This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 11, 2021 - October 17, 2021

Some 31,500 Malaysians will benefit from the efforts of 63 social enterprises, which received a total of US$2.39 million in funding through the government’s Penjana Social Impact Matching (SIM) Grant in the past year. According to Amiruddin Abdul Shukor, acting CEO of Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), the 63 social enterprise grant recipients from nine states in the country are expected to deliver an estimated social value of more than RM40 million through various initiatives.

The SIM Grant was a move by the government to rebuild the livelihoods of communities through social enterprises in five impact areas, namely, environmental protection, food security, health and social well-being, community livelihood and heritage preservation. The grants are channelled through the social enterprises to the beneficiaries for capacity building, which will provide them with additional skills to improve their job prospects, increase their income and improve their livelihoods.

More than one-third of the approved funding is directed towards initiatives aimed at community livelihood, followed by 26% for health and social well-being. Marginalised communities, youth and children form about 50% of the beneficiaries, while indigenous communities make up another 30%.

The SIM Grant Joint Approval Committee — composed of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), MaGIC, Yayasan Hasanah and Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia — assessed applications for feasibility, effectiveness and intended outcomes. A total of 182 applications were received.

The SIM Grant recipients include Melissa Gomes, founder of Penang-based Edvolution Enterprise, which has created a one-stop online professional development platform for teachers, education leaders and schools called CikguHub. Edvolution offers 20 short courses, three online programmes and one tailor-made school solution. Its courses include Understanding Teaching as Leadership and Understanding Students’ Social Emotional Needs and Assessing My Teaching Competencies.

Meanwhile, #Demilaut, a social enterprise that provides integrated solutions for a sustainable fishing culture, has assisted two fishing villages in Bako and Sibuti, Sarawak, with 32 Pemukat Noh, a mechanised trawl engine. This reduces the need for already depleting manpower due to Covid-19 restrictions and increases the fishermen’s database as well as spurs youth participation. 

Some SIM Grant applicants who were unsuccessful in securing funding were directed to two other MaGIC initiatives, namely, the Social Impact Challenge Accelerator, where they pitched for projects from other organisations to receive networking and funding opportunities, and the Buy For Impact programme, where social enterprises are provided with market access, funding and capacity-building support. 

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has launched Maybank2u Biz, a mobile application for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that makes banking simple and secure. With the app, SME owners will also have tools for their non-banking needs and ease of doing business.

Maybank2u Biz was developed to cater to the needs of business owners who are always on the go and managing multiple tasks. It is suitable for partnerships, private limited companies, professional firms, educational institutions, clubs, societies and associations.

According to the press release, the interface allows SMEs to perform banking transactions easily, anytime and anywhere. Moreover, the “Maker-Checker” authorisation process for transactions have been simplified for efficient on-the-go approval without compromising on transparency. For example, Checkers can now approve up to 10 transactions at a time within an extended seven-day approval period.

Maybank2u Biz comes with an invoicing tool that allows business owners to create, issue and track invoices. Invoices can be customised using ready-to-use templates, and sent out to their customers via various communication channels such as email and chat messaging apps on their mobile devices. Once issued, these invoices can be tracked on the app’s dashboard, helping businesses stay on top of their receivables. 

SMEs can also access their in-depth financial information through the app. The Maybank2u Biz app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store beginning Oct 5.

Existing Maybank business customers can download the app and log in with their Maybank2u Biz ID and password to start using it immediately, with the data from all of their Maybank accounts automatically made available in the app. 

Non-Maybank customers can open a Maybank business account online via Maybank2u. Once activated, they can start using the app and have access to all the banking features and business tools provided. 

foodpanda has partnered with mental health tech company Intellect to deliver personalised mental health support via a mental health app for its employees across the delivery platform’s 12 markets in Asia. The app is available in more than 10 Asian languages for easy navigation. 

This collaboration gives foodpanda employees access to tips for managing their mental well-being as well as to licensed psychologists and certified behavioural health coaches via the app, complementing the delivery platform’s existing mental health resources such as the Employee Assistance Programme. 

The pilot programme, which ran for three months from April, allowed employees in Singapore to test the app and gauge its capacity to support them in managing day-to-day stress. The results of the trial were overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of employees saying they welcomed the Intellect app as a support tool in their daily lives. Today, more than 250 Singapore-based employees have registered to use the app.

“The app can be a ‘friend’ that employees lean on, especially when they need immediate mental health support. It also destigmatises the notion of speaking to a licensed professional. The app will not only help our team grow more resilient but also empower employees to use the skills learnt to support their loved ones,” says Ingo Laubender, head of people at foodpanda.

Hometaste, a local home-cooked meals delivery platform, has raised RM2,410,317 from 89 investors via equity crowdfunding (ECF) platform pitchIN, with the highest individual investment value at RM802,386.

The platform has fulfilled over 500,000 meals and grown more than 15 times in value since it was founded four years ago. The funds raised will be used to scale Hometaste as a data-driven, multibrand cloud kitchen operated via tech-enabled channels.

The company aims to open 70 cloud kitchens in Malaysia by 2023 and eventually expand to other Southeast Asian countries. Hometaste was part of MaGIC’s Global Accelerator Programme Cohort 5, which connected it with mentors who helped it build its network during the three-month programme and to ensure it was investment-ready.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has introduced DataKITA to prepare the country’s digital ecosystem for data utilisation. This is in line with the government’s Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) policy and prepares the country to tap into the lucrative data economy.

This initiative sees MDEC joining forces with the industry to provide an impetus for businesses to kick-start their data transformation journey through a structured approach as well as leverage data literacy, data analytics, governance, data sharing and artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative aims to raise the availability, accessibility and usability of data in Malaysia. DataKITA has four strategic pillars, which promote data literacy (knowledge), foster a data-driven environment (infrastructure), facilitate the development of data professionals (talent) and accelerate business enterprises to be data-driven and AI-ready (action), which would ensure that beneficiaries of the initiative are catalysing a thriving data ecosystem.

“With new information being generated every second, data should be treated as the ‘oxygen’ for the digital economy that needs to be harnessed for shared prosperity and value innovation to enable new sources of growth,” says Aiza Azreen Ahmad, chief digital business officer at MDEC.

“Businesses that embrace data tend to be more agile and innovative, especially during these trying times. We have seen many that have been flourishing from creative business models compared with others who are struggling to survive. At the national level, data-driven decisions benefit the country, be it economically or in managing the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Artisans Haven (TAH) has launched Smart Solutions, a collection of useful services for SMEs, in collaboration with Affin Bank. TAH is an e-commerce platform dedicated to supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.

Smart Solutions features 15 technological solutions to help SMEs stay competitive. These solutions include cybersecurity services, computer rental services, digital design, staff training and personal development services, as well as delivery and bulk purchases. TAH plans to expand the number of services to 30 by June next year.

For more information, visit https://www.artisanshaven.com.my/get_smart.

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) has launched Pantau Kuasa, a platform that tracks political appointments in federal statutory bodies (FSBs) in Malaysia.

The platform visualises the links between political appointees, the FSBs and ministries under different administrations, among others. It also compiles data and features it in a way that is easy for everyone to get a picture of political appointments in Malaysia.

IDEAS plans to track political appointments in government-linked companies under the next phase of the initiative. Explore the visualisations at https://www.pantaukuasa.com/.

The secret offshore wealth of more than 300 world leaders, politicians and influential figures in the business world has been revealed in one of the largest ever leaks of financial data, dubbed the Pandora Papers.

The vast trove of documents was obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which then collaborated with more than 600 journalists in 117 countries and territories. The investigation exposes the offshore system that government leaders, billionaires and criminals often use to hide their assets.

The ICIJ reported that authorities in Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Australia and Panama have promised to launch inquiries into the financial activities revealed in the papers.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Finance Minister Yamani Hafez Musa, former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Westports Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri G Gnanalingam were among the high-net-worth Malaysians named in the Pandora Papers.

Xero, a global cloud-based accounting software provider, launched a new podcast series titled “What led you here” in September. The eight-part series aims to inspire SME owners by sharing stories of successful business owners. Led by Xero CEO Steve Vamos, the company hopes the podcasts will help SMEs that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

The first episode features John Collison, co-founder and president of US-based payment service provider Stripe. Vamos and Collison explore themes such as how to expand one’s business network, hire the right staff and partner with like-minded businesses.

Guests in future episodes include Twenty Six Entertainment founder Rashida Gayle, Xero founder Rod Drury and Linktree founder Anthony Zaccaria. The podcast series is available on Xero’s website and all major podcasting platforms.

Project Future Malaysia — a new grassroots arts and community initiative — is calling on Malaysians to visualise a more expansive vision of the future for the country. This perspective includes a deeper engagement with science, technology and the various verticals of the arts, namely literature, philosophy, film and music.

The project, which is funded and supported by Chevening and the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, was launched in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

Project Future Malaysia draws inspiration from the speculative fiction genre in the literary world and the term “Afrofuturism”, defined as a cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore elements of black history and culture. The project explores and addresses the themes and concerns of Malaysians by envisioning and reimagining possible futures for the nation.

“By reimagining and manifesting better alternatives for Malaysia’s future, we are freed from our everyday assumptions about what is possible. We can then imagine pathways forward which enable us to embrace bolder visions and hopeful possibilities for Malaysia’s future,” states the introductory note on its website.

Project Future Malaysia is commissioning 15 Malaysian writers, artists and creatives to create new works in any art form that engages, inspires and starts conversations. These works will need to respond to three themes: human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including preventing sexual violence in conflict, reducing modern slavery, media freedom and promoting female education; climate change, environment and sustainability, including threats to endangered species; and international relations and politics, including deepening relationships between states and peoples.

In addition to the creative works, Malaysians all over the world from all walks of life are invited to submit a 250-word essay on their imaginative ideas and creative solutions to reimagine possible futures for Malaysia.

The project is also accepting submissions from youths below 18 years old and from permanent residents, refugees and asylum seekers who are currently living in Malaysia. Another important aspect of this project is that the works can be submitted in English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil or any other native language in Malaysia.

The Chevening Alumni selection panellists who will be judging the submissions include Ain Aqilah, Bernard Chauly, Brenda Danker, Natasha Joibi, Yap Jo-yee, Tan Su Lin, Nisa M Aris, Enbah Nilah, Loshana Shagar and Anna Tan.

The project, which started on Sept 16, 2021, will run until April 30, 2022. The deadline for applications is Oct 20. Successful applicants will be notified by Nov 5, and the work must be completed by Nov 20. For more information, visit https://projectfuturemalaysia.com/.

Maxis’ first-ever nationwide STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition, Misi Jelajah Digital, has attracted more than 2,700 young challengers since its launch in September.

The competition by eKelas-Maxis’ flagship community outreach programme aims to foster critical thinking among students and encourage them to innovate through coding and creative and design thinking skills, which are increasingly becoming key assets in the digital future.

Misi Jelajah Digital is organised in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) #mydigitalmaker and Lenovo Technology Sdn Bhd.

The competition runs until Oct 31 and is open to students aged 10 to 17. Those who sign up will also receive Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curriculum Assessment (PAJSK) credits while standing a chance to win attractive prizes, including laptops, mobile devices and online vouchers.

In the coming weeks, challengers will continue to have access to explainer videos, notes and modules from which they can learn coding and design basics. There will also be talks covering key STEM topics and live tutorial workshops where they can get tips on how to complete the challenges and explore game walkthroughs. Additionally, Form 5 challengers will be invited to a special sharing session on STEM careers conducted by Maxis, MDEC and Lenovo representatives on Oct 23.

For more information and to sign up for Misi Jelajah Digital, visit https://www.maxis.my/ekelas-stem.

Monk’s Hill Ventures (MHV) has set up a venture capital scouting programme that will be on the lookout for start-ups in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia to scale, nurture and invest.

Over 20 scouts, including the likes of Bukalapak co-founder Achmad Zaky, Snapcart co-founder Araya Noon Hutasuwan, Zopim co-founder Royston Tay, R Fitness founder Gita Sjahrir, Pace Enterprise founder Turochas Fuad, Raena co-founder Sreejita Deb and PasarPolis founder Cleosent Randing, will be looking for high-growth pre-seed and seed start-ups to nurture and invest in.

The venture scouts are directly responsible for sourcing, vetting and investing in start-ups. They will also invest across verticals and markets. 

To date, the venture scouts have made 10 investments in verticals such as consumer, business-to-business, fintech and sustainability. Examples include Kumu chief product officer Crystal Widjaja, who invested in mentoring platform ADPList, and John Tan, founder of Doyobi, who backed online coding boot camp Rocket Academy.

Founded in 2014, MHV is a venture capital firm that invests mainly in early-stage tech start-ups, particularly in series A. For information, visit https://www.monkshill.com/scouts.

Tapaufest is in a virtual setting this year, featuring top and upcoming indie creators from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The 14-hour live stream is set to take place on Oct 30 from 10am to midnight, to bring the community together in embracing live performances.

Those making an appearance include Zee Avi, Hujan, No Good, Forests, The Panturas, Sore, Subsonic Eye, Force Vomit, Fleur! and GArd Wuzgut. Ticket prices start at RM30 for one live stream and video-on-demand (VOD) access. Packages starting at RM180 are available for a four-pack set with live stream and VOD access, print pack and T-shirts.

For more information on the event and to check out Tapaufest 2021 merchandise, visit www.tapaufest.asia.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is hosting a week-long event, “The AI and Data Week 2021” (AIDW 2021), which begins on Oct 25 as part of DataKITA. DataKITA is an initiative that aims to raise the availability, accessibility and usability of data in the country.

The event aims to make Malaysia a regional hub for data, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as to foster the mindset of integration and encourage attendees and participants to adopt data, AI and IoT through various activities.

Industry players, data professionals, data communities and tech start-ups are welcome to participate in AIDW 2021 to engage with business enterprises, working professionals and government officials.

AI and data experts Nikolai Dobberstein, partner and Asia-Pacific head of communications, media and technology at Kearney, Carl Ward of Amazon Web Services and Laurence Liew of AI Singapore will be speaking at the virtual event on Oct 26.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed Irene Nikkein as its regional director for Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Nikkein, who was previously head of MINI brand communication and product management at BMW Group Japan, was credited with digitalising traditional communication and media strategy, enabling the brand to fully take advantage of its digital platforms for its customers’ journey.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Nikkein was with BMW Group for 15 years and helmed positions such as regional experiential and sponsorship manager and MINI regional marketing manager.

Manulife Asia has appointed Dudley White as head of communications for Asia. He will be based in Hong Kong and will oversee internal and external communications across Manulife’s Asian markets.

White will work closely with teams at Manulife’s global and regional offices, as well as in the local businesses across Asia to enhance Manulife’s reputation.

In a career spanning 25 years, White has worked in media and communications in Australia, the UK and Asia. His most recent position was director of external communications at AIA Group in Hong Kong. Before that, he headed communications at various divisions of Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s largest bank.

Grab Holdings Inc, which plans to go public via a merger with Altimeter Growth Corp by the end of this year, has appointed SATS Ltd CEO Alex Hungate as its chief operating officer, reported Bloomberg.

Hungate, whose appointment comes into effect on Jan 4, will replace Grab co-founder Tan Hooi Ling, who will continue to oversee key pillars of the company’s business, including technology, people operations and corporate strategy.

Amazon launched its first home robot — Amazon Astro — in late September. It drives autonomously around the home, maps the layout, recognises objects and helps users to remotely check on pets and loved ones using installed cameras and displays. Astro is jam-packed with the latest advanced technologies, from artificial intelligence and computer vision to sensor technology, voice detection and edge computing.

Malaysia is slowly transitioning out of the Covid-19-induced lockdown that started in June with social and business activities slowly resuming. As the coronavirus infection numbers are still relatively high, not many are keen on venturing out, especially to indoor spaces such as cinemas.

But movie buffs need not despair. With the Lumos Ray projector, anyone can enjoy a cinematic experience in the comfort of their own home. The device offers the complete home cinema experience with a 150in screen and 1080p-supported resolution for visual clarity. It is an all-in-one projector loaded with Netflix and YouTube and comes with theatre-like dual built-in Dolby audio speakers.

The Lumos Ray is a short-throw projector (1.3:1), suitable for bedrooms, living rooms and entertainment rooms. It can project an impressive 100in screen with just a 3m distance, so you can enjoy your favourite movies on a massive screen in a small space.

The projector has smart features such as an Android operating system, which makes it a plug-and-play device. Users can also mirror their smartphone for mobile games, Spotify, TikTok videos or even Zoom calls. This feature is only available on the RAY Smart version and works for both Android and iOS smartphones.

The Lumos Ray projector is priced at RM599 while the higher-end RAY Smart costs RM798 with a one-year local warranty. Customers who need an adjustable projector stand can add on a RIZE adjustable stand for only RM179.

The Lumos Ray home cinema projector is available for purchase directly from the Lumos website, www.lumosprojector.my/ray. The projector is currently available to buyers in Malaysia and Singapore.

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