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Tag: Malaysia

  • Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    MUMBAI: Talk about putting your money where your face is. Anymind group is banking on avatars to give live commerce a fresh facelift.

    The company has rolled out its new ‘Avatar Bank’ on Anylive, its AI-powered live commerce platform. Think of it as a ready-to-wear wardrobe, but for digital hosts: brands can now dip into a library of pre-made AI avatars instead of spending time and money creating one from scratch.

    The appeal? Speed and savings. With avatars off the shelf, brands can launch streams in just a week, making live commerce campaigns quicker, leaner and far less of a production headache. For brands juggling multiple campaigns, that’s as close to plug-and-play as it gets.

    Anylive isn’t just about pretty faces either. The platform can deliver content in multiple languages, run streams around the clock, and crunch data from both human and AI-led sessions to help brands fine-tune scripts and performances. The Avatar Bank slips neatly into this ecosystem, letting businesses mix and match, use custom avatars for premium projects, or pick from the bank when speed matters.

    Anymind Group, ceo and co-founder, Kosuke Sogo said the feature has already gained traction in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. “This update makes it easier than ever for brands to incorporate AI avatars into their live commerce efforts. We will expand our lineup to give brands more choice, helping them achieve maximum results with minimal effort,” he said.

    For a world hungry for faster campaigns, the message is clear: avatars aren’t just virtual, they’re virtually indispensable.

  • Johor to host ASEAN’s biggest digital content summit in 2025

    Johor to host ASEAN’s biggest digital content summit in 2025

    JOHOR BAHRU: Game, set… animation! Johor Bahru gears up to host the ASEAN Digital Content Summit (ADCS 2025) from 2–4 September.

    Organised by the Ministry of Digital through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), in collaboration with the Johor State Government, the summit is set to transform the Persada Johor International Convention Centre into the beating heart of ASEAN’s creative economy.

    Timed with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, ADCS will bring together more than 50 global thought leaders, over 100 exhibitors, and country pavilions from more than 10 nations, all under one roof. Policymakers, studios, start-ups, investors and creators will unite to script the next chapter in animation, gaming and immersive technology.
    The summit opens with the ASEAN Roundtable on 2 September, a high-level dialogue designed to spark regional collaboration in animation, games, and creative technology. Fans of Japanese anime will also find a treat: Koji Morimoto, co-founder of Studio 4°C and one of the creative minds behind Akira, will headline the speaker sessions.

    Meanwhile, the Kre8tif! Business Xchange will act as a matchmaking arena for creators, connecting them with broadcasters, distributors, and investors. The exhibition hall promises a visual feast, from new game solutions to immersive interactive content, showcasing the latest from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond.

    In a nod to talent and research, ADCS 2025 will also feature 50 global technical papers and 60 plus university projects, giving students and young creators a launchpad to shine. The initiative is supported by KL ACM SIGGRAPH and DICE 3.0, ensuring academia meets industry in the most creative of ways.

    MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil called the summit a “game-changer” adding, “ADCS 2025 marks Johor’s bold leap toward becoming the beating heart of ASEAN’s digital content revolution. By bringing together innovators, storytellers, and tech leaders, Johor is stepping into the spotlight as the epicentre of gaming, animation, and immersive content.”

    And it’s not all about business. The summit has a festival flavour, too. Public visitors can look forward to e-sports tournaments, outdoor movie screenings, exclusive giveaways, and family fun at B5 Johor Street Market. The celebrations culminate with the Malaysia Animation Film Festival on 4 September, followed by nationwide screenings at GSC cinemas from 16 October.

  • Reppro gets top marks as WACE’s India communications partner

    Reppro gets top marks as WACE’s India communications partner

    MUMBAI: It’s a match made in academia and advertising. The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) has picked The Reppro as its official communications partner in India, a strategic alliance that blends international curriculum with local storytelling flair. The Reppro, an emerging force in strategic communications and public relations, will now handle public relations, social media, and performance marketing for WACE, the globally respected senior secondary qualification developed by the Government of Western Australia’s School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

    The move comes as WACE expands its footprint into India, becoming the first international government curriculum to offer a full K–12 academic framework to Indian students. With recognition in over 16 countries including Japan, Singapore, China, and Malaysia and Grade XII equivalence granted by India’s Association of Indian Universities (AIU) WACE is now targeting Indian schools and learners seeking global-standard education with local relevance.

    The Reppro founder Amit Gupta said, “We’re proud to partner with WACE at this pivotal moment in India’s education evolution. WACE’s globally respected curriculum, combined with its structured academic rigor and WASSA learning record, offers Indian students a credible and future-ready pathway.”

    WACE echoed the sentiment, noting that this partnership marks a new chapter in its India journey. “With The Reppro’s deep understanding of the education space and its integrated approach to communication, we’re confident of deepening our engagement with students, schools, and education leaders across the country,” a WACE spokesperson said.

    As Indian parents and students increasingly seek internationally recognised pathways, the WACE–Reppro partnership is expected to spark fresh interest in academic alternatives. With a communications playbook packed with PR, performance marketing, and social storytelling, The Reppro will build awareness, drive adoption, and help WACE speak the language of India’s education aspirations.

    In an education market where curriculum choices often feel like a final exam, WACE just got the right coaching partner.

  • Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    MUMBAI: Kho Kho, the homegrown Indian game of agility and grit, just got a high-speed upgrade on and off the mat. As the sport stretches beyond its traditional roots to stake its claim on the global stage, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is playing tag with the future by launching its most advanced training initiative yet.

    The Advanced Level III-A Training Course for coaches and technical officials kicked off on June 2, 2025, at SGT University, Budhera, and will run till June 15. Organised by KKFI under the aegis of the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the course is no ordinary classroom drill, it’s a knowledge sprint featuring 20 international coaches and officials from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Australia, England, Korea and Malaysia, alongside 50 Indian coaches and 65 technical officials.

    From biomechanics to sports psychology, recovery techniques to anti-doping awareness, the curriculum mirrors a sport in metamorphosis. With morning fitness sessions and rigorous classroom modules, participants are being immersed in a next-gen playbook designed to take Kho Kho from kabaddi’s countryside cousin to a globally recognised sport.

    5 June was a masterclass in modernisation with sessions on sports science by Pooja Bhati, anti-doping education by Vikas Tyagi and Anurag, and tactical training by legendary coach H. V. Nataraj. The day began with a sweat-inducing physical drill by Ashwani Sharma, reinforcing the discipline behind the dash.

    “This course reflects our commitment to preparing a new generation of coaches and officials who are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and international exposure to take Kho Kho to the next level,” said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. He also underlined how the sport is evolving with mat-based gameplay, a Decision Review System (DRS) and even the strategic ‘Wazir’ role.

    The training for coaches wraps up on June 11 with a practical exam and reflective session, before the officials’ segment begins from 12–15 June.

    With 135 participants in total and a syllabus as sharp as the game’s signature sprints, this course is more than just a seminar, it’s Kho Kho’s statement of intent. The message is clear: India isn’t just where the game began. It’s where the global future of Kho Kho is being written one pivot, one pass, and now, one world-class coach at a time.

  • Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    MUMBAI: A tech topping on a global pizza, Yum! Brands is stirring the pot in India with a spicy leadership update. The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill has appointed Manish Jain to lead its digital and technology (D&T) India Global Capability Centre (GCC).

    Jain will take charge of Yum!’s India-based digital operations and shared services, bringing to the table over two decades of experience spanning the US, Malaysia and India. He will report directly to James Watts, chief people officer, Yum! digital & technology.

    Yum!’s D&T India GCC is a crucial cog in the company’s global engine, tasked with building tech solutions and supporting services across all Yum! brands. Jain’s appointment marks a strategic step forward in reinforcing India’s position as a digital powerhouse for the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant.

    “I am honored to take on this role and excited to help build the India Global Capability Centre in support of Yum! Brands’ strategy for good growth and its goal to be an employer of choice in the region,” Manish Jain said.

    Before joining Yum!, Jain served as service director for the Asia-Pacific region and India country head at Getronics International, overseeing customer success and shared services. He was also the founding director of BT Group’s Global Business Services unit in India, where he spent over 10 years scaling operations from the ground up.

    With Jain at the helm, Yum! Brands aims to not just scale digitally but serve up innovation with a side of world-class culture. His appointment is expected to bolster the GCC’s ambitions in tech development and shared services, reinforcing India’s growing influence in global operations.

  • JSW Indian Open serves up a smash as India’s first PSA Copper event

    JSW Indian Open serves up a smash as India’s first PSA Copper event

    MUMBAI: Squash fever is set to grip Mumbai as JSW Sports announces the JSW Indian Open, India’s first PSA Squash Copper event, scheduled to take place from 24-28 March at Bombay Gymkhana. This landmark event will bring together India’s top squash players, including Ramit Tandon, Velavan Senthilkumar, Veer Chotrani, Anahat Singh, and Akanksha Salunkhe, alongside global talent from Egypt, Canada, Malaysia, and Japan.

    With squash making its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, JSW Sports is making a bold statement with this tournament. Parth Jindal, Founder, JSW Sports, highlighted the event’s significance:
    Speaking on the tournament JSW Sports founder Parth Jindal said, “With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, now is as good a time as any to give the sport the fillip it needs. The JSW Indian Open is a statement of intent from Indian squash, and we are excited to give some of the best Indian and global talent a platform through this tournament.”

    India No.1 Ramit Tandon, who is also represented by JSW Sports, said, “It’s always special to compete at home, and having a PSA event like the JSW Indian Open in India is a huge boost for the sport. The level of competition is right up there, and it’s a great opportunity for Indian players to test themselves against the best. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA28, events like these are crucial in building momentum and inspiring the next generation.”

    PSA CEO Alex Gough welcomed the return of a PSA tournament to India, calling it a significant step for the sport’s growth. “Hosting world-class events on home soil not only helps Indian players compete at the highest level but also strengthens the squash ecosystem,” he said. He also emphasized the role of such tournaments in expanding the sport’s reach. “By bringing elite competitions to India, we are creating a pathway for young players to develop, grow the fan base, and ensure the sport continues to thrive.”

    India’s women number 2, Anahat Singh also shared her excitement about the tournament, saying, “Bringing a top-tier PSA event to India is a game-changer for players and fans alike. Competing against top international players pushes us to be better, and it’s an amazing opportunity to grow. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA28, events like these are key to building excitement and inspiring young players to dream big.”

    With a prize purse of 40,000 dollars the JSW Indian Open marks the return of a major squash tournament to India after a six-year hiatus, the last being the CCI International in 2018. The competition will unfold across Bombay Gymkhana’s indoor courts, with the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final set to be played on a full-glass outdoor court, offering fans a thrilling spectacle. As the countdown begins, Mumbai is set to witness a squash showdown like never before, with India stepping up to the global stage in style.
     

  • Kunal Jeswani steps up as Ogilvy CEO Asean

    Kunal Jeswani steps up as Ogilvy CEO Asean

    MUMBAI: He’s been making rapid strides in the region. Kunal Jeswani has been elevated as group CEO-Asean for Ogilvy from his current position of group CEO of Malaysia and Singapore.

    Kunal was has been with Ogilvy for the past 20 years. He  led its India ops fom 2015 to 2022, building the agency to one with 800 talented folks.

    Prior to that he was the chief  of its digital operations. He began his ad career with Enterprise Nexus where he spent a good part of seven years plus.

    He will continue to be based in Singapore even after being promoted as Asean head at Ogilvy.

  • Hari V Krishnan to step down as CEO of PropertyGuru group

    Hari V Krishnan to step down as CEO of PropertyGuru group

    MUMBAI: In a significant leadership announcement, Hari V. Krishnan has decided to step down as CEO of the Singapore-based PropertyGuru group after nearly a decade of remarkable growth and innovation.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Hari highlighted key milestones such as achieving market leadership across regions, expanding into Vietnam, forming a transformative partnership in Malaysia, and leading the company’s public listing on the NYSE.

    Hari’s leadership also saw the incubation of new businesses and solutions, multiple funding rounds, and the recent strategic partnership with EQT Group wherein the Swedish  alternative investment firm acquired it at a valuation of $1.1 billion and delisted it from the NYSE. He will transition into the role of senior advisor to the board once a new CEO is in place.

    PropertyGuru announced that Lewis Ng will take over as CEO in March. With a robust background at global firms such as Seek, TripAdvisor, and Apple, along with prior experience at PropertyGuru, Lewis is poised to lead the company into its next growth phase. Trevor Mather will join as chairman, bringing extensive experience from AutoTrader and Thoughtworks, alongside new board members Janice Leow and Ed Williams.

    Hari expressed gratitude to stakeholders, reflecting on his journey of empowering communities to thrive and expressing confidence in the company’s future under new leadership.

    Prior to heading the PropertyGuru group,  Hari was a well-known executive in India as  Linkedin vice president & MD, Asia Pacific & Japan before that  country manager for India. He began his career wih Ciso as a product manage/ customer support engineer based in San Jose, moving onto assignments with Yahoo India, travelguru, Myspace, and then Linkedin. He is a mentor and investor in several startops.

     

  • Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to premiere in Malaysia via Unifi TV

    Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to premiere in Malaysia via Unifi TV

    Mumbai: Rewind announced partnership with Unifi in Malaysia. Starting 1 January, the much-anticipated channel HITS NOW will debut on Unifi TV and will be made available on Channel 452 as part of its comprehensive TV packs.

    This collaboration shared commitment to provide high-value entertainment to Malaysian viewers and to enrich the Malaysian TV landscape. HITS NOW, celebrated for its award-winning and branded programmes and cutting-edge content has already garnered a strong following since its launch in February 2023. Its introduction to Unifi TV extends its reach, offering subscribers nationwide an unparalleled viewing experience. All Unifi TV Pack subscribers will be able to enjoy a 1-month free preview from 1 to 31 January 2024.

    The partnership serves as the latest addition to Unifi TV’s existing offerings, making the platform the first to launch HITS NOW in Malaysia. HITS NOW will be included in Unifi TV’s Ultimate Max, Ultimate Plus, Ultimate and Family Packs starting February 2024. The channel is accessible via the Unifi TV Box and Unifi TV app, which can be downloaded on mobile devices and smart TVs.

    HITS NOW is the latest initiative in Rewind Networks’ ongoing strategy to redefine entertainment in the Asian market. The network has established a formidable presence with its acclaimed channels, HITS and HITS MOVIES, which present a curated selection of iconic TV shows and movies. These channels have captivated audiences in 13 countries, reaching over 24 million households. As the newest member of the Rewind Networks family, HITS NOW is set to uphold this legacy, delivering meticulously selected, high-quality series tailored for the discerning Asian viewer.

    “We are thrilled to unveil HITS NOW to Unifi TV’s customers,” said Rewind Networks CEO Avi Himatsinghani. “At Rewind, our mission is to meticulously pinpoint and fill crucial gaps in consumer entertainment needs, bringing together an exceptional array of entertainment from globally renowned storytellers, studios, and franchises. HITS NOW is set to feature a really diverse programming mix, from Emmy-winning drama series and popular reality shows to innovative game shows. We’re confident that it will resonate strongly with Malaysia’s discerning viewers, becoming not just a channel but a go-to entertainment destination and a staple in their daily viewing experience.”

    The HITS NOW lineup will feature the ultimate in breathtaking entertainment with exhilarating, branded reality and talent shows like American Idol 2024, Survivor, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy Team, Shark Tank, Hell’s Kitchen, Britain’s Got Talent all express from the US.  It will also debut brand new reality series like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, The Traitor and Race To Survive: Alaska; stunning dramatic series like the successful Fire Country, Sullivan’s Crossing and So Help Me, Todd as well as Alert: Missing Persons Unit. Game show junkies can play along with Password, Barmageddon, Supermarket Sweep, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Celebrity Family Feud. Those craving light-hearted fare can kick back with heartwarming comedies Lopez vs Lopez, Young Rock, The Goldbergs and Ghosts. The network has got viewers covered for everything Hollywood with the long running news show – Entertainment Tonight, and true crime aficionados can follow real life cases with Fear Thy Neighbor, Fear Thy Roommate, Killer Couples and Murder for Hire.

    HITS NOW will broadcast the prestigious The 75 Primetime Emmy Awards Live starting at 8am (GMT+8) on 16 January with an encore performance at 8pm (GMT+8) that same night.

  • ACE & Premier League take action against illegal streaming devices seller in Malaysia

    ACE & Premier League take action against illegal streaming devices seller in Malaysia

    Mumbai: The Malaysian ministry of domestic trade and consumer affairs (MDTCA) has raided an electronics outlet for allegedly selling illicit streaming gadgets that gave customers unauthorised access to entertainment and sporting events, including Premier League games. The Premier League and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the foremost anti-piracy alliance in the world, collaborated to organise the event.

    The Johor Bahru-based retailer is accused of peddling a variety of gadgets, including SVICloud boxes. The devices had unauthorised software installed that gave users access to live sporting events, including Premier League content, as well as film and television programming. The retailer is suspected of running an illegal sales operation across numerous internet channels in addition to selling similar gadgets through their brick and mortar store.

    The Premier League and ACE are among the first organisations to take action under Malaysia’s new Copyright (Amendment) Act 2022. The amended Copyright Act strengthens copyright legislation and empowers authorities to take action against those who sell illegal streaming devices and illegal website operators.

    Motion Picture Association executive vice president and ACE head & global content protection chief Jan van Voorn said, “We commend the Malaysian government for the recent amendments to the Copyright Act, which criminalises the sale of such illicit streaming devices. These new provisions have become a gold standard within the APAC region. We would like to thank the MDTCA for taking prompt action to shut down this illicit operation.”

    “IPTV piracy services like the one closed down today put consumers at risk of malware, undermine investment, reduce tax contributions to governments, and stifle creativity. We will continue to identify and interdict the operators of such online piracy services and work closely with Malaysian law enforcement agencies to protect the livelihoods of Malaysian and international creators and distributors,” Voorn added.

    Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to put the recently amended Copyright Act into action. The strengthened legislation puts Malaysia at the forefront of copyright protection, making it very clear that anyone involved in providing or facilitating illegal streams is carrying out a crime.

    “The Premier League is committed to fighting piracy in Malaysia and will continue to take action against those responsible for providing illegal access to our content. We want to ensure fans watch Premier League content in the best quality and safest way possible-and the majority do so via authorised sources. However, for those who don’t, they must be aware that by using devices such as SVICloud, they face security risks and disrupted viewing experiences.” Plumb said.

    “I would like to place on record our thanks to the MDTCA for their cooperation and swift response to support this enforcement action,” he added.