Digital Transformation

October 31, 2024

AWS Cloud Day Malaysia 2024: A Milestone Event for Digital Transformation

Just 2 days ago, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre hosted AWS Cloud Day Malaysia, a monumental event marking the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region. Organized by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this event brought together a diverse community of business leaders, technologists, and innovators to explore the transformative power of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. With a mix of keynotes, technical sessions, and interactive workshops, AWS Cloud Day Malaysia provided a deep dive into the future of technology and digital transformation, making it the largest technology event in the country.

The event attracted a wide range of attendees, from executives and entrepreneurs to developers, engineers, and IT professionals. Whether they were industry veterans or just beginning their cloud journey, participants had the opportunity to engage with the latest cloud and AI innovations. AWS Cloud Day Malaysia not only provided valuable insights into the future of technology but also emphasized the importance of cloud adoption for businesses looking to innovate, scale, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

The sessions were tailored to provide both high-level strategic insights and hands-on technical knowledge. One of the highlights was the Opening Keynote, delivered by Kevin Miller, AWS’s Vice President of Global Data Centers, who spoke about the role of the new AWS Malaysia Region in accelerating digital transformation across the country. Following that, the Country Keynote featured industry leaders such as Peter Murray (AWS), Christine Yong (TNB), and Yin Yin Low (SafeTruck), who discussed how businesses can build in Malaysia and leverage the cloud to go global.

Throughout the day, participants could choose from a wide array of tracks based on their interests and technical expertise. In Track 1, which focused on migrating and modernizing with the cloud, sessions like Evolving Workloads on AWS and Resilience on AWS showcased how businesses could build scalable, secure, and resilient cloud infrastructures. AWS experts shared best practices for leveraging cloud-native technologies such as containers, microservices, and serverless computing to drive innovation and ensure business continuity in the face of disruptions.

Track 2 delved into the rapidly evolving field of data and generative AI. With sessions such as Building a Data Foundation to Fuel AI and Analytics and Make the Most of Generative AI with Amazon Q Business, attendees learned how to leverage data-driven insights and AI technologies to power innovation within their organizations. One key highlight was the session on Generative BI, which demonstrated how tools like Amazon QuickSight use generative AI to help business users interact with data more intuitively and drive smarter decision-making.

Meanwhile, Track 3 offered a closer look at how different industries are being reimagined through cloud adoption. From financial services to retail and telecommunications, AWS case studies from companies like PayNet, PETRONAS, and Storehub illustrated how cloud technology is enabling organizations to enhance their operational agility and customer experiences. Notable sessions included Transforming Digital Payments: Boost’s Evolution to a Digital Bank and Unlocking the Power of the AWS Malaysia Region in government innovation, demonstrating the broad impact of AWS across both private and public sectors.

With its combination of practical knowledge and visionary insights, AWS Cloud Day Malaysia proved to be an invaluable event for anyone interested in digital transformation. The conference not only showcased AWS’s capabilities but also highlighted Malaysia’s growing role as a leader in cloud adoption and technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.

To stay updated on future AWS events and innovations, follow the conversation with the hashtags:

#AWSCloudDayMY, #AWSCloudDay2024, #DigitalTransformation, #AIinMalaysia, and #CloudInnovation

October 15, 2024

Transforming Financial Leadership: Key Insights from the 3rd DigitalCFO Asia Malaysia Symposium 2024

On 10th October 2024, the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur hosted the 3rd DigitalCFO Asia Malaysia Symposium, a pivotal gathering of financial leaders. Held at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, this day-long event, organized by DigitalCFO Asia, brought together over 120 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), finance leaders, and industry experts. With the theme “CFO Reinvented: Navigating the Future—AI, Innovation, and Sustainability,” the symposium provided an exclusive platform for senior finance professionals to explore the evolving role of CFOs in an era marked by rapid change and unprecedented challenges.

The target audience for the symposium included CFOs, financial controllers, heads of finance, senior finance managers, and other key decision-makers in finance. These leaders are at the forefront of navigating the complexities of the financial landscape, from geopolitical disruptions to the accelerating pace of technological innovation. Attendees came from diverse sectors, including finance, education, healthcare, and more, united by a shared commitment to driving organizational growth and transformation through forward-thinking financial strategies.

The sessions at the symposium covered a range of critical topics, each designed to equip finance leaders with the insights and tools necessary to thrive in a volatile and rapidly evolving global economy. The day kicked off with an inspiring keynote by Ramanathan Thiagarajan, CFO of AirAsia MOVE, who explored the evolving role of CFOs in leading transformational change within organizations. This was followed by an in-depth panel discussion on navigating the dual challenges of geopolitical tensions and economic downturns, with experts providing actionable strategies for managing business risks and mitigating supply chain disruptions.

Technology-driven innovations were a key focus throughout the day. In one of the standout presentations, Linh Chu from Workday highlighted how modern financial planning and consolidation tools can help businesses adapt to uncertainty and drive growth. This was complemented by a discussion on intelligent finance automation led by Tony Cheung of xSuite, which demonstrated how the latest AI and cloud technologies are transforming everyday finance operations, improving productivity, and enabling CFOs to unlock new efficiencies.

Another prominent session centered on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance, featuring John Teoh, Chief Sustainability Officer at GDEX Berhad. As stakeholders increasingly demand transparency, CFOs must integrate sustainability into their core business strategies. The session emphasized best practices in ESG reporting, providing attendees with insights into evolving regulations and how they can enhance their organization’s sustainability performance while navigating the complexities of this rapidly growing field.

As the digital economy continues to shape the future of finance, the symposium also explored the implications of digital innovations such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the latest trends in financial technology (fintech), and the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation. Alex Chow from Tungsten Automation provided an insightful presentation on how AI can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. As AI and automation continue to revolutionize finance functions, the symposium underscored the need for finance leaders to embrace these technologies in order to stay competitive and lead organizational growth.

One of the most engaging discussions of the day was the panel on diversity and leadership, where prominent female CFOs shared their experiences in driving organizational transformation and fostering inclusive corporate cultures. The panel highlighted the role of female finance leaders in shaping corporate values and creating diverse, high-performing teams, offering valuable lessons for all leaders in attendance.

The symposium also took a closer look at the future of the finance profession in the context of generational shifts, particularly the rise of Gen Z in the workforce. As younger employees begin to dominate the labor market, Rachel Hong from Jollibee Malaysia and other panelists explored how CFOs can adapt work cultures and align corporate goals with the expectations of today’s youth.

As the event came to a close, attendees left with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose—armed with strategies to harness AI, drive digital transformation, and lead with agility and sustainability in mind.

The 3rd DigitalCFO Asia Malaysia Symposium 2024 proved to be an invaluable event for finance leaders seeking to stay ahead of the curve and redefine the future of financial leadership.

#DigitalCFOAsia #CFOReinvented #AIInFinance #SustainabilityInFinance #FinanceInnovation #FutureOfFinance #FinancialLeadership #ESGReporting #GenZInWorkplace #DiversityInLeadership #FinanceTransformation

October 13, 2024

Internet Alliance Business Summit & Awards Night 2024

On October 9, 2024, industry leaders, innovators, and professionals gathered for the highly anticipated Internet Alliance Business Summit & Awards Night 2024. Held at the stunning Connexion @ The Vertical in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, this year’s summit was organized by the Internet Alliance, a prominent network of technology and business professionals. The full-day event from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM featured a series of insightful keynotes, expert panel discussions, and an exciting tech awards ceremony, attracting a diverse audience passionate about the intersection of technology, innovation, and business growth.

Target Audience and Session Topics

The summit was tailored to business leaders, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and professionals across various industries seeking to understand and leverage technology to drive innovation, resilience, and growth in their organizations. Attendees represented a broad spectrum of sectors, from SMEs to large enterprises, all united by a common goal: to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and harness the power of emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and automation.

One of the standout themes of the event was the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business. Kicking off the summit, Dr. Chomchana Trevai, Senior GRM Specialist for Generative AI at AWS, delivered an insightful keynote on “Fueling Innovation and Accelerating Outcomes with Generative AI.” His session delved into how businesses can utilize AI to drive innovation, streamline processes, and generate tangible outcomes that directly impact the bottom line. Following this, a panel discussion on Building a Monetizable Strategy Around AI took the stage, featuring experts like Tarun Sukhani, Founder of Abundent, and Simon Wong, Enterprise Business Director at SNS Network. This discussion explored practical strategies for turning AI investments into sustainable revenue streams.

Cybersecurity, another crucial topic in today’s interconnected world, was addressed in the session “SMEs Can Get Started in the Complex World of Cybersecurity” by CF Fong, Executive Chairman of LGMS Berhad. In a hyper-connected digital era, protecting business data and networks is non-negotiable, and this session offered SMEs actionable advice on implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks without overwhelming their resources.

Business resilience also took center stage at the summit, with sessions such as “Building a Resilient Brand Through Storytelling” by Richard Ker, and “Business Resilience in the Digital Age,” featuring thought leaders like Prof. Cheah Kok Hong and Chin Chee Seong. These discussions highlighted the importance of adaptability and strong branding in an age of volatility, offering invaluable insights into how businesses can stay afloat and even thrive amidst uncertainty. In particular, the panel on retaining customers during a recession, moderated by Maverick Foo, explored how businesses can maintain customer loyalty during economic downturns.

As businesses continue to explore the potential of emerging technologies, the session on Leveraging Immersive Technologies and the Metaverse for Business Resilience and Growth by Jason Low was a forward-thinking exploration of how the metaverse and virtual technologies can reshape business models, customer experiences, and collaboration. This session, in particular, captivated attendees with its bold vision of the future, encouraging companies to think creatively about their role in the evolving digital economy.

Networking and Innovation

One of the highlights of the summit was the exhibition hall, where attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest in tech innovations. From AI-driven tools to cybersecurity solutions and automation technologies, the exhibition offered hands-on demonstrations, allowing participants to experience cutting-edge products and services. Networking sessions throughout the day provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and like-minded professionals, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and business ventures.

The event culminated in the Internet Alliance Tech Industry Award 2024 ceremony, which celebrated excellence in the tech sector. It was a fitting end to a day filled with insights, learning, and collaboration. The summit showcased the best of the tech industry and reaffirmed the critical role of technology in shaping the future of business.

A Look Ahead

As the event concluded, attendees walked away with a wealth of knowledge on how to harness the power of technology to drive business success. The discussions and networking opportunities provided practical insights on the importance of embracing AI, building resilience, and securing digital assets in an ever-evolving business environment. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, the Internet Alliance Business Summit & Awards Night 2024 was an unmissable event that highlighted the transformative potential of technology in today’s hyper-connected world.

#IABusinessSummit2024 #AIinBusiness #TechInnovation #Cybersecurity #BusinessResilience #GenerativeAI #SMEs #DigitalTransformation #Networking #FutureofTech #InternetAlliance #TechAwards

October 7, 2024

Bett Asia 2024: Empowering Education Through AI and Innovation in Kuala Lumpur

Bett Asia 2024, held from October 2-3, 2024, at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, brought together over 1,800 education leaders, policymakers, and EdTech innovators from across the Asia-Pacific region. Organized by Bett, a leading global platform for education technology, the event provided a dynamic space for exploring the future of education, powered by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The two-day event featured inspiring keynotes, expert-led panels, and hands-on demonstrations, showcasing how technology is transforming classrooms and shaping the future of learning.

A Diverse Audience of Education Leaders and Innovators

Bett Asia 2024 attracted a diverse audience of educators, industry professionals, and policymakers from more than 60 countries, including representatives from over 30 ministries of education. The event was designed to cater to a wide range of educational sectors, from K-12 to Higher Education (HE) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the role of technology in education and how to harness it to improve learning outcomes across Asia. The Leadership Summit, a core component of the event, provided a unique opportunity for leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and strategize for the future of education in the region.

A Rich Programme of Sessions Covering AI, Innovation, and Future Skills

The programme at Bett Asia 2024 was packed with insightful sessions, focusing on the intersection of technology, innovation, and education. One of the highlights was the Ministerial Perspectives: Powering up Education through AI and Technology panel, where policymakers and education ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into national education systems. The event also explored how AI is revolutionizing classroom learning, with sessions like Reimagining Education in the Age of AI, presented in collaboration with Microsoft, and Advancing Education with Help from AI, hosted by Google for Education.

Participants also gained valuable insights into the integration of AI in language teaching and learning through tools like the Elsa App, and how educators can leverage AI to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and personalized learning. Another key theme was the role of AI in self-organized learning, as discussed by renowned educational researcher Professor Sugata Mitra, who highlighted the potential of AI to support independent learning, building on his famous ‘Hole in the Wall’ experiment.

In addition to AI, Bett Asia 2024 placed significant emphasis on future skills and careers, showcasing how education systems can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market. Notable sessions included Shaping the Future of Learning and Education with AI, which explored AI’s potential to shape future learning environments, and Empowering the Next Generation through Impact, which discussed how education can provide students with a lifelong sense of purpose. The event also focused on key skills like entrepreneurship, soft skills, and social-emotional learning, offering case studies on how these can be integrated into curricula to better prepare students for the workforce.

Diversity and inclusion were also central to the discussions at Bett Asia 2024, with sessions such as Utilizing Practical Technology and Innovation for Disability-Inclusive Education and Inclusion: Making Education More Accessible, which explored how technology can make education more inclusive for students with disabilities. The Bett Asia EdTech 10 also spotlighted the achievements of women in EdTech, celebrating their contributions to transforming the education landscape across Asia.

A Vision for the Future of Education in Asia

As Bett Asia 2024 concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future of education in the Asia-Pacific region. From the integration of AI and emerging technologies to a renewed focus on diversity, inclusion, and future-ready skills, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration between policymakers, educators, and technology innovators in shaping the next generation of learners. With the Bett Asia community now more connected than ever, the conversations and innovations shared during the event will undoubtedly continue to inspire educational transformation across the region.

#BettAsia2024 #EdTech #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #InnovationInEducation #DigitalTransformation #AI #Inclusion #EdTechForGood #SustainableEducation #FutureSkills #WomenInEdTech #DiversityAndInclusion #K12 #HigherEducation #LearningOutcomes #EducationLeadership

August 7, 2024

Elevating IT Management: A Recap of the “ITCON Malaysia 2024 – Elevating Your Digital Enterprise Through IT” Event

On August 6, 2024, the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur played host to the highly anticipated “ITCON Malaysia 2024 – Elevating Your Digital Enterprise Through IT” event, organized by leading IT management and security solutions provider, ManageEngine. The event brought together IT professionals, business leaders, and industry experts to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies for managing and securing digital enterprises in a rapidly evolving landscape. With an agenda packed with insightful sessions and networking opportunities, the event provided a comprehensive view of how businesses can navigate the complexities of IT management and security in today’s digital-first world.

Who Was in the Room?
The event targeted a diverse audience of IT professionals, system administrators, security specialists, and decision-makers from a wide range of industries. Attendees were keen to gain expert insights and practical solutions to overcome the challenges they face in managing and securing their IT infrastructures. From those managing cloud-based systems to IT directors overseeing endpoint security, the sessions offered something for everyone, with a particular emphasis on maximizing efficiency, ensuring compliance, and staying ahead in a constantly changing technological environment.

Session Highlights
The event kicked off with an opening address by Husain Saini, M. Firdaus Noordin, and Karthick Chandrasekar, setting the tone for a day focused on solving real-world IT challenges. The first key session, “Meet the Service Experience Demands of an Agile Enterprise with ServiceDesk Plus”, led by Vasanth Kumar S, explored how IT service management (ITSM) solutions can meet the demands of agile, fast-moving businesses. Attendees learned how automating routine tasks and aligning IT services with business needs can increase productivity and streamline operations.

A customer spotlight from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, presented by Shazana Binte Hamzah, showcased a real-world case study of how government organizations are embracing ITSM for improved service delivery and efficiency. This was followed by a session on “Endpoint Security Strategies to Improve IT Resilience” with Manish Mandal, which highlighted the critical importance of endpoint security in safeguarding organizations from growing cybersecurity threats. Mandal’s session was particularly timely, as securing desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and servers is paramount to maintaining a resilient IT environment.

Later in the day, “Mastering Identity Governance: Unlocking Security and Compliance in Active Directory and Microsoft 365” by Anupriya Thirumeni gave attendees practical advice on how to streamline identity and access management (IAM) processes. Thirumeni’s session emphasized the importance of securing digital identities and managing access rights, particularly in the context of cloud platforms like Microsoft 365, which are widely used in enterprise environments.

Another key session, “Future-Proofing Your IAM Strategy with Adaptive PAM Controls” by Raghul Mohan, focused on privileged access management (PAM), showing how businesses can reduce security risks by protecting sensitive access credentials. This was followed by an exciting discussion on “Future-Ready IT: : Unraveling Complexity with Full-stack Observability and AI” with Vikhram Gonvindarajan, where he delved into AI and full-stack observability, discussing how organizations can leverage artificial intelligence to unravel complexities in their IT operations and ensure seamless service delivery.

Later, “Strengthening Your Security Posture with SIEM” by Madhuvantii Manivannan addressed the growing importance of security information and event management (SIEM) tools in detecting and responding to cyber threats. This was particularly relevant in light of the rising sophistication of cyberattacks. The session also offered guidance on how to integrate SIEM with broader IT operations to enhance security and compliance.

The event concluded with a look at the power of data-driven decision-making in IT operations through the session “Connect the Dots: Enhance Your IT Operations with AI-driven Analytics” by Tamilarasan A. This session highlighted how AI and advanced analytics are transforming IT operations by providing real-time insights that drive smarter, faster decision-making. Following this, attendees were treated to a lucky draw, before closing remarks wrapped up the day’s activities, leaving everyone with plenty of food for thought.

Networking and Future Connections
The event wasn’t just about learning from industry experts—it was also a fantastic opportunity for networking. Attendees connected with peers from across industries, exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and exploring potential collaborations. The relaxed networking session, held over refreshments at the end of the day, allowed participants to continue discussions and foster new relationships that could lead to future partnerships.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, staying informed on the latest IT management strategies is essential. ITCON Malaysia 2024 – Elevating Your Digital Enterprise Through IT not only provided actionable insights into managing complex IT infrastructures but also empowered attendees with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

For more updates on future events and insights from the IT management space, be sure to follow us and stay connected with the #ElevatingIT #ITManagement #CyberSecurity #DigitalTransformation #ManageEngine #EndpointSecurity #AIinIT #IdentityManagement #PAM #SIEM #ITAnalytics #FutureReadyIT.