at the ‘Tanjung Dua Belas ISWMC’ in Kuala Langat will process an additional 1,800 tpd of solid waste, producing 38 MW of electricity.

    One of the most remarkable aspects of WHB’s WTE initiative is its ability to effectively treat a wide spectrum of waste materials. This technology plays a pivotal role in addressing the unsorted waste problem, reducing the volume of solid waste by a staggering 90%. By implementing WTE solutions, Selangor is taking a significant step towards minimizing its environmental impact and overcoming waste management challenges.

    Furthermore, WHB’s commitment to the environment extends to resolving the scarcity of land for landfills in Selangor. The WTE facilities significantly reduce the dependency on engineered landfill disposal methods, which require a larger environmental footprint and pose long-term risks. By transitioning to WTE, Selangor can conserve valuable land resources and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.

    The development of the ISWMCs by WHB marks a substantial contribution to supporting the Selangor state government’s sustainability agenda, aligning with the goals outlined in ‘Rancangan Selangor Pertama’ (RS-1). This aims to lead in sustainable development and safeguard a clean and robust environment for future generations. WHB’s investments in WTE facilities demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources.

    “With these WTE projects in the pipeline in Selangor, we are set to further strengthen our position as a national champion in waste management, aligning with the nation’s move towards achieving zero-waste status,” said WHB Group CEO, Datin Paduka Norazlina Zakaria.

    WHB’s WTE projects are not just a testament to its dedication to environmental sustainability but also to its forward-thinking approach towards energy production. By harnessing the potential of waste as a resource, Selangor is not only addressing its waste management challenges but also contributing to its energy needs in an eco-friendly manner. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and mitigates the environmental impacts associated with their extraction and consumption.

    Looking ahead, WHB is poised to make even greater strides in the field of WTE. The company plans to develop several more WTE plants over the next decade, further solidifying its commitment to transforming waste into clean energy and supporting Selangor’s journey towards a more sustainable future. As WHB continues to innovate and expand its WTE portfolio, it is clear that the company’s vision goes beyond mere waste management; it is a vision of a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient Selangor for generations to come.

  • Evadore’s ReFi Revolution: Pioneering Sustainable Finance in the World of Cryptocurrency

    Evadore, the groundbreaking Regenerative Finance (ReFi) ecosystem by EvaLabs, has made its debut on major cryptocurrency exchanges including Lbank, Bitmart, P2PB2B, and XT. This transformative platform is on a mission to unite blockchain entrepreneurs, startups, and communities by harnessing eco-friendly blockchain technologies that are driving us towards a more sustainable future.

    In the Evadore whitepaper’s tokenomics analysis, it’s revealed that 39.045% of the initial supply was distributed through the Initial Exchange Offering (IEO). The remaining allocations are as follows: 4% for marketing, 3% for AirDrops, 7.5% for staking rewards, and a significant 16% earmarked for the Evadore Foundation.

    A Blockchain Solution to Tackle Carbon Emissions

    Evadore, an EvaChain-based initiative by EvaLabs, champions the application of ReFi principles—focused on sustainability, social justice, and environmental stewardship—in blockchain financial systems. Isiah Cargo, CIO of EvaLabs, emphasized the pressing need for change, highlighting that “87% of energy consumed by blockchain technologies is derived from non-renewable sources.”

    Investing in Renewable Energy

    The project’s technical documentation unveils plans for a financial system that shifts away from fossil fuels towards sustainability. Revenues generated within the Evadore ecosystem will be directed towards mitigating carbon emissions, specifically by funding hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy projects. Isiah Cargo also hinted at Evadore’s role in facilitating carbon offset initiatives and combating deforestation by acquiring carbon credits through the Evadore Foundation.

    More than Just a Wallet: A Comprehensive Ecosystem

    EvaLabs’ ReFi ecosystem offers a diverse range of sustainable financial products and services, including Eva Chain, EvaStore, EvaPay, GreenWallet, EvaForest, and CarbonEva. Isiah Cargo underscored Evadore’s commitment to a well-balanced ecosystem, stating, “Evadore extends an invitation to the world for a carbon-free future through its globally scalable, carbon-neutral blockchain solution.”

  • ASUS Unveils Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404)

    ASUS has introduced the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404), a sleek and compact 14.5-inch laptop designed for creative professionals on the go. This sophisticated powerhouse boasts cutting-edge features, making it the ultimate tool for creativity and productivity.

    The highlight of the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is its stunning 16:10 3K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge Dolby Vision display. It delivers impeccable detail, fluid motion, and vivid colours. PANTONE Validated for colour accuracy and boasting a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 gamut, this display elevates content creation and consumption with brilliant HDR images and deep blacks.

    Under the hood, this laptop is powered by the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processor, paired with studio-grade NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, 32 GB of fast DDR5 RAM, and a lightning-fast 1 TB SSD.

    Productivity and creativity are further enhanced by the ASUS DialPad, providing intuitive app control, and a comprehensive set of I/O ports including Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack. Immerse yourself in audio excellence with the Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos speaker system and ASUS AI noise-cancelling audio technology.

    The Zenbook Pro 14 OLED’s 3K OLED touchscreen features a 120 Hz refresh rate and 0.2 ms pixel response time, ensuring smooth visuals. It’s also adaptable, with different colour gamut options for various tasks or preferences. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass NBT and supports the optional ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus for a premium drawing and writing experience.

    Performance-wise, this laptop is a dream machine for creators, with its high-end components and a long-lasting 76 Wh battery. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU offers real-time ray tracing, while the MUX Switch reduces latency for gaming content creators.

    Keeping things cool is the ASUS IceCool Pro cooling system, complete with dual fans, external exhaust vents, and dust filters. Plus, ASUS WiFi Master Premium technology ensures rock-solid wireless connections.

    In terms of design, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED boasts a premium Harman Kardon-certified sound system, Dolby Atmos certification, and ASUS AI noise-cancelling for crystal-clear conference calls. The FHD infrared camera allows for quick and secure face unlocking with Windows Hello.

    The laptop also introduces the ASUS DialPad, a rotary touch controller for precise control over creative apps. The ASUS ErgoSense keyboard offers exceptional typing comfort, and the touchpad is both comfortable and easy to clean.

    For connectivity, the Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, HDMI 2.1 port, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Type-A ports, and SD card reader ensure compatibility with the latest devices and peripherals.

    The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404V) is available in Malaysia starting from September 19, 2023, for RM10,999 at ASUS authorized dealers and the official ASUS e-store. Explore this powerful creator laptop and unleash your creative potential.

  • New Moscow Central Diameter (MCD-4) Opens as the Longest Commuter Line, Enhancing Urban Mobility

    The grand inauguration of Moscow’s fourth Central Diameter, MCD-4, has transformed the city’s transportation landscape. Stretching a remarkable 86 kilometres from west to east, this commuter marvel intersects the Russian capital, connecting seven central railroad stations and offering commuters unprecedented convenience, speed, and affordability.

    MCD-4, opening just weeks after MCD-3, has now claimed the title of Moscow’s lengthiest rapid transit line. With 36 strategically located stations and 38 connection points to the subway, MCC, and other MCD lines, it boasts the most modern infrastructure among its counterparts. In the near future, MCD-4 will proudly welcome two additional stations, solidifying its status as a pinnacle of urban mobility excellence. Remarkably, 67% of its stations (24 in total) have already transformed into bustling transportation hubs, aligning with the highest standards of contemporary urban transit systems.

    Passenger Convenience Takes Center Stage

    For commuters, MCD-4 promises an unparalleled travel experience. During peak hours, the train frequency will be an impressive 5.5 minutes, ensuring swift journeys. Moreover, thanks to an innovative tariff system, fares have been slashed by a staggering threefold, dropping from 200 to just 65 rubles. Moscow’s acclaimed ticketing system, honoured with Transport Ticketing Awards in both 2020 and 2021, enables passengers to enjoy free transfers to the subway, MCC, and other MCD lines within 90 to 120 minutes on select routes.

    The fourth diameter of the MCDs opened in the Russian capital

    A City Transformed

    The launch of MCD-4 promises to be a game-changer for Moscow’s mobility ecosystem. Neighbouring subway lines are poised to experience a notable 9% reduction in traffic, while some of the city’s busiest highways will witness a decrease in the number of cars.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin jointly inaugurated MCD-4, a remarkable achievement that now unites over 20 districts within Moscow and extends its reach to four cities in the Moscow suburbs. It is projected that by the end of 2023, MCD-4 will serve a daily ridership of 260-270 thousand people, with ample capacity to meet the city’s growing needs for years to come.

    The dawn of MCD-4 signifies a monumental leap forward in Moscow’s transportation landscape, delivering on the promise of more accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

  • Takaful Malaysia Provides Baking Facilities for Youth Shelter

    Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad (“Takaful Malaysia”), the FIRST takaful operator in Malaysia, through its sustainability agenda of nation-building, provides baking facilities for a youth shelter and rehabilitation centre, Raudhatus Sakinah, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) initiative to provide both practical skills and a sense of community to the shelter’s residents. The long-term sustainability of the charity baking program aims to nurture valuable skills and create a positive and nurturing environment for the residents, helping them develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

    Takaful Malaysia Am CEO, Mohamed Sabri Ramli; Takaful Malaysia Shariah Advisory Body member, Dr. Marhanum Che Mohd Salleh (third from right); Group Chief Marketing Officer of Takaful Malaysia, Siti Hajar Rizlan (second from right); Takaful Malaysia Head of Shariah Division, Dr. Hafiza Harun (right); Chairman of Raudhatus Sakinah, Prof. Dr. Najibah Mohd Zin (fourth from left); Raudhatus Sakinah CEO, Rosmawati Zainal (third from left), and Raudhatus Sakinah representatives at the Raudhatus Sakinah Bakery Project event in Selangor.

    Mohamed Sabri Ramli, Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Malaysia Am, the general takaful arm of Takaful Malaysia, said, “Corresponding to the spirit of takaful, which is lending a helping to those in need, the baking facilities we provide for the youth shelter, Raudhatus Sakinah, is a commendable initiative that provides practical skills by encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship among the shelter’s residents. Baking can empower the shelter residents by giving them the tools and knowledge which foster self-sufficiency and independence and the opportunity to learn a skill useful for future employment. We work closely with the management of Raudhatus Sakinah to determine their specific needs for baking facilities, and the residents learn how to bake and sell baked goods to generate income, which helps support the shelter’s daily operations.”

    Through the CSR program, Takaful Malaysia provides complete baking facilities and equipment to Raudhatus Sakinah, a shelter and rehabilitation centre in Selangor for female Muslim teenagers in crisis situations. The baking facility gives the residents access to appropriate baking resources, develop life skills and self-sustaining, and work toward a more secure and independent future.

    “We ensure that the baking facilities adhere to safety regulations, including proper food handling, hygiene, and supervision by the shelter’s management. We are pleased that this initiative encourages the residents’ creativity and exploration in baking. Raudhatus Sakinah has received an overwhelming response and baked goods orders from various parties, and we are delighted to receive positive outcomes from this initiative.

    This program reflects our unwavering commitment to positively impacting the community by reaching out to those in need and fulfilling our responsibility to eligible Asnaf (tithe) recipients, which aligns with our value as a responsible and caring Islamic financial institution. It is about the impact we create, the difference we make in the lives of individuals and communities, and the legacy we leave for future generations. With this in mind, we have embarked on a journey to strengthen our community-based efforts and drive meaningful change for a lasting legacy of positivity,” said Mohamed Sabri Ramli.

  • IshanTech Launches WatchfulEyes Managed Services

    IshanTech, leading provider of enterprise ICT security solutions and professional services, catering to the evolving needs of its customers in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, is launching managed services under the WatchfulEyes brand.

    WatchfulEyes was founded with the focus on one of the most important areas – protecting businesses from insider-related information security risks. The services will help clients to protect corporate information and personal data of clients, optimize business processes, prevent fraud and data manipulation, and mitigate other risks. It also helps to fulfill the requirements of the law for information protection without additional expense on software and the hiring of information security officers.

    WatchfulEyes team

    “We decided to open a new line of business by responding to the needs of our customers. At some point, employees realize that information requires special handling, it’s crucial to know how exactly it is kept, who has access to it, where it is transmitted to. Often these tasks have to be solved urgently – after an incident. In any case, it is often difficult for a business to allocate resources: to buy and implement the necessary software, hire and train specialists, particularly if it needs to be done quickly. The service solves these problems – by enlisting the help of third-party experts, companies get access to advanced technologies and professionals in a matter of hours,” says Ruben Theva co-founder at WatchfulEyes.

    Managed services will be available to clients in different formats depending on business needs. It can be a one-time audit or day-by-day monitoring. It can come in handy even for companies that have an IS (Information Security) department but are overburdened or don’t have the right resources.

    “Thanks to the technologies that we use in our services, we are able to address a wide range of issues in both data-centric security and user-centric security. These include data loss prevention and monitoring, data discovery and data classification, access rights audit, user activity monitoring, forensics and investigation, employees’ productivity monitoring. In addition, with the help of our services you can close the issue of regulatory compliance audit (PDPA, GDPR, etc.), – says CTO/Cyber security consultant Buddhika Niroshan – as part of the service, we will install the necessary software, configure it and analyze the information. Report data will allow companies to prevent information security incidents, identify gaps, eliminate vulnerabilities and optimize business processes.

    The service can be tested for a month absolutely free of charge. WatchfulEyes is already conducting the first trials. Even during the test period, customers can draw conclusions on how to improve the data situation in their company.

  • Cradle and Bursa Malaysia Collaborate to Facilitate Listing of Local Startups in Bursa Malaysia

    The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) between Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle), Malaysia’s premier early-stage startup agency, and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia).

    The MoC was formalized with Cradle’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, and Bursa Malaysia’s Director of Corporate Strategy, Aina Zahari.

    This collaboration’s primary objective is to raise awareness among startups regarding funding opportunities available in Malaysia, including those offered by the equity market. Furthermore, it aims to streamline the identification process for companies with the potential to list on Bursa Malaysia.

    This collaboration is an integral component of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s (MOSTI) Fund Funnel program. The initiative is designed to simplify funding options and provide comprehensive support to startups throughout their funding journey, from the seed stage to the initial public offering (IPO).

    The implementation of the Fund Funnel program aligns with Intervention Two outlined in the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021-2030, emphasizing the need to restructure the local investment ecosystem to enhance efficiency, attract high-quality investments, and facilitate funding access for startups.

    Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, YB Tuan Chang remarked, “The Fund Funnel addresses the concerns raised by startups regarding the lack of information about government funding opportunities, providing clear and concise details about funding agencies and the specific stages at which they offer financial support.”

    He continued, “As we introduce the Fund Funnel program, Malaysia embarks on a transformative journey to fulfil the aspirations outlined in the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap. The Fund Funnel program signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing startups by providing them with vital funding access at every stage of their journey, in line with Malaysia MADANI’s aspiration to build an innovative and high-tech nation.”

    Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, expressed that the collaboration between Cradle and Bursa Malaysia demonstrates a continual commitment to engage with ecosystem players, promoting transparency in Bursa Malaysia’s listing requirements.

    He added, “Through this collaboration, we hope to empower startups to develop comprehensive strategies, ultimately paving the way for successful listings on the exchange while bridging critical funding gaps within the ecosystem. By strategically aligning resources, expertise, and collaboration, we create an enabling environment where startups can thrive, revolutionize industries, and drive economic growth.”

    Under this partnership, Cradle will provide market intelligence on the local startup ecosystem to assist Bursa Malaysia in identifying potential listing candidates. With 20 years of experience in the startup ecosystem, Cradle has engaged with companies across all stages of development and funding, supporting over 1,000 Malaysian technology-based firms and achieving the highest commercialization rate among funding agencies in Malaysia.

    Bursa Malaysia will analyse the data shared by Cradle and collaborate with them to organize programs that focus on funding access. Additionally, Bursa Malaysia will support Cradle in knowledge sharing and help startups gain a better understanding of how the equity market can contribute to their growth. This objective is crucial to assist businesses in planning their future growth and identifying the necessary funding to support their journey from the early stages to eventually becoming a publicly listed company.

    Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, stated, “This collaboration reflects the Exchange’s intent to assist Cradle in building a thriving startup ecosystem by addressing a common pain point faced by local startups, namely, access to funding opportunities. Together with Cradle, we are committed to alleviating this challenge and facilitating Malaysia startups in their funding journey with the goal of accelerating their growth and enabling them to list right here within their home country.”

    He concluded, “We firmly believe that the outcome of this collaboration will yield a positive impact, benefiting startups, our capital market, and the broader Malaysian economy.”