Malaysia’s Chamrun Digital Group made international headlines when CEO Dr. Behrang Parhizkar was named Best Speaker and honored as Outstanding AI Solution Provider at the World AI Tech Summit Dubai 2025.
Winning with Agentic AI Innovation
At the summit on November 21, Dr. Behrang presented the company’s cutting-edge Agentic AI Framework, aimed at transforming both public and private sectors. His talk, titled “Agentic AI Framework for Public Sectors”, introduced a strategic approach to AI orchestration, leveraging:
Multi-agent systems
Domain-specific Small Language Models (SLMs)
Structured intelligence formats like JSON, TOON, and Verified Structured Context (VSC)
These innovations promise greater accuracy, lower costs, and enhanced AI reliability across sectors.
Real-World Impact Across Government and Industry
The framework gained strong interest, with summit organizers calling it “policy-aligned and implementation-ready.” Dr. Behrang showcased practical use cases—many already active in Malaysia—such as:
Policy research automation
Online scam detection
Agricultural and food security monitoring
Citizen service AI assistants
Regulatory and enterprise workflow solutions
The system’s ability to save millions of work hours through automation stood out as a key benefit.
Boosting Malaysia’s Global AI Role
Chamrun Digital’s dual recognition strengthens its international presence, especially in the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The company continues to lead in areas including:
Agentic AI development
Public sector automation
SME digital tools
Agricultural intelligence systems
The summit, which brought together global AI experts and policymakers, spotlighted Chamrun’s role in shaping the future of AI governance and autonomous systems.
The GBS ASEAN Summit 2025, held on 30 October under the theme “GBS 5.0: Human-Centric, AI-Driven, Impact-Focused”, outlined Malaysia’s decisive strategy. It aims to cement its role as a regional Global Business Services (GBS) hub.
Two key milestones were announced:
The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between GBS Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
The launch of the GBS Malaysia Mid-Term Report 2025
Strategic Partnership to Build a Future-Ready Talent Pipeline
The MOA with UKM aims to align academic programs with real-world industry needs in AI, digital operations, and data analytics. This collaboration bridges the gap between GBS companies and university students, ensuring a steady flow of high-skilled talent.
Prof. Alex Liew, Chairman of PIKOM, called it “a definitive blueprint for future-proofing our industry’s human capital,” emphasizing that Malaysia must shift from cost-competitiveness to a talent-led digital economy.
Mid-Term Report Highlights Malaysia’s GBS Surge
The GBS Malaysia Mid-Term Report 2025 showcases impressive growth since the strategy was launched in 2022:
66.8% growth in GBS companies, now totaling 749
13.5x increase in investments: from RM0.73B (2021) to RM9.87B (2024)
36,000+ high-value jobs created
Projected RM28.14B in GBS revenue by 2025
Ranked 3rd globally in the Global Services Location Index
Top 3 in ASEAN for digital competitiveness, innovation, and investment confidence
According to Raymond Davadass, Research Chair of GBS Malaysia, the key to sustained success lies in “integrating technology, knowledge, and human capital into one cohesive ecosystem.”
Dr. Mandy Sim, Associate Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia, praised the collaborative and evidence-based approach. She stated it provides a strong framework to guide Malaysia’s GBS ambitions through 2027.
The summit closed with the prestigious GBS ASEAN Awards 2025, celebrating 58 winners. Among these were 28 individuals and 30 corporations recognized for leadership and innovation across the region’s GBS ecosystem.
Anthony Raja Devadoss, Chairman of GBS Malaysia, reinforced the mission: “To position Malaysia as ASEAN’s strategic GBS hub, powered by innovation, talent, and purpose.”
The 2025 GBS ASEAN Summit signals Malaysia’s readiness to lead the next wave of digital transformation in Southeast Asia. With robust talent strategies, academic alignment, and industry growth, the nation is well on its way to becoming a global GBS powerhouse.
The Ministry of Digital, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), successfully concluded LEVEL UP KL 2025, Southeast Asia’s premier digital games conference, from 6 to 8 October at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC), Bangsar South. The 11th edition of the event welcomed over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Brazil, and ASEAN nations.
Bringing together developers, publishers, investors, and tech leaders, LEVEL UP KL continues to position Malaysia as a rising force in the global games industry.
Celebrating Malaysian Studios on the Global Stage
The event spotlighted the international impact of Malaysian game developers, showcasing cross-border collaborations and creative excellence:
Les’ Copaque & Streamline Studios launched Upin & Ipin Universe, blending Malaysian heritage with immersive digital storytelling.
Passion Republic Games gained global recognition for Gigabash, first revealed at LEVEL UP KL, which featured a popular Ultraman crossover.
Metronomik Studio, known for No Straight Roads, partnered with Japan’s Shueisha Games for No Straight Roads 2.
Magnus Games Studio announced a new global IP, Project Survival, co-developed with Shueisha Games.
These successes highlight Malaysia’s creative edge and the strong synergy between local and international studios.
Three Days of Industry-Driven Growth
LEVEL UP KL 2025 featured a packed programme focused on business growth, networking, and innovation:
RM150 million in export opportunities generated.
70 global exhibitors showcased over 40 innovative games from Southeast Asia.
350+ B2B meetings facilitated through the Business Connection Programme.
SEA Game Awards 2025 honoured excellence in game development, with Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream by Indonesia’s Gamecom Team taking the Grand Jury Award.
Pitch Day connected indie developers with publishers and investors.
Empowering ASEAN’s Digital Future
As Malaysia approaches the conclusion of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, LEVEL UP KL symbolises the country’s commitment to driving regional digital growth. The conference serves as a launchpad for Southeast Asia’s talent, enabling access to international markets and spotlighting the region’s creative potential.
Wawasan Open University (WOU) continues to cement its role as a leader in academia–industry collaboration with new strategic partnerships aimed at advancing Penang’s position as a regional technology hub.
In a recent signing ceremony at WOU’s main campus, the university formalised Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three key partners — Fourier TVET Centre, MI Equipment Sdn Bhd, and 3REN Berhad. The event was led by WOU’s Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan, and graced by Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang.
Strengthening Penang’s Tech and Talent Ecosystem
Through these partnerships, WOU expands its network within Penang’s electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductor, automation, and medical technology sectors. The collaborations are part of WOU’s mission to develop a future-ready workforce that meets evolving industry demands.
Prof Dr Lily Chan highlighted that the initiative aligns with Penang’s vision as the “Silicon Valley of the East”, emphasising WOU’s role as a bridge between education and enterprise.
“These partnerships empower industries with advanced skills to innovate and compete globally,” she said, referencing Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy and AI Nation 2030 agenda.
Lifelong Learning Pathways for the Digital Economy
WOU’s flexible learning model ensures that professionals can upskill and reskill without leaving the workforce. This approach supports Penang’s STEM Talent Blueprint and the broader effort to future-proof local talent.
Dato’ Loo Lee Lian applauded WOU’s initiative, noting that such collaborations are vital for sustaining Penang’s competitiveness in the global advanced manufacturing and digital economy.
“WOU’s flexible, industry-aligned model ensures that employees can upgrade their skills while earning accredited qualifications — a key step in maintaining Penang’s edge as a technology hub,” she said.
Tailored Programmes for Industry 4.0 and Beyond
Each partnership brings unique educational and workforce development benefits:
WOU and Fourier TVET Centre, the world’s only City & Guilds (UK)-authorised training centre, will co-deliver a Skills Diploma in Mechatronic Technology. The programme covers:
PLC and HMI programming
Motion control and systems design
Fault diagnosis and automation integration
This collaboration builds on Fourier’s proven track record in producing Chartered and Professional Engineers globally.
MI Equipment Sdn Bhd: Corporate Learning Incentives
Penang-based semiconductor leader MI Equipment will offer corporate rebates for employees pursuing WOU programmes in engineering, business, data analytics, and digital technologies. From its 200,000 sq. ft. R&D headquarters, MI focuses on wafer fabrication, AI inspection, and smart factory automation.
Through its partnership with 3REN Berhad, WOU provides employees access to Bachelor of Technology degrees in Mechatronics and Electronics, and the Commonwealth Executive MBA. 3REN’s expertise in AI, machine learning, and Industry 5.0 automation ensures that learners gain directly applicable, high-demand skills.
All industry-focused programmes will be offered through WOU Academy, the university’s professional upskilling and talent development division. The academy delivers courses tailored to corporate training needs, leveraging WOU’s academic expertise in technology, business, and digital innovation.
Building a Future-Ready Penang
By expanding partnerships across Penang’s industrial ecosystem, Wawasan Open University reinforces its commitment to lifelong learning, digital readiness, and sustainable workforce development. These initiatives not only address immediate skills shortages but also strengthen Penang’s position in the global technology value chain.
As Penang continues to attract investment from high-tech and semiconductor industries, WOU stands ready to power the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape Malaysia’s innovation-driven future.
One of the longstanding challenges in Malaysia’s public administration is the siloed structure across ministries and departments. This fragmentation often causes inefficiencies and delays in critical decision-making processes, according to Dr Behrang Parhizkar, CEO of Chamrun Digital and Chamrun AI.
Speaking at the Malaysia Digital Expo (MDX) Summit 2025, Dr Behrang highlighted a promising solution:Agentic AI. Positioned as a “smart connector,” Agentic AI bridges isolated data systems and workflows, unifying them into a central, actionable platform. This integration allows leaders to make faster, more informed, and effective decisions.
Moving Beyond Traditional AI
Unlike traditional AI, which reacts to predefined tasks, Agentic AI operates autonomously and proactively. It anticipates needs, plans ahead, and coordinates cross-agency processes—delivering real-time, integrated solutions for government operations.
Real-World Applications Across Key Sectors
Agentic AI’s impact goes beyond theory. Here are some areas where it’s already making a difference:
Agriculture & Food Security: By forecasting demand and supply more accurately, Agentic AI helps farmers make better decisions—potentially reducing Malaysia’s RM70 billion annual food import cost.
Public Services: Automation of routine tasks like form validation and license reviews minimizes delays, enabling civil servants to focus on policymaking and service delivery.
Fraud Prevention: AI-powered voice systems provide round-the-clock monitoring, instantly verifying fraud reports and alerting authorities. This is especially vital, considering the RM573 million in online fraud losses recorded in early 2025.
Building AI Leadership in Government
Chamrun Digital, in collaboration with the Public Service Department (JPA), is spearheading a six-month AI & Digital Leadership Programme. This initiative equips senior public officials with the expertise needed to embed AI into policy and practice, ensuring sustainable digital transformation.
A Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Innovation
Dr Behrang emphasized the importance of long-term commitment:
“Malaysia cannot afford to view AI as a passing trend. With Agentic AI, we are moving beyond pilot projects to real solutions that benefit citizens.”
Chamrun Digital and Chamrun AI are now recognized as strategic industry partners to JPA and MyDIGITAL, fully aligned with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the National AI Policy.
Picture this: walking into a store where you simply scan, tap, and go. No cashiers. No waiting. This is the vision of Morgan’s Retail, set to debut the world’s first fully automated, AI-powered concept store in Brooklyn, New York, later this year.
The store uses artificial intelligence to personalise each customer’s journey in real time. From product recommendations based on your preferences to augmented reality (AR) navigation, shopping is designed to be effortless, enjoyable, and efficient.
AI handles everything from inventory management and pricing to security and cleaning. Innovative floor sensors capture kinetic energy from every step, powering the store sustainably and supporting a Net Zero Energy footprint. Paired with a zero-inventory model, Morgan’s cuts waste, storage, and emissions, setting a new standard for eco-friendly retail.
Virtual Shopping With the CVU
Instead of physical shelves, customers explore products through the patented Customer Visualisation Unit (CVU). This digital catalogue provides instant details on ingredients, nutrition, and storage tips, helping shoppers make smarter, lifestyle-aligned decisions.
With AI guidance, customers shop independently while video analytics ensure safety. Store layouts adapt dynamically to shopper movements and promotions, delivering maximum convenience. The result: a personalised, secure, and future-ready shopping experience.
Rajeev Lee, Group CEO of Morgan’s Holdings, describes this launch as “reinventing retail itself.” Beyond the U.S., Morgan’s aims to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, inviting partners and investors to help shape the next retail revolution.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about technology, it’s about transforming everyday shopping into something faster, greener, and more personal. Imagine never queuing again, always finding what you need, and knowing your store runs efficiently and sustainably.
EC-Council, the organisation behind the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, has released its CEH Hall of Fame 2025 Industry Report. The report showcases how CEH certification is transforming careers, strengthening national security, and shaping the future of the cybersecurity profession.
A Global Recognition of Cybersecurity Excellence
The Hall of Fame features 100 top-tier ethical hackers selected from 460 finalists across 93 countries. All inductees achieved scores of 90% or above on the CEH exam and demonstrated real-world impact, community leadership, and career progression in cybersecurity.
Key Insights from the 2025 Report
The report focuses on four pillars of impact:
Career Advancement
Industry Recognition
Hands-On Proficiency
Skills Gained
Highlights Include:
✅ 100% gained greater respect and recognition at work
✅ 99% experienced career benefits from CEH
✅ 99% found CEH virtual labs critical for skill development
✅ 97% confirmed CEH effectively addresses modern threats
✅ 91% believe CEH gives a competitive edge over other certifications
Setting New Standards in Ethical Hacking
“These professionals are not just protecting systems, they’re driving innovation, resilience, and growth,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President of EC-Council. “CEH is no longer just a credential, it’s a strategic career accelerator.”
The Future of CEH: Now Powered by AI
Looking ahead, EC-Council has launched the Certified Ethical Hacker Powered with AI Capabilities program. Built on the “Learn, Certify, Engage, and Compete” framework, this new version includes:
Immersive labs
Real-world simulations
Mapped pathways to 45+ cybersecurity job roles
The program ensures professionals are well-equipped to combat today’s AI-powered cyber threats.
ABP Group, a leading name in Asia’s cybersecurity sector, has expanded its footprint in Malaysia by opening a new office in KL Eco City, strategically located across from Mid Valley City. This expansion marks a major milestone after six years of operations in the country and aligns with the company’s long-term vision for Southeast Asia.
Building Capacity for Regional Cyber Defence
The new Kuala Lumpur office features a modern, tech-enabled environment designed to support a growing team of cybersecurity professionals. It will serve as a core hub for regional service delivery, technical support, and talent development, aimed at boosting responsiveness to cyber threats in the region.
“This expansion enables us to increase delivery capacity and engage more deeply with clients,” said Sun Yi, Group CEO of ABP Group. “Our local presence ensures we stay close to our customers as demand for cybersecurity continues to rise.”
Malaysia as a Regional Cybersecurity Anchor
The expansion cements Malaysia’s role in ABP Group’s regional roadmap, supporting broader operations across Southeast Asia. The KL office will act as a central point for project execution, training, and collaboration, driving unified cybersecurity standards between Malaysia and Singapore.
“This move supports a shared cybersecurity ecosystem built on common infrastructure, talent, and resilience,” Sun added.
Rising Cyber Threats Demand Local Expertise
Malaysia recorded 19.62 million web-based attacks in the first half of 2024, the highest in Southeast Asia, according to Kaspersky’s Cybersecurity Report. The growing threat landscape highlights the urgent need for locally anchored, scalable solutions.
Three Business Units, One Unified Mission
ABP Group delivers its services through three specialized units:
Sunnic – Focuses on R&D and cybersecurity innovation.
ABP Cyber – Offers customised solutions to enterprises.
ABP Securite – Drives regional distribution through partner networks.
Together, they provide end-to-end cybersecurity services tailored to local needs while achieving regional scale.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Vision for Digital Resilience
“This is more than just office space, it’s infrastructure for long-term digital protection,” Sun emphasised. “As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation, we’re here to provide trusted, future-ready cybersecurity solutions.”
Riot Games has announced a two-year partnership with Malaysian esports production house Easy Onair Sdn Bhd to launch the League of Legends Titans Cup MY & SG (LTC) — a new national tournament aimed at revitalising the LoL competitive scene in Malaysia and Singapore.
A Clear Pathway to Pro Leagues
The Titans Cup will act as the official qualifier for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Wildcard Playoffs, providing aspiring teams a gateway into the region’s elite league. The top team from the LTC will face off against national champions from across Asia, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, for a coveted spot in the LCP Promotion and Relegation Tournament.
Empowering the Local Esports Scene
“This long-term collaboration reflects our belief in MYSG’s potential,” said Resha Pradipta, Country Manager for Riot Games Indonesia & Malaysia. “We’re proud to support local talent and build a true path-to-pro ecosystem.”
Easy Onair will lead all tournament operations from event execution and live production to caster recruitment and community engagement over the next two years.
Inclusive Format with Full Broadcast Coverage
The LTC promises open registration for all eligible players in Malaysia and Singapore, ensuring equal opportunities. The tournament will follow a multi-stage format, including group stages, playoffs, and finals, with all matches broadcast live across multiple platforms including:
League of Legends Malaysia’s Facebook and YouTube
Easy Onair’s TikTok
Registration & Updates
Players can register at riot.com/LeagueTitansCup. Tournament details, including registration dates, prize pool, and schedules will be updated on:
@leagueoflegendsmy (Instagram)
League of Legends MY/SG (Facebook)
Easy Onair’s official channels
With this landmark partnership, Riot Games and Easy Onair are set to reignite the LoL esports scene in Malaysia and Singapore, offering local talent a legitimate shot at international success.
Exabytes has unveiled its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang, marking a major step in accelerating digital transformation across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. In partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College, this initiative aims to cultivate cloud expertise and develop a future-ready workforce.
Strategically located in Penang, Malaysia’s “Silicon Valley”, the CCoE serves as a regional innovation hub, enabling businesses to scale with AWS while addressing the region’s digital skills gap. With 64% of Malaysian companies facing intermediate-level talent shortages, the launch is both timely and impactful.
Empowering Talent and Bridging the Digital Divide
Exabytes CEO Chan Kee Siak emphasised the dual focus of the initiative: boosting cloud adoption and creating digital career opportunities, especially for underserved communities. Through its partnership with Forward College, Exabytes will fully sponsor tertiary education for 20 B40 students and offer them employment opportunities for three years post-graduation.
AWS and Exabytes: Scaling Innovation Together
Pete Murray, Country GM of AWS Malaysia, praised the initiative as a milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a digital powerhouse. He noted that Exabytes’ leadership will help businesses innovate securely and efficiently, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
A Hub for Collaboration and Innovation
The CCoE aims to become a collaborative ecosystem where startups, educators, and AWS experts co-create solutions. Through training events, community initiatives, and tech showcases, the center will nurture a culture of experimentation and shared growth.
Future Roadmap: Expanding Regional Impact
Exabytes plans to host CCoE-branded events across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia to spotlight cloud innovation and foster regional partnerships. It also aims to introduce Agentic AI solutions to enhance productivity in key industries.
Industry Support and Testimonials
Business leaders like Jimmy Boey of Senheng and Hasnol Hashim of Bizapp Ventures have praised Exabytes’ cloud solutions, citing their cost-efficiency and strategic value in digital scaling.
Inclusive Education Through Forward College
Forward College Co-Founder Howie Chang highlighted the shared mission to equip students with real-world cloud skills. The collaboration is designed to close the digital skills gap and empower the B40 community for careers in the digital economy.
Pioneering Digital Futures
The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is part of a broader 2025 strategy focused on SME digitalisation, AI integration, and workforce development. As Southeast Asia’s tech landscape evolves, Exabytes continues to lead through inclusive, innovation-driven initiatives.
