Indonesia Blockchain Week 2024: Igniting Innovation and Collaboration in Southeast Asia
The Indonesia Blockchain Week 2024, set for November, promises to be the largest edition yet, aiming to accelerate innovation and collaboration in Southeast Asia’s blockchain ecosystem. With a focus on bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology and exploring the future of entertainment, the conference reunites industry professionals and thought leaders after a two-year hiatus. 4 April 2024 – The Indonesia...
Google Mulls Premium Features for AI-Powered Search Engine Amid Push for Monetization
Google, under Alphabet Inc., is reportedly exploring the introduction of premium features for its AI-powered search engine, aiming to monetize its core products and stay competitive in the AI space. Despite potential subscription-based enhancements, Google assures that its traditional search engine will remain free with ads, amidst competition from industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft. 4 April 2024 – Google, a subsidiary of...
Apple Inc. Explores Entry into Personal Robotics Market
Apple Inc. is exploring entry into the personal robotics market, with plans for mobile robots and advanced tabletop devices, aiming to diversify revenue streams and maintain its innovative edge. The move reflects Apple’s strategic focus on emerging markets and technological advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 4 April 2024 – Apple Inc., renowned for its technological innovations, is venturing into...
Brother International Malaysia Supports Cancer Screening and Care Initiatives with RM20,000 Donation to NCSM
Brother International Malaysia has donated RM20,000 to the National Cancer Society Malaysia, aiding breast screenings for 40 underprivileged women and covering operating costs for the NCSM’s Children’s Home of Hope. This contribution reflects Brother Malaysia’s commitment to promoting well-being and empowering communities, particularly in the fight against breast cancer. 4 April 2024 – Brother International...
Sophos and Tenable Join Forces to Launch Managed Risk Service, Strengthening Cybersecurity Defenses Against Evolving Threats
Sophos and Tenable have collaborated to introduce Sophos Managed Risk, a cutting-edge service aimed at bolstering cybersecurity defenses by combining expertise in security operations and exposure management technology. This innovative solution provides continuous risk monitoring and proactive threat prevention, empowering organizations to effectively manage vulnerabilities and protect against evolving cyber threats. 4 April 2024...
MoneyGram and Tencent Financial Technology Partner to Enable Digital Remittances to Weixin Pay Wallets in China
MoneyGram partners with Tencent Financial Technology to enable consumers to send funds directly to Weixin Pay wallets in China through MoneyGram Online, catering to the growing demand for digital remittance solutions. With China ranking as the third-highest recipient country for remittances and witnessing a surge in e-commerce and mobile payments, this collaboration aims to simplify cross-border transactions and fortify global...
Microsoft and Quantinuum Make Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Reliability, Paving the Way for Commercialization
Microsoft and Quantinuum achieve a breakthrough in quantum computing by enhancing reliability through innovative error-correction techniques. This advancement brings commercial quantum computing closer to reality, with potential implications for various industries seeking unprecedented computational capabilities. 3 April 2024 – Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Quantinuum announced a significant advancement in quantum computing technology,...
JPMorgan Chase Launches A New Frontier in Digital Advertising Targeting 80 Million Customers
JPMorgan Chase launches Chase Media Solutions, a new digital media platform allowing advertisers to target its 80 million customers based on spending data. Leveraging transaction data and partnerships with brands like Blue Bottle Coffee and Whataburger, the platform offers precise advertising opportunities, signaling the bank’s expansion into the digital marketing space. JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N) has ventured into the digital media...
SECTA5 Unveils Cartographer: AI-Powered Platform Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Threat Analysis and Response
SECTA5, a Singapore-based deep tech start-up, launches Cartographer, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing cybersecurity threat analysis and response. Cartographer enables companies to accelerate cyber risk triage, prioritize cybersecurity efforts, and mitigate threats effectively, ultimately strengthening cybersecurity defenses and optimizing resource allocation. 3 April 2024 – Singapore-based deep tech start-up SECTA5 has...
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...
