- Bank Negara thwarts Cybersecurity incident involving use of falsified SWIFT messages
- Jom Niaga Carnival boosts promotion of SME products
- Expand brings six Malaysian startups to Indonesia
- Singapore launch first blockchain challenge to boost innovation and adoption beyond fintech
- Cathay Pacific’s female staff win right to wear trousers in historic move for Hong Kong carrier
Bank Negara thwarts Cybersecurity incident involving use of falsified SWIFT messages
Bank Negara Malaysia has detected and foiled a cybersecurity incident on 27 March 2018 involving attempted unauthorised fund transfers using falsified SWIFT messages. The Central Bank said all unauthorised transactions were stopped through prompt action in strong collaboration with SWIFT, other central banks and financial institutions. The Bank did not experience any financial loss in this incident. There was also no disruption to other payment and settlement systems that the Bank operates. BNM said it is conducting a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies on this incident.
Jom Niaga Carnival boosts promotion of SME products
The sixth edition of the Jom Niaga Carnival continues to help promote various small and medium enterprise (SME) products and services, especially to the international market. Since its inception in 2012, it has successfully helped hundreds of SMEs to develop and market products and services, as well as strengthen networking through the carnival held in selected cities and towns. The carnival also fosters relationships between the ministries, government agencies, corporate organisations and SMEs, as well as boosts the prosperity of their businesses. The Jom Niaga Carnival, organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), through its agencies SME Corp. Malaysia, SME Bank and MIDF was aimed at promoting various SME products and services. A total of 125 booths, including stalls for SME products and food trucks and information counters of agencies were set up, which managed to attract 28,671 visitors comprising SME operators and the public from Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak. The carnival recorded estimated sales of RM9.07 million through the business-matching sessions between entrepreneurs of SMEs and companies and hypermarkets, while cash sales at the SME exhibition booths totalled RM313,222. According to International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, the amount exceeded the initial target of RM5 million.
Expand brings six Malaysian startups to Indonesia
EDVANCE is back with their “Expand Indonesia” programme. Edvance welcomed six Malaysian startups in Jakarta last week. They are Innovate Mental Arithmetic (INNOVATE), Epnox Technology, Sales Candy, Monster Alliance, Travelog, and Billplz. The partnership between Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Edvance forges a unique path to ensure solid collaboration between nations to bolster the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem. In Indonesia, the startups commenced the second part of the programme, which includes meetings with leading Indonesian ecosystem leaders, business mentoring and opportunities to pitch to local investors. Edvance organised an intensive schedule of networking events with Indonesian organisations and venture capitalists such as Kejora Ventures, East Ventures, and Ideosource.
Singapore launch first blockchain challenge to boost innovation and adoption beyond fintech
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) today launched a Blockchain Challenge to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative new solutions using blockchain technologies beyond fintech. Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, with the potential to accelerate Singapore’s transformation into a Digital Economy. Through blockchain, companies from food suppliers to entertainment and media companies can lower costs, expand connections, and overhaul their business models. Blockchain technology is expected to grow quickly, with a potential compound annual growth rate of up to about 79% from 2017 – 2022. IMDA’s Blockchain Challenge seeks to accelerate the development of such solutions, and identify possible use cases with greater commercial development.
Cathay Pacific’s female staff win right to wear trousers in historic move for Hong Kong carrier
Cathay Pacific Airways and Cathay Dragon will give all female uniformed staff the option of wearing trousers for the first time, marking a historic and progressive change for the more than 70-year-old Hong Kong carrier. Talks to end the skirt-only rule concluded successfully on Thursday with an understanding between Cathay Dragon and its cabin crew union, both sides said. Frontline staff of both airlines will benefit including airport ground staff. Attention is likely to turn to Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express, the two other local carriers, which stipulate female staff can only wear knee-high skirts. Both airlines have been contacted for comment.
