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 May 13 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Malaysia: AI Trust Imperative

Kuala Lumpur, May 13: In Malaysia, business leaders are called to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations to maintain trust, particularly in finance and accounting. The ACCA’s “AI monitor: trust” series highlights the necessity for CEOs and CFOs to cultivate AI literacy and establish robust governance frameworks. These steps aim to harness AI’s potential while managing inherent risks.
Alistair Brisbourne, Head of Technology Research at ACCA, emphasized the dual aspect of trust in systems and personnel, stating, “Introducing AI is both about trust in the systems and trust in the people that we work with, and how we bring those two elements together.”
Andrew Lim, ACCA’s Portfolio Head for Maritime Southeast Asia, also stressed the importance of proactive risk mitigation measures as AI becomes more prevalent in Malaysia’s business landscape. “As AI becomes integral to Malaysia’s business scene, it is important for business leaders to take proactive risk mitigation measures. By navigating these challenges, businesses can unlock the AI’s potential while safeguarding trust in the industry.”
Future editions of the AI monitor will delve into talent, risk controls, data strategy, and sustainability applications.

MR. TOY Celebrates Anniversary

Kuala Lumpur, May 14: MR. TOY, a subsidiary of MR D.I.Y. Group, is marking its fifth anniversary with a month-long ‘Anniversary Super Deals’ event, offering significant discounts on a wide range of toys.
From May 1 to 31, 2024, customers can explore deals across various toy categories at all 61 stores nationwide.
Alex Goh, MR D.I.Y. Group’s Head of Marketing, stated, “We are thrilled to celebrate another fantastic year at MR. TOY. As a homegrown toy store chain, we aim to help more children across the country have access to good-quality, affordable, enjoyable, and educational toys in line with our promise of ‘Always Low Prices, Always Fun’. Our hope is to bring joy to more children across Malaysia. As a token of our appreciation for their continued support, we are offering the best deals on our toys throughout May. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these incredible offers.”
Highlights of the sale include mind-challenging board games priced at RM10.90 and various building brick toys at RM28.90.
MR. TOY emphasizes safety and affordability, with all toys meeting the European Union Toy Safety Standards (EN71).

SailPoint Unveils Success Center

Kuala Lumpur, May 15: SailPoint Technologies, Inc. has introduced a new Customer Success Center within its Compass Community, aiming to enhance the identity security capabilities of its customers and partners.
This center provides a range of resources, including personalized onboarding and strategic program planning.
Meredith Blanchar, Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the goal of the center, stating, “Our goal is to provide scalable, proactive resources alongside the personalized engagement opportunities that SailPoint customers have come to expect.”
The center features essential guides, an onboarding guide with interactive resources, and a blog and knowledge base to keep users informed on the latest in identity security.
SailPoint’s commitment to customer empowerment and education stands as a core aspect of their ongoing enhancements to the customer experience.

Ensign Report Highlights Cyber Threats

Kuala Lumpur, May 15: Ensign InfoSecurity, Asia’s leading cybersecurity solutions provider, has released its fifth edition of the Cyber Threat Landscape Report, revealing significant shifts in cyber threat targets for 2023.
The report identifies Manufacturing, Government, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications as the top three sectors most vulnerable to cyberattacks, with Manufacturing leading at 20.0 per cent, followed by Government at 18.2 per cent, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at 14.5 per cent.
The increase in cyber threats in these sectors is attributed to the possession of valuable data, continuous operational demands, and varying levels of cyber hygiene.
Particularly in Malaysia, the report notes that ransomware attacks, motivated by the potential for financial extortion, are the most common, comprising 58.2 per cent of all cyber incidents.
These attacks often involve a tactic known as “double extortion,” aiming to capitalize on businesses that are key to economic recovery post-pandemic.
Chee Yee Cheng, General Manager of Ensign InfoSecurity in Malaysia, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
“The marked increase in targeted attacks on essential sectors such as manufacturing and government signals an urgent need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to cybersecurity in these areas,” Cheng stated.
“Through Ensign’s Cyber Threat Landscape Report, we hope to help establish more rigorous cyber hygiene standards and practices, ensuring that these sectors are adequately prepared to defend against and deter cybercriminals.”
Additionally, the report highlights a significant improvement in the detection of breaches, with the average dwell time of attackers within networks drastically reduced from 1095 days to just 49 days across industries, indicating that defensive measures are becoming more effective.

Grill’d Revolutionizes Sustainable Dining

Sydney, May 19: Grill’d, the innovative burger restaurant chain, has taken significant strides in promoting sustainability with its latest initiative, the Gamechanger burger.
Introduced in January last year, the Gamechanger features a grass-fed beef patty made from cattle that produce up to two-thirds fewer methane emissions compared to traditional cattle, making it the world’s first all-natural sustainable beef burger.
Starting from May 7, seven Grill’d restaurants across Australia will exclusively offer the Gamechanger beef in all their burgers, allowing customers to opt for a more sustainable choice without additional cost. The selected restaurants are located in key locations including Byron Bay, Southbank in Brisbane, Hawthorn in Melbourne, Claremont Quarter in Western Australia, Canberra Centre in ACT, Marion Shopping Centre in South Australia, and World Square in Sydney.
Simon Crowe, Founder and Managing Director of Grill’d, explained the significance of this move: “This is the result of the company’s efforts to grow Gamechanger beef supply, meet our customer’s specific market needs for more sustainability and lead the way in the industry to combat climate change. This will increase Gamechanger supply by up to 50 per cent.”
Initially, in Phase 1, customers were given the option to add Gamechanger Beef to their burgers for an additional $1, encouraging them to make more sustainable choices despite the higher costs associated with producing Gamechanger beef. Crowe highlighted the evolution of this approach: “We will now offer Gamechanger Beef at the same price as our normal beef. We will cover the extra cost of the patty, so there is no price expectation on the consumer. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress and has been received positively.”
The Gamechanger burger is made from black Angus cattle fed with Asparagopsis-enriched pellets. This innovation stems from a collaboration between Grill’d and Sea Forest, an environmental technology company in Tasmania that has been pioneering in reducing livestock methane emissions through sustainable seaweed farming.
Sam Elsom from Sea Forest shared, “Grill’d’s collaboration with Sea Forest has enabled the cultivation of Asparagopsis-enriched feed pellets, leading to substantial reductions in methane emissions during cattle farming.”
The Gamechanger initiative reflects Grill’d’s commitment to natural resources, animal welfare, and a sustainable future, continuing to set the standard in sustainable dining practices.

UNESCO Bolsters Heritage Protection

Paris, May 15: As the 70th anniversary of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict is celebrated, UNESCO has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening the preservation of cultural heritage. The announcement came during an international conference held in The Hague, organized by UNESCO in partnership with the Netherlands.
First adopted on May 14, 1954, after the widespread destruction of cultural heritage during the Second World War, the Hague Convention established a global legal framework designed to protect cultural properties during armed conflicts and bring perpetrators of deliberate destruction to justice.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, highlighted the historical impact of the convention, stating, “This Convention has not only strengthened international law and established a permanent dialogue between cultural professionals and military authorities, it has also given rise to very tangible preventive measures implemented during peacetime in all regions of the world.”
Over the decades, these measures have included localized inventories of cultural properties, marking them with the Blue Shield emblem, military training, and the establishment of specialized preservation units. In the past five years alone, UNESCO has trained over 7,500 military personnel and provided financial support to countries like Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Paraguay, and Ukraine to enhance their preventive capabilities and post-conflict recovery efforts.
Additionally, the 1954 Convention led to the creation of a List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, which now includes 55 cultural sites and offers them additional safeguards.
During the conference in The Hague, UNESCO unveiled three new initiatives to address current challenges and utilize modern technological resources. One significant development is the establishment of an international training program for judges and prosecutors focusing on data collection, analysis, and the investigation of heritage destruction. This initiative builds on the legal precedents set by the International Criminal Court in 2016, aiming to enhance the legal framework for cultural property protection.
Another initiative includes the formation of a “civil-military alliance for the protection of cultural property,” which will facilitate the creation of specialized heritage protection units, particularly in Africa, and foster collaboration between them and heritage experts.
Lastly, UNESCO is pushing for the advanced training of site managers and military personnel in cutting-edge technologies such as satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and digital preservation techniques, to further enhance the safeguarding of heritage sites around the globe.

Malaysian Agency Wins Webby

Kuala Lumpur, May 15: Fishermen Integrated, an independent agency based in Malaysia, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning at the 28th Annual Webby Awards, marking the first time a Malaysian company has been honored at this prestigious event.
The ceremony took place in New York City on May 13, where Fishermen Integrated joined other winners in celebrating their achievements.
The agency was recognized for its exceptional work on the PETRONAS 2022 Integrated Report website, which garnered the Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Use of Video or Moving Image in the Websites and Mobile Sites – Features & Design category.
This accolade is particularly significant as it reflects the preferences of the online community, with over 2.2 million votes cast by more than 550,000 people globally.
Mark Darren Lee, Co-founder and Managing Director of Fishermen Integrated, expressed his enthusiasm about the win: “Being recognised as a Webby Winner is a dream come true for Fishermen Integrated, both on a professional and personal level. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication and the exceptional partnership we have fostered with our esteemed client, PETRONAS. We take immense pride in not only representing Malaysia but also in being the sole Malaysian company to clinch this prestigious award on the global stage. We are deeply honoured to have brought this accolade home, standing alongside renowned brands.”
Nick Borenstein, General Manager of The Webby Awards, also commented on the achievement: “It is an incredible achievement to be shortlisted among the best from the nearly 13,000 entries we received this year. Winning a Webby is an outstanding accomplishment, achieved by only the top four per cent of all entered work. It is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators, regardless of whether they were selected by our Judging Academy or chosen by the online voting public for the People’s Voice Awards.”
The Webby Awards, described by The New York Times as the “Internet’s Highest Honour,” are overseen by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), a judging body that includes over 3,000 industry experts and technology innovators. Fishermen Integrated’s victory at the Webbys places them among the world’s elite digital creators, showcasing their pioneering approach to digital media.

Alteryx Launches AiDIN Copilot

Sydney, May 16: Alteryx, Inc. today introduced AiDIN Copilot, the first AI assistant in the industry crafted to enhance analytical workflow creation.
This new tool, utilizing Google Cloud’s Gemini AI models, offers a conversational interface that simplifies data interactions, aiming to boost business efficiency and revenue.
Already, companies like Kingfisher have trimmed month-end data consolidation from two weeks to two days, enhancing productivity significantly.
Alexander Barr, Senior Manager at DoorDash, stated, “Our team relies on Alteryx to leverage data efficiently, supporting our growth and customer reach. We anticipate Alteryx AiDIN Copilot will further accelerate our capabilities to innovate and adapt in this economy.”
The AiDIN Copilot enables users of all skill levels to swiftly resolve business issues and make informed decisions, supported by AI-driven suggestions on Alteryx Designer.
Suresh Vittal, Chief Product Officer at Alteryx, highlighted, “Embedding AI into our products enhances efficiency and delivers insights at an unparalleled speed, giving our customers a competitive edge.”
Alteryx continues to innovate, revealing enhancements at Alteryx Inspire 2024, including Playbooks and cloud support features, enriching its enterprise analytics solutions.

Pets Suffer Amid Cutbacks

Sydney, May 16: As the cost of living rises, over half of Australian pet owners are cutting back on their pets’ healthcare, a troubling trend that could undermine the welfare of numerous animals.
This finding comes from a recent study spotlighting the financial pressures that lead to compromised care for pets.
According to Nadia Crighton, a spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, “The results of the latest survey underscore the profound impact of financial strain on pet healthcare decisions nationwide.” The report reveals that 21.5 per cent of pet owners are reducing regular veterinary visits and preventive care. Nearly 13 per cent are even skipping essential treatments for pests like fleas, ticks, and worms—an alarming decision, especially during an unusually long tick season.
Additionally, more than 20 per cent of pet owners delay seeking veterinary care for minor issues, which can exacerbate the pets’ conditions, resulting in more complex and costly treatments later. Crighton cautions, “While postponing vet visits for minor concerns might seem financially prudent initially, it can result in exacerbated health issues for pets and higher expenses for owners in the long term.”
The financial burden is also evident in the treatment costs of common canine ailments, with prices soaring for medications, treatments, and surgeries. For example, treatment costs for gastrointestinal diseases in puppies can range from $661 to a staggering $25,939. In older dogs, conditions like arthritis and cancer can cost up to $37,133.
“Additionally, ingesting toxins and foreign bodies poses significant risks and financial burdens for pet owners,” Crighton adds, highlighting costs that can reach up to $41,671 with surgery.
Pet Insurance Australia advocates for proactive pet healthcare and encourages owners to prioritize regular check-ups and preventive treatments to mitigate the impact of financial constraints on their pets’ health.

SEAM Launches in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, May 16: The Biji-biji Initiative and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship have joined forces to launch the Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM), a new program designed to empower social entrepreneurs and address pressing social and environmental challenges across Malaysia.
Despite the growth of the social enterprise sector, many organizations face challenges accessing essential resources and support. SEAM aims to bridge this gap, providing financial support and fostering a sustainable ecosystem that benefits marginalized communities and promotes environmental protection.
Juliana, CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, shared her vision for the initiative: “We strongly believe in the inherent value of this programme and its capacity to address the urgent needs of the ecosystem.” Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, added, “We’re thrilled to launch a new programme in a new country with the Biji-biji Initiative. Together, we’re continuing a movement that champions innovation, collaboration, and social impact in Malaysia.”
Malcolm Pruys, Country Retail Director of IKEA Malaysia, also expressed enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to contribute to this new accelerator programme as part of our commitment to drive meaningful change across Malaysia. By engaging and connecting our co-workers with these social enterprises, we not only foster mutual learning and exchange but also contribute actively to their scaling efforts.”
SEAM invites collaboration from government and private sectors to further enhance the social entrepreneurship landscape in Malaysia.

Sarawak Boosts Sustainability

Kuala Lumpur, May 17: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). This collaboration aims to foster sustainable tourism practices and enhance resilience within the region.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor and PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
The signing took place at the PATA Annual Summit in Macao, China, witnessed by STB Chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau and PATA Chair Peter Semone.
“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board and look forward to the numerous activities we have planned over the next four years. PATA and STB have cultivated a strong relationship over the years, which heightens our excitement for this opportunity to collaborate closely on initiatives aimed at positioning Sarawak as a leading and exemplary destination in terms of sustainability,” expressed Noor.
The MoU outlines several collaborative efforts, including enhancing tourism resilience, introducing carbon offset projects, and promoting green hospitality, urban sustainability, and biodiversity conservation.
“We believe tourism is a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. Sarawak Tourism is proud to collaborate with PATA on initiatives that not only enhance tourism resilience and sustainability but also position Sarawak as the Gateway to Borneo. Through joint efforts in carbon offset projects, advocacy, and biodiversity conservation, we aim to showcase Sarawak’s rich natural heritage while leading the way in responsible tourism practices,” Sharzede said.
The first initiative under this partnership is the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) capacity-building program scheduled in Kuching, starting next week.
The program will train tourism officials on topics such as risk assessment and crisis communication. Following this, a workshop will be held for SMEs in the tourism sector, focusing on financial and digital skills to enhance their competitiveness.
PATA and STB have planned further activities, including workshops on ecotourism, community-based tourism development, waste management, and the implementation of sustainability certifications and carbon neutrality activities.
The partnership emphasizes continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure the success of these sustainable tourism initiatives in Sarawak.