Experts

Experts

HDC Partners With Global Psytech To Support Halal SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR, Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC), under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has signed an engagement agreement with Global Psytech Sdn Bhd (GPSB) to boost the competitiveness and resilience of halal small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2017, GPSB is a data technology firm specialising in behavioural and analytics solutions across industries. Under the partnership, GPSB will introduce three digital platforms: the Talent Analytic Platform, Entrepreneur Analytic Platform, and Ethics & Governance Platform. “These tools are designed to enhance leadership skills, financial literacy, strategic thinking, and ethics and governance, all crucial for long-term business resilience,” HDC said in a statement. HDC will promote the initiative through its Halal Integrated Platform (HIP), which connects over 13,000 industry players, to help SMEs improve performance, build strong teams, and access growth opportunities locally and internationally. HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari. HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari said the partnership demonstrates the agency’s commitment to supporting halal SMEs beyond certification and market access. “By focusing on organisational strength and talent development, we are equipping businesses to thrive in a competitive halal economy,” he said. GPSB CEO Dr Haniza Yon added that leveraging AI-driven behavioural insights will help halal SMEs make better decisions, reduce risks, and grow with integrity. “Together with HDC, we are building resilient businesses capable of sustainable success globally,” she said. The collaboration also aligns with the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, which aims to establish Malaysia as a leading global halal hub and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP by 2030. HDC noted the initiative is expected to foster a data-driven, talent-focused, and ethically governed halal economy, strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global halal market.

Experts

Boost’s Group CEO On Profit, Partnerships, And Building A Fintech Legacy

Not long ago, Boost was best known for making small payments easier — whether at a mamak stall or a bubble tea shop. Today, it has grown into one of Malaysia’s biggest cashless champions. Backed by Axiata Group, Boost started as a pioneer in e-wallets and has since expanded into a regional fintech player. Last year, it launched Boost Bank, Malaysia’s first homegrown digital bank. Now, the question is bigger: Can a player from KL stand tall against Southeast Asia’s fintech giants? What Does Success Mean for Boost? Sheyantha sees success in two ways: Helping Malaysians — especially underserved groups and small businesses — access digital financial tools on a single platform. Expanding carefully across Southeast Asia while staying profitable. Indonesia, Cambodia, and Bangladesh are early test markets. The aim? Build a multi-billion-dollar company with real profit, not just hype. Turning Telco Data into a Fintech Edge Boost’s biggest advantage comes from its synergy with Axiata. By working with CelcomDigi, Boost taps into call data records (CDR) to measure creditworthiness — giving access to financing for people invisible to traditional credit bureaus. This model, already tested in Indonesia, could be replicated across the region. The strategy is about embedding Boost’s services into telco apps and digital platforms people already use — instead of competing as a standalone app. The Path to Profitability Boost is targeting profitability this year. Its merchant arm, Boost Connect, is already profitable. Consumer lending, especially through PayFlex, has been a growth driver in the past 18 months. Lower costs in cash-in and customer acquisition have also helped. Instead of chasing new users, Boost now focuses on deepening relationships with existing ones and diversifying revenue to ensure sustainable growth. Building a Legacy Beyond Profit Sheyantha says the company’s ambition isn’t only financial. In the next three to five years, Boost wants to be: A multi-billion-dollar fintech leader in Southeast Asia. A talent hub that nurtures the next generation of fintech founders and leaders. “I take no greater pride than knowing someone learnt here and went on to build their own startup,” Sheyantha shared.

Experts

South Korean AI Company iSciLab Earns Recognition At ITU Global Summit

SEOUL, South Korean AI company iSciLab has been honored at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Summit for its innovative contributions, the firm announced Thursday. Byun Chang-hyun, chief executive officer (CEO) of iSciLab, poses for a photo after winning an award during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva, set to be held from July 8-11, 2025, in this photo provided by iSciLab.  At the AI for Good Global Summit 2025, held in Geneva from Tuesday, iSciLab’s AI-powered animal biometrics solution was recognized for its potential to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, according to company officials. The system employs non-invasive technology that analyzes animals’ facial features and nose patterns, allowing for easier, more cost-effective registration and tracking of pets and livestock. iSciLab CEO Byun Chang-hyun also spoke during a key session, “Innovate for Impact: The Winning AI Use Cases,” sharing insights on the company’s work. “Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to the social responsibility of technology,” Byun said. “We aim to expand our pet, livestock, and wildlife identification systems in partnership with global organizations, including the World Health Organization, to drive sustainable digital transformation.”

Experts

Pos Fulfill: Reinventing Fulfilment For Malaysia’s E-Commerce Future

In a landscape where speed, flexibility, and customer experience are paramount, Pos Malaysia has boldly redefined its legacy with the launch of Pos Fulfill—a fully integrated e-commerce logistics and fulfilment solution tailored for the modern age. From legacy postal operator to future-ready logistics partner, Pos Malaysia is scripting a powerful new chapter—and at its heart is Pos Fulfill. Rohit Gunavanthe, Head of Fulfilment, Pos Malaysia Launched in 2022 as part of Pos Malaysia’s strategic transformation plan, Pos Fulfill offers end-to-end supply chain solutions spanning warehousing, order processing, real-time inventory management, pick-and-pack, returns, and seamless last-mile delivery. Built on Pos Malaysia’s unmatched nationwide network and backed by its last-mile giant, Pos Laju, Pos Fulfill is a logistics solution created for scale and service certainty. “What makes Pos Fulfill unique is how we bring together all the pieces—from storage to delivery—under one integrated platform. It’s fulfilment, powered by reliability,” says Rohit Gunavanthe, Head of Fulfilment at Pos Malaysia. A Backbone for Businesses of All Sizes Pos Fulfill currently serves 25 clients across seven major industries, including FMCG, healthcare, cosmetics, automotive, electronics, and retail. Its offering spans both B2B and B2C segments, giving brands—whether a global corporation or a growing Malaysian SME—the tools to deliver better, faster, and smarter. With eight strategic fulfilment centres and over 170,000 square feet of warehouse space, Pos Fulfill empowers businesses to position inventory closer to customers, significantly reducing lead times and shipping costs. This is especially critical for businesses with a nationwide customer base across Peninsular and East Malaysia. “We recognised early on that the future of e-commerce in Malaysia hinges on regional accessibility. By activating fulfilment hubs in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, we’ve removed bottlenecks and helped businesses reduce fulfilment times and costs dramatically,” adds Rohit. Tech-Driven, Customer-Focused At the heart of Pos Fulfill’s operations is a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS), integrated not only with major marketplaces but also with customer ERP systems. This enables the seamless flow of orders, automatic airway bill generation, and real-time visibility—key to maintaining service consistency, even during peak periods. The results speak for themselves: fulfilment speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction have seen measurable improvements, with Pos Fulfill’s tender invitations growing fourfold in 2025 compared to 2023. Built with Sustainability at Its Core True to Pos Malaysia’s broader ESG ambitions, Pos Fulfill’s operations are guided by the Sustainability Roadmap 2023, with a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Their facilities incorporate solar energy, LED lighting, lithium-ion handling equipment, and the reuse of recycled packaging materials. These initiatives have already cut parcel-related emissions by nearly 17%. Enabling SME Growth Pos Fulfill is especially focused on democratising access to fulfilment services for Malaysian SMEs. By offering high-quality infrastructure typically reserved for larger players, SMEs can now tap into the same logistical muscle, strategically placing inventory across the country. Pos Fulfill also acts as a growth enabler, helping SMEs expand into new markets and elevate their delivery experience. Navigating Challenges, Building Trust Despite its current success, the early days of Pos Fulfill weren’t without challenges. From establishing brand awareness to selecting the right backend systems, the team faced an uphill climb. But by leveraging the trusted Pos Malaysia brand and assembling a team with deep industry experience, they successfully overcame the learning curve. The Road Ahead Looking to the next three to five years, Pos Fulfill has a clear vision: to be Malaysia’s leading fulfilment partner. With plans to expand in East Malaysia and the northern and southern Peninsular regions, the brand is also eyeing regional collaborations, particularly with other postal operators in Southeast Asia. With a focus on tech investment, client growth, and sustainable operations, Pos Fulfill is not just reshaping how orders are packed and shipped—it’s redefining what fulfilment means for Malaysian businesses in a digitally connected economy. Takeaways for Business Leaders: Certainty of Service – Fulfilment that scales with confidence, whether for everyday orders or seasonal spikes. Brand Trust – Powered by Pos Malaysia’s legacy, Pos Fulfill brings credibility, capability, and continuity to the logistics space. As Malaysia’s digital economy continues its upward surge, Pos Fulfill is proving that with the right strategy, infrastructure, and ambition, even a legacy brand can lead the charge into the future of fulfilment.

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