Category: Activity

  • UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM and Bateriku.com Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through its Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED), has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., a key player in Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem. This significant partnership aims to bridge the divide between academic theory and industrial practice, creating a foundation for collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic research. The MoU was formalized at a ceremony held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery Building, UiTM Shah Alam, and officiated by Prof. TPr. Dr. Jamalunlaili Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community & Alumni Network), together with Bateriku.com’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Azarol Faizi Bin Zakaria Ansari. The ceremony was also witnessed by senior leaders from both UiTM and Bateriku.com, highlighting the mutual commitment to transformative industry-academia partnerships.

    This collaboration represents a concerted effort to strengthen ties between academia and industry, with a strong focus on nurturing innovation and equipping students with real-world skills. Among the key initiatives outlined in the MoU are opportunities for UiTM students to engage in industrial training and applied research, the joint organization of knowledge-sharing platforms such as seminars and conferences, and the establishment of academic and staff exchange programs. Furthermore, both institutions have committed to promoting entrepreneurship and technological innovation to empower the next generation of graduates.

    Bateriku.com’s expansive service model, which includes roadside assistance, workshop networks, and mobility data analytics, aligns with UiTM’s ambition to prepare future-ready graduates. The company’s integration of cutting-edge technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) makes it an ideal partner for a university that is increasingly focused on digital transformation and sustainability. This partnership not only enhances UiTM’s curriculum but also provides students and faculty with meaningful exposure to contemporary industry practices.

    Azarol Faizi, CEO of Bateriku.com, expressed pride in working with UiTM, describing the partnership as a meaningful step towards developing Malaysia’s future workforce. “We are honored to collaborate with a prestigious institution like UiTM. This partnership goes beyond expertise sharing — it’s a joint effort to shape the workforce of the future,” he remarked. His sentiments were echoed by Prof. Dr. Jamalunlaili, who emphasized the MoU’s role in facilitating industrial training and entrepreneurial participation, all while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that this initiative will help shape a generation of critical thinkers and socially aware leaders.

    Effective for three years, the MoU signals a new chapter in UiTM’s commitment to collaborative growth with the private sector. It is expected to drive impactful projects that enhance national development through education, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Bateriku.com’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) framework further complements this academic-industrial synergy, positioning it as a responsible and forward-thinking partner.

    On the environmental front, Bateriku.com advocates sustainability through its Second Life Batteries initiative, where used batteries are refurbished and reused to reduce waste. For batteries that are no longer viable, ethical disposal is ensured via certified smelting companies approved by the Department of Environment (DOE), alongside efforts to educate the public on hazardous waste management. Socially, the company actively creates job opportunities for university students, graduates, and the disabled, while promoting the sharing economy and entrepreneurship through its BHero and BPreneur programs.

    From a governance perspective, Bateriku.com upholds high standards of ethics, transparency, and legal compliance. It champions integrity and financial accountability, ensuring all stakeholders benefit from a sustainable and principled operational model. Through this MoU, UiTM and Bateriku.com are poised to make a lasting impact on Malaysia’s educational and economic landscapes.

  • TAICCA Introduces 10 of Taiwan’s Beloved Characters to Malaysian Audiences for the First Time

    TAICCA Introduces 10 of Taiwan’s Beloved Characters to Malaysian Audiences for the First Time

    Taiwan’s Top Character Brands Debut in Malaysia at Taiwan IP EXPO 2025. Ten of Taiwan’s most iconic and beloved character brands will be making their first collective appearance in Malaysia at the Taiwan IP EXPO 2025, a five-day celebration of creativity, storytelling, and cross-cultural exchange. Organized by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) with support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, and in collaboration with the Malaysia Creative Intellectual Property Association (MYCIP) and M\&M Creations Holdings Sdn. Bhd., the event will take place from 29 May to 2 June 2025 at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

    Among the featured original Taiwanese IPs are fan favorites like Bugcat Capoo, JIMMY LIAO – The Moon Forgets, Mr. Shark, Barkley The Cat, Kuroro Space Exploration Team, doudle studio, Kittenisland, LUSASA, Ugly Rabbit, and VeryMissRabbit. These creative properties reflect a broad range of visual styles and storytelling genres, from heartwarming narratives to quirky humor and fantasy adventures, marking a significant introduction of Taiwan’s character IPs to the Malaysian audience.

    The Taiwan IP EXPO offers a unique blend of consumer engagement and business opportunities. Visitors will enjoy immersive exhibits, live mascot appearances, themed photo zones, and exclusive merchandise, while industry professionals will benefit from dedicated business matching sessions. These sessions aim to connect Malaysian retailers, SMEs, and brand managers with Taiwanese IP owners to explore potential licensing, co-branding, and creative collaborations.

    The event also highlights the global success and appeal of these IPs. Bugcat Capoo, known for its playful and whimsical appeal, boasts nearly two million fans and over 2,000 licensed products. Jimmy Liao, one of Taiwan’s most renowned illustrators, has seen his picture books translated into over 20 languages, with The Moon Forgets adapted into lifestyle merchandise. Meanwhile, the Kuroro Space Exploration Team—which tells stories from a cat’s perspective—has expanded its reach through licensing deals in Japan, Thailand, and Korea, and a recent distribution partnership with Kinokuniya has further extended its presence to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia.

    This showcase is part of TAICCA’s broader “Taiwan Content Island” strategy to promote Taiwan’s creative industries internationally. Through global events and trade shows like this, TAICCA supports Taiwanese IP creators in reaching new markets and forging international collaborations. The Taiwan IP EXPO also complements TAICCA’s flagship Creative Expo Taiwan, which serves as a global platform for cultural content buyers and licensing agents.

    With interactive displays, social media contests, and family-friendly activities, the Taiwan IP EXPO promises to be both an exciting cultural experience and a strategic bridge for creative industry partnerships between Taiwan and Malaysia. It offers a rare opportunity for Malaysian fans, collectors, and business leaders to connect with the vibrant world of Taiwanese intellectual properties, setting the stage for deeper regional cooperation in the creative economy.

  • Malaysia Launches Industry-Focused Mechatronics Tracks to Drive Industry 4.0 Transformation

    Malaysia Launches Industry-Focused Mechatronics Tracks to Drive Industry 4.0 Transformation

    Taylor’s University Pioneers Malaysia’s First Mechatronics Engineering Degree with Specialised Tracks in Robotics and AI. Taylor’s University has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in innovative education with the launch of Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours to offer specialised tracks in Robotics Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking four-year programme represents a major step forward in preparing a new generation of engineers to drive Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 transformation.

    Blending mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, and AI, the multidisciplinary programme is aligned with Malaysia’s National Policy on Industry 4.0, which prioritises technological advancements across 12 key sectors. The course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to innovate in fast-evolving industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace—all of which are undergoing rapid transformation through automation and intelligent systems.

    “With the global Mechatronics market expected to reach USD 2.25 billion by 2031, this programme doesn’t just prepare our students to fill roles—it positions them to lead the future of engineering,” said Professor Ts Dr Sim Yee Wai, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Innovation & Technology. “Taylor’s University is placing students at the forefront of Industry 4.0 by offering an education grounded in both current industry demands and future technologies.”

    The programme is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council, making graduates eligible for registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, which is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This ensures that graduates meet internationally recognised standards and are able to pursue careers as Professional Engineers both locally and abroad.

    Ir Dr Phang Swee King, Programme Director from Taylor’s School of Engineering, explained, “Our goal is not just to produce job-ready engineers, but future shapers. Through a curriculum that combines critical thinking, innovation, and hands-on learning, we are cultivating graduates who will drive robotics, automation, and AI forward—not simply adapt to it.”

    What truly sets this programme apart is its real-world integration with industry. Through strategic partnerships with global tech leaders such as DJI Academy Malaysia and Unitree Robotics, students benefit from early exposure to state-of-the-art technology via Taylor’s in-house Engineering Undergraduates for Industrial Adoption (EUFORIA) and EUFORIA Type-Research (R) programmes. These collaborations allow students to begin working on industry projects as early as Year 2, gaining vital experience and employable skills long before graduation.

    “At DJI Academy Malaysia, this collaboration marks our first academic partnership, and we see tremendous potential in shaping future-ready engineers together,” said Darren Teh, General Manager of DJI Academy Malaysia. “We are excited to co-develop talent that will innovate global solutions in robotics and automation.”

    Students also engage in multidisciplinary group projects and hands-on initiatives via the university’s Robotics Club, further enhancing their practical capabilities. For those seeking an international academic edge, Taylor’s offers a fast-tracked 2+2 Master’s Pathway with the University of Birmingham in the UK—enabling students to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechatronics & Robotic Engineering.

    Recognised among the top 450 global universities for Engineering & Technology in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Taylor’s University continues to raise the bar in education innovation. With the launch of this pioneering programme, the institution reinforces its commitment to shaping Malaysia’s digital and industrial future—developing engineers who are not only industry-ready but globally competitive.

  • ICAEW ASEAN Connect 2025 Highlights Malaysia’s Leadership in ASEAN’s Economic and Professional Integration

    ICAEW ASEAN Connect 2025 Highlights Malaysia’s Leadership in ASEAN’s Economic and Professional Integration

    ICAEW ASEAN Connect 2025 Showcases Malaysia’s Leadership in Regional Economic and Professional Integration. In a major demonstration of Malaysia’s leadership as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Malaysia hosted the inaugural ASEAN Connect 2025 forum at London’s historic Chartered Accountants’ Hall. This landmark event brought together ICAEW members from across ASEAN and the UK, reinforcing a commitment to deeper regional cooperation and aligning Southeast Asia’s professional and economic aspirations with global standards. The forum underscored the accountancy profession’s crucial role in enabling ASEAN’s economic integration, with chartered accountants providing the robust financial reporting and governance frameworks necessary to support cross-border trade and investment.

    Officiated by His Excellency Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the event drew representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and ASEAN professionals based in the UK. Discussions focused on how finance and accounting professionals can collaborate to promote sustainable economic growth and workforce mobility in the region. The evening also celebrated academic excellence through the ICAEW World Prizegiving Ceremony, which honoured high-achieving Malaysian students, further highlighting the global mobility and strength of the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification.

    ICAEW Malaysia’s efforts reflect a long-term vision to develop a globally recognized accounting talent pool while ensuring national practices align with international standards. Through partnerships with regulators, universities, and its Malaysian chapter, ICAEW is fostering a professional ecosystem ready to meet ASEAN’s growing demands. Shenola Gonzales, Head of ICAEW Malaysia, emphasized that ASEAN Connect 2025 represents a bridge between ASEAN’s vibrant economies and ICAEW’s global professional heritage, reinforcing Malaysia’s strategic role in driving regional collaboration and economic resilience.

    Further bolstering its leadership under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, ICAEW has also made influential contributions to regional policy. Earlier this year, ICAEW Chief Executive Alan Vallance addressed the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum—marking the Institute’s first appearance at this high-level platform—and led the region’s first workshop on Scope 3 emissions reporting. These initiatives aim to enhance ESG transparency and consistency, aligning ASEAN’s financial systems with global expectations for sustainability and accountability.

    ICAEW’s active role in convening regulatory roundtables, policy dialogues, and capacity-building workshops is significantly shaping ASEAN’s economic framework. The success of ASEAN Connect 2025 highlights the shared commitment of Southeast Asian nations to build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economic community. With Malaysia at the forefront, the event reaffirmed the bloc’s readiness to thrive on the global stage through professional excellence and cross-border collaboration.

  • SOPA Unveils Finalists for 2025 Journalism Awards

    The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), a Hong Kong-based non-profit organization committed to championing journalistic excellence and press freedom, has officially revealed the finalists for the SOPA 2025 Awards for Editorial Excellence. Now in its 27th year, the awards continue to serve as a premier platform to honor outstanding journalism across Asia, with more than 700 entries submitted in English, Chinese, and Bahasa Indonesia by global, regional, and local media outlets. The winners will be announced during a prestigious awards dinner in Hong Kong on Thursday, June 26. The event will feature a keynote speech by Mishal Husain, Editor at Large at Bloomberg Weekend and former BBC anchor, who will address the evolving role of image, voice, and trust in journalism during the era of artificial intelligence.

    This year’s awards feature 21 categories, including Excellence in Women’s Issues Reporting, Investigative Reporting, Human Rights Reporting, Business Reporting, and more. The selection process was overseen by a panel of approximately 120 volunteer judges, made up of current and former journalists and media academics from around the world. Notably, there was a significant increase in entries from regional and local publications, with 22 small media outlets and first-time participants from 12 countries receiving subsidies to submit their work.

    Among the regional finalists are the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism for Explanatory Reporting, Kontinentalist for Human Rights Reporting, and Mekong Eye for Investigative Reporting. The submitted stories reflected a broad spectrum of critical issues — from China’s economy and regional political upheavals, such as India’s unexpected election outcome and the fall of Bangladesh’s long-serving prime minister, to pressing global topics including human surrogacy, semiconductor industry competition, and the adoption of artificial intelligence in Asian economies.

    The Bahasa Indonesia category, judged by veteran journalist and APCAT executive board member Rita Widiadana, honors stories that have made a significant impact on domestic affairs. Since 2011, the Journalism and Media Studies Centre (JMSC) at the University of Hong Kong has administered the SOPA Awards, reinforcing the program’s academic credibility and commitment to media development.

    Ting Shi, Senior Lecturer at HKU and Head of Judges, emphasized the importance of the awards in highlighting the diversity and quality of journalism across Asia, while Bill Ridgers, Asia Digital Editor at The Economist and SOPA’s Editorial Committee co-chair, reaffirmed the value of the awards in a challenging environment for journalists, describing them as Asia’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes.

    Supported by sponsors such as Factiva and Telum Media, the SOPA Awards continue to recognize journalistic integrity and creativity in a rapidly evolving media landscape. As Asia’s media industry navigates political pressures, digital transformation, and new technologies, the 2025 SOPA Awards stand as a powerful testament to the enduring value of fearless, fact-based reporting.