INFINITY8 Reserve Sunway Square Scales ESG Innovation, Setting a New Standard for Future-Ready Workspaces in Malaysia

INFINITY8, Malaysia’s fastest-growing homegrown co-working brand, has officially launched INFINITY8 Reserve Sunway Square, marking a milestone in its evolution from a pioneering co-working operator into a full-suite corporate solutions provider. The launch underscores INFINITY8’s rapid growth trajectory—expanding by 131,600 square feet over the past 18 months—bringing its nationwide presence to 14 outlets across Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and George Town.

Founded in Johor eight years ago, INFINITY8 has grown in tandem with Malaysia’s dynamic business landscape. What began as an ambitious co-working concept has matured into a holistic ecosystem that supports businesses of all sizes—from agile SMEs to multinational corporations entering Malaysia. This evolution reflects INFINITY8’s long-standing vision to anticipate the future of work and deliver solutions that extend far beyond physical office spaces.

“Our journey has always been about anticipating the future of work, not just reacting to it,” said Lee Sheah Liang, Co-Founder of INFINITY8. “Today, we’re proud to partner with businesses of every size, offering not only workspaces but the sustainable, future-ready environments they need to thrive in Malaysia.”

To meet growing demand for integrated corporate services, INFINITY8 now offers recruitment and HR placement, alongside Employer of Record (EOR) solutions that help international firms establish operations in Malaysia up to six months faster—sometimes within a single week. By bridging workspace and operational readiness, INFINITY8 has positioned itself as a trusted partner for market entry and business expansion.

With an 86% occupancy rate as of September 2025 and an estimated 40% year-on-year revenue growth, INFINITY8 projects up to 74% growth in 2026. Its operational excellence is reinforced by ISO 9001 certification from TÜV, recognizing its consistency, efficiency, and service quality.

The newly launched INFINITY8 Reserve Sunway Square is the company’s most ESG-oriented outlet to date, featuring nap pods, natural-light zones, and sustainably sourced materials. Integrated food-waste reduction systems align with Sunway’s SDG-driven vision, positioning the space as a model for sustainable, human-centric work environments.

Looking ahead, INFINITY8 will continue expanding nationwide while deepening its corporate service offerings—proving that sustainability and scalability can go hand in hand, and that a Malaysian company can set new benchmarks for innovation, profitability, and community impact in the workspace industry.

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Security That’s Built in, Not Bolted on: How Samsung Appliances Are Advancing Safety at Home

As security breaches caused by invisible threats continue to occur, consumer awareness and related regulations across regions are being continuously revised.

It is now evident that security can no longer be an afterthought. AI functionality has become deeply integrated into everyday life, and there are more invisible pathways for threats to infiltrate. Given these changes, it’s more important than ever to build robust security frameworks and create systems that notify users of changes, especially for our homes, which are our most personal spaces. 

For this reason, Samsung has been working to redefine how digital safety is built into everyday life. As communicated at IFA 2025, the company is making the AI Home a reality, with security as a key pillar. The company’s unique security solutions, including Knox Matrix and Knox Vault, have been applied to a wide range of home appliances, helping create a significantly safer and more secure home environment.

Security Has Long Been a Priority for Samsung

While 2024 marked the first time Samsung formally introduced Samsung Knox for home appliances, the company has been working on embedded security for over a decade. Back in 2011, as Samsung was exploring appliances that could serve as early-stage home controllers, internal research had already begun to find ways to prevent data theft. 

According to Changhoon Lee, Head of Security Lab for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, real momentum began with the launch of the refrigerator with Family Hub. It integrated services that could store personal data, like schedules on a calendar, and leveraged Samsung account information. It also allowed users to remotely connect and control their refrigerator via SmartThings.

“Back then, IoT was still new, and there was limited awareness of the security challenges associated with IoT devices,” Lee recalls. “It wasn’t easy to get started. We had to consider what standards and security models would be appropriate for home appliances, and it required significant technological investment.”

Coincidentally, this was also when a type of malware that infected IoT devices first emerged. The arrival of malware that targeted connected devices, around the same time that Samsung’s IoT refrigerator released, marked a paradigm shift. It drove him to accelerate security research and development.

The Scope of Security Requirements Is Expanding

While the debut of Family Hub raised awareness about the need for appliance security, the expansion of SmartThings deepened the technical demands.

“There’s simply more to consider,” Lee notes. “With SmartThings, some functions may involve basic data exchange, while others could handle more personal information. For example, the Map View feature allows users to see multiple connected devices at a glance. However, it also means that devices must share data with one another, which increases both the number and complexity of possible use cases.”

“This shifts the focus from securing individual devices to ensuring inter-device security within a connected environment. Looking ahead, as technologies that incorporate AI continue to advance, even more use cases and threats must be anticipated. That’s why it is becoming increasingly important to establish clear security criteria, which decide how security should be applied and how it must be reflected in product design from the outset.”

The evolution of product features has also accelerated the adoption of new security technologies. As devices become more advanced and their capabilities expand, security measures must evolve to meet those new demands.

Over time, Samsung has steadily built up its security technologies and accumulated valuable know-how through a range of experiences. This is why, at a time when security has become a top priority, the company can confidently position it front and centre.

Furthermore, Samsung has achieved significant advancements in security through its mobile business, which is one of the most personal and security-sensitive product categories. Leveraging these technologies, and with a broad portfolio that spans TVs to mobile devices, the company has been able to extend its security innovations across business divisions, establishing a robust protection framework in home appliances.

Abilities Thoroughly Tested and Proven

“The appeal of a smart home lies in how appliances adapt to you and are easy to control,” he added. “But if your personal data is at risk of leaking, you simply can’t feel secure. We’ve been consistently investing in this space for over a decade, and I believe that’s why renowned institutions and government bodies have recognized our efforts.”

In fact, the strength of Samsung’s security system has also been verified with several third-party certifications. As a key example of this, multiple products have been verified at level “Diamond” under UL Solutions Marketing Claim Verification IoT Security Rating Program. To earn this verification, which is the highest level, a product must satisfy 56 detailed criteria, across 33 evaluation items in six core domains. 

These criteria cover a wide range of aspects, including software updates, data encryption, and system management. The evaluation is thorough and designed to ensure compatibility with various international security standards, making it one of the most comprehensive certifications available.

To Make Bespoke AI Appliances Prepared for Future Threats 

At a recent global conference, Samsung addressed the future of security, introducing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), a new and lesser-known data encryption technology. This type of protection is becoming increasingly necessary because as quantum computing advances, current encryption algorithms may eventually become vulnerable to decryption. To stay ahead of this potential threat, Samsung is implementing PQC within Knox Matrix in home appliances. 

While some may question whether it’s too early to be thinking about post-quantum security, Samsung is taking a long-term view to ensure protection is in place for its customers. Home appliances are typically used for around 10 years after purchase. Considering that product lifecycle, Samsung believes it’s critical to prepare now for risks that may become real in the future. That’s the mindset driving its vision for the smart home.

“If you wait until after data starts leaking, it’s already too late. Our mission is to continue enhancing our security technologies so that consumers can always feel safe and secure when using our products,” said Lee.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

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CUCKOO Malaysia Launches First Cash-and-Carry Brandshop, Strengthening Omni-Channel Expansion for Accessible Wellness

CUCKOO International (MAL) Berhad (“CUCKOO Malaysia” or “the Company”, KLSE: CKI, 5336), the nation’s leading Healthy Home Creator, has unveiled its first-ever Cash-and-Carry CUCKOO Brandshop at IOI Mall Damansara — a milestone marking the company’s next phase of omni-channel growth and its mission to make wellness more accessible and affordable for Malaysians.

The launch forms part of a RM5 million investment plan to establish 10 Brandshops nationwide, enhancing CUCKOO Malaysia’s physical footprint while complementing its robust online channels. The 1,023 sq. ft. outlet also serves as an interactive experience centre, featuring CUCKOO’s full range of smart home and wellness solutions in a contemporary, homely space.

Unlike the company’s Brandkiosk and Brandstore formats, the Cash-and-Carry model enables customers to immediately purchase and take home small-ticket products such as rice cookers, cookware, and shower heads. This new retail format aims to deliver greater shopping convenience and an immersive product experience, connecting customers directly with CUCKOO’s expanding ecosystem of wellness innovations.

The launch is supported by CUCKOO Malaysia’s thriving e-commerce business, which has seen a remarkable 1,714% revenue surge from small-ticket items as of Q3FY2025. This performance underscores the company’s strategic focus on product innovation and affordability, with its product portfolio expanding from 17 SKUs in 2024 to 37 in 2025.

In conjunction with the store opening, CUCKOO Malaysia also introduced several new products: the CUCKOO HUGZ Mattress in a Box, CUCKOO X Color King Cookware Series, CUCKOO CR-0685F Multi-Cooker, and CUCKOO AquaFlex Filtered Shower Head — further strengthening its comprehensive wellness portfolio.

The event coincides with CUCKOO Malaysia’s 11th Anniversary Celebration and the CUCKOO x TikTok Shop Super Brand Day (6–9 November 2025), which features exciting digital-to-physical engagement initiatives, including:

• Up to 50% off in 11.11 Super Deals

• Exclusive RM50 TikTok Shop vouchers and purchase gifts

• RM11.11 trade-in offer for old shower heads

• A star-studded livestream featuring 11 Malaysian celebrities promoting CUCKOO’s #SAMASAMAHealthier mission

Commenting on the launch, Mr. KC Hoe, Non-Independent Executive Director and CEO of CUCKOO Malaysia, said:

“This new Brandshop represents our ongoing commitment to accessible wellness for all Malaysians. With our omni-channel expansion, we’re bridging convenience, innovation, and affordability — empowering more people to live #SAMASAMAHealthier.”

Store Details:

Lot 2F-11, East Wing, Level 2, IOI Mall Damansara
Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Mastercard and CTOS Collaborate to Expand Credit Access and Improve Risk Management 

Enhanced credit risk consulting services provide financial institutions with richer data insights to improve decision-making on loan approvals, reduce default rates and optimise profitability  

Mastercard and CTOS Malaysia have announced a strategic collaboration to provide credit risk transformation services, addressing credit underwriting and loan approvals, portfolio growth and collections. The services for financial institutions are expected to bring global best practices in credit risk management for individuals and SMEs to Malaysia – such services in the past have delivered an increase in approvals for unsecured loans of approximately 5-10% while achieving risk-adjusted-return targets. 

The initiative increases access to financing for small businesses and individuals with an existing credit history. This is achieved by combining CTOS’ database of longer-term customer credit information and existing scorecards, with Mastercard’s global expertise, comprehensive data analytics and advanced consulting capabilities. 

Beena Pothen, Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard said, “This collaboration with CTOS is another step forward in Mastercard’s commitment to expanding access to credit. With 48% of SMEs in Malaysia still unserved or underserved, this collaboration directly addresses a gap and supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs, who represent 96.1% of all enterprises in Malaysia as of 2024. By increasing access to credit, it aligns directly with the national level agenda through the 13th Malaysia Plan to build a resilient, high-income, and inclusive nation.”

Global approval rates for credit cards and personal loans from open-market sourcing are typically upwards of 40%. A key factor in improving these rates in Malaysia is the utilisation of credit information from private bureaus, where annual exercises for improved risk management with private bureaus, compared to markets such as India and the Philippines, are far less common. 

Private bureaus, such as CTOS, provide data across a longer period, summarised scorecards and performance data on rejected customers at a group level. Combined with Mastercard’s expertise in analysing the rich data set and turning them into actionable insights for banks through its advanced consulting capabilities, this collaboration transforms credit underwriting policies and enables banks to make better informed lending decisions. This enhanced data-driven approach not only increases loan approval rates, but also reduces default rates and optimises portfolio growth for banks, while increasing access to credit for small businesses and individuals who were historically rejected based on former loan assessment models and limited data sets.

Kevin Loh, IGCEO of CTOS Digital Berhad, said, “This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s credit ecosystem through advanced data analytics and innovation. By pairing CTOS’s depth of local credit data, governed under the Credit Reporting Agencies Act, with Mastercard’s global expertise, we are enabling financial institutions to assess risk with greater precision and confidence. The result is a more inclusive and resilient credit environment, one that promotes wider access to financing while upholding the highest standards of governance and data integrity.”

Beyond this, the collaboration will also enable financial institutions to better explore growth opportunities with existing customers – such as improving credit lines, pursuing up-sell or cross-sell strategies – supported by prudent risk management. This drives profitability for banks while enhancing engagement and experience for small businesses and individuals who were previously excluded from such services. It also aims to address collections by enabling banks to more effectively assess repayment trends and prioritise customers with high likelihood of non-repayment. In the longer term, such initiatives will increase the adoption of private credit bureau data, modernise and strengthen Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, and drive inclusive growth across the country. 

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