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MYHackathon 2024 Cohort 2: Driving Innovation for Malaysia’s Digital Future

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The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) and Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle) have announced five innovative solutions from local companies as the winners of the MYHackathon 2024 Cohort 2 programme. The announcement was made during a grand closing ceremony officiated by YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) in Kuala Lumpur.

Transformative Grants and Mentorship for Innovation

Each of the Cohort 2 winners will receive conditional grants of up to RM250,000 to turn their innovative ideas into impactful pilot projects, paving the way for real-world applications that address critical challenges. Additionally, they will benefit from one-on-one project implementation mentorship over the next 12 months. These winners will also collaborate closely with problem statement owners to refine their solution implementation strategies, ensuring the innovations align with practical needs.

Minister’s Vision for a Digital Malaysia

In his keynote speech, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang expressed admiration for the high-quality innovations presented, highlighting solutions like an AI-powered wildlife detection system and a cutting-edge anti-drone technology as examples of the impactful ideas showcased. He remarked, “The ideas showcased are not only practical but resonate deeply with Malaysia’s digital transformation goals. I am confident that these innovations hold immense potential for commercialization and scalability.” He further highlighted how MYHackathon 2024 directly supports Malaysia MADANI’s vision of fostering renewal and innovation for people-centric development.

The Minister emphasized the importance of open innovation in addressing Malaysia’s critical challenges. “Open innovation offers a unique opportunity to propel Malaysia’s startup ecosystem and elevate our standing in the Global Innovation Index (GII). By fostering collaboration between the Government, academia, and the private sector, we can drive local startup growth, attract investments, develop talent, and position Malaysia as a global innovation leader. With the current momentum, I am optimistic we can achieve our goal of ranking among the top 30 countries in the GII by 2025,” he added.

MYHackathon 2024: A Platform for High-Impact Solutions

The 2024 edition of MYHackathon launched under the theme ‘Hackathon Nasional Untuk Malaysia MADANI’ featured two cohorts, on September 23 and November 25, respectively. Together, these cohorts tackled 12 critical problem statements sourced from ministries, agencies, and local governments, with seven addressed in Cohort 1 and five in Cohort 2.

The programme saw an incredible response, with 810 passionate individuals and teams submitting inquiries and applications—419 for Cohort 1 and 391 for Cohort 2—reflecting the enthusiasm and drive to tackle Malaysia’s most pressing challenges. Participation extended nationwide, including from Sabah and Sarawak, which contributed 3.8% (103 applications) for Cohort 1 and 3.9% (101 applications) for Cohort 2. Winners will pilot their solutions over 12 months, providing practical, innovative answers to pressing challenges.

Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration

Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, expressed his excitement about the programme, saying, “The creativity, determination, and commitment displayed by MYHackathon 2024 participants are truly inspiring. Their innovative ideas address real-world challenges and showcase the incredible talent Malaysia has to offer.” Over the past four years, MYHackathon has become a vital platform to uncover Malaysia’s brightest talents and inspire impactful solutions that enhance Government service delivery.”

He further reiterated Cradle’s commitment to nurturing a generation of innovators, “Our mission is to create an inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystem that makes Malaysia more progressive.”

Proven Success in Government Service Innovation

Since its inception in 2020, the biennial MYHackathon programme has delivered several transformative solutions adopted across various government services. Notable innovations include:

  • Gajah Safe Sdn. Bhd. by Satok Bridge Digital Sdn. Bhd.: An AI-driven solution integrating detection cameras to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Anti-Drone Detection System (DDS) by FlyBots Technology: A cutting-edge system for controlling unauthorized drone intrusions in restricted areas.

These success stories exemplify the MYHackathon programme’s role as a catalyst for innovation and progress, showcasing Malaysia’s potential as a global leader in technological solutions. MYHackathon 2024 continues to be a beacon for creativity, collaboration, and transformative impact.

WhatsApp Beta: Add Messages to Forwarded Photos

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Back in 2009, if you asked someone, “Do you have the WhatsApp app?”, I’m sure the first response you got was, “What the heck is he talking about?” Am I right? Fast forward to 2024, WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users. Every day, millions of messages are forwarded.

With the recent WhatsApp beta for Android v2.24.25.3, you can soon add your message to forwarded messages. This applies when you are forwarding a photo to your friends and family. The moment you hit the Forward button, all they will get is the forwarded message only. But, not your message. With this customization feature, you can even add documents to the forwarded messages as well.

Honestly, I feel this is an interesting feature because it eliminates the need for me to send separate messages. Thanks to WABetaInfo, we have the first look at this feature. As for now, it seems like this feature is going to be available for Android users only. There is a slim chance. Once WhatsApp rolls out this feature officially, it may add this feature to WhatsApp for iOS users, too.

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Honor 300 Series to Launch in China with Pro Features

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The Honor 300 will be available in several shades, purple and gold. These colorful options are available to cover the wide interest. The camera bump is bigger now besides it the metallic-like details are adding to the premium look. The cutout camera at the front takes the shape of a pill and is more elongated than the one on the Galaxy S21.

Honor who has been creating innovative products also comes up with better imaging solutions. From what had been unveiled prior to this, the Honor 300 Pro might just include dual OIS and EIS stabilization. Such improvements make sure that good photos and videos are taken even with quite a low light.

There are hints of an Honor 300 Ultra carrying the MagicOS 9.0 unveiled in the coming days. What this Ultra model may offer is potentially revolutionary features that can alter perceptions of how the handheld instrument should perform. Just its name implies improved usability for the user.

Honor has now planned to launch the Honor 300 series in China. This enables those with interest to show it before the launch has been made.

If it is true, the Ultra variant could be the star. Some fans are eager to wait for this potential flagship. Honor’s invention is always beneficial to users’ experience creating expectations for the Honor 300 series.

Sony’s Portable Gaming to Rival Nintendo Switch: A Closer Look

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New claims suggest Sony is already working all out to launch an all-new portable gaming machines. Using this console, users will be able to play PlayStation 5 games at any possible place with relative comfort. The initiative puts Sony in direct line with Nintendo’s successful gaming device called the Switch.

Portable Gaming

In that respect, this console will not be like the PlayStation Portal which essentially uses internet streaming. It shall run as an application due to this, allowing users to play games without needing to connect frequently. Thus, this innovation evinces from Sony’s series of prior products that outlined themselves as accessories sort of devices.

Portable Gaming

For instance, Sony has in the past tried its hand at portable gaming in the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita. However, both devices did not show consistency in their sales and success. This new project indicates that Sony needs to overcome previous difficulties and bring it to the market of portable gaming.

Sources indicate that Sony’s portable console may still be two or three years away. The long time frame means that the necessary work on a game is done to achieve success in a competitive setting.

Portable Gaming

Other than Sony, Microsoft is also testing the waters in the portable gaming market. Still, different developers of PCs have come up with new types of compact gaming machines recently. The idea initiated by this trend is that gaming has gradually become more and more transportable.

A greater challenge is expected when the new Sony console is out of stock due to steep competition in a developing market. Still, it can result in a complete change in the concept of portable gaming for fans of PlayStation if everything is done properly.

Get the Tecno Spark 30 5G Starting at RM549!

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The latest Tecno phone is Spark 30 5G which is indeed decent in specifications in this price segment. The New MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset provides fast and non-stop operation of the device. It will go on sale from November 26, 2024, at Tecno’s official store on TikTok.

The Spark 30 5G comes equipped with a 6.67 inch HD + LCD screen for high-definition content display. Additionally, it offers two memory configurations, 6/128GB and 8/256GB. By having enough room available, several applications and important information can be downloaded and saved.

Tecno Spark

The 108MP main camera ensures the user has a good quality photography experience. The front-facing 8-MP camera improves the taking of selfies and making video calls. It also comes with a large 5000mAh battery which is 18W fast charge ready.

The side-mounted fingerprint scanner gives an easy and fast way of unlocking the phone. Also, the IP54 water-resistant design is enhanced to provide better durability. The speakers that are used by Dolby Atmos increase the entertainment level of speakers along with high-quality sound.

The Tecno Spark 30 5G’s starting price point falls at RM549 (6/128GB) and RM599 (8/256GB). But you can have it from tomorrow at Tecno’s official TikTok store.

Casio EDIFICE ECB-2000HR Is the Racing-Inspired Watch

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All new from Casio Malaysia is the EDIFICE ECB-2000HR, a limited edition watch made in partnership with Honda Racing Corporation. This model uses red, blue, and white to represent the spirit of racing though it belongs to the Honda group. The design is very original and combines an elegant look with the values inherited from the EDIFICE series.

Casio EDIFICE

For the bezel, carbon fiber is employed which provides optimal levels of lifespan. The frame of the watch is Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Resin. The strap is manufactured from synthetic Alcantara which offers a soft touch comfortable and durable texture to the user. At the back part of the watch are the HRC and EDIFICE logos as well as special packaging.

By Bluetooth, the EDIFICE ECB-2000HR is compatible with the Casio Watches app, where world time can be set automatically. Tough Solar technology makes use of light to charge an item hence doing away with the battery charges. This smart connectivity is just a convenience for modern users.

What’s more, you will find that this watch features the Super Illuminator for optimum visibility at night. With a 10ATM water resistance, they are built to hold on to intense activities. Other functions comprise 1/100 seconds stopwatch mode and daily alarm thus making it suitable for daily support.

Casio EDIFICE

Casio EDIFICE ECB-2000HR is sold at RM2,199 and can be purchased through authorized dealers in Malaysia. This is available in both website and non-web-based forms. By virtue of these high-end features, this watch is ideal for anyone interested in technological advancement and speed.

Windows Recall Improves Privacy and Productivity on Windows 11

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Microsoft has recently made an announcement that Windows Recall is going to roll out for Windows 11 users in the Insider program. Windows 10 users can now upgrade to Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) updating their operating systems. This feature is available exclusively for laptops with Copilot+ support based on Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips.

Windows 11

Supports given will include Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips. It also helps to make the Windows Recall feature available to as many Windows users as possible. Microsoft has vowed to release the mentioned updates soon.

Although anyone cannot recall Windows, this program needs user confirmation that they are ready to utilize the feature. All the screenshots will be saved on the camera roll of the device of the user. No data will be transmitted to other servers to protect our data privacy.

Windows 11

Inefficiency perspective, the Windows Recall feature is intended to make information search faster and easier. This will enhance efficiency in its usage and the overall window abilities of version eleven.

Given the quality of its implementation, Microsoft is planning that all Windows 11 users will be able to use the Windows Recall feature by early December. It describes the fact that users should be ready for the future update of the application.

Get the new Kospet T3 & M3 Ultra for RM588 with Up to 50% Off

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Kospet unveiled two new smartwatches in Malaysia, T3 Ultra and M3 Ultra, which are both rugged devices. It is impossible not to connect these watches with the Tank series and therefore provide the necessary protection and high functionality for energetic users.

kospet

In the words of Kospet’s Sales Director, Young Zhang, these watches are both durable, innovative, and aesthetically contemporary. He insisted the promotional pricing is designed to ensure their smartwatches are affordable to more Malaysians. It brings out the aspect of customer satisfaction and the novelty of the brand this promotion.

The T3 Ultra comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with a full metal frame and a 500mAh battery. Currently, it supports more than 170 Sports modes and has the capability of intelligent identification of six key sports movements. Swimmers will also benefit from its SWOLF tracking capability. Its battery longevity may range from 10-15 days which makes it perform for those long days.

High-Tech Specifications of Kospet M3 Ultra Smartwatch

On the other hand, the M3 Ultra boasts a 1.96-inch AMOLED display screen shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass. It comes with a stainless steel strap and has a 480mAh battery which takes up to 15 days of power. It includes the dual-band GPS with six satellite positioning that should suit outdoor activities perfectly. For ruggedness, they are both annoyed to MIL-STD 810H compliant.

The T3 Ultra comes in at RM588, while the M3-Ultra will cost you RM679. The ‘Return the purchase, Get the benefit’ program of Kospet remains valid until 31 December 2024, and customers can buy the smartwatch for 50% off the original price and get RM300 cash vouchers. All these promotions are accessible on the company’s official store on Shopee.

The new tough smartwatches from Kospet are good value for some users fitting into the fitness and outdoor activity categories. This one is quite good, but only available for a limited time!

Threads New Features Enhance User with Trending Now Feature

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Meta has recently added new features in Threads, specifically, new benefits from employing AI for developing summaries and better searches.

Trending Now feature is another AI tool that extracts the summary of the topics, discussions, and shares in Threads in real-time. Earlier this year, as stated by Adam Mosseri, this feature became available in more countries including the United States.

Threads

While X’s Stories provides a brief synopsis of breaking news to its users, Threads will cover topics of conversation that are popular at that time. AI makes it possible for the users to have an easy time getting the most talked about discussions at any one time.

The search feature was also enhanced, to allow for posting time or posts within specific accounts. These modifications enhance the Search precision and efficiency of the users of Threads.

Threads

At the moment, some or all of these new features are operational in a limited number of countries only, and it remains unclear when they will become available everywhere else. Do you anticipate exploring these new approaches on Threads?

Some of Meta’s approaches to creating value for consumers demonstrate the company’s intent to play out the social networks market.

TikTok PayLater Launches! Buy Now Pay Later

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TikTok has recently launched TikTok PayLater which is a Buy Now Pay Later service. The feature was introduced on 28 October 2024 and is provided in extended installments. Payday credit can free maximum credit limits that are granted based on the income and occupation of verified users.

Unlike Atome which allows the payment to be done within the next six months, TikTok PayLater offers installments of up to 12 months. The one-month plan contains no installment fees, which gives the users flexibility when making payments. Also, users are allowed to pay bills starting from the 41st day, after placing the order.

Official information on interest rates and fees connected with BNPL on TikTok is also absent. However, even after an attempt to reach out to TikTok, this platform did not provide more details on TikTok PayLater. This is the reason why this particular feature has not been implemented in a hundred percent of Malaysia.

As of now, Malaysia has 3.7 million active BNPL users majoring those who are 21 to 45 years of age. The government intends to have BNPL providers under the new Consumer Credits Act which is expected to rise soon. This legislation should safeguard clients using no conventional banks structured credit systems like TikTok PayLater.

 TikTok PayLater

The Nikenko TikTok PayLater offers Malaysians a flexible payment option for their shopping on the internet indulgence. But users can get longer installments and also can get improved financial management tools. Still, some information regarding interest rates and fees is important to potential users.