News In Brief

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs. Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Dec 11 till the end of the week. This article updates throughout the week.

Lenovo and Microsoft Collaborate

Sydney, Dec 11: Lenovo and Microsoft have joined forces to enhance cybersecurity for organizations through a subscription-based Cyber Resiliency as a Service (CRaaS) offering.
This collaboration leverages Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Defender, and Sentinel, to simplify security deployments and bolster defence against cyber threats.
CRaaS aims to address the challenges posed by data privacy/security and cybersecurity/ransomware, providing a comprehensive solution managed by Lenovo.
The service, offered in an as-a-service consumption model, streamlines security architecture, offloading tasks, and reducing costs. Lenovo’s commitment to cybersecurity is further demonstrated through its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview, utilizing AI-powered solutions for rapid threat response.

Kissflow and PointStar Forge Partnership

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 11: Kissflow, a leading low-code, no-code platform, announced a strategic collaboration with PointStar Malaysia, a prominent cloud transformation company in Southeast Asia.
This partnership aims to drive the adoption of low-code, no-code solutions in Malaysia and Singapore. PointStar will serve as both a reseller and implementation partner for Kissflow, leveraging its expertise to enhance Kissflow’s presence and customer base in the region.
The alliance signifies a crucial step in Kissflow’s mission to support businesses in their digital transformation journey.
Dinesh Varadharajan, Chief Product Officer at Kissflow, expressed excitement about fortifying the Kissflow network in Asia, while Justin Lee, Chief Executive Officer of PointStar, highlighted the goal of empowering organizations with low-/no-code app development for everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

DBC2 and BrainStorm: Driving Innovation

Brisbane, Dec 11: DBC2, a prominent marketing agency specializing in the automotive aftermarket industry, proudly announces its strategic partnership with technology experts BrainStorm Software. Formed after a serendipitous meeting at the Auto Care event in Brisbane, this collaboration signifies a milestone for both entities.
The partnership has quickly evolved into a robust working relationship, highlighted by a joint webinar exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Hosted by DBC2 and BrainStorm, the webinar offered unique insights into AI technology’s intersection with marketing, showcasing the powerful synergy between the two organizations.
Dale Brittain, Founder and Managing Director of DBC2, sees the collaboration as an opportunity to integrate BrainStorm’s technical prowess, particularly in the rapidly advancing field of AI.
This addition enhances DBC2’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Ty Osborne, Founder and CEO of BrainStorm Software, expressed excitement about supporting DBC2 and praised the professionalism of their collaboration.
The partnership symbolizes a fusion of marketing and technology expertise, poised to deliver innovative solutions to the automotive aftermarket industry.

SCIB AGM Sees Approval

Kuching, Dec 11: Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (“SCIB”), a specialist in industrialized building systems, announces unanimous approval of all AGM resolutions. This demonstrates robust shareholder confidence in SCIB’s leadership and strategic direction.
The AGM marked by significant board changes emphasizes strengthened governance and growth. Ku Chong Hong, Group Managing Director of SCIB, sees the unanimous support as empowering. New appointments, including Dato’ Sri Zaini Bin Jass as Independent and Non-Executive Chairman, reflect SCIB’s commitment to governance and value creation.
Amid ongoing successes in contracts and projects, this vote of confidence aligns with SCIB’s focus on growth and profitability. The company expresses gratitude to shareholders and pledges to maintain transparent communication for future success.

SCIB Announces RM250M Project

Kuching, Dec 12: Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB), through its subsidiary SCIB Properties Sdn. Bhd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kemena City Development Sdn. Bhd. and Smart Borneo Properties Sdn. Bhd. for a RM250 million residential project in Bintulu, Sarawak.
This collaboration aims to develop around 600 housing units over 50 acres, marking a significant step in Bintulu’s property development.
The partnership combines SCIB’s expertise in construction with the real estate experience of its partners, potentially impacting Sarawak’s housing market.
As of Dec 12, SCIB’s share price is RM0.765, reflecting a market capitalisation of RM489.8 million.

MR D.I.Y. Triumphs with Sixth World Branding Award

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 13: MR D.I.Y., a leading home improvement retailer in Southeast Asia, has once again been honoured at the World Branding Awards. This marks the brand’s sixth consecutive win, solidifying its position as the region’s top home improvement store. Recognized for its brand leadership in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, MR D.I.Y. received the Regional Award in the “Top Home Improvement Retail Brand” category.
The World Branding Awards, in its 16th edition, saw participation from 765 brands across 66 countries. Brands are evaluated on brand value, consumer research, and online voting. The award reflects MR D.I.Y.’s commitment to delivering value, exceptional customer service, and engaging experiences in over 3,000 stores across the region.
Alex Goh, Head of Marketing at MR D.I.Y. Group, attributed this achievement to the company’s focus on offering a wide range of essentials at low prices, the dedication of their employees, and the loyalty of their 263 million annual customers. Goh also acknowledged the other award recipients and expressed pride in being recognized alongside other renowned brands.
Since its inception in Malaysia in 2005, MR D.I.Y. has grown significantly, now operating in multiple countries with over 33,000 employees, continuing to be a favourite DIY store in Southeast Asia.

Taylor’s Fashion Triumphs

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 14: Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) students left a lasting mark at Thailand Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2024 (TFW SS24) and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Christmas Showcase.
At TFW SS24, four students showcased 24 avant-garde looks, impressing the international audience. This event highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing future fashion leaders.
The students’ designs seamlessly blended cultural influences, showcasing their innovation and fashion expertise. Steffi, a student, expressed gratitude for the support received from mentors and the opportunity to resonate with both international and local audiences.
TFW SS24 took place on November 29th and 30th, and the Christmas Showcase at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur happened on December 3rd.
Taylor University’s Fashion Design Technology program consistently produces graduates with strong design foundations, extensive fashion technology knowledge, and forward-thinking designs to excel in the dynamic fashion industry.

Alibaba Cloud Revolutionizes Malaysia 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 15: Alibaba Cloud has significantly influenced the digital transformation of various industries across Malaysia in 2023. The company has established key partnerships, accelerating digital progress in the region:

• Sabah Credit Corporation has expanded its usage of Alibaba Cloud’s EMAS Superapp solution, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
• Sarawak Information Systems marked a technological breakthrough by launching Malaysia’s first Private Cloud in collaboration with Alibaba Cloud.
• Agmo Holdings Berhad ventured into the electric vehicle domain by developing the Agmo EV Super App, leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technology.
• Malacca Securities has enhanced its M+ Global App, a digital trading platform, by integrating Alibaba Cloud’s IaaS solutions, resulting in an improved trading experience for users.
• EasyParcel has seen notable improvements in its delivery operations, thanks to the integration of Alibaba Cloud’s AI technologies, streamlining logistics processes.
• Global Track adopted Alibaba Cloud’s AI-driven real-time tracking systems, significantly improving the security and efficiency of its supply chain operations.

Kun Huang, the General Manager of Malaysia at Alibaba Cloud, highlighted the profound impact of these technological integrations on the Malaysian business sector, reaffirming the company’s dedication to developing a digitally competitive and resilient business environment in Malaysia.

FedEx Wins Prestigious Awards

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 15: FedEx Express, a major player in global express transportation and a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. has recently garnered prestigious accolades in Asia.
For the third consecutive year, the company has been named the ‘Best Company to Work for in Asia 2023’ by HR Asia, lauded for its strong employee engagement and outstanding human resource practices. Additionally, FedEx received the ‘Asia Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)’ award for the second time, recognizing its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Further cementing its reputation, FedEx was also awarded the ‘2023 MY AMCHAM Cares’ award by the American Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, marking its fourth consecutive win.
Tien Long Woon, the managing director of FedEx Express Malaysia, expressed pride in these achievements, attributing them to the company’s people-first philosophy and dedication to creating a positive and impactful work environment. These awards come as FedEx celebrates its 30th anniversary in Malaysia, underlining the company’s longstanding commitment to service excellence and fulfilling its ‘Purple Promise’ to make every FedEx experience outstanding.