Weekly Digital News Roundup
Morph Digital
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Welcome to another round of Morph Digital’s Weekly Digital News Highlights, where you will get the latest insights and news on the digital world throughout Malaysia, Asia, and the world. Keep checking in weekly to learn the latest news on the digital scene.
Malaysia Leads ASEAN 2025 with Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Transformation
As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia aims to champion inclusive growth and sustainable digital transformation, reflecting its MADANI values of sustainability, compassion, and innovation. Key efforts include advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is projected to unlock US$2 trillion by 2030, and fostering regional collaboration through smart city initiatives. Focused on AI, data, and smart cities, Malaysia supports innovation, industry growth, and talent development. With RM141.72 billion in digital investments in 2024 and initiatives like the Malaysia Digital tax incentive, the nation is positioned as a digital economy leader, driving economic resilience, technological progress, and inclusive development across ASEAN.
Malaysia Introduces a Comprehensive Framework to Enhance Corporate Sustainability Reporting
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has launched the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) to support large companies in adopting global sustainability disclosure standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The NSRF incorporates IFRS S1 and S2, ensuring consistent and comparable sustainability-related financial disclosures. It includes a Board Guide that simplifies steps for governance, data boundaries, financial impact assessments, and risk management integration. To further facilitate adoption, the Advisory Committee on Sustainability Reporting (ACSR) offers PACE, an initiative providing tools, training, and illustrative reports. This framework reflects Malaysia's commitment to global corporate sustainability practices and purposeful decision-making.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Cybersecurity for a Safer Digital Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity by enabling smarter, faster, and more proactive digital defence mechanisms. AI-driven systems now monitor networks in real time, identify anomalies, and predict vulnerabilities using historical data to outsmart cybercriminals. Automated responses allow for instant counterattacks, reducing incident response times from minutes to milliseconds. Applications of AI span high-risk industries like finance, healthcare, and IoT, enhancing fraud detection, data protection, and device security. However, challenges such as adversarial attacks and ethical concerns over data usage highlight the need for responsible AI deployment. Emerging innovations like federated learning and edge AI promise even greater security advancements.
Malaysia Prepares for Global Sustainability Shifts with Pragmatic Policies
Malaysia will adapt pragmatically to global sustainability policy changes following Donald Trump's inauguration as US President, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi. Speaking at the SME ESG Start Symposium 2025, he highlighted Malaysia's commitment to multilateral collaboration on climate goals while maintaining open communication with the US and other trading partners. He expressed optimism about the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and commended the rising ESG awareness among Malaysian SMEs, reflected in Alliance Bank's ESG 2.0 report. Nik Nazmi emphasised the importance of SMEs in advancing Malaysia's sustainability agenda, especially as the country assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2025.
Malaysia Moves Towards Digital Finance Transformation with Focus on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is driving Malaysia’s digital transformation by prioritising blockchain and cryptocurrency integration into the country’s financial system. During a recent visit to Abu Dhabi, Anwar discussed these innovations with UAE leaders and Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao. A policy paper on the subject will soon be presented to the cabinet, aiming to position Malaysia as a leader in global digital finance. The Securities Commission (SC) supports this agenda, offering guidelines for digital assets and collaborating with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring responsible adoption of digital finance technologies.
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FGV Leads the Way in Sustainability, Innovation, and Community Empowerment
FGV Holdings Bhd’s 2024 performance reflects its steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment. The company achieved significant milestones, including a 26% revenue growth to RM6.18 billion in Q3 FY2024 and advancements in ethical labour practices, gender diversity, and sustainability initiatives. Highlights include the launch of an enhanced Sustainability Framework, EUDR-compliant palm kernel oil production, and consumer-focused campaigns under its Saji brand. FGV also empowered smallholders, improved labour welfare, and expanded premium product offerings. With a new CEO, strategic collaborations, and a focus on innovation, FGV is well-positioned to drive ethical growth and redefine industry standards in 2025.
Maybank Islamic Accelerates Digital Transformation with Audax and AWS Partnership
Maybank Islamic, the Islamic banking arm of Maybank Group, has partnered with Audax Financial Technology and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to advance its digital transformation efforts. Through Audax’s Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, the bank will introduce sharia-compliant digital products that enable paperless onboarding, efficient account management, and instant access to services. Additional features include solutions for card issuance, payments, lending, and rewards. This move aligns with Maybank’s M25+ strategy, prioritising customer-centricity and digital modernisation. As one of the world’s largest Islamic banks, Maybank Islamic continues to innovate, building on its earlier collaboration with Telekom Malaysia to deliver Malaysia’s first Islamic BaaS solution.
Samsung Highlights How Mobile Technology Drives Sustainability and Global Change
Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on 23 January 2025 in San Jose, California, to explore how AI and mobile technology address critical global challenges. During the Sustainability session, Samsung unveiled its advancements, including using recycled materials in the Galaxy S25 series and partnering with Seatrees to restore marine ecosystems using mobile innovation like Ocean Mode for coral reef mapping. Additionally, Samsung’s collaboration with the UNDP empowers young leaders through initiatives like Generation17. The forum demonstrated Samsung’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, showcasing its role in fostering environmental and social progress on a global scale.
Sri Lanka Prepares for National Digital ID Rollout with Biometric Technology
Sri Lanka is set to launch its Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project, a digital transformation initiative that replaces traditional IDs with electronic national identity cards (e-NICs). The government has procured 350 biometric devices, including cameras and fingerprint scanners, with an additional 400 units on the way. Supported by a ?10.4 billion grant from India, the project integrates multiple government services and payments under one platform. Measures to ensure data sovereignty, including amendments to agreements with India, have been prioritised. The system, operated by Sri Lankan professionals, will initially target 16-year-olds and aims to enhance services, reduce corruption, and centralise records.
Malaysia’s Sustainability Efforts in the Palm Oil Industry Receive EU Recognition
Malaysia’s progress in ensuring sustainability within its palm oil sector has been recognised by the European Union (EU). During a meeting in Brussels, Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani discussed the nation’s dedication to global sustainability with EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall, who oversees environmental law enforcement. Roswall commended Malaysia’s advancements, particularly in aligning palm oil practices with environmental standards. The discussions reinforced Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development while emphasising the EU’s support for competitive and environmentally friendly practices, such as compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
These are the highlights we found interesting last week. Do you have any news you want to share? What news caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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What an exciting roundup! ?? Malaysia’s strides in digital transformation, sustainability, and AI-driven innovation are truly inspiring. The focus on blockchain and digital finance stands out as a game-changer for the region. Thanks for keeping us informed—looking forward to more insights from your page!?