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 Jan 15 till the end of the week. This article updates throughout the week.

Digital Receipts Go Green

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 15: GHL Systems Berhad (GHL) has announced the introduction of digital receipts, marking a significant step in digital innovation and environmental sustainability. This new feature allows customers to access digital receipts instantly by scanning a QR code on smart point-of-sale (POS) terminals, eliminating the need for paper records and promoting a more sustainable, greener shopping experience.
This initiative is part of GHL’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of businesses and aligns with the government’s push for digitalization. With the new system, customers can swiftly access transaction details without additional data entry, while businesses benefit from an organized, accessible record-keeping system.
Kevin Lee, CEO of GHL Malaysia, emphasized the company’s role in supporting a paperless retail future and fostering environmental responsibility. The digital receipt solution is currently available on selected smart POS terminals and will be rolled out gradually to more merchants.
GHL’s dedication to environmental stewardship was recently recognized with The Edge Malaysia 2023 ESG Award for most improved performance. For more details on this innovative digital receipt system, customers and merchants can contact GHL Customer Care.

Nu Skin’s Wellness Launch

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 15: Nu Skin Malaysia recently celebrated its New Year Resolution Day, an event brimming with activities for health and fitness enthusiasts.
The event showcased various zones like the Dynamic Movement Experience for interactive fitness activities and the Body Composition Hub with advanced fitness assessments.
Highlighting the event was the launch of Nu Skin’s ageLOC® WellSpa iO®, a device featuring adaptive microcurrent technology for personal wellness and body rejuvenation, emphasizing the company’s focus on integrated beauty and wellness technology.

Ukiyo Showcases Indie Games

Melbourne, Jan 15: Melbourne’s Ukiyo Studios partners with Black Salt Games, Prideful Sloth, and Spider Nest Games to showcase their indie game titles at Taipei Game Show 2024. The event, one of Asia’s largest gaming events, will feature Prideful Sloth’s “Go-Go Town!” and Spider Nest Games’ “Vault of the Void,” along with Black Salt Games’ award-nominated “DREDGE.” The show, expecting over 300,000 visitors, provides an ideal platform for these Australian and New Zealand-made games to gain traction in the Asian market.

Big Hardware Savings

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 15: EMTOP’s ‘Mega New Year Sale’ from January 1 to February 29, 2024, offers 50 per cent off on over 100 hardware tools. This sale by MR D.I.Y. Group includes discounts on various tools such as power tools and garden equipment. Alex Goh of MR D.I.Y. Group highlighted the sale’s goal to provide value for customers updating their homes or businesses. EMTOP, known globally in 80 countries, offers quality hardware with a unique feature of a standard battery across multiple tools.

BamBam Joins Xiaomi

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 15: Xiaomi has unveiled its partnership with BamBam Kunpimook, known as BamBam from GOT7, as the inaugural ambassador for Xiaomi Southeast Asia. This collaboration was revealed during the launch event of the ‘Redmi Note 13 Series’ in Bangkok, Thailand. Xiaomi, a renowned global technology brand, specializes in smartphones and AIoT devices designed for individuals, particularly the new generation with unique lifestyles and self-confidence. The collaboration is inspired by the ‘Every Shot Iconic’ concept of the ‘Redmi Note 13 Series’ and aims to enhance communication while reflecting the Redmi brand’s image. BamBam represents the tech-savvy new generation, serving as a role model for his exceptional use of technology.
The ‘Redmi Note 13 Series’ is introduced under the ‘Every Shot Iconic’ concept and comprises four models: Redmi Note Series 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note Series 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note Series 13 5G, and Redmi Note 13. These devices boast impressive features, including a high-resolution 200MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a stunning 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED curved display protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®.

UNESCO to Combat Hate Speech

Paris, Jan 16: UNESCO announces the focus of International Day of Education on January 24, 2024, will be countering hate speech, a growing concern fueled by social media. Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasizes education as a key defense, advocating for training learners to deconstruct hate speech and promote inclusive, democratic societies.
On January 24, UNESCO will conduct an online training for teachers worldwide to equip them with tools to identify and combat hate speech. This initiative complements UNESCO’s strategy to tackle hate speech through education and follows the recent adoption of a new recommendation by UNESCO’s 194 Member States for a global framework in this area.
Recent studies show a disturbing rise in online hate speech and misinformation, highlighting the need for this focus. UNESCO’s efforts also include revising its Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development, and publishing guides to strengthen public policies against hate speech. The organization is stepping up anti-racist guidelines and initiatives to combat antisemitism in education.

Qatar Airways Inaugurates Flight to Medan, Indonesia

Doha, Jan 16: Qatar Airways has started a new service to Medan, Indonesia, marking it as the airline’s third destination in Indonesia.
The inaugural flight from Doha to Kualanamu International Airport occurred on January 15, 2024.
The service, which includes three weekly flights using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, celebrates the end of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture.
The route aims to enhance cultural and economic connections between Qatar and Indonesia and is expected to attract both business and leisure travelers.
Flights from Doha to Medan operate every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

JTS Group Berhad IPO Oversubscribed

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 16: KJTS Group Berhad, a building support services provider in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, has announced its IPO oversubscribed by 31.28 times.
The public offering of 218,027,200 new shares attracted applications for over 1.1 billion shares, valued at RM299.78 million.
The retail portion and Bumiputera segment were significantly oversubscribed, and the institutional offering was fully subscribed at RM0.27 per share.
The company’s Managing Director, Lee Kok Choon, noted the strong market trust in KJTS’s vision and commitment to sustainable growth.
KJTS is set to debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on Jan 26.

Verizon Business Australia Names New Public Sector Head

Canberra, Jan 17: In a strategic move, Verizon Business Australia has announced the appointment of Claudine Beltrami as the head of its Federal Government sales division. With a 25-year tenure in the IT sector, Beltrami brings extensive experience to her new role in Canberra, where she will oversee client relations for Verizon’s federal and state customers.
Beltrami’s appointment follows her successful leadership roles at Cisco in Canberra, where she managed sales and enablement teams. She has also held significant positions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Compaq. Her expertise in the public sector is expected to strengthen Verizon’s collaborations with government entities.
Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region at Verizon Business Group, expressed enthusiasm about Beltrami’s role in shaping a secure digital future for Australia. Beltrami herself is excited to contribute to Verizon’s mission of modernizing and protecting critical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of delivering transformative solutions in the public sector.
Verizon Business Australia, with a history of over 20 years in the region, provides managed network and security services to various industries. The company also operates a state-of-the-art Advanced Security Operations Center in Canberra. Beltrami, an MBA graduate from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree holder from the University of Canberra, is set to play a pivotal role in Verizon’s ongoing success in Australia.

Haipick: 11-Meter Robot

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 18: XTS Technologies, a leading smart-factories integrator, introduced ‘Haipick,’ the world’s first 11-metre tall Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robot (ACR) system in partnership with Sinma Digital Commerce.
This groundbreaking technology, based on Automated Case-handling Technology (ACT), promises to revolutionize industrial efficiency and precision, aligning with the demands of Industry 4.0.
XTS Technologies, known for its automation solutions, reinforces its commitment to innovation with Haipick AGV Picking Robot. Alongside their suite of technologies, Haipick plays a crucial role in advancing global warehousing and logistics capabilities. XTS Technologies’ global presence in the US, Europe, and Japan positions it as a key player in international automation and e-commerce sectors.
Xteven Teoh, Founder and Managing Director of XTS Technologies, emphasized their commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency. This innovation is expected to contribute significantly to a sustainable and efficient industrial landscape.
Sinma Digital, Malaysia’s first ecommerce warehouse to utilize Haipick, anticipates improved efficiency and precision. This partnership aims to minimize errors and optimize space usage, reinforcing confidence in a promising future for both companies.
Chung Dao, Director of XTS Technologies and Sinma Digital, highlighted the importance of financial stability and strategic financial strengthening for their continued success and growth.
The collaboration between XTS Technologies and Sinma Digital signifies a milestone in their journey, setting new industry standards and driving progress and efficiency in the digital landscape, both locally and globally.

UTAR and Samaiden Partnership

Petaling Jaya, Jan 18: Samaiden Group Berhad, a renewable energy specialist, has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) to boost education and industry growth in the renewable energy sector.
The partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum enhancement, and hands-on experience for students and professionals.
UTAR aims to bridge the gap between academia and the renewable energy industry, fostering adaptable and forward-thinking professionals.
Samaiden Group sees this collaboration as a way to nurture future experts in sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and innovation in the field.

Artroniq Addresses Share Price Volatility

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 18: Artroniq Berhad, a prominent ACE Market participant, responds to recent share price fluctuations on Bursa Malaysia Securities. The company assures stakeholders of its stable operations and ongoing growth.
Artroniq is actively investigating factors behind recent stock price volatility while emphasizing that its core business areas, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, and blockchain, continue to operate without disruption. These sectors align with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The company’s subsidiary, Artroniq iTech Sdn Bhd, shows progress in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, reinforcing Artroniq’s dedication to eco-friendly mobility solutions. Artroniq’s engagements in the blockchain technology domain further solidify its position as a technology pioneer.
Artroniq’s collaboration with United E-Motor for electric motorcycles aligns with sustainable urban mobility goals and Malaysia’s carbon neutrality objectives.
Artroniq’s management states, “Our strategic initiatives in semiconductors and electric vehicles, including our partnership with United E-Motor, remain on track. We are committed to innovation and sustainability.”
In conclusion, Artroniq maintains confidence in its strategic direction and growth potential, pledging transparency and value delivery through technology solutions.