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 March 4 till the end of the week. This article updates throughout the week.

ACCC Sues Mosaic Brands

Sydney, March 4: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated legal action against Mosaic Brands Limited for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.
The national fashion retailer is accused of misleading customers with false delivery timeframes and accepting payment without fulfilling orders within those periods or at all.
The complaint covers the period from 23 September 2021 to 31 March 2022, during which over a quarter of purchases were dispatched significantly later than promised, frustrating customers, especially those buying for timely events.
Furthermore, Mosaic Brands is charged with misrepresenting consumer rights on refunds for faulty goods, suggesting a six-month limit contrary to the law’s stipulations.
The ACCC’s action seeks penalties, injunctions, and a mandate for a compliance program to prevent future violations.

Sensuous Nominated for Award

Sydney, March 4: Sensuous, an adult lifestyle product company, has been named a finalist in the Small Business Champions Awards, recognizing its innovation in the Beauty & Lifestyle Product category. Starting from humble beginnings, Sensuous has grown into a multi-million-dollar business, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Its products are now available globally, including in major Australian retailers. CEO Keith Jones attributes this success to the dedication of their small team and the support of their customers.
The award highlights Sensuous’s role as a leader in the industry and its contribution to economic and community growth.

Huawei Unveils AI Solutions

Barcelona, March 4: At MWC Barcelona 2024, Huawei announced three new data storage solutions to support the AI era: an AI data lake, all-scenario data protection, and a full-stack data centre solution. These innovations, introduced by Dr. Peter Zhou, aim to enhance data infrastructure for global carriers, addressing challenges like data mobility and assetization.
The solutions include high-performance storage options and data protection that improves efficiency and reduces costs, supporting Huawei’s commitment to aiding carriers in the intelligent digital transformation journey.

redBus Expands Travel Services

Kuala Lumpur, March 4: redBus, the global leader in bus ticketing, has launched ‘Things to Do,’ a new feature offering over 500 activities in Malaysia and Singapore, directly through its app.
This expansion makes redBus a comprehensive travel planning platform, offering users a seamless way to explore wellness retreats, cultural experiences, food and beverage options, and more.
Chief Business Officer Krishnan Ramaswami emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the needs of modern, mobile-first travelers in Southeast Asia.
With this feature, redBus aims to simplify travel by eliminating long queues and providing activities at affordable prices, further supported by a promotional discount for users. Since its 2015 launch in Malaysia, redBus continues to dominate the online bus booking industry, now enhancing its services with ‘Things to Do’ to enrich travel experiences.

Spritzer Wins Putra Awards

Kuala Lumpur, March 4: Spritzer has been honored with two prestigious accolades at the 2023 Putra Brand Awards: the Gold Award in the Beverage-Non Alcoholic Category and the Putra Brand Personality Award for its Founder and Managing Director, Dato’ Lim Kok Boon.
These awards underscore Spritzer’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and excellence in the beverage industry.
The company’s success is attributed to its team’s hard work and the trust and preference of its customers, solidifying Spritzer as Malaysia’s top beverage choice.
The Putra Brand Awards, organized by the 4As in collaboration with various Malaysian brand and advertising associations, celebrate brand excellence based on consumer votes.

App Wins ASEAN Award

Kuala Lumpur, March 4: Malaysian students Yen May Lee and Jie Si Yee, representing team Walaoeh, clinched the ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2023 title with their financial literacy app, MoneyMentor, aimed at assisting unbanked rural residents in ASEAN countries.
Their innovative solution, designed to boost financial inclusion and literacy, plans to launch in Malaysia and Indonesia, focusing on partnerships and leveraging SAP technology for better financial services.
The ASEAN Foundation and SAP’s collaboration underscores their commitment to empowering young talent and addressing sustainable economic challenges in the region.

Malaysia Fights HPV Cancer

Kuala Lumpur, March 4: On International HPV Awareness Day, GSK Malaysia, in partnership with the International Papillomavirus Society, intensifies its commitment to combat Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. With cervical cancer ranking as a top malignancy among Malaysian women, especially those aged 15 to 44, the campaign emphasizes the importance of education, screening, and vaccination to make HPV-related diseases ‘One Less Worry’. Malaysia’s proactive initiatives, including regular screenings and HPV vaccination, aim to meet WHO’s 90-70-90 targets by 2030, significantly reducing cervical cancer incidence. GSK remains dedicated to advancing public health through innovation in vaccines and medicines.

Sensibo’s 2023 Climate Impact: A Leap Towards Sustainable HVAC

Tel Aviv, March 4: In a major stride towards environmental sustainability, Sensibo, the pioneer in smart HVAC technology, announced its 2023 Climate Impact Report from Tel Aviv on March 4, 2024. The report highlights the company’s significant contributions to reducing carbon emissions, saving energy, and enhancing energy efficiency through its smart heating and cooling devices. Sensibo’s smart HVAC solutions have prevented 111,011 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions last year, akin to taking over 22,000 gasoline-powered cars off the roads. Additionally, the company reported savings of 272 GWh of energy and the management of 868 MW of power.
Integrating AI and smart technology, including an AI Assistant powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Sensibo’s products are designed to optimize indoor climate control, significantly reducing energy consumption. The company, with its products installed in over 250,000 homes globally, focuses on making heating and cooling more sustainable, addressing the critical challenge of climate change.
With heating and cooling devices accounting for 25 per cent of global energy consumption, Sensibo’s innovative solutions not only promise up to 40 per cent savings on heating and cooling costs but also aim to revolutionize air conditioning technology to achieve significant energy conservation and reduce carbon footprints. The 2023 report also underscores Sensibo’s alignment with six UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing its role in combating climate change, preserving resources, and fostering sustainable habits.
For more information, the complete Climate Impact Report is available on Sensibo’s website, showcasing the company’s dedication to being at the forefront of climate technology and its commitment to a sustainable future.

Innovative Collaboration Achieves Breakthrough in Aerial Surveying Technology

Sydney, March 5: Carbonix, a leading drone technology firm, has partnered with RIEGL and Phase One to launch a groundbreaking integration for aerial surveying and data acquisition.
This collaboration has successfully deployed the RIEGL VUX-120 LiDAR sensor and Phase One iXM 100 medium format camera on the Carbonix Ottano X, a state-of-the-art fixed-wing VTOL drone, marking a significant advancement in the field of remote sensing and geospatial data collection.
The integration showcases the first-ever combination of these high-resolution, survey-grade sensors on a long-range platform, designed to significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of data collection across the linear infrastructure and mining sectors.
The system has demonstrated its capabilities in Australia and the US, covering over 12,000 hectares in a single mission and capturing detailed 3D models of infrastructure and terrain.
This technological leap offers unparalleled benefits such as high-density data capture, operational efficiency, extended endurance, and vast coverage, enabling the collection of comprehensive area mapping at an unprecedented scale.
The collaboration between Carbonix, RIEGL, and Phase One represents a major step forward in aerial imaging and mapping, promising enhanced detail, accuracy, and scalability in geospatial data collection.

Zero-Alcohol Dilemma

Sydney, March 5: New research from Flinders University highlights parents’ concerns over zero-alcohol drinks’ impact on adolescents, amid the booming popularity of these alternatives in Australia.
The study points to confusion about the suitability and potential harm of these beverages for teenagers, with some fearing they could normalize or even encourage traditional alcohol consumption.
Experts advocate a cautious approach, advising against providing such drinks to young people to minimize alcohol-related risks.

Victoria Tops Fashion Manufacturing

Melbourne, March 5: The Australian Fashion Council, with Epson Australia, reveals groundbreaking research by RMIT showing Victoria as Australia’s leading fashion manufacturing hub, valued at nearly $1 billion.
This sector, employing over 10,300 people, surpasses other states in economic contribution and is poised to spearhead Australia’s shift to a sustainable, circular economy.
The report, set for April release, underscores the industry’s significant, yet often overlooked, economic and environmental potential.

Western Digital Ethically Honored

Sydney, March 5: Western Digital has been recognized as one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the sixth time, underscoring its commitment to ethics, compliance, and governance across the technology industry.
This global acknowledgment highlights Western Digital’s dedication to integrating ethical business practices as a core philosophy, distinguishing it among peers and setting a standard in corporate responsibility.

Epson Australia Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation and Growth

Sydney, March 6: Epson Australia marks its 40th anniversary, continuing its legacy in imaging technology with new product launches in printing and projection. Under the leadership of MD Craig Heckenberg, the company has established itself as the leading brand in projectors, large format printers, and more. Founded in 1983 in Frenchs Forest, Sydney, Epson Australia now boasts a comprehensive product portfolio and a robust team of over 150 across major cities. The company is dedicated to sustainability, partnering with significant environmental initiatives and transitioning to 100% renewable energy in Australia and New Zealand. Global President Yasunori Ogawa commends Epson Australia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community support, looking forward to future achievements.

Qatar Airways Unveils Sama 2.0

Berlin, March 6: At ITB Berlin 2024, Qatar Airways wowed attendees with the debut of Sama 2.0, its second-generation virtual cabin crew.
Powered by innovative conversational AI, Sama 2.0 interacts with passengers in real-time, providing assistance with FAQs, destinations, and more.
Developed in partnership with UneeQ, a leader in AI digital human technology, Sama sets new standards for personalized service interactions in air travel.
|Qatar Airways continues its commitment to innovation, showcasing Sama 2.0 at ITB Berlin until tomorrow.

Alpro’s Nutritional Aid

Kuala Lumpur, March 7: Alpro Foundation has expanded its Metabolic Basic Sponsorship Programme, offering financial relief to families struggling with the high costs of tube feeding.
Costs can range from RM2,500 to RM3,000 monthly, with nutritional support alone amounting to RM1,000 to RM1,600.
This initiative comes as a response to the challenges faced by lower-income groups, some of whom resort to using conventional milk powder, risking malnutrition and further health issues.
Funded by the sales of Metabolic Basic, a specially formulated oral nutritional product, the programme donates one packet for every purchase at Alpro Pharmacy.
Since its inception in 2019, over 250 patients have been supported, saving families approximately RM6.13 million.
The foundation is now aiming to aid an additional 50 tube feeding patients, underlining the programme’s success and the community’s involvement. For more information or to apply for the sponsorship, visit Alpro Pharmacy outlets or contact 019-3881923.

Nine Boosts Small Biz

Sydney, March 7: Nine Ad Manager partners with Precedent Productions for the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, including specific programs for women and trades.
This collaboration aims to spotlight Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses, crucial to the nation’s economy, employing over five million people and contributing significantly to the GDP.
Through Nine’s BVOD platform, 9Now, small and medium-sized businesses can now access TV advertising, potentially enhancing visibility and growth.
The partnership celebrates the sector’s resilience and innovation, with more than 100 businesses to be honored at gala events in Sydney this April.

Jati Tinggi Enters Data Centre Sector

Kuala Lumpur, March 7: Jati Tinggi Group Berhad, known for infrastructure utilities engineering, has ventured into the data centre infrastructure industry.
Its subsidiary, Jati Tinggi Holding Sdn. Bhd., secured a RM22.1 million contract for developing a 275kV underground cable system for a southern Malaysia data centre.
This move highlights Jati Tinggi’s expansion and its capability in handling high-voltage power projects, marking a significant step into high-tech facility development.
Following the announcement, the company’s shares rose to RM0.305, with a market cap of RM119.5 million, indicating positive market reception to its new direction.

Carbonix Drone Achieves Inspection Milestone

Adelaide, March 8: Carbonix has become the pioneering Australian firm to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) drone flights, significantly advancing the commercial drone sector.
Partnering with SA Power Networks, Carbonix’s drones undertook a 150km inspection of power lines in remote South Australia, marking a significant leap in utility infrastructure management.
This operation, sanctioned by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), not only promises substantial operational and environmental benefits but also positions Carbonix’s Volanti drone as the first Australian VTOL UAV to perform a fully automated BVLoS flight for commercial data collection. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and the carbon footprint of SA Power Networks’ vast electricity distribution endeavors.

Samaiden, Maxell Tohshin’s Solar Pact

Petaling Jaya, March 8: In a landmark move for sustainable manufacturing, Samaiden Group Berhad has signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Maxell Tohshin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to install a 1,028.28 kWp solar photovoltaic system at Maxell Tohshin’s facilities.
This initiative, expected to reduce carbon emissions by 974.66 tonnes annually, highlights both companies’ commitment to green energy solutions.
Ir. Chow Pui Hee, Samaiden’s Group MD, emphasized the deal’s role in combating climate change, while Maxell Tohshin’s MD, Mr. Nobuki Yahiro, acknowledged the significant step towards incorporating renewable energy into their operations.
The partnership underlines a shared vision for a sustainable industrial future.

WhatsApp Launches Ramadan Stickers

Kuala Lumpur, March 8: In celebration of Ramadan, a time for connection and spirituality, WhatsApp introduces a new sticker pack, available in English and Bahasa Malaysia (BM).
Designed to enhance greetings and well-wishes among friends and family, these stickers can be easily accessed by tapping the sticker icon and selecting the + symbol in the app.
As with all WhatsApp communications, these stickers are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring private conversations remain secure.

Varia, SKL Seal Highway Pact

Kuala Lumpur, March 8: Varia Berhad, a leader in construction and development, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sungai Klang Link Sdn. Bhd. (SKL) for the 52.5km Sungai Klang Link Elevated Highway project.
This collaboration leverages Varia’s construction prowess for the major infrastructure development along the Klang river, promising to enhance the Klang Valley’s urban landscape.
With support from government entities and nearing final approval, this project aims to improve traffic flow and regional connectivity.
Varia’s Managing Director, Datuk Benson Lau, emphasizes the project’s potential to set construction benchmarks and bolster economic growth, while SKL’s Managing Director, Datuk Mohd. Nazri Ismail, highlights the partnership’s role in easing congestion.
Varia’s shares stand at RM0.890, reflecting a robust market presence.