Malaysia News Today - Breaking News, Politics, Economy, Sports & Technology

Abang Johari urges Muslim scholars to embrace AI, technology for global competitiveness

Blockchain to drive Sarawak’s smart, sustainable digital economy, says Deputy Premier

Premier: Embrace latest technology to drive Sarawak towards modern, data-driven economy

Sarawak must embrace technology to follow China’s transformation, says Premier

Innovation, tech key to improving Sarawak’s education system, says deputy minister

WhatsApp, Twitch among sites that could face Australia under-16s social media ban

Australia's eSafety Commissioner is considering expanding its ban on social media platforms for users under 16. Sixteen companies, including WhatsApp, Reddit, Twitch, Roblox, Pinterest, and Steam, have been asked to self-assess whether they fall under the ban's scope. While platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are already included, the regulator will review the self-assessments and prioritize platforms with the most users and highest risk of harm. Roblox argues it's a gaming platform, not social media, and therefore exempt.

Telcos launch federated Number Verification API for banks, online retailers to combat fraud

Five major Malaysian telcos (CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM, and YTL) are collaborating to provide banks and online retailers with access to a Number Verification API. This API, part of the GSMA Open Gateway program, offers a more secure alternative to SMS one-time passwords by verifying user identity against real-time network data. This initiative aims to combat fraud and digital identity theft, enhancing digital trust and security for Malaysians while ensuring seamless online experiences.

Deputy Premier: Better coordination crucial in bridging digital divide

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stressed the need for better inter-agency coordination to improve infrastructure, telecommunication, and digital services, especially in rural areas. He highlighted the importance of collaboration to bridge the digital divide and maximize resources while avoiding overlaps and delays. Awang Tengah emphasized that reliable telecommunication is crucial for education, business, and community development, urging agencies to work together to achieve Sarawak's digital transformation goals. He also called for enhanced security measures to protect telecommunication infrastructure from theft and vandalism.

Association’s reconditioned PC programme advocates digital inclusion

Sarawak ICT Association (Sicta) celebrated its 25th anniversary by launching the 'Reconditioned PC' initiative, providing refurbished computers to students in need. Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong praised Sicta's commitment to digital inclusion, highlighting their contributions to e-waste campaigns, cybersecurity awareness, and digital skills training. He pledged continued collaboration to develop digital talent, expand digital inclusion in rural areas, and foster local innovation. Lanang MP Alice Lau emphasized embracing AI and machine learning for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness.

ICT association urged to bridge digital divide in rural Sarawak

Sarawak ICT Association (Sicta) can partner with the government and telecom companies to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, according to Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. He highlighted Sicta's potential alignment with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 through expanding digital infrastructure, developing human capital in areas like AI and cybersecurity, nurturing a startup ecosystem, facilitating digital business adoption among SMEs, and promoting green ICT practices.

Comas to modernise grassroots governance in Mukah

Mukah's community leaders are adopting the Community Management and Administrative System (Comas), a digital platform designed to modernize their service delivery. Developed by the Mukah Resident's Office, Comas streamlines reporting, planning, and administrative tasks, enabling data-driven decision-making. The system has already won awards and aligns with Sarawak's digital economy goals, empowering grassroots leaders and improving public service delivery.

Forging resolute action on transformative education

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari's vision for transformative education is a proactive roadmap preparing future generations for modern development. This multi-sectoral approach prioritizes sustainability, digital innovation, and renewable energy, driving rapid progress across various sectors. It's not a future aspiration, but a present imperative demanding immediate action, with the Sarawak government actively implementing strategies to achieve these goals.

Digital Ministry with MOE, MOHE to showase Malaysia’s AI academic strength globally

Malaysia's Digital Ministry will collaborate with the Education and Higher Education Ministries to showcase the country's AI expertise globally. Minister Gobind Singh Deo highlighted Malaysia's strong local talent and educational capabilities in AI, aiming to position the country as an AI education hub. This initiative was announced at the launch of the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, recognized as the largest on-site AI hackathon by ASEAN Records.

IDECS 2025 to spotlight AI, green growth in Kuching this Oct 22-23

The 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) will be held in Kuching from October 22-23, focusing on AI and Green Evolution. Around 10,000 participants are expected, including international attendees. The event features the Digital Economy Awards with a grand prize trip to the Mobile World Congress 2026. Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, emphasized the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks of AI.

HONOR partners with SELC 2025 to drive digital learning

HONOR, a global AI-powered smart device leader, is the official technology partner for the Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025. They aim to support Sarawak's education transformation by building a value-sharing ecosystem. HONOR donated tablets to underserved students in Betong's Layar district to bridge the digital divide. HONOR South Pacific president Justin Li highlighted HONOR's AI Note suite, including features like 'Minutes' for real-time lecture transcription and 'AI Summary' for condensing texts, emphasizing their potential to improve comprehension and engagement.

Shenzhen boosts healthcare with widespread AI adoption

Shenzhen is revolutionizing healthcare with AI, implementing nearly 450 AI medical products. From AI-powered tongue and facial diagnostic tools to moxibustion and physiotherapy robots, the city is integrating AI across various medical practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These advancements offer faster, personalized services, like acupoint identification and tailored treatment plans. This initiative is spearheaded by specialized task forces, showcasing Shenzhen's commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.

ACEM Sabah explores AI in engineering design with ChatGPT talk

The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) Sabah Branch held a technical talk on using ChatGPT in technical design. Ir. Benny Song, ACEM Branch chairman, emphasized the importance of engineers embracing AI while maintaining sound engineering judgment. Keynote speaker Ir. Shah Izzni Talif shared his experience and demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance engineering efficiency and creativity, not replace engineers. The talk included a hands-on session for participants to experiment with AI platforms.

English literacy and STEM must go hand-in-hand, says Sarawak Premier

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari stressed the importance of integrating English literacy with STEM education to equip the younger generation for global careers. He highlighted English's crucial role in accessing knowledge and international collaboration, emphasizing its necessity in scientific research and communication. The Premier commended the Layar Education Development Committee's Jolly Phonics Plan for its positive impact on rural indigenous children's literacy, stating that strong English skills are key to Sarawak's future in fields like renewable energy and the digital economy.

Researchers accurately monitor on-road CO2 emissions via new hybrid framework

Chinese researchers have developed a high-resolution system to track on-road carbon dioxide emissions in real time. The system, using AI and panoramic cameras, provides 30-meter resolution data and predicts hourly and daytime changes in CO2 concentration across urban road networks. This technology, currently implemented in Shenzhen, addresses the limitations of previous methods by offering detailed insights into emission sources and variations, crucial for effective reduction strategies and promoting carbon neutrality.

AI enlightens Chinese burgeoning light salad industry

Jiang Fangjun, a computer science graduate, is using AI to revolutionize the light salad industry in China. His company, Jiangsu First Farm Technology Co Ltd, uses AI-powered equipment to select standard leaves for salads, catering to the growing health-conscious market. Jiang's innovative approach combines technology with agriculture to meet the increasing demand for healthy and convenient food options.