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AI

Energy & Technology

Awantec Closes SKIN Chapter with US$45M Settlement, Shifts Focus to AI and Cybersecurity Growth

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AwanBiru Technology Bhd (Awantec) has announced the resolution of its long-standing legal dispute with the Government of Malaysia through a Consent Judgment valued at US$45.38 million (RM201.45 million). The settlement formally concludes all legal matters surrounding the terminated Sistem Kawalan Imigresen Nasional (SKIN) project, providing clarity and allowing the company to move forward with its strategic priorities. This development comes almost a year after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled in favour of Awantec’s subsidiary, Prestariang Skin Sdn Bhd, ordering the government to pay US$52.15 million (RM231.5 million) for the unlawful termination of the SKIN contract in 2019. The SKIN concession, awarded in August 2017, was a 15-year agreement for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a modernised immigration and border control system to replace the legacy infrastructure used by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The contract was valued at US$788 million (RM3.5 billion), contingent on full private financing by Prestariang Skin. The project was scrapped following the 2018 general elections, which resulted in a change of federal administration after more than six decades under Barisan Nasional. Azlan Zainal Abidin – Awantec, CEO  Commenting on the settlement, Awantec CEO Azlan Zainal Abidin said, “This resolution brings certainty and closure, allowing us to refocus on our core growth strategies. The one-off payment not only strengthens our cash flow position but also enables us to resolve outstanding obligations linked to the SKIN project.” With the SKIN dispute now behind it, Awantec is sharpening its focus on high-growth areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services. The company continues to strengthen its portfolio through strategic partnerships, including its role as a Google Premier Partner and collaborations with international tech players like Skillsoft and Sage. One of its latest initiatives is Awantax, an e-invoicing platform accredited by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which supports the government’s push towards mandatory e-invoicing compliance. In the public sector, Awantec recently secured a one-year extension under Malaysia’s Cloud Framework Agreement (CFA), reaffirming its position as a key player in national digital infrastructure projects. Additional contract wins—such as its involvement in MyGovUC 3.0 and projects with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)—further cement its role in enabling digital transformation and workforce development. With legal distractions now settled, Awantec is poised to accelerate growth in digital services and technology solutions across both public and private sectors.

Energy & Technology, News

Building on AI Ecosystem in Malaysia Ensures Economic Growth

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KUALA LUMPUR: Economist Geoffrey Williams believes that the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to hasten the pace in building an artificial intelligence (AI) nexus is timely as any work towards this in Malaysia is currently minimal or non-existent. Williams said that such an ecosystem is vital to ensure that Malaysia cultivates an ample AI workforce and effectively stimulates economic growth in the future. He reckons that any research from Malaysia on developing AI applications is likely to be very small. He said while there was an announcement that the government would look into establishing the first AI polytechnic in the country, most universities in the country do not yet have AI as part of their programmes and research, except perhaps in specific modules in their information technology (IT) departments. “There are only ad hoc activities in AI at a relatively low level or early stage being carried out in Malaysia’s universities. There is very little research or teaching and no significant attempt to look at the potential economic impact,” he explained. Having this in mind, he suggested that local universities start adopting AI by prioritising among academicians while at the same time taking time to integrate AI into universities’ curricula, which would help build the much-needed ecosystem for such technology to succeed. However, Williams noted that academics have simply not begun this process due to many reasons. Some of the most important to include are regulations that slow down the creation of new programmes and a lack of awareness and training in AI among academics. He also stressed that the government must conduct thorough research to create policies to deal with the impact of AI so that people can thoroughly benefit from it. Besides making the call to hasten the pace for an AI nexus in the country, Anwar launched the AI Talent Roadmap 2024-2030 and the Faculty of AI and the Malaysian AI Consortium (MAIC). He said the governance of the AI ecosystem must be systematic and have professional and skilled talents with AI working with multinational corporations (MNCs) and the MAIC pursuing the growth of AI. — BERNAMA

Energy & Technology, News

HP Introduces New AI-Integrated Laptop Series to Make Work Even Easier!

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KUALA LUMPUR: HP Inc has introduced its most comprehensive lineup of commercial and consumer AI PCs, aiming to leverage AI capabilities for enhanced productivity, creativity, and user experiences in hybrid work environments. The unveiling comes in response to a recent work survey conducted among Malaysians, revealing a significant 63% of employees anticipating a revolutionary impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on their work methodologies. Moreover, 70% of respondents either currently employ or plan to integrate GenAI within the next year. Employers share this sentiment, with 84% of them expecting GenAI to augment flexible working arrangements. HP Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Tan emphasised the transformative potential of AI, stating: “AI creates a level playing field ensuring that we all can be creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.” Tan underscored AI’s role in boosting productivity by automating tasks, thereby allowing talents nationwide to focus on higher-level creativity and innovation. The latest HP Elite and Pro PC solutions are powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 and 7 processors, featuring dedicated NPUs for optimised AI performance with Microsoft Copilot that helps improve productivity. According to Microsoft, 57% of employees tend to spend time communicating via meetings, emails and chats while 43% spends more time on documents and spreadsheets. With Microsoft’s Copilot, users will be able to increase their productivity rate simply by inputting prompts into the Copilot feature, which is able to summarise meeting notes, gather key information from other documents without even having to leave your working file, generate tables graphs from a tediously long documents in mere seconds! It can even simplify your live video meetings by extracting crucial information from the conversations via a few short command prompts, ensuring that users can start taking action on the points discussed as soon as the meeting is over. Among the offerings, HP Smart Sense stands out for its ability to anticipate and adjust to user PC behaviour and work patterns so that the device can adjust its performance based on the user’s personal working routine, ensuring an optimal balance of performance and power efficiency. HP Elite 1000 Series G11 Notebook PCs: Offers portability, performance, and up to 21 hours of battery life. Enhanced AI capabilities result in up to 80% better graphics performance and up to 132% faster AI video editing compared to previous generations. HP EliteBook 800 and 805 Series G11 Notebook PCs (starts at RM5,999): Tailored for enterprise knowledge workers, equipped with Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 and 7 processors for AI-driven productivity. HP EliteBook 600 and 605 Series G11 Notebook PCs (starts at RM4,699): Crafted for corporates that need to maximise value and flexibility to equip a range of users in hybrid environments, tackling demanding business applications so work can be done efficiently and reliably. HP ProBook 400 and 405 Series G11 Notebook PCs (starts at RM4,399): Designed for hybrid workers, offering AI-powered workflows and essential performance, with upgradeable storage and memory options. HP Pavilion Plus PCs (starts at RM4,299): Geared towards Gen Z consumers, providing a premium computing experience tailored to their dynamic lifestyles. HP Envy x360 Series (starts at RM4,399): Featuring a flexible design for seamless transition between work and play, equipped with built-in AI engines for enhanced performance. HP Spectre x360 Series (starts at RM7,699): Designed to maximise AI capabilities, delivering faster multitasking and productivity improvements. The company also introduced the Z by HP lineup (which will be available at HP.com within the year) that offers high-performance computing solutions, including the newest generation of AI HP ZBook mobile workstations that are capable of tackling demanding workflows while ensuring reliability, security, and mobility for creative professionals. The Z by HP lineup comprises the HP ZBook Power G11, HP ZBook Fury G11, HP ZBook Studio G11 and the HP ZBook Firely G11. Protection For Your PCs Notably, HP puts security as top priority by introducing firmware protection against quantum computer hacks, namely the upgraded Endpoint Security Controller (ESC) chip that enhances manageability and data protection, reducing the risk of data breaches and downtime. The HP Elite and ProBook notebooks as well as the Z by HP workstations are equipped with HP Wolf Security (HP Wolf Protect and HP Wolf Connect) for business to protect end users no matter where and how they work. HP also launched HP Cloud Endpoint Manager SaaS32, which is purpose-built for mission-critical devices to help IT secure endpoints from threats with automated device monitoring and remediation. Take Gaming to the Next Level For gaming enthusiasts, HP unveils the OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop (starts at RM7,999), featuring advanced 14-inch OLED display, slim design, and light superior-grade internals for a versatile gaming experience. The new OMEN Transcend 14 features: Exceptionally vivid display for immersive gameplay with IMAX Enhanced Certified 2.8k 120Hz VRR OLED display and lattice-less sky-printed RGB keyboard. Compact and portable design that weighs 1.6kg with up to 11.5 hours battery life and a type-C PD 140W adapter. Redesigned chassis that utilises inbound airflow to create a pressurised zone using a vapour chamber for direct heat dissipation through rear vents, co-engineered with Intel’s dual channel flow technology. The world’s first gaming laptop with audio tuned by HyperX elevates clarity and spectral balance, ensuring subtle details won’t be overshadowed by louder sounds. HP has also updated its OMEN and Victus 16.1-inch gaming laptop PC (starts at RM7,399) with Intel® Core™ i7 HX processors.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
News

Microsoft’s $2.2 Bil Investment Propels Cloud and AI Services in Malaysia

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KUALA LUMPUR: In a statement on Thursday, Microsoft announced its commitment to invest $2.2 billion in Malaysia over the next four years, aimed at bolstering the nation’s digital transformation. This significant investment marks Microsoft’s largest in Malaysia since its inception 32 years ago. CEO Satya Nadella’s visit to Kuala Lumpur as part of his Southeast Asia tour underscores the company’s dedication to promoting its innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the region. Prior stops in Indonesia and Thailand set the stage for this pivotal announcement. Microsoft’s investment will encompass the development of cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as the provision of AI training opportunities for 200,000 individuals, thereby nurturing Malaysia’s burgeoning developer community. Furthermore, the tech giant pledges collaboration with the Malaysian government to establish a national AI Center of Excellence and fortify the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities, signaling a strategic partnership geared toward advancing Malaysia’s digital landscape.–REUTERS

Microsoft chief executive officer, Satya Nadella
Investment & Market Trends, News

Microsoft Plans to Invest US$1.7 Bil in Indonesia

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JAKARTA: In a significant move, US tech titan Microsoft has declared a substantial investment in Indonesia during the visit of its CEO to Jakarta for discussions with governmental representatives. The company has revealed plans to inject a hefty sum of US$1.7 billion over the next four years into the country’s infrastructure for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside initiatives to provide AI training for 840,000 individuals and bolster support for the burgeoning developer community. Highlighting the importance of this investment, Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized its crucial role in Indonesia’s digital progress. He remarked that Microsoft’s commitment signals recognition of Indonesia’s significance within the global digital landscape. The establishment of a research and development center, slated for either Bali or the new capital city being developed in Kalimantan, aims to cultivate AI expertise within the nation. Minister Setiadi underscored the transformative potential of AI technology in enhancing productivity across various sectors, including agriculture and fisheries, thereby driving economic growth. Microsoft’s projections suggest Indonesia’s leading role in AI’s contribution to the national GDP by 2030 within the Southeast Asian region, contingent upon overcoming challenges such as digital proficiency gaps and data governance issues. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering individuals and organizations in Indonesia to leverage the upcoming AI advancements. Nadella announced ambitious training targets, aiming to equip 2.5 million individuals across the ASEAN region by 2025, with a significant portion allocated to Indonesia. This investment represents a milestone in Microsoft’s nearly three-decade presence in the country, marking a significant step towards fostering digital innovation and economic growth.

Energy & Technology, News

M’sian Enterprises Urged to Make AI Top Priority

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian enterprises are encouraged to prioritise responsible artificial intelligence (AI) to fully tap into the potential benefits of generative AI and its innovations, according to the AI and analytics platform provider SAS Institute Inc. Its Regional Vice President and Head of Digital Transformation for Emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Amir Sohrabi emphasised the importance of business leaders to prioritise responsible AI, whether they are already implementing AI use cases or are still in the planning phase. He said organisations need to recognise that ensuring responsible AI is a collective responsibility involving all stakeholders in an AI system. “(Effective) oversight must be spearheaded by the executive management team, focused on ensuring that responsible and trustworthy AI is a top priority across the board. “By closely monitoring and auditing AI operations, organisations can quickly identify and address any issues, thereby proactively mitigating concerns before they escalate,” Amir said. Citing a MyDigital report, he pointed out that generative AI has the potential to unlock US$113.4 billion (RM541.37 billion) in productive capacity in the Malaysian economy, equivalent to one-quarter of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. The Malaysian government has also planned to introduce a framework for governing AI and establishing ethical guidelines, given the increasing adoption of AI by various organisations. According to Amir, the regulations aim to promote innovation by creating a conducive environment, addressing risks and promoting ethical and responsible AI use. He further highlighted that responsible AI practices enhance human well-being, safeguard personal data and avoid discrimination. The foundation for such features lies in transparency and accountability, but unfortunately, many organisations deploying AI systems struggle to uphold these principles. “Taking proactive measures will not just reduce risks, but also enhance cyber resilience, ultimately positioning Malaysian organisations to thrive in the AI scene,” he said. — BERNAMA

Experts

Could AI Make the Four-Day Work Week a Reality?

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While some fear the possible impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs, there are upsides to leveraging AI in the workplace. Recent studies have found that AI could enable organisations to shift to a four-day work week. With cries for a healthier work-life balance reaching fever pitch among professionals in this age, AI has the potential to realise the dream of many. Employees are no longer content with merely punching the clock; they seek greater flexibility and autonomy in how they manage their time. This is reflected in a recent Tech.co study, ‘The Impact of Technology on the Workplace 2024 Report’, where remote teams face fewer recruitment roadblocks, with 44% of fully remote businesses finding it easy to recruit staff, compared to 32% of businesses with mandatory inoffice policies. The Role of AI in Workforce Optimisation At the heart of this transformation is the rise of AI technologies, which are revolutionising various aspects of business operations. From predictive analytics to task automation, AI is reshaping the way organisations allocate resources and manage workflows. Using AI-powered automation will improve an employee’s satisfaction in the workplace by automating repetitive, low-value tasks. It frees up employees to focus on other, more appealing and engaging undertakings that draw on their core competencies and human creativity. Leveraging AI for a Four-Day Work Week One of the most intriguing possibilities offered by AI is its potential to enable a four-day work week without sacrificing productivity. By automating routine tasks and optimising workloads, AI can help organisations accomplish more in less time. Work involving data analysis and writing has been proven to reap the most benefits out of AI integration in a company. With tasks like scheduling and calendar management next in the rank, AI is a tool that enables companies to cut short working time. Addressing Challenges and Concerns Of course, the transition to a four-day work week powered by AI is not without its challenges. Reluctance from stakeholders, resistance to change, and concerns about job displacement are legitimate considerations that must be addressed. However, it is important to understand that the deployment of technologies and automation will automatically eliminate jobs for humans, is a common misconception. A further look into automation processes would help us understand otherwise. The “job reduction” that AI is often associated with is more related to the reduction of repetitive and mundane tasks. Commonly, humans tend to make more mistakes when performing such tasks. Hence, adopting automation could reduce errors made in the process. In the long run, AI guarantees an increase in process efficiency, and improved quality, both leading to higher job satisfaction. Complementing AI As AI drives digital transformation forward, employees must also be ready to adapt and improve. Rather than simply serving machines, human workers must develop new skills that can effectively utilise and complement AI, resulting in improved outcomes. However, the transition to a four-day workweek in an AI-dominated business environment may not solely rely on automation. In-house support is crucial, and the acceptance of this unconventional idea will vary based on a company’s core mission and values. Rather than allowing AI to merely assist human work, some businesses might choose to automate certain tasks with AI while assigning additional responsibilities to employees to make use of the newly available time. Conclusion The prospect of a four-day work week powered by AI represents a tantalising glimpse into the future of work. By harnessing the capabilities of AI to optimise workflows, enhance productivity, and prioritise employee well-being, organisations can create a win-win scenario where both employees and employers thrive. As we continue to embrace the possibilities offered by AI technologies, let us envision a future where work is not just a means to an end but a source of fulfilment and balance in our lives. As the boundaries between work and personal life continue to blur, there’s a growing interest in alternative work arrangements that prioritise employee well-being without compromising organisational efficiency.

ICT Minister, Lee Jong-ho
Energy & Technology, News

Korea to Invest US$527 Mil to Integrate AI into All Sectors of Society

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KOREA: Korea is poised to make a substantial investment of 710.2 billion won (US$527 million) this year across 69 sectors to drive innovations powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life, industries, and government services, according to announcements from the Ministry of Science and ICT. This initiative aims to catalyse transformative advancements and improve efficiency across various sectors through AI integration. Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “We bear a significant sense of responsibility as the primary ministry for AI in this era. Our commitment is to promptly implement measures that will yield tangible results for our citizens and businesses.” This strategic investment aligns with a broader government vision articulated through the establishment of the AI Strategy High-Level Consultative Council. The council, co-chaired by Minister Lee Jong-ho and Taejae University President Yeom Jae-ho, comprises 32 members, including private-sector experts and representatives from major IT companies like Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom, KT, Naver, and Kakao, alongside director-level officials from relevant government ministries. Minister Lee highlighted the council’s role, stating, “We hope that the council will serve as a stepping stone for the nation’s AI advancement, enriching the lives of our citizens, and setting a leading example of harmonious coexistence with AI on the global stage.” The government’s investment and the establishment of the consultative council are part of a comprehensive strategy to leverage AI as a catalyst for economic growth and societal advancement. A government-led study forecasts that the successful integration of AI across various sectors and daily life could generate an annual economic impact of 310 trillion won by 2026. “This analysis suggests that the revenue-generating effect of adopting AI could lead to an additional average annual GDP growth of 1.8 percentage points,” noted the ICT ministry. The council’s objectives extend beyond economic impact to include spearheading innovations in the global AI technology market, facilitating industry transitions through AI adoption, and enhancing the prevalence of AI-based services in daily life. Senior presidential secretary for science and technology, Park Sang-ook, underscored the multifaceted impact of AI, stating, “Given its profound social impact, addressing legal systems, policies, and ethical norms is crucial. However, it’s equally imperative to advance technological innovations, industrialization, and services in tandem to harness AI’s full potential.” The government sees AI technology as an opportunity to address structural challenges such as low growth and a declining birthrate in Korea. Through a joint study with Bain & Company, it is projected that the successful implementation of AI across the economy could yield an annual economic impact of 310 trillion won by 2026, with substantial revenue increases from AI-integrated products and significant cost reductions through enhanced efficiency and automation. Looking ahead, the ICT ministry plans to announce follow-up actions and agenda items following the council’s inaugural meeting, with the next strategic council meeting scheduled for June. This ongoing commitment underscores Korea’s ambition to become one of the top three AI nations globally by bolstering its competence in AI innovation.

Huawei
Energy & Technology, News

Huawei Malaysia Anticipates 5.5G Adoption Among Industries

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KUALA LUMPUR: Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) is envisioning the transformative potential of its 5G- Advanced (5.5G) technology and its forthcoming implementation among major industries in Malaysia. Huawei Malaysia chief executive officer Simon Sun said the 5.5G technology is not targeted at individual consumers but provides greater connectivity capabilities that could benefit many crucial industries in the country such as the manufacturing sector. “The 5.5G technology, compared with 5G, is 10 times faster, supports 10 times more connections and has lower latency. We need to bring these cutting-edge digital facilities into the country, especially for the benefit of major industries to enhance operational efficiency as well as sustainability. “For example, previously in some factories, a lot of people or manpower were used to check quality. But now with 5.5G, high-definition artificial intelligence (Al) cameras can simultaneously analyse and give instructions to the production line. “It will be a game changer. Without this base foundation and good connectivity within the industries as an enabler, enhanced operational efficiency, which also leads to sustainability, will not happen,” he told Bernama. Sun elaborated that 5.5G unlocks numerous application possibilities, for example, its speed and low latency will deliver advanced, almost real-time capabilities for navigation systems in vehicles “With 5.5G, we have millimetre-wave radar technology that can help us detect objects when we navigate our vehicles in really bad weather conditions such as foggy days, low light conditions or under heavy smoke,” he said. Recently, Huawei Malaysia and Maxis Bhd inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work on a 5G-Advanced (5.5G) acceleration programme. According to Sun, the collaboration with Maxis provides a commercial deliverable use case of the latest 5.5G technology advancements and not just a proof of concept from the lab. “What you see (in the collaboration) is what you will experience in the market,” he said. The collaboration would include several areas to drive commercialisation and adoption in Malaysia, spanning use cases, key technologies, technology evolution and the ecosystem. Both companies will explore initiatives to promote adoption and facilitate migration, showcasing the benefits of end-to-end 5.5G versatility, security and robustness via trial and testing and further accelerating the technology acceptance. Moving forward, Sun said Huawei Malaysia will continue to actively pursue its green energy strategy, focusing on solar inverters technology, data centres as well as technology and components for the electric vehicle industry. —BERNAMA

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