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 July 29 till the end of the week. This article updates throughout the week.

Aussie Businesses Get a Boost

Sydney, July 30: Stone & Chalk and KPMG Australia have announced the five startups for the fourth cohort of the Future Technology Program.
The selected startups, Heatseeker, Bluesheets, Klaro, Swyvl, and Insightech, are focused on intelligent performance solutions to boost productivity, optimize business performance, streamline overheads, and accelerate revenue growth.
They will receive a 12-month residency at Stone & Chalk’s hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, with support from KPMG mentors.
The program aims to tackle Australia’s two per cent productivity decline since 1995 by fostering innovative business solutions.
Notable alumni include Arlula, Zondii, and Crewmojo.

Iceotope CEO Retires

Sydney, July 30: Iceotope CEO David Craig will retire on September 30, 2024, after nine years of leadership.
Craig transformed Iceotope into a global leader in Precision Liquid Cooling, scaling the company and securing investment from major international investors.
He will focus on charitable work in the UK and Africa. CCO Nathan Blom and CFO Simon Jesenko will jointly lead Iceotope on an interim basis.
Craig will continue to advise the company during the transition. Iceotope’s technology, critical for sustainable data centers, reduces energy use by up to 40 percent and water consumption by 100 percent.

AGAPE ATP Expands Wellness Division

Kuala Lumpur, July 30: AGAPE ATP Corporation (ATPC) is entering strategic collaborations to expand into the pain management and elderly care markets.
Partnering with Sweet Home Senior Living Care Centre, ATPC will enhance elderly care services, aiming to expand up to 10 facilities by mid-2026.
Collaborating with Cedar Wellness, ATPC will focus on non-pharmaceutical therapies and Traditional Chinese Medicine through Cedar ATPC Sdn. Bhd.
These initiatives support ATPC’s mission to promote sustainable living and improve quality of life by creating a comprehensive wellness ecosystem.

Cyberthreats Surge in 2024

Sydney, July 31: Acronis, a leader in cybersecurity and data protection, reports a dramatic 293 per cent increase in email attacks and a 32 per cent rise in ransomware detections in the first half of 2024, compared to 2023.
The “Acronis Cyberthreats Report H1 2024” highlights emerging trends, including the use of AI by threat groups for social engineering and automation attacks.
“As a result of the increasing volume and complexities of cyber threats we continue to uncover in the current cybersecurity landscape, it is of the utmost importance that MSPs take a holistic approach to securing their customer’s data, systems, and unique digital infrastructures,” said Irina Artioli, report author and Cyber Protection Evangelist at Acronis Threat Research Unit.
Ransomware continues to target small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in government and healthcare.
Bahrain, Egypt, and South Korea were the top countries targeted by malware attacks in Q1 2024.
The report calls for a comprehensive security strategy, including advanced endpoint protection and security awareness training.

Free-flying Camera Robot Uses Epson IMU

Sydney, July 31: JAXA has selected Epson’s M-G370 series IMU for their Int-Ball2 camera robot on the ISS’s Kibo module.
The IMU aids in stabilization and automated docking for recharging.
This development reduces astronaut workload by allowing ground control to remotely manage camera operations.
Int-Ball2 uses VSLAM and IMU data to navigate in micro-gravity, estimating its position and rotational attitude.
Epson plans to develop more IMUs for the “New Space” sector, enhancing applications in small satellites, industrial drones, and navigation systems.

MGRC, IMU Launch Trainee Programme

Petaling Jaya, July 31: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), through its subsidiary MGRC Therapeutics Sdn. Bhd., has partnered with IMU University to launch a Graduate Trainee Programme.
This initiative aims to train graduates from IMU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Science.
Participants will receive hands-on experience, mentorship, and involvement in research projects within the genomics and biopharmaceutical industry.
The programme is designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with the possibility of full employment based on performance.
“This collaboration with IMU University reflects our dedication to nurturing young talent and supporting the development of future leaders in the genomics and biopharmaceutical sectors,” said Azri Azerai, Executive Chairman of Malaysian Genomics.
Professor Gerard George, Group Managing Director of IMU University, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with MGRC on this Graduate Trainee Programme. By partnering with a leading industry player like MGRC, we can ensure that our graduates are equipped with the practical skills and industry knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of genomics and biopharmaceuticals.”

APB Ensures Business Continuity

Shah Alam, July 31: APB Resources Berhad addresses its auditor’s Modified Opinion regarding RM22.78 million in specific deposits. Despite the refunded deposits, auditors recommended extensive verification of these transactions.
“APB is dedicated to upholding the trust of our shareholders and stakeholders by ensuring rigorous compliance with all regulatory requirements. The modified opinion issued by our auditors is being taken very seriously, and we are committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive review of the transactions in question. We have already taken proactive measures by engaging independent professionals to assess the business rationale and legal compliance of these transactions. We believe that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of our operations, and we are working diligently to address these concerns,” said the management team of APB.
APB is conducting thorough reviews to ensure transparency and integrity, with no impact on operational performance or cash flow.
The Group remains focused on its core competencies and growth initiatives, optimistic about future prospects in the fabrication sector.

Monday.com Launches Portfolio Solution

Sydney, Aug 1: Monday.com has released its new Portfolio management solution for enterprise customers, designed to streamline operations and boost productivity.
This ready-to-use offering provides a holistic view of projects, allowing managers to navigate between high-level portfolios and detailed projects seamlessly.
The new solution features zero setup, instant connection, and streamlined workflows with enhanced personalisation options.
“We constantly strive to provide our customers with the best solutions for their business needs, and this latest release of Portfolio demonstrates that commitment,” Daniel Lereya, Chief Product and Technology Officer at monday.com said.
Dean Swan, Vice President and GM of APJ at monday.com, adds, “The solution empowers our enterprise customers to gain a complete view of their projects, streamline operations, and make informed decisions with confidence – all within the familiar monday.com interface.”

Malaysian Cybersecurity Risks Rise

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 1: New research by BlackBerry reveals that over 79 per cent of software supply chains in Malaysia experienced cyberattacks in the past year.
The study, unveiled at the NACSA Cybersecurity Summit, highlights the vulnerabilities in Malaysian organizations, with 81 per cent of respondents discovering hidden members in their supply chains.
Chief Executive of NACSA, Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, emphasised the importance of the Cyber Security Act 2024, stating, “To become a leader in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Malaysia acknowledges it also shares a global responsibility to protect the software supply chain and ensure secure-by-design practices through improved compliance, technology adoption and skills and training initiatives.”
Christine Gadsby, BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity CISO, added, “Encouragingly, progressive global governments like Malaysia are increasing regulatory measures and investment in skills and technology to protect critical infrastructure and key industries from cyber-attacks.”
The report underscores the need for secure software practices and robust regulations, aligning with Malaysia’s goals under the 2024 Cyber Security Act. Malaysian organizations are implementing measures such as security awareness training, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication to combat these risks.
Despite these efforts, a lack of technical understanding and skilled talent remains a barrier to frequent software inventories.
Gadsby concludes, “Modern AI-powered Managed Detection and Response (MDR) technologies can also support organizations with 24×7 threat coverage, helping IT teams with less resources to tackle emerging threats in their software supply chain and navigate complex security incidents.”

Duopharma Promotes Healthy Breakfasts

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 1: Duopharma Biotech Berhad continues its support for balanced nutrition among schoolchildren through the CHAMPS® Nutribar range.
This year’s campaign, co-organized by Sin Chew Media Corporation and the National Union of School Heads Malaysia, focuses on the importance of breakfast.
Running until 25 September 2024, the campaign involves nutritionists from the Ministry of Health visiting primary schools to educate students on healthy breakfasts.
“In line with our mission of being the ‘Leading Healthcare Group Providing Quality and Innovative Solutions,’ Duopharma Biotech believes in helping to ensure that children get all the nutrition they need for good physical health and mental development,” said Shamsul Idham Ahad, CEO of Duopharma Consumer Healthcare Sdn Bhd.
He added, “As a proudly Malaysian company, we believe in supporting national efforts to improve health among children, who are the future of our society.”
The campaign addresses the national concern of malnutrition, with 21.2 per cent of children under five stunted as of 2022.
The CHAMPS® Nutribar, available in Orange, Blackcurrant, and Banana flavors, is a healthier alternative to biscuits and bread, providing energy from natural sources with low sugar content.

Cadbury Bakers Set Record

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 1: The Malaysian Book of Records has recognised bakers from Lembah Subang and Seri Pantai PPR for their contribution to Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Kuih Raya Dari Hati initiative. These resilient bakers, empowered by Cadbury Dairy Milk, earned the title of ‘Most Cadbury Chocolate Cookies Baked for a Charity Campaign’ by producing 150,000 cookies in two weeks.
The 15 skilled bakers are cottage business entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of the MyKasih Foundation’s cashless food aid programme. In collaboration with Cadbury Dairy Milk’s initiative, they created 2,000 tubs of Cadbury Chocolate and Cheese Tarts, which were purchased by Cadbury Dairy Milk Malaysia and distributed to over 30 welfare homes and underserved communities in Klang Valley with the help of the Food Aid Foundation.
“This project means a lot to me personally – my late sister and I had a dream of opening a café together, and this is helping me keep my dream alive,” said Nur Sharzi Bashar, 41, who led the team at Lembah Subang PPR.
Sarasvathy, 46, who led the Seri Pantai PPR team, added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to not only supplement my family’s income, but to be able to pursue my dream of owning a home business at the same time and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
See Mei Sin, Marketing Head for Malaysia and Singapore at Mondelēz International, praised the initiative, stating, “The determination shown by these women has been nothing short of remarkable, and we hope this initiative encourages them to further develop their skills and explore new opportunities in the baking industry. At Cadbury Dairy Milk, we are proud to support passion and creativity.”
The Kuih Raya Dari Hati initiative is part of #MDLZPrihatin, a long-term collaboration between Mondelēz International (Malaysia) and MyKasih, aimed at supporting and empowering underserved families and communities.

MR D.I.Y. Celebrates Unity

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 1: MR D.I.Y. Group [M] Berhad has unveiled a new patriotic anthem, ‘Bersama Satu Suara,’ to celebrate the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations. The song, performed by Alif Satar & The Locos, Jaclyn Victor, and Priscilla Abby, captures Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity with lyrics in Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English.
Alex Goh, MR D.I.Y. Group’s Head of Marketing, said, “This is MR D.I.Y’s first-ever music video. We are continuously looking for ways to celebrate the unique relationship we have with Malaysians; this song is a perfect way to do it. ‘Bersama Satu Suara’ is more than just a song; it is a symbol of our collective pride, unity, and joy as Malaysians. We hope the song will bring Malaysians together, celebrating the unity that defines our nation.”
The anthem is available on MR D.I.Y.’s social media platforms and music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. The ‘Bersama Satu Bazaar’ celebration will take place at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 30 August to 1 September 2024, featuring performances, workshops, games, and local food. MR D.I.Y. stores nationwide will also host the ‘Bersama Satu Promosi,’ offering Merdeka-themed items at ‘Always Low Prices.’

Alibaba Supports Athlete Entrepreneurs

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 1: Alibaba.com has announced its partnership with the fourth edition of the Athlete365 Business Accelerator program, an IOC-led initiative designed to help athletes transition to entrepreneurship.
Alibaba.com will provide e-commerce and global trade-focused training, exclusive mentorship opportunities, and accelerator packages.
Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, said, “Athletes bring essential traits to the business world. We at Alibaba.com are keen to support athletes in harnessing their skills to achieve success in their entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Kaveh Mehrabi, Director of the Athletes’ Department at the International Olympic Committee, added, “By equipping athletes with the right training and skills through Alibaba.com’s mentoring program and digital tools, together, we will give aspiring athlete and Olympian entrepreneurs the boost they need to start their own businesses.”
The program aims to empower more than 1,000 global athletes with training and offer 50 promising candidates Business Accelerator packages worth $10,000.
Participants will receive mentorship from Alibaba.com executives and Global Ambassadors, including Tony Parker, Elias Schwärzler, and Simona Galik Moore, who have successfully transitioned from sport to entrepreneurship.