Malaysian Small Businesses Eye Strong Growth in 2024 Amid Optimism and Tech Adoption
CPA Australia’s survey reveals robust growth prospects for Malaysian small businesses in 2024, with 78% anticipating growth, fueled by confidence in the economy and increased technology adoption. While concerns persist regarding rising business costs and cybersecurity risks, there is a growing focus on innovation, ESG practices, and government support to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness. 3 April 2024 – A recent...
Shopee Reinforces Operational Investments and Logistics Enhancements to Cater to Digitally Savvy Buyers in Malaysia
Shopee strengthens its presence in Malaysia with enhanced operational and logistics investments, catering to the needs of digitally savvy buyers, particularly Generation Z. The platform’s focus on seamless customer service experiences, expedited delivery options, and comprehensive returns policies underscores its commitment to providing safe and convenient online shopping experiences. 3 April 2024 – Shopee, the leading...
ZenTech Acquires Majority Stake in Alpha Fintech, Expanding Presence in Payment Gateway Services Market
Zen Tech International Bhd (ZenTech) acquires a 70% stake in Alpha Fintech Sdn Bhd for RM10 million, marking its entry into the payment gateway services market. The acquisition, accompanied by a profit guarantee from Alpha Fintech’s founder, is expected to enhance ZenTech’s revenue and profitability, solidifying its presence in the technology network industry. 3 April 2024 – Zen Tech International Bhd (ZenTech) has...
Visa Introduces Subscription Manager to Simplify Payment Management Amidst Surging Global Subscription Market
Visa launches Subscription Manager to streamline payment management for cardholders amidst the booming global subscription market, offering a convenient solution to track and control recurring payments. This initiative aligns with Visa’s commitment to enhancing transparency and digital experiences in the subscription economy. 3 April 2024 – The global subscription market is witnessing a significant surge, projected to...
Brunei Darussalam and Lao P.D.R. Join Regional Payment Connectivity Initiative, Boosting ASEAN Financial Cooperation
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and Bank of the Lao P.D.R. (BOL) have joined the RPC initiative, aimed at fostering faster, cheaper, and more inclusive cross-border payments within the ASEAN region, bringing the total number of participating central banks to eight. 3 April 2024 – Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and Bank of the Lao P.D.R. (BOL) have recently joined the Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative,...
Rising Cyber Threats in Southeast Asia: Kaspersky Report Sounds Alarm for Businesses
A recent report by Kaspersky reveals a surge in cyber threats targeting businesses across Southeast Asia, with Singapore experiencing a significant 67% increase in incidents. The findings emphasize the critical need for organizations in the region to enhance their cybersecurity defenses amidst steady digital economic growth and emerging global prominence. 2 April 2024 – In a recent report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky,...
AsiaPay Partners with Airswift to Elevate Digital Payment Services for Airline Travelers
AsiaPay collaborates with Airswift to enhance digital payment services for airline passengers, offering streamlined payment options and facilitating market expansion for the airline. 2 April 2024 – AsiaPay, a leading digital payment service provider in Asia, has joined forces with Airswift, a boutique airline operating in the Philippines, to improve digital payment options for travelers. This collaboration integrates Airswift...
Malaysians Projected to Spend RM387 Billion via Cards in 2024, Nudging Towards Cashless Future
Malaysians are expected to spend RM387 billion via credit and debit cards in 2024, signifying a shift towards a cashless society. This projection reflects a growing trend in electronic payments, driven by factors such as expanding banking population, evolving POS infrastructure, and government initiatives promoting cashless transactions. 2 April 2024 – As Malaysia edges closer to a cashless society, data and analytics firm...
Presto Expands Reach into Singapore and Thailand, Revolutionizing Loyalty E-commerce Aggregation
Presto, Malaysia’s Loyalty E-commerce Aggregator, expands into Singapore and Thailand, aiming to revolutionize loyalty rewards on a regional scale. 2 April 2024 – Presto, hailed as Malaysia’s trailblazing Loyalty E-commerce Aggregator, proudly announces its strategic foray into the markets of Singapore and Thailand, signaling a significant step in the company’s regional expansion. Led by Jeffry Ho, the newly...
Mavcap Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Malaysia’s Venture Capital Landscape to US$1.4 Billion by 2030
Mavcap sets an ambitious goal to increase Malaysia’s venture capital funding to US$1.4 billion by 2030, citing robust growth potential despite current disparities with Singapore. The Malaysia Venture Capital Roadmap (MVCR) aims to enhance VC penetration and regulatory environment while fostering an inclusive ecosystem for sustainable growth and innovation. 2 April 2024 – Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (Mavcap) has...
Amazon’s AWS Expands Free Credits Program to Cover AI Model Usage for Startups, Boosting Bedrock’s Market Share
AWS expands its free credits program for startups to cover AI model usage, aiming to bolster Bedrock’s market share. The initiative, which includes partnerships with various providers, reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to support startups while attracting regulatory scrutiny. 2 April 2024 – Amazon Web Service (AWS) has announced an expansion of its free credits program for startups, now encompassing the costs...
OpenAI Announces Unrestricted Access to ChatGPT Without Sign-Up Requirement
OpenAI announces unrestricted access to ChatGPT, its generative AI chatbot, eliminating the sign-up requirement to democratize AI accessibility. Despite its growth slowdown, ChatGPT remains popular for its human-like conversation abilities and diverse tasks. 2 April 2024 – OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has revealed plans to offer unrestricted access to its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot starting next Monday, removing the necessity...
Kaspersky Sweeps Cybersecurity Awards in 2023, Sets New Industry Standards
Kaspersky dominates the cybersecurity landscape in 2023, earning top honors and certifications across various independent tests, reaffirming its position as an industry frontrunner. With exceptional performance in consumer and corporate solutions, Kaspersky sets new standards for excellence and innovation in cybersecurity. 2 April 2024 – In a landmark year for cybersecurity, Kaspersky, the renowned global cybersecurity company,...
Shopee Unveils 4.4 Shopee Spree: Shop with Confidence and Enjoy Exclusive Deals!
Shopee announces the highly anticipated 4.4 Shopee Spree, offering unbeatable deals, exclusive offers, and enhanced delivery and return policies for worry-free shopping. Shoppers can enjoy 15-Day Free Returns, No Questions Asked*, Guaranteed Next Day Delivery, and a 20% cashback on selected items, alongside exciting Flash Deals Spree and an array of enticing vouchers. Explore the festivities at https://shopee.sg/m/4-4. 28 March 2024...
World Smart City Awards Honor Excellence in Asian Cities’ Development
The World Smart City Awards, akin to the “Oscars” in smart city development, recognize excellence in emerging Asian cities’ initiatives. With Asia’s cities poised for significant growth, the awards aim to foster collaboration and sustainable development, inviting applications until September 2024. 28 March 2024 – For the past 13 years, the World Smart City Awards, hosted by the Smart City Expo World...
Visa Bolsters Global Security Measures with AI-Powered Fraud Prevention Solutions
Visa strengthens global security measures with AI-driven fraud prevention solutions, targeting various transaction types including immediate account-to-account and card-not-present payments. 28 March 2024 – In an effort to fortify its position as a leader in digital payments security, Visa (NYSE:V) has announced the expansion of its suite of value-added services with the introduction of three new AI-driven risk and fraud...
Mastercard and Worldpay Collaborate to Streamline Transaction Disputes and Reduce Chargebacks
Mastercard and Worldpay’s partnership introduces Ethoca Alerts to streamline transaction dispute resolution, reducing chargebacks and enhancing fraud prevention efforts for merchants worldwide. This collaboration underscores a commitment to delivering seamless transaction experiences and safeguarding the integrity of the global digital economy. 27 March 2024 – Mastercard and Worldpay have joined forces to streamline the...
Visa and Mastercard Reach Settlement with U.S. Merchants, Potentially Saving Billions for American Shoppers
Visa and Mastercard’s settlement with U.S. merchants over swipe fees could potentially save American shoppers billions of dollars. The agreement, which caps credit interchange fees and addresses long-standing grievances, particularly benefits small businesses and highlights efforts towards fairer transaction practices. 26 March 2024 – Visa and Mastercard have reached a significant settlement with U.S. merchants concerning...
WORQ Launches Eighth Co-Working Outlet at Sunway Putra Mall with Full Occupancy
WORQ launches its eighth co-working outlet at Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur with full occupancy, offering diverse amenities and fostering sustainability. Positioned near public transportation hubs, WORQ’s strategic expansion aims to meet the growing demand for collaborative workspaces in Kuala Lumpur’s bustling city center. 26 March 2024 – WORQ, a leading provider of co-working and flex space solutions,...
Tencent Cloud EdgeOne Empowers Startups with Free Trials and Advanced Security Solutions
Tencent Cloud EdgeOne offers startups free trials of advanced security solutions, including Content & Intelligent Acceleration and Platform-level DDoS protection, empowering them to navigate the challenges of modern business landscapes with confidence. 26 March 2024 – Tencent Cloud EdgeOne, a leading cloud security and acceleration platform, has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting startups in their...
