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's Ministry of Health Explores Digitalisation with E-MCs, E-Prescriptions, and Enhanced MySejahtera Features
Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH) is advancing healthcare digitalisation by proposing electronic medical certificates (e-MCs) and e-prescriptions, though legal reforms are required to ensure their validity. The initiative is part of MOH’s goal to fully digitalise public clinics by 2027, alongside telemedicine services for virtual consultations. The success of digitalising health screenings for Hajj pilgrims, recognised internationally, highlights Malaysia's leadership in digital health. The MySejahtera app is being repurposed for broader health services, with plans to improve user engagement and introduce features like smart cards for those with limited digital literacy.
A Young Innovator Advocates Insect Consumption for a Sustainable Future
Napa-ai “April” Suriyabhivadh, a 16-year-old student and president of Amino Insecto, is promoting insect consumption as a sustainable protein source. Combining her passion for athletics and sustainability, she founded Amino Insecto to raise awareness of insect-based foods. Through initiatives like social media campaigns, fine dining events, and collaborations with experts, the organisation highlights the nutritional and environmental benefits of insects. Despite challenges in changing perceptions, Napa-ai envisions insects as essential to future food security. Her efforts aim to address global challenges such as food scarcity and climate change while supporting struggling farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Reforming the Contracts Act 1950 to Adapt to Malaysia’s Digital and Globalised Era
The Contracts Act 1950, a cornerstone of Malaysia's legal and commercial framework, requires reform to remain relevant in today’s digital and globalised landscape. With the rise of e-commerce, blockchain agreements, and AI-driven contracts, traditional definitions of agreements and signatures are challenged. Cross-border transactions, evolving business models, and consumer protection demands further highlight the need for modernisation. The proposed reforms aim to ensure simplicity, adaptability to technological advancements, fairness, and alignment with international standards. By updating the Act, Malaysia can future-proof its legal framework, ensuring it remains robust and adaptable for businesses, consumers, and global commerce.
Travellers Value Sustainability but Cost and Quality Lead the Way in Travel Decisions
A WTTC report reveals that cost and quality remain top priorities for travellers, with over 50% citing cost and 30% citing quality as key factors influencing their decisions. While sustainability resonates with travellers, only a small percentage (7–11%) consider it a primary concern. Julia Simpson, WTTC president, emphasised the need for businesses to create affordable, sustainable options and inspire change through impactful initiatives. The report, Bridging the Say-Do Gap, offers seven strategies, including promoting eco-friendly benefits, simplifying sustainable choices, and tailoring marketing to individual values, to bridge the gap between consumer preferences and sustainability practices in the travel industry.
Social Media, AI, and Digital Advertising Continue to Shape the 2025 Digital Landscape
A new report highlights key trends shaping the digital landscape in 2025, with Instagram leading brand research at 62.3%, followed by Facebook and TikTok. YouTube remains the most-used platform globally, while TikTok has the highest engagement. Social media ad spend rose by 15%, contributing to a global ad spend of US$1.1 trillion, with influencer marketing reaching US$35 billion. AI's prominence is underscored by ChatGPT's widespread adoption, averaging over 250 million monthly users. Internet usage exceeds 5.5 billion, with online shopping growing among those aged over 50. Marketers are urged to embrace data-driven strategies to navigate this evolving, competitive environment.
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ASEAN Ministers Focus on Digital Trade and Sustainability to Drive Regional Growth
Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) will meet in Johor this month to endorse 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) focused on economic integration, inclusivity, sustainability, and digital trade. As Asean’s 2025 chair, Malaysia aims to reach consensus on these initiatives, which include the Digital Economy Framework Agreement to boost e-commerce and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Other priorities include developing a regional power grid for renewable energy and enhancing free trade agreements with China and India. By fostering collaboration in sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicles, Asean seeks to position itself as a unified investment hub globally.
A New Programme Aims to Empower Small Businesses in the Philippines with Digital Tools and Training
The United Nations has launched the Digital PINAS programme in the Philippines to support 15,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in underserved areas. With a $5 million budget, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing training, establishing Digital Transformation Hubs, and advocating for inclusive policies. Led by UNDP, ITC, and ILO in collaboration with the government and private sector, the programme seeks to eliminate barriers to connectivity, particularly for women and indigenous communities. Supported by the EU, it also mobilises $21 million in local investments, accelerating the digital economy and sustainable development goals.
The Sustainable Foods Summit in Singapore Highlights Innovations in Sustainable Food Systems
The 4th Asia-Pacific Sustainable Foods Summit will be held on 25-26 February 2025 at the ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore. This event will explore advancements in sustainability, ingredient innovations, future food trends, and marketing insights. Highlights include keynotes on sustainable food systems, panels discussing challenges in sustainable agriculture, and updates on cellular agriculture and upcycling initiatives. Sessions will address ingredient sourcing challenges, sustainable packaging solutions, and consumer behaviour trends post-pandemic. With experts from academia, industry, and tech, the summit aims to drive progress towards sustainable food systems, offering actionable insights for stakeholders across the food industry.
Malaysia Explores China’s DeepSeek AI to Adapt Emerging Technology Locally
Malaysia’s Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, announced that the government is closely examining DeepSeek, China’s open-source AI platform, to assess its impact and potential for local adaptation. DeepSeek, which has gained global recognition for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, reportedly rivals leading AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Highlighting the rapid evolution of AI, Gobind stressed the importance of understanding and integrating such technologies to remain competitive. DeepSeek’s rise, even surpassing ChatGPT in some regions, has disrupted the technology sector, particularly in semiconductor industries, due to its lower resource requirements and impressive performance. The study aims to position Malaysia within the growing AI landscape.
Singapore Sees Progress in Maritime Decarbonisation with Electric Vessels by CSA
The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), led by Kuok Maritime Group, has unveiled Singapore’s largest fully electric supply boat, PXO-EXL-1, marking a significant step towards maritime decarbonisation. The vessel, capable of zero-emission operations at 8 knots with a 40-tonne payload, promises up to 60% energy savings. Additionally, CSA initiated the keel laying of Singapore’s first fully electric tug, PXO-ACE-1, which will be operational by early 2026. Designed for local waters, these electric harbour crafts aim to revolutionise sustainable maritime operations. CSA plans to collaborate with global shipping agencies for trials in 2025, advancing zero-carbon shipping solutions.
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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