AI, X and, more interestingly, telescopes and toilets are all part of this week’s roundup of the weirdest science on the block.

Amazon Web Services CXO Coffee Club: Harnessing Data for Personalised Insurance Experiences concluded on the 15th of August. Our founder, Malek Ali, sat down with Cindy Kua, Co-founder & CEO for Sunday, Raymond Wong, Chief Technology Officer for Zurich Insurance & Takaful Malaysia, Srinivasan Somasundaram, Client Partner for Insurance, ASEAN & Greater China for Cognizant and Nipun Grover, Head of Business Development and GTM ASEAN of Amazon Web Service to discuss the latest insurance industry trends, seamless transformation of digital insurance and overcoming the challenges of legacy core systems with minimal risk and complexities.

As digital transformation gets more complex and personal information continues to be in high-demand by cyber criminals, there has never been a more critical time for financial service institutions to reinforce their identity security. Last year, Bank Negara set out a blueprint for the financial sector in identifying five strategic thrusts that will be the key enabler for Malaysia's digitalisation plan including advancing digitalisation of the financial sector. With 93% of financial institutions reporting a data breach within the last two years, modernising identity security programs is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s business essential. We speak with Chern-Yue Boey, SailPoint's Senior Vice President, APAC, about the topic of The state of identity security 2023: A spotlight on financial services.

From billionaire bunker builders who want to buy nations to centrally administered decentralised systems to sausages saving the world, they’re all things we don’t get.

This week, we’re joined by Steven Scheurmann, Regional VP for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks, as he delves into the urgent need for cybersecurity awareness and education. With a staggering 72% of Malaysian companies at high risk of compromise due to cybercrime, Steven will shed light on the critical role of the Cyber A.C.E.S program in nurturing a cybersecurity-conscious generation. Catering to children aged 5-15, the program promises to equip digital natives with the tools necessary to navigate the virtual world safely, potentially sparking their interest in cybersecurity careers. We'll also discuss the vital role of public-private partnerships in fortifying our national technology defences.

The Malaysian life insurance market is poised for substantial growth, as recent studies forecast gross written premiums (GWP) to reach an impressive US$15.9 billion by 2027 (about 22.3% growth from 2022 GWP of US$13.1 billion). However, along with the promising growth in premiums, there is also concern of a potential rise in fraudulent claims. Allianz statistics reveal that motor insurance claims fraud alone costs RM1 billion per year, posing a significant challenge for insurance providers. We sit down with Queenie Wong, Director for Customer Advisory at SAS Malaysia and discuss how analytics help insurance companies better understand their customers.

Human NPCs, phubbing your partner and AI influencers fail to out-weird Elon Musk’s latest X-rated escapade.

Brooke Wenig, the Director of Machine Learning Practice at Databricks, will be sharing her insights on the future of machine learning. Since joining Databricks in 2016, she has been instrumental in shaping the company's machine learning strategies, leading a team of data scientists and engineers in developing large-scale, production-grade machine learning pipelines. Fluent in Mandarin and a co-author of "Learning Spark, 2nd Edition", her expertise extends beyond the practical applications of machine learning to its theoretical underpinnings.

In a world where everything is rated, what value do those ratings have? And how are they driving generational change in our attitude to work

As digital technologies rise and sensitive data increasingly goes online, the threat of cyberattacks grows. Predicted cybercrime costs for 2023 reach $8 trillion, spiking to $10.5 trillion by 2025. Amidst this backdrop, we hear from Abbas Kudrati, Microsoft Asia’s Chief Cybersecurity Advisor. We shed light on the global and Malaysian cybersecurity situation, AI's pivotal role in security, and Microsoft's strategy in combating threats. We’ll also be addressing the urgent issue of outdated software on over a million devices, elaborating on Microsoft's steps to mitigate a 78% surge in high-severity vulnerabilities, and underlining how Microsoft's tactics align with the Zero Trust model.

What do exit surveys for exes, a global glitter shortage, red coloured green screens and the brain patterns of lonely people have in common? They’re all extremely weird.

Catch up with the AWS CXO Coffee Club event, Born From Retail, Built For Retailers that took place at the end of May this year. This event aimed to underscore the significance of data analytics in both online and offline businesses, especially in the retail industry.The focus was on supply chain and delivery management, tackling the difficulties encountered by smaller retailers with multiple systems, and demonstrating the potential of AWS in resolving these issues.Photo Credits: Shutterstock | Tada Images

As science pushes the boundaries of physics with gravitational waves, social media pushes the boundaries of tweeting. In Japan, they’re regrowing teeth. Teeth wins.

Xendit is a fintech firm offering payment solutions to businesses across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It caters to SMEs, e-commerce startups, and large enterprises, enabling them to accept various forms of payments, disburse payroll, and run marketplaces. Known for its speed, simplicity, and 24/7 customer support, Xendit is addressing the fragmented payment landscape in the region. It supports payments from direct debit, virtual accounts, cards, eWallets, retail outlets, and online instalments. By building the region's digital payment infrastructure, Xendit is driving digital transformation, addressing access, reliability, and regulatory needs, thereby enabling businesses to scale and thrive. It powers brands like Traveloka, Transferwise, Ninjavan, and Grab. We speak to the GM of Xendit Malaysia, Jason Siew on the interdependence of digital payments and the e-commerce space, and the blurring of lines between fintech companies and banks.

As Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg plan the world’s most lucrative cage fight over their respective Twitter-style plans, a new generation of app builders is plotting their demise with the Fediverse.

Does technology make us dumb? Has the Internet made us less smart? Will AI only make the problem worse? Or are we underestimating our own intelligence?

In a climate of rising inflation and potential recession, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are facing the tough task of balancing cost optimisation with innovation. Cloud technologies are playing a key role, offering a path to data management efficiency and business model transformation. We speak with Gunish Chawla, Amazon Web Services' (AWS) Managing Director for Mid-Market Enterprise and SMB, ASEAN. Gunish will unpack the effects of recent economic factors on digital transformation and explore AWS's efforts to assist SMBs in navigating cloud adoption barriers. We'll delve into the AWS Lift initiative, aimed at enhancing SMBs' digitisation journey, and discuss how AWS's cloud services can drive cost savings and innovation amidst challenging times.

Apple’s Vision Pro may have ushered in an age of spatial computing. But how well is the company poised to profit from it?

Boost may have started out as a homegrown e-wallet in Malaysia, but today it's a regional full spectrum fintech player in Southeast Asia offering a suite of solutions within its holistic fintech ecosystem. On top of that, Boost is also venturing into digital banking space locally, alongside its consortium partner RHB Bank.In this edition of Tech Talk, we speak with Eric Chong, the CEO of Boost Biz, and Stefanus Warsito, the CEO of Boost Indonesia, on how Boost continues to serve the underserved communities, primarily micro-SMEs in Malaysia and Indonesia, by financially and digitally empowering them to be unstoppable.Both Eric and Stefanus shared their in-depth insights into the gaps in their respective markets and how Boost comes in to provide the solutions that’s designed to meet the needs of micro-SMEs. They also deep dived into the innovative digital financial services and merchant solutions offered by Boost, that will help businesses reach their full potential.

Artificial Intelligence chatbots, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, are gaining significant attention for their innovative abilities in content generation and customer service. Recently, Microsoft announced its integration of the AI chatbot into their search engine, further promoting the importance of this technology. Chatbots are gaining traction in Asia Pacific, especially on ecommerce platforms. Predicted to grow at a CAGR of 26.5% between 2021-2027, chatbots' evolution in natural language processing will enhance their ability to answer intricate enquiries and provide comprehensive customer service. We hear from Simon Ma, Director & Regional Manager, ASEAN at Freshworks, who’ll be discussing how real-time chatbots can convert more customers, the benefits they bring, the transformative role of ChatGPT in enhancing customer experience, and common chatbot myths.

The use of ChatGPT in education is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that it can increase productivity and provide access to information, while opponents raise concerns about academic dishonesty and over-reliance on the technology. There are also debates around fairness and equality in education. Turnitin is a global leader in academic integrity solutions and has recently introduced a new technological feature that enables educators and institutions to evaluate the authenticity of their students' academic work. We hear from James Thorley, Regional Vice President of APAC at Turnitin.

This week we dive into an AI-powered Mattsplained Extended Universe (MEU) to discuss an alternative to Large Language Models, look at some of the therapeutic uses of the technology and explore its environmental impact.

HandPlus Robotics, a promising startup with its R&D centre in Malaysia, is creating a significant impact in the robotics industry.Having emerged successful from the Amazon Robotics Challenge and DHL Robotics Challenge, the company has deployed over 15 robots to eight clients in just two years, earning nearly $2 million in revenue. They specialise in 'dynamic picking' problems, with robots intelligent enough to navigate unstructured environments.As the company plans to expand into Malaysia, with support from the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) we hear from Albert Causo, Founder and CEO of HandPlus Robotics. He’ll be discussing the evolution and workings of robotic arms, the unique features of their robots, their business model, and the potential impact of advanced robotics in diverse fields.

This week we’re looking at electronic skin, cola’s effect of salty snacks and a house made from recycled diapers.PS: Matt's new favourite music: Cold Touch - Kito ft GrimesAI

When you're scrolling through your favourite website or app, have you ever stopped to wonder how quickly and seamlessly all that data is being delivered to you?In today's fast-paced world, we expect everything to be instantaneous, especially when it comes to the Internet. But with the increasing demand for personalisation and security, companies often struggle to deliver fast and seamless online experiences. Enter Fastly, a company that is leading the charge in revolutionising how we experience the Internet.We hear from Artur Bergman, the Founder and Chief Architect of Fastly, the man who’s literally responsible for making your Internet faster.

Today we look at a parasitic worm that battles diabetes, an injectable robot that places electrodes on the brain and some more weird stuff about AI.

In April last year, Malaysia was catapulted into the global limelight as its Central Bank announced the country’s first ever digital banking licences for 5 successful applicants. The Boost-RHB Consortium led by Boost, a leading Southeast-Asian fintech arm of Axiata, emerged as one of the winners and now all eyes are on the soon-to-be digital bank pioneer.To discuss Boost's foray into digital banking, we spoke with Sheyantha Abeykoon, the Group CEO of Boost. The interview deep dived into how Boost aims to further close the gap in financial inclusion by revolutionising the way financial services are provided and consumed. It also explored the business model that was built for the upcoming digital bank to operate and scale sustainably when serving the underserved market segment.With its holistic fintech ecosystem that offers a full spectrum of digital financial services, spanning its all-in-one fintech app, merchant solutions, AI-based lending business, and cross-border payment platform, Boost has become the one to watch as Malaysia joins the digital banking frontier.

In this fourth and final episode of Tech Talk in collaboration with CelcomDigi, Afiz Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, delves into the transformative power of 5G and AI Surveillance on critical infrastructure.Afiz shares CelcomDigi's dedication to digitalisation, spotlighting environmental gains, robust expansion, and competitive edge.Explore the company's strategic alliances with partners, cutting-edge cybersecurity breakthroughs, and their journey through multiple technological revolutions.Afiz underscores the significance of data security, emphasising encryption, authentication protocols, and stringent access control—demonstrating CelcomDigi's commitment to safeguarding customer information.

Is your skin ageing you? New research suggests that rather than being an effect of ageing, it’s the wrinkles that are causing us to age.

In this third episode of Tech Talk in collaboration with CelcomDigi, Afiz Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, discusses the transformative impact of 5G technology on Malaysia's public sector. Afiz highlights how 5G can revolutionise areas such as public safety, e-government services, smart city management, healthcare, and education by enabling more efficient and effective services. He also explains the crucial role of network providers like CelcomDigi in enabling 5G services, collaborating with public sector organisations, raising awareness of 5G benefits, and providing technical support to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.Afiz underscores the significance of data security, emphasising encryption, authentication protocols, and stringent access control—demonstrating CelcomDigi's commitment to safeguarding customer information.

Coronations, chemistry, chatbots and ink. It’s the best way to synthesise some Weird Science.

This week’s round up of the weird includes a digestible robot, a wooden transistor, a time travelling Ukrainian and a mouth-operated mouse.

The barrier of entry for building a Metaverse is extremely high, and the only way for the Metaverse to become more mainstream is through higher adoption. This, of course, creates a conundrum. Hopefully, a conundrum that Jason and his team have solved. Already adopted by the likes of Google, Visa, PETRONAS and Mercedes-Benz, Mitoworld.io is a drag and drop platform that allows for anyone to create their own Metaverse using a simple drag and drop interface.

As one of Malaysia’s leading game developers, they’ve amassed a laundry list of achievements and accolades: Tencent’s GWB Award for Best Strategy Game, the Nvidia Edge Award, and recipients of the EpicDev Grant. They’ve also been named one of the top 10 game developers in Southeast Asia by MediaBUZZ! We sit down with Ammobox Studio's Jeremy Choo, to get the lowdown on the gaming industry here in Malaysia.

On this week’s take on science and tech, the weirdness includes a 3D-printed cake, trash can robots, a runaway blackhole and a doorbell for fish.

Tune in for an exclusive interview with TikTok Malaysia's Head of Public Policy, Hafizin Tajudin, as we dive deep into the world of digital literacy and explore the challenges and opportunities in today's digital landscape. Hafizin will discuss the importance of digital literacy in creating a safe and inclusive online environment, TikTok's efforts in combating misinformation, and the platform's role in addressing data privacy, security concerns, and harmful content. Discover how TikTok aims to maintain its relevance in the face of growing competition and what it envisions for its future responsibilities to society. Tune in for a discussion about navigating the digital age and fostering responsible internet use for a safer and more enjoyable online experience.

With the rapid advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, is a human-level AGI inevitable, possible or desirable? More importantly: who gets to decide?

In the second episode of Tech Talk in collaboration with CelcomDigi, Rich interviews Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, about the impact of 5G technology on Corporate Malaysia.They discuss 5G's faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity, exploring its effects on industries like smart city management, autonomous vehicles, and smart farming.Afiz explains that jobs won't disappear, but need to be reimagined and redesigned to match technological advancements.He also touches on the role of network providers like CelcomDigi in promoting 5G's economic and societal benefits and helping businesses implement digital solutions.

Experiments with AI, the best place to survive the zombie apocalypse, what a chemical smell at a swimming pool really means, and a sweaty cure for social anxiety. That’s weird science.

In the first episode of our fintech series with Boost, the regional full spectrum fintech arm of Axiata, we managed to spend some time with Sheyantha Abeykoon, the Group CEO of Boost, where we discussed how they managed to grow to become one of Malaysia’s emerging fintech giant with a regional presence across Southeast Asia.In the discussion, he shared some insider insights on how Boost has been able to scale its business in a sustainable manner, as well as the learnings along the way. He also offered a glimpse into Boost’s continuous aim to further close the gap in financial inclusion across markets that they are present in, along with a potential market expansion in the works.

Dive into the first of four special episodes in collaboration with CelcomDigi.In this episode, Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, discusses the role of 5G technology in driving growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Explore the impact of 5G technology on various industries and learn how adopting a mobile-first approach can create new opportunities for businesses. Afizulazha shares his perspectives on how 5G technology can transform the way SMEs operate.This series with CelcomDigi, will equip you with valuable insights into the transformative power of 5G technology in Malaysia, and inspire you to explore the possibilities it holds for your business.

Is there anything we don’t rely on electricity for in a digital age? A little bit of current could also be the solution to a happy and healthy life.

Data is the new oil, the lifeline of both digital and phygital economies. But data is broken. Big Tech controls most data. Leaks and unauthorised sales and exchanges of data are rampant. Regulatory bodies are in an arms race with Big Tech & businesses to minimise the risk exposure to the average person. While government regulations provide some protection, they are not tackling the root of the problem. Opinion leaders are increasingly driving for reform at the source - for individuals to take charge of their own data through data self-sovereignty. We hear from Dataswift’s CEO, Professor Irene Ng about the transformative and disruptive concept of decentralised, self-sovereign data.

Can machines know our thoughts? Does time stop on the moon? Is Keanu Reeves going to be the Last of Us? That’s some Weird Science.

Incite Foodtech Sdn Bhd, a fast-growing food tech venture, recently acquired Eatcosys Sdn Bhd, a homegrown retail technology solutions provider that was recently recognised by KPMG and HSBC as one of the “emerging Malaysian unicorns.” Together they are looking to create ASEAN's First Retail Tech Ecosystem. Combining their expertise, Incite Foodtech and Eatcosys aim to provide diverse solutions for both B2B and B2C segments.

Forget Skynet. The machine invasion is already here. It’s you search engine. Bot-assisted search is the future. But what kind of future will that be?

Due to evolving economic pressures, ADB revised its 2023 growth forecast to 4.7 percent for ASEAN as global demand weakens. As such, the financial services sector must pivot their digital transformation efforts to lower costs, boost operational efficiency, and provide modern user experiences while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.Modernising IT infrastructure is a vital step in digital transformation- but it is known to be a costly, time consuming, and risky project. How can the financial services sector move to modernise their IT landscape successfully and cost-effectively?

History is a wild and savage place. And one day that wild and savage place will be us. Will future societies cringe at our selfies, food shots and obsession with screens?

Bingbots, algo-cheating, taped-up batteries, aliens and Neanderthals are just some of the topics Mattsplained is weirding out with todayPhoto Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

With his recent appointment to CEO at Pertama Digital, Saify brings with him a multitude of experience in the tech business space. He has built and expanded technology enterprises around the globe, beginning with Uber's entry into Malaysia's market in 2014 and GrabCar's entry into Malaysia's market in 2015. We discuss the Malaysian tech-space – what we have and don’t have, and how to fill in the gaps, Neobanking, and trending tech topics

Web3 promises to democratise the Internet, and return control to users at the expense of Big Tech. But is it a problem masquerading as a solution?Photo Credit : Kulturpop | MidJourney

The world as we know it is fast changing. As telecommunications network equipment becomes more IP-based, energy consumption requirements have also increased steadily. There is a need to develop new, inexpensive, clean energy sources to fuel the growth of the industry.With demand for wireless infrastructure on the rise accelerating to meet the growing bandwidth for 4G and 5G networks, we may be heading into a world where we would have to build telcos every 500 metres and more antennas on building tops.But, is this solution viable? Is there no better way to reach ultimate connectivity and reduce the carbon footprint in the process?

Smart homes, smart buildings, smart hospitals - The internet of things (IoT) is changing the way that we interact, and live, within these spaces. Automation, energy management, security management and even entertainment, can ultimately simplify your life and give you more free time to do the things that you want to do. But what technology do we need to ensure that we’re getting the automated lifestyle that we desire, and how can this technology be applied to public spaces? We hear from Tharma G, Founder and CEO of bWave.

Does the idea of shape-shifting T-1000 robots terrify you? Science create a robot that can shift from metal to solid, as this week’s Weird Science takes in comets, aquatic dairy farms and more ChatGPT. Photo Credit : Kulturpop | MidJourney

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that some implemented systems such as remote learning were shown to be a viable addition or replacement to traditional school systems. BeLive Technology is the leading provider of live-streaming solutions in Southeast Asia, and their platform employs advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning developed specifically for live video analysis, live shopping and interactive live-streaming. Kenneth believes that adopting live streaming solutions may be a better option for e-learning platforms, as it allows for user interaction and makes the class more dynamic - rather than having students watching a pre-recorded lecture. 

It’s the first Weird Science of 2023. Inside our almanack of insane ideas are an elixir of youth, an insulating superwood and a system that creates a 3D surveillance system from your WiFi box.Photo Credit : Kulturpop | MidJourney

We’ve been talking about digitalisation for months, years even, but why do we still feel the need to talk about it? It’s simple. Adoption. There are still companies out there that still don’t realise, in 2023, that digitalisation is vital to their survival. So why aren’t they adopting? What’s the holdup and how might a holistic approach help sway the naysayers? We’ll be hearing from Jheeva Subramanian about some real life strategies that might help.

Over the past few years, 3D printing has developed significantly and can now perform crucial roles in many applications, with the most common applications being manufacturing, medicine, and architecture. In today’s digital era, Ka Bina believes that 3D printing could help benefit the construction industry and help to provide homes for the B40 group. 

Electric cars, lies and the metaverse. As far as Mattsplained is concerned, it’s all you need to know about 2023. Photo Credit : Kulturpop | MidJourney

Mattsplained went goblin mode in 2022. How else do you cope with Twitter warfare, quiet quitting and crypto collapses? Oh yeah, there was some good stuff about the year, too.Photo Credit : Kulturpop | MidJourney

You’d go to a drinks stall when you’re thirsty, and the clinic when you’re sick. But where do you turn to when you’re recovering from an injury that will change your life forever — like a limb that no longer works? Prosthetics seem to be an answer for most people, but what if you could take that prosthetic and enhance it with robotics? No, this is not a scene from a movie, but very real life.Photo Credit : Shutterstock | 22Images Studio

The buzzwords over the last couple of years have been 'digitalisation', 'pivot', and 'digital transformation'. We managed to sit down with Ben Lim, the Senior Country Manager for Epicor Software to hear how these buzzwords have been turned into action. He also explains how important ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) are to smaller enterprises as we move into 2023. And just what is 'Human Centric Industry 5.0' all about?Photo Credit : Shutterstok | Wright Studio

ChatGPT, a chatbot from OpenAI, has been creating headlines with its incredible ability to generate screenplays, write code and seemingly answer questions on any topic. Sage or snake oil: is it too good to be true?Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

Often with digitalisation comes something else – disruption. And a company as large and as settled as Petronas will likely have some friction when it comes to adopting some digital practices. However, it seems that with Aadrin helming their digital adoption strategies, that friction is somewhat lessened. But what exactly does a Digital Officer do at Petronas and how can they realistically affect change?

It is estimated that Asia’s digital payments sector is on track to exceed $1 trillion in annual revenue within the next two years. According to a joint survey by The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and global data analytics leader, SAS, only 17% of organisations use artificial intelligence or machine learning analytics to detect fraudulent activities. Clearly there is still a lot of potential for growth in terms of utilising advanced technology to prevent fraud. We hear from Keith Swanson of SAS on how Artificial Intelligence can be used to mitigate fraud in the upcoming holiday season.Image Credit: Shutterstock | U-STUDIOGRAPHY DD59

If the Metaverse is the Internet, where does that leave VR? Exploring the Immersive layer of XR – extended reality.Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

Many businesses in Malaysia have a multi cloud strategy, while 80% of them are combining the use of public and private clouds to replace traditional storage infrastructure and also help them scale for growth. This further proves that businesses are on the right trajectory, considering the benefits that cloud solutions offer, like improved security, performance, and reliability. But for some companies they still fall into recognisable pitfalls - including making data an afterthought, and the lack of proper data governance. Siva Subramanian, Head of Data & Analytics Practice at Searce, takes us through these and how to prepare accordingly.Image Credit: Searce Official Website

In part one of our simples guide to the Metaverse, we try to cut through the complexity and corporate clutter to delineate what the metaverse is, and when we’ll get to use it. Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

 In Bangkok earlier this month, the Infocomm SEA event saw vendors and visitors from all over the world gather to display and discuss ideas and products for Hybrid Working. A movement that, based on the event, is very much in full-swing. But is Hybrid Working for everyone? And what are some of the tools available to make Hybrid Working easier, and more productive in the future? And finally, what on earth is 'Flexwashing'? Tune in to find out.

Mass lay-offs, a financial crisis, growing voices of intolerance. And a kitchen sink. No, it isn’t the global economic crisis. It’s Twitter under its new owner, Elon Musk.Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

There have been a lot of HR topics covering how businesses are struggling to attract talent, shortening of working hours, and the new employment act. CXL, a homegrown HR solutions company believes businesses should hire contingent talent and how they can be used effectively.  What tech are they utilising to streamline this process, and how is it helping, or hindering, onboarding?

Want to swap your smartwatch for a quantum one? Or use quantum lasers to navigate without stars? You’re probably more interested in an AI that can train an army of robots, and a probiotic that can help you lose weight.Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

Just a few years ago, Caleb was a teacher who had an interest in mechanical keyboards. Today, Caleb is an entrepreneur with a business designing and selling those keyboards. So why the switch? How much love is there for mechanical keyboards anyway? And why would someone with a stable job decide that launching a business in a very niche market, during a pandemic, was a good idea? Image Credit: Monokei Facebook Page

For decades, nuclear fusion – the power of the sun – has hooked us with a promise of unlimited clean electricity. Now, a new generation of star-ups is set to turn academic theory into market-ready reality. Image Credit: Kulturpop | MidJourney

REKA is a research and development company that specialises in facilitating human-technology interaction through IoT sensing, data visualisations, and autonomous systems that are now in use within organisations across a variety of sectors. Haziq Faris, CEO, REKA, explains how the application of autonomous vehicular technology is plentiful and promises great potential — which is what REKA has set out to prove. Image Credit: REKA Facebook Page

100-year-old livers, contact lens build-up and mind-reading AI meet a 50,000 year-old bison and social and SFX generating neural nets.Image Credit: Unsplash | Jackson Simmer

As part of the ongoing coverage of cybersecurity awareness month, we hear from Palo Alto Networks about just what it’ll take for Malaysia to fully become a ‘Cyber-fit’ nation. But what exactly does the term mean? And what are the steps that we need to take to get there?

A Hot Wheels-looking centrifuge that fires projectiles into space, submarine-cloaking stealth rubber, the science behind bullwhips and a full menu of Musk feature on today’s episode.Image Credit: Unsplash | Jackson Simmer

According to the latest whitepaper from Frost & Sullivan titled, “Modern Cyber-resilience The Transformative Power of Cloud-first Security across Asia-Pacific,” only 23% of enterprises integrate cybersecurity with network management. Most enterprises (73%) use hardware-centric network management, relying on manual provisioning or basic configuration and automation capabilities. Only 4% of enterprises report using fully integrated, software-centric, policy-driven networks with automated network provisioning capabilities. George Loo of Infoblox explains how cloud-managed DDI powers the Infoblox model, allowing enterprises to build faster and more reliable network experiences for users at the edge who want instant access to cloud apps.

For up to a third of the population, sleep is a task that never seems to be completed successfully. Thankfully, a new generation of sleep science is creating individualized approaches to sleep therapy that could see millions of people nodding off peacefully at night. Image Credit: Unsplash | David Clode

The pandemic changed our lifestyle, and many of us turned to online services for our daily needs. This led to a surge of 3 million new digital consumers from 2020. But while digital consumption is becoming more permanently ingrained as a way of life in Malaysia, many Malaysian businesses are still ill-equipped to make the transition, therefore unable to engage consumers where they are most present. Guray Ozturk, Business Development Director of Infobip Malaysia, explains how businesses need to understand the importance of digitalisation, especially in utilising available technologies to deliver customer service that is personable and emotional to engage the growing digital savvy Malaysian consumers. Image Credit: Shutterstock | Black Salmon

It’s time to put your backpack on and join the cyber cockroaches as we look at insect cyborgs, robo-Vader, asteroid impacts, ETH mining and the return of Gawker.Image Credit: Unsplash | Jackson Simmer

It's a sad reality that despite an entrepreneur's best efforts, not all businesses survive the harsh pitfalls of the ever-evolving tech industry. So when business owners can bring their companies back from the precipice of failure, it is a testament to their prowess as shrewd entrepreneurs and strategic thinkers. How did digital tools help with such a turn around?Image Credit: Simbiotik Tech Official Website

Are you quiet quitting or quietly doing your job? Do you need a WhatsApp group to tell you? Or is this simply the impact of a new generation on the workplace?Episode Sources: https://www.wired.com/story/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-crash-hard-drives/Image Credit: Unsplash | benjamin lehman

Established in 2010, Internet Alliance is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a communal space for entrepreneurs in the tech, digital and Internet industries. The association advocates for a brighter digital economy and a space that fosters meaningful connections among tech leaders and entrepreneurs. TK Tan & Sunny Ooi discuss talent retention and IA’s efforts in pushing for better digital and Internet literacy.Image Credit: Shutterstock | Unitone Vector

Human Resource (HR) digitalisation is one of the most significant changes affecting organisations, and has since gained exponential adoption over the years. What methods and procedures should HR execute to keep up with rapid modernisation of the workforce? How can a superapp help solve these problems? We hear from a supplier of one of these super apps Digi-X, and a client, Todak, for a use case.Image Credit: altHR

Are work notifications ruining your life? Do you spend more time reacting to pings than doing your actual work? Are productivity tools ruining your productivity? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.Episode Sources: https://robm.me.uk/2022/08/efficiency-movement/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/25/ping-phone-notifications-off-whatsapp-instagram https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/06/doomscrolling-linked-to-poor-physical-and-mental-health-study-finds https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/06/success/return-to-office-hybrid-mandates/index.html Image Credit: Unsplash | Ellen Qin 

Malaysian giant freshwater Prawns are known worldwide for their size and taste, and are revered at chef’s tables. Despite this, much of the freshwater prawns consumed here in Malaysia are imported, rather than bred here. The industry here in Malaysia was almost lost - and Giva Kuppusamy and his company are hoping to revive it. We talk to Giva about the tech that's at the heart of this industry, and despite international recognition, why the industry is not growing as fast as it could be.Image Credit: GK AQUA SDN BHD Facebook Page

Nuvei is a payments solutions and platform provider that helps customers accelerate their business with modular, flexible and scalable technology to help integrate next-gen payments services into their offerings. Gaming and its popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic, but how important are things like a well designed UI and UX when it comes to monetisation of games?Image Credit: Nuvei Facebook Page

The secret laptop destruct sequence of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, a lawnmowing android, social media intrusion and chewing gum make for some very weird science.Episode Sources: https://www.wired.com/story/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-crash-hard-drives/Image Credit: Unsplash | Kristina Flour

We know going for a regular medical check-up is a crucial way to sustain our health, yet, many people fail to do so. The same can, unfortunately, be said for the cybersecurity of our companies and businesses. Despite us being firmly entrenched in this digitalisation era, many companies in Malaysia are still reluctant to holistically adopt cybersecurity measures which leave their systems and businesses vulnerable to attacks. However, companies like SRKK are continuously working with Malaysia-based companies to enhance business continuity through comprehensive digital transformation accompanied by cybersecurity measures. 

Our minds are crying out for silence in an over-stimulating world. But is silence only for the wealthy? And can too much of it harm rather than help us?Episode Sources: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25533990-700-the-power-of-quiet-the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-silence/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJsuUOuEZ9Q https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2452161304806914 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-51174-001 Image Credit: Unsplash | Kristina Flour 

Whilst many of us choose to print documents less often, there are still companies that rely heavily on printed media. Whether it's for marketing materials, business cards or even simple stationery, there’s still a market for it. Now Singapore’s ExpressPrint is entering the Malaysian market with the help of AI – and just what will this AI be doing?

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and the threat of cybercrime is something that we have to be constantly aware of - especially as many of us are now working from home. But are you proactive or reactive when it comes to safeguarding yours or your company's IT infrastructure?Join us on a special show, as we speak to Dr Saiyid Abdallah Syahir Al-Edrus, the General Manager of Cybersecurity Services at TM One, to find out just how important it is to be proactive.

Headphones that lip read, mouse-rat chimeras, soap-based TV screens and a robot with feelings. With a list like that it must be weird science.Episode Sources: https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/01/smart-glasses-allow-deaf-people-to-see-conversations-with-subtitles-17106685/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2332193-experimental-earphone-can-hear-commands-user-is-silently-mouthing/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2332016-mice-produce-rat-sperm-with-technique-that-could-help-conservation/ https://www.newscientist.com/section/news/page/3/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2332216-home-screening-test-for-oral-or-throat-cancer-has-90-per-cent-accuracy/ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/aug/08/whatsapp-opens-door-silent-exits-annoying-groups-privacy Image Credit: Unsplash | Franco Antonio Giovanella

Air International Thermal Systems was founded in Australia in 1967 by Owen John, after he built an air conditioner for his own Jaguar and discovered a demand for it among other luxury car owners. CEO Rejie Samuel explains how it has evolved over 50 years to various countries. Image Credit: Rejie Samuel | Leaderonomics

Is a smart city a place where digital technology tracks your every move and creates a de facto surveillance state? Or is it simply a place where we use the best of human technology and innovation to create liveable urban spaces? Image Credit: Kulturpop | Substack

Are digital distractions destroying our brains? Are we too detached to remember? Could an Adam Sandler movie have been deeply profound? The disturbing development of digital amnesia.

Anubavam is a company that offers consulting and technology solutions that deliver web and mobile experiences to its clients. With over 150 clients spread across 23 countries, their client base range from large enterprises to emerging tech companies. With their product Creatrix Campus, they aim to help transform and thrive in a rapidly changing world through digital learning, student retention and success, with a specific focus on accreditation and assessments for their higher education clients. We speak to Sivakumar Veerapan, Founder and CEO of Anubavam to hear more about their business.

An AI that creates ghost images from our subconscious, a shotgun-wielding man in hot pants, penguins with accents, and photosynthesis in the dark. That’s some weird science.Image Credit: Unsplash | Alexandra Mirgheș.