New SMA Foundation Offers Hope and Support to Children Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
In a powerful story of hope, resilience and collective compassion, five-year-old Reese Tan Rui Xin fondly known as Baby Reese has successfully received RM9 million in lifesaving gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA Type 2), thanks to nationwide support and the dedicated efforts of several charitable organizations and creative agencies.
Diagnosed in September 2022, Baby Reese suffered severe muscle weakness due to SMA, a rare and often fatal genetic disorder. At the time, she was unable to crawl, stand or walk and needed respiratory assistance to eat and breathe, conditions that placed her life at critical risk.
Under urgent medical advice to administer the Zolgensma gene therapy before the age of two, her family turned to One Hope Charity and Welfare for help. Together with Unicorn Media and Hexarus Creative Agency, an ambitious nationwide fundraising campaign was launched and the nation responded. Through a wave of public generosity and strategic storytelling, the RM9 million goal was achieved, enabling Baby Reese to undergo treatment at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
Today, Baby Reese is in stable and satisfactory condition, with encouraging medical results marking a major milestone in her recovery.
Foundation Launch and Awareness Mission
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality and a rare, inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects muscle strength and movement¹ Globally, SMA occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 live births, with birth prevalence rates varying from 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 16,000 depending on region.²
In Malaysia, although comprehensive national registries are lacking, the estimated incidence is around 1 per 20,000 live births (roughly 4.9 per 100,000), translating to 20 to 30 new cases annually.³ A local study projects that about 50 infants are born with SMA each year based on Malaysia’s annual birth population.⁴
SMA is still a little-known disease in Malaysia, impacting newborns to adolescence. Many parents are clueless how to manage this disease which is on the rise in the country.
Building on the momentum of Baby Reese’s case, Baby Reese’s mother will establish a dedicated SMA Foundation next year to raise greater awareness of SMA and support more children affected by this rare disease. The foundation aims to provide financial assistance, educational resources, and promote pre-pregnancy genetic screening to help families detect genetic risks early.
“Nothing prepares a parent for hearing that your child may not survive without a treatment you can’t afford. I am forever grateful to everyone who prayed, donated and stood with us. Reese is alive today because of you all. Now, we want to help other families walk this path with hope, not fear,” said Rachel Chung, Baby Reese’s mother.
“There are still many public misperceptions surrounding SMA, including its causes, symptoms and how families can manage the condition. Traditionally, there was no cure or hope for children diagnosed with SMA, and families had to rely entirely on supportive care to manage the symptoms,” said Professor Dr. Thong Meow Keong, UMMC’s leading geneticist and paediatrician.
“Medical advancements have offered new hope in the fight against SMA. Zolgensma is a breakthrough treatment, but timing is everything. Zolgensma is a one-time gene therapy used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. Zolgensma works by replacing the missing or faulty gene (called SMN1) that causes SMA, helping the body produce the protein needed for muscle control and movement,” explained Professor Dr. Thong Meow Keong. The earlier a child receives it, the better the outcomes. We urge all parents planning a family to undergo pre-pregnancy genetic screening. Early detection saves lives and Baby Reese is living proof.”
For more information about Baby Reese, you can visit her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/ClYnv6ipQ47/?igsh=MWJrb2puYzRxbDE2Yw==
¹ojrd.biomedcentral.com+1codeblue.galencentre.org+1.
² emedicine.medscape.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15clinicaltrialsarena.com+15.
⁴ physio-pedia.com+8researchgate.net+8ojrd.biomedcentral.com+8.
Toshiba Celebrates 95th Anniversary with Launch of Malaysia’s Largest-Capacity Refrigerator
Toshiba Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. proudly unveils its latest innovation—the NaturePURE Series 820L Refrigerator, officially certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the biggest-capacity refrigerator in Malaysia. This landmark launch marks a significant milestone in celebration of Toshiba’s 95th anniversary, honoring nearly a century of leadership in innovation, reliability and customer-focused excellence.
“In 2025, Toshiba continues to chart strong growth by expanding our diversified product portfolio to reflect the evolving needs and values of today’s consumers,” said Mr. Steven Yang, Managing Director of Toshiba Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. Steven added that Toshiba Malaysia is targeting 25% year-on-year growth compared to 2024, driven by rising consumer demand for technologically advanced and aesthetically refined home appliances.
Sustained Market Leadership Across Core Categories
As of Q1 2025, Toshiba Malaysia has achieved significant market share across its key home appliance segments:
Toshiba’s market share continues to expand steadily across all product categories, driven by rising demand for smart, functional and energy-efficient home solutions. This results reflect the brand’s continued strength in delivering lifestyle-enhancing solutions that resonate with Malaysian households.
In the broader ASEAN region, Toshiba continues to deepen its market footprint, with Thailand maintaining strong performance and Japan, its home market, continuing to lead in brand dominance and customer loyalty.
To enhance accessibility and brand experience, Toshiba opened its first brand store in Kuala Lumpur in 2024 to overwhelming consumer response. This success has led to rapid expansion, with:
The NaturePURE 820L Refrigerator is ASEAN’s first four-door, side-by-side refrigerator with a capacity exceeding 820 litres. Designed for multi-generational households, the appliance offers expansive and compartmentalized storage—ideal for organizing everything from baby food and fresh produce to skincare items and frozen essentials.
Powered by High-Capacity Technology, the NaturePURE features super-thin insulation and component miniaturization to maximize internal storage without increasing external size.
Key Features Include:
Toshiba’s innovation roadmap includes the continued rollout of its signature “Japandi” Series—a harmonious fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Scandinavian design sensibilities. Following the debut of the first Japandi refrigerator in 2024, Toshiba will expand the concept to include dishwashers, water purifiers, and other home appliances—bringing seamless design and intuitive functionality into modern Malaysian homes.
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Two Malaysian Startups to Compete in USD 1M Startup World Cup Grand Finale 2025 in Silicon Valley
Startup World Cup Malaysia 2025 marks a historic milestone as two national finalists—from both East and West Malaysia—will represent the country at the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, competing for a USD 1 million investment prize.
Organised by Growth Charger, the official Malaysia partner of the global Startup World Cup by Pegasus Tech Ventures, this year’s competition attracted nearly 200 applications nationwide and aligns with over 100 regional competitions held worldwide. For the first time, dual finals are being held in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, a major step in ensuring inclusive innovation and equal representation for startups across the nation.
The West Malaysia Semi-Final took place on 22 May at WORQ KL Sentral, where emerging founders from diverse sectors such as deep tech, digital health, and climate innovation pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges.
Startup World Cup is a global competition and conference that brings together top innovators and business leaders, with the winner receiving a USD1M investment.
Growth Charger Co-founder and Director Iskandar Shafi’i said “Our vision has always been to empower founders regardless of geography or background. By spotlighting both East and West Malaysia, we’re not just hosting a competition, we’re building a national movement.”
In East Malaysia, the Kuching Semi-Final was held on 26 June at Makeramai Makerspace and will culminate in the East Final at Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Digital Village on 31 July. As a testament of their partnership with Startup World Cup, TEGAS will be hosting the TOP 10 East Malaysian startups to pitch and compete for the finals, aligning with their mission to nurture high-potential local talents, accelerating startup growth, and connect them to regional and global opportunities.
By introducing dual finals, KL and Kuching, the competition is making significant strides to ensure innovation from across Malaysia is equally represented on the global stage.
“At WORQ, we champion bold ideas and thriving communities. By hosting the Semi-Finals, we’re proud to help Malaysia’s brightest startups connect, compete, and shine on the world stage,” said Stephanie Ping, Co-founder and CEO of WORQ.
Echoing the same sentiment, Head of Technology Hub Development at Cyberview Sdn Bhd, Shafinaz Salim said Cyberview, as a Tech Hub Developer, accelerates startup growth by providing strategic support, resources, and market access for regional and global scaling.
“We are honoured to be part of this event and witness startups from our Cyberview Living Lab® Accelerator programme advance to their next stages of growth. This further reaffirms Cyberjaya’s collaborative ecosystem,” she said.
Meanwhile, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil noted that Startup World Cup Malaysia reflects the country’s commitment to digital inclusion and global market access. “Initiatives like this reflect MDEC’s vision of an inclusive, innovation-driven nation, one where high-impact startups from all corners of Malaysia have the potential to succeed beyond our local shores,” he said.
“Through strategic partnerships with Malaysia Digital companies like Growth Charger, we continue to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a launchpad for regional and global tech success.”
The Finals promise to be a celebration of Malaysian startup excellence, with the Top 10 from each region set to compete for a coveted chance to take the global stage. RSVP now and witness the future of Malaysian innovation in action.
Khazanah Auditorium, Asia School of Business (ASB), Kuala Lumpur | 17th July 2025
RSVP KL Final: bit.ly/SWC2025KLFinal
TEGAS Digital Village, Sarawak | 31st July 2025
RSVP Kuching Final: bit.ly/SWC2025KuchingFinal
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Zurich Malaysia enhances customer experience with digital tools and empathy-driven support
While digitalisation continues to reshape Malaysia’s insurance and takaful landscape, Zurich Malaysia remains focused on delivering both efficient technology and compassionate, empathy-driven support to customers during challenging times. Today, insurance and takaful is no longer just about financial protection, but about providing timely assistance and understanding when it matters most.
Over the years, Zurich Malaysia has supported millions of customers through moments of crisis, from sudden loss of a loved one to major disruptions caused by accidents or illness. In these difficult moments, they were met with compassionate support that brought peace of mind when it was needed most. Their experiences reflect a growing shift in the industry, integrating digital innovation with empathy. At Zurich Malaysia, this approach is more than a strategy; it is a commitment to respond with efficiency and heartfelt care, ensuring customers receive the support they truly deserve.
Through the streamlining of traditionally complex processes into seamless and efficient platforms, digitalisation across the insurance and takaful sector is empowering customers to take greater control over their protection. However, Zurich Malaysia believes that technological advancement alone is not enough as what truly matters is how these innovations impact customers’ lives. By combining the strengths of digital tools with customer care support rooted in empathy, it ensures that the service customers receive not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
“‘Care For What Matters’ is more than a slogan we put on the wall. It’s a standard we hold ourselves to every day,” said Ally Robertson, Country Chief Operations Officer at Zurich Malaysia, “Digitalisation goes beyond speed and removes friction. It’s about enabling our people to respond with empathy, insights and purpose, especially when our customers are going through some of life’s hardest moments.”
Among the many lives Zurich Malaysia has supported over the past year, the following stories reflect the emotional weight of those moments, and how timely protection made a real difference when life took an unexpected turn.
In Johor, Nor Hasimah binti Ahmad Shukri was left to care for her young child after the sudden passing of her husband from cancer. Amid grief and uncertainty, she needed timely support to stabilise her family’s finances. Zurich Malaysia’s digitised claim verification and payout system ensured the death claim was processed swiftly, giving her the support she needed to secure her family’s future.
A more complex case unfolded in Kota Bharu, where Hasnira binti Mat Jusoh's late husband had not named a nominee in his insurance policy. What could have become a lengthy and difficult process was resolved through Zurich Malaysia’s internal records and dedicated staff follow-up. She was guided step by step until the payout was delivered, a reminder that while systems matter, follow-through matters even more.
Meanwhile, Zainuddin bin Abdul Halim and his son were affected by the Putra Heights gas leak explosion that resulted in the total loss of their vehicles. Amid the disruption, Zurich Malaysia’s user-friendly digital claims platform helped them to submit reports, upload documentation, and track their claims with ease.
Iris Dang, Chief Operations Officer, Property and Casualty at Zurich Malaysia, said “What truly matters to us is how we support our customers during their most difficult times. These stories remind us that insurance/takaful isn’t just about policies/certificates and payouts, it’s about listening with empathy, understanding unique needs, and being there with clear, caring support every step of the way. Our teams are trained to go beyond transactions and build meaningful connections, ensuring every interaction is focused on what our customers truly need. That human touch makes all the difference when lives are impacted.”
As Zurich Malaysia continues to evolve, our focus remains on building solutions that are digitally enabled and deeply empathetic. We Don’t Just Cover, We Care is at the core of our heart. We stand with our customers, offering clarity, compassion and support when it matters most. This is our promise and our commitment to truly Care For What Matters.
To learn more about how Zurich Malaysia supports customers, kindly please visit zurich.com.my.
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Spritzer Launches “Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing” Leading the Wellness Travel Wave for Visit Malaysia 2026
Reconnecting Malaysians with Nature, Culture, and Wellbeing
In support of the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026, Spritzer, Malaysia’s most trusted natural mineral water brand, today officially unveiled its nationwide campaign, "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing," at a media launch event held at C Space, Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Centered around the concept of "healing," the campaign invites Malaysians to reconnect with nature, explore cultural heritage, and embrace a more balance, healthier lifestyles through local travel. Running from June to July 2025, "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing" will feature an original 6-episodes travel variety series, an interactive art installation, social media activation, and integrated content marketing— sparking a nationwide wellness travel movement rooted in sustainably. This initiative reinforces Spritzer’s position as the preferred hydration companion for mindful local travel, thanks to its naturally nourishing natural minerals content.
Healing Theme: Jom Healing – Reconnect. Naturally."
"Healing" has emerged as a buzzword among Malaysia’s younger generation, symbolizing a break from daily stress through short getaways to restore inner peace and emotional balance. Recognizing this trend, Spritzer champions "Jom Healing" (Let’s Heal), encouraging travelers to reconnect with nature and staying refreshed and revitalized with Spritzer natural mineral water.
The campaign also highlights environmental consciousness, urging travelers to explore Malaysia in a sustainable and responsible way. Through its show content and social engagement, Spritzer aims to inspire Malaysians to cherish the nation’s natural ecosystems, rich heritage, and culture diversity while preserving their beauty for future generations through mindful recycling and environmental care
Driving Emotional Connection with Nature, Culture & Sustainable Travel
"Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing" seeks to deepen Malaysians’ emotional connect with domestic travel with nature while reinforcing Spritzer’s position as the preferred hydration companion for every journey.Beyond on-ground activations, the campaign extends into digital spaces through original travel shows, social media engagement, and immersive art installations to encourage Malaysians to share their own healing journeys, cultural adventures and sustainable travel moments further deepening brand affinity and reach.
Engaging New-Generation Travelers & Global Explorers
The campaign primarily targets Malaysians aged 20–40 who value meaningful life experiences. These travelers are drawn to nature escapes, cultural festivals, and local cuisine, using travel as a way to recharge emotionally.
At the same time, Spritzer also seeks to engage international international free-and-easy travelers who prioritize eco-conscious, culturally immersive journeys. By aligning with contemporary travel values, the brand strengthens its warm and relatable image in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
Highlights: Original Travel Show & Interactive Art Installation
Spritzer presents Jom Healing, a web series starring popular local influencers like Adriana Adnan and Sean Lee, alongside travel influencers Fakhrul Aizat, Dee Alimin, Jaslin Puasa. The show documents their adventurous journeys through various nature centric wonders like waterfalls, island, mountains, caves, lakes, national park and recreational forest on top of heritage towns, cultural activities and local eateries, capturing moments of relaxation and self-discovery. From rejuvenating waterfalls like Air Terjun Kimorugi and mystical caves like Gua Lembah Lenggong to cultural gems such as batik workshops and firefly kayaking. The show also dives into hands-on experiences like fishing net weaving and otak-otak making, or unwind with therapeutic hikes in Sg Lembing and island-hopping across Pulau Mantanani. This program offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a journey of healing and connection. Its relatable format inspires viewers to embrace healing travel as therapy.
The show will start airing in Viu from 27 June to 14 July, every Monday and Friday.
#JomHealing #AirLoveCutiCuti #HealingTravel
An interactive art installation that redefines our relationship with plastic waste.
Crafted from hundreds of upcycled plastic bottles, as sunlight passes through the cut plastic, of patterned shapes fall onto the ground like batik or lace, forming a delicate choreography of light and shadow.
Blending nature-inspired motifs with traditional batik artistry, the exhibit is both a tribute to cultural heritage and a call to appreciate our planet.
This interplay of light and material , “shadow dance” is both beautiful and haunting.
It’s a reminder of our consumption habits cast a lasting shadow on the environment—yet also hold the power for renewal.
This art installation invites us to rethink our relationship with plastic, not as something to abandon, but as a material to recycle, reimagine, and reintegrate into the world — responsibly, sustainably, and beautifully.
View this artistic masterpiece installation at the entrance of Central Market from 23 June to 22 July 2025, in collaboration with artists - Oscar Lee and Celine Tan from Co2_Karbondioksida.
#PlasticReimagined #ShadowGarden #SustainableArt
Featured Products: Pure Hydration for Every Journey
Spritzer spotlights two bestsellers:
Natural Mineral Water: Rich in natural minerals especially silica for skin and bone health, sourced underground from a 430 acres conserved rainforest with over 15 years of natural filtration and SIRIM-certified microplastic-free packaging.
Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: Zero sugar, zero sweeteners, zero calories, with a refreshing fizz—ideal for tropical adventures. Sourced from the same pristine origin.
Our Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottle uses eco-friendly packaging, reflecting Spritzer’s commitment to sustainability and its 2030 Circular Brand vision. Bottle made with recycled plastic and every part of packaging is 100% recyclable.
From a Bottle to Falling in Love with Malaysia
Since 2024, Spritzer’s "Air Love Cuti-Cuti" strategy (punting on "Air" as Malay for "water" and echoing "I love travel") has embodied self-care, nature appreciation, and wanderlust.
More than a tagline, it represents Spritzer’s bond with Malaysia’s travel culture. Moving forward, the brand will expand "healing" and "exploration" themes through collaborations, content, and experiences—solidifying its role as the nation’s most heartfelt travel companion.
Learn more about "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing":
Website: https://spritzer.com.my | https://shop.spritzer.com.my
Facebook: @Spritzer
Instagram: @spritzerwater
Jom Healing—Let’s love travel, ourselves, and Malaysia.
#AirLoveCutiCuti #SpritzerJomHealing #TravelWithSpritzer
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Chamrun Digital and Ministry of Digital Lead AI Seminar for Civil Service
Chamrun Digital, through its subsidiary Chamrun AI, has partnered with the Ministry of Digital to deliver a hands-on seminar aimed at increasing operational efficiency through the adoption of Generative AI across Malaysia’s public sector
The one-day seminar, titled Empowering Malaysia’s Public Sector Transformation through Generative AI, was held at the Ministry’s headquarters and brought together over 180 senior officers from 28 ministries, departments, and government agencies. It marked one of the largest AI training sessions of its kind for civil servants.
The training covered key topics including, National Artificial Intelligence Agenda, introduction to Generative AI (Gen AI) and LLM-based solutions, the role and architecture of AI Agents and Agentic AI, and practical demonstrations of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models tailored to public sector needs.
Participants engaged in interactive, use-case driven sessions that showed how AI can be used to improve policymaking, streamline operations, enhance citizen engagement, and digital service delivery. The hands-on nature of the seminar enabled government officials to directly experience how Chamrun AI’s custom-built AI agents and agentic platforms can enhance data-driven decision-making and automate complex workflows securely on-premise.
This collaboration between Chamrun Digital and the Ministry of Digital reflects a strong commitment to strengthen Malaysia’s digital governance and equip public servants with the skills to use emerging technologies, responsibly and effectively.
“We are proud to support the Ministry of Digital’s vision by equipping public servants with cutting-edge AI tools and strategic knowledge. This is just the beginning—our continued collaboration will ensure Malaysia remains at the forefront of AI-driven public innovation,” said the Group CEO of Chamrun Digital, Adj. Prof. Dr Behranf Parhizkar - Hani.
The programme received overwhelming positive feedback from attendees that emphasized the transformative impact of the seminar. Many participants expressed increased confidence in exploring Gen AI tools to optimize government functions and were inspired by the practical solutions demonstrated during the session.
As part of its long-term roadmap, Chamrun AI announced that this seminar is the first in a nationwide series of practical AI training programmes scheduled to roll out in partnership with various government stakeholders during 2025 and beyond.
For more information, visit www.chamrun.ai
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TAIWAN EXPO 2025 in Malaysia
Generated Business Opportunities Worth USD 88 Million
TAIWAN EXPO 2025 in Malaysia successfully concluded on June 25th at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This year’s event was themed “Empowering the Next Era” and showcased Taiwan’s cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and vibrant culture across key sectors including smart manufacturing, health and wellness, sustainability, as well as culture and tourism. The three-day expo attracted more than 14,000 visitors and generated business opportunities valued at USD 88 million, highlighting the strong momentum in the deepening industrial collaboration between Taiwan and Malaysia.
Zones featuring AI innovation were some of the biggest hits of the event and clearly showcased Taiwan’s forward-looking AI industrial capabilities and integrated applications. Key exhibits include Nuwa Robotics’ dual-screen advertising service robot, Collibot, which was designed for use in shopping malls, education, healthcare and services sectors. Collibot served as a guide during the exhibition and visitors interacted with the robot via voice or touch panel and received real-time directions to help them navigate the event hall. It drew keen interest from several Malaysian shopping centres and medical institutions, highlighting the practical potential of AI service robots in societies facing aging populations and labour shortages. Touché solutions presented its groundbreaking “T-Skin” technology, which enhances safety during human-robot interactions. The innovation received high praise from Industry 4.0 and smart factory sectors and even attracted representatives from the Malaysian government who expressed interest in promoting the technology in local manufacturing through supportive policies.
In the green sustainability sector, Hsing Chung Molded Pulp stood out with its eco-friendly packaging solutions made from molded pulp. This sustainable product underscored the immense market opportunities in the green market and drew the interest of several Malaysian food distributors. Foremost Champion showcased innovative materials such as pineapple fiber leather and windshield adhesive film leather which caught the attention of Malaysian agricultural and recycling industries. Many local pineapple plantations and recycling companies acknowledged that they are struggling to handle the glut of agricultural waste and had expressed strong interest in Taiwan’s technologies that upcycle such waste into high-value materials. They hope to establish cross-border collaborations in technology and raw material supply to jointly build a sustainable agricultural waste value chain. Flexwave presented its high-efficiency energy storage system along with its weather-resistant arc solar box and solar-navi system designed to power outdoor IoT devices. The solutions attracted many buyers in the clean energy and smart agriculture sectors.
As for the health and wellness sector, newcomer Trida IGIBAN made a strong debut with its artificial skin and wound dressings. The product attracted collaboration interest from YSP Industries and a well-known Malaysian pharmacy and personal care retail chain. Many visitors also inquired about purchasing channels for the various other products showcased in the exhibition. China Medical University Hospital (Taiwan) is exploring potential collaboration with KL Wellness City as it aims to introduce Taiwan’s smart hospital management expertise and facilitate medical data analysis exchanges.
Over the years, TAIWAN EXPO — organized by the International Trade Administration and executed by TAITRA— has proved itself to be a vital platform for economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Taiwan, and this eighth outing is the most successful yet. This year’s exhibition attracted several major Malaysian conglomerates and key buyers, including IOI Group (one of Malaysia’s top 10 business conglomerates in Malaysia), SP Setia (Malaysia’s top three property developer), BP Healthcare Group, and the renowned retail chain Caring Pharmacy. Buyers expressed great interest in the numerous AI applications on display and were particularly impressed by Taiwan’s green technologies and energy-efficient building materials and equipment.
To further promote Taiwan’s AI capabilities, the second day of the Expo featured the “Smart Upgrade: Taiwan AI Technology & Application Seminar,” where 11 leading AI companies presented innovative applications in smart manufacturing, digital finance, facial recognition, robotics, and healthcare. The seminar attracted over 120 professional buyers which led to many sessions of business networking and collaboration.
Through this year’s Expo, Malaysia and Taiwan have managed to strengthen their ties in technology application, industrial innovation, and cultural exchange which further reinforced Taiwan’s key role in the ASEAN market. TAIWAN EXPO 2025 in Malaysia has once again highlighted Taiwan’s global leadership position in technology and sustainable development.
# # #
Exabytes Launches AWS Cloud Centre of Excellence to Drive Innovation and Talent Development Across Southeast Asia
In a significant step toward advancing digital transformation and cloud innovation in Southeast Asia, Exabytes announced the launch of its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang, developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College. The initiative is designed to cultivate AWS cloud expertise, accelerate digitalisation for businesses, and develop a future-ready workforce across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Strategically located in Penang—widely recognised as the “Silicon Valley” of Malaysia—the CCoE will serve as a regional innovation hub, helping businesses scale with AWS technologies while nurturing a strong pipeline of cloud talent in partnership with leading educational institutions. With 64% of Malaysian organizations grappling with moderate to extreme skill shortages, especially in intermediate-level roles, this initiative comes in as a timely solution.
“This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to help businesses across the region GROW Digital, while building future-ready tech talent,” said Chan Kee Siak, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exabytes. “By working closely with AWS and Forward College, we are addressing two pressing needs: accelerating cloud adoption and enabling more young people—particularly those from underserved communities—to access high-value digital careers.”
As part of its broader commitment to inclusive growth, Exabytes is also supporting 20 B40 students with sponsored tertiary education through its collaboration with Forward College. Upon graduation, Exabytes is committed to offering three years of employment within the Exabytes Group of Companies—creating tangible pathways from education to economic mobility.
Pete Murray, Country General Manager, AWS Malaysia, added: “The launch of the first Cloud Centre of Excellence in Northern Malaysia is a huge step forward and Exabytes’ leadership and entire team should be applauded for their bold vision. Exabytes’ cloud and AI leadership will contribute to the growth of the digital economy and digital capabilities across Southeast Asia from right here in Penang. By collaborating with Exabytes and Forward College, we empower businesses to innovate quickly, securely and at scale using AWS, whilst directly contributing to job creation in the digital economy in Malaysia. We are proud to contribute to Malaysia's vision of becoming a regional hub for digital excellence and to see another Malaysian champion Build Local to Go Global.”
Beyond talent development, the CCoE is envisioned as a collaborative ecosystem—a space for AWS experts, startups, educators, and businesses to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and drive innovation together. Through community-building initiatives, cloud solution showcases, and training events, the CCoE aims to foster a culture of experimentation and shared digital progress.
As part of its future roadmap, Exabytes will host industry events under the CCoE banner across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia. These gatherings will bring together solution providers and industry experts to showcase cloud innovation and strengthen the ASEAN cloud community. Additionally, Exabytes plans to deliver Agentic AI solutions through the CCoE—designed to enhance productivity in key industries throughout the region.
Jimmy Boey, Head of Information System and DPO of Senheng, a beneficiary of Exabytes’ AWS cloud services, said: “The launch of Exabytes' Cloud Centre of Excellence is timely for businesses like ours. As we continue to scale digitally, the support and guidance we receive from Exabytes—powered by AWS—has been instrumental in helping us navigate cloud adoption more confidently and cost-effectively. We're excited to see how this initiative will further accelerate innovation and knowledge-sharing in the region.”
Besides, Hasnol Hashim, Chief Technology Officer of Bizapp Ventures Sdn Bhd, and a user of Exabytes’ AWS cloud solutions, remarked: “Exabytes’ Cloud Centre of Excellence is a welcome addition for growing businesses. Their AWS-backed support has been invaluable in streamlining our cloud adoption, making it both efficient and affordable. We’re excited to witness how this center will enhance innovation and knowledge exchange in the industry.”
The launch also includes a formal partnership with Forward College, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive education and skills-based learning pathways.
Howie Chang, Co-Founder & CEO of Forward College, said: “Our collaboration with Exabytes and AWS reflects our shared vision to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare students for future-ready careers. Through the Cloud Centre of Excellence, we are creating meaningful access to cloud education and hands-on learning experiences that will equip our students—and the broader B40 community—with real-world capabilities to succeed in the digital economy.”
The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is among several forward-thinking initiatives planned for 2025 and beyond as Exabytes continues to champion SME digitalisation, AI adoption, and regional cloud readiness. The CCoE integrates innovation and talent development to tackle skill gaps, build pipelines, and future-proof the workforce. As Southeast Asia’s leading AI, Business App, Cloud, Digital, and E-commerce solutions provider, Exabytes remains committed to building inclusive digital futures through meaningful partnerships and innovation hubs like the CCoE.
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First Edition of Junior Celebrity World 2025 Sportlights Emerging Global Talent in Malaysia
The inaugural Junior Celebrity World 2025 made a spectacular debut on June 21, 2025, bringing together young models from all over the world to compete in a truly unique international event. Open to participants aged 5 to 16, the grand finale was held at the beautiful Pavilion Damansara Heights, showcasing 25 talented contestants.
The competition was divided into two exciting segments: National Costume and High Fashion, offering a dynamic platform for cultural expression, confidence-building, and the discovery of global talent.
Top Title Winners :
Champion Runner-Up: Rosemary Kok Sue Yen (Teen – Malaysia)
1st Runner-Up: Akza Kayla Syafira (Teen – Indonesia)
2nd Runner-Up: Marius Sim Yan Xi (Kids – Malaysia)
3rd Runner-Up: Chloe Beverly Beauty Tan (Pre-Teen – Indonesia)
4th Runner-Up: Chen Kai Qin (Pre-Teen – Malaysia)
Special Category Awards :
Best in High Fashion: Puteri Zayyana (Pre-Teen – Malaysia)
Best in National Costume: Ummar Dzariff (Pre-Teen – Malaysia)
This first edition of Junior Celebrity World served as a launching pad for future stars in fashion, pageantry, and entertainment. The event also underscored the importance of cultural pride and self-expression in youth, helping build confidence and fostering international friendships.
With the success of this inaugural edition, the organizers are excited to expand the platform, welcoming even more young talents from around the globe in the years to come.
The new features include real-time analytics of human-led and AI-led live streams, including viewership, conversion rate and comments, and automatically suggest improvements for the next broadcast
Singapore - June 25, 2025 - AnyMind Group [TSE:5027], a BPaaS company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has today announced the launch of new real-time analytics and script optimization features for its AI-powered live commerce platform, AnyLive.
