Branded Content

Asia-Pacific Cyber Champs

by FG Media | Mar 13, 2019 | Branded Content

Kuala Lumpur, 4 March 2019: Four students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) brought pride to their university and the country as they emerged as the Champion Team at the 2019 Ernst & Young (EY) Asia-Pacific Cyber Hackathon Challenge.

The Hackathon took place in Hong Kong on 3rd March 2019. It was an international arena for top universities from across the Asia-Pacific to compete on strategic thinking, reasoning and technical programming skills. University teams from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia were amongst the finalists.

All participating teams were required to work on a real-life cyber experience that challenges them to ‘capture the flags’ by completing various custom-made scenarios.

Team “FetchOrbis” from APU comprising Yap Chee Sing, Mun Chee Wah, Imran Esack Dawoodjee and Hassan Zayan Azzam from the School of Computing & Technology (SoCT) achieved the most points at the end of the challenge. They eventually championed the challenge and walked away with HKD20,000 (equivalent to RM10,380).

The students are part of the Cyber Security and Software Engineering programmes at APU. This is their first time participating in the EY Asia-Pacific Cyber Hackathon Challenge.

“This has been an incredible learning experience for us as we are still very new to the competitive scene. The competition emulated real world environments and scenarios really well and it certainly was challenging,” expressed Hassan Zayan Azzam, member of team “FetchOrbis”, as he recalled the memorable experience.

“Congratulations Team FetchOrbis! They made us proud by demonstrating not only knowledge and skills in cyber security but also the necessary passion, dedication, team-spirit, problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence to be able to withstand the demands and pressure which comes in any hackathon,” expressed Surpriya Singh, Head of School of Technology, APU.

APU is recognized with excellence in promoting cyber security education and awareness, as it was awarded the Gold Medal at the Cyber Security Excellence Awards 2019 – “Best CyberSecurity Education Provider” Category. The selection was done by cybersecurity insiders in partnership with the Information Security Community on LinkedIn, tapping into the vast experience of over 400,000+ cybersecurity professionals to honour the world’s best cybersecurity products, professionals and organizations.

APU students under the Cyber Security programme have been actively participating in various competitions, such as the KPMG Cyber Challenge and F-Secure CyberSecurity Competition, in which they attained championships in these competitions as well. Malaysia’s first Cyber Security Talent Zone at APU promotes practical learning experience, where students are exposed to practical learning experience through the sophisticated infrastructure, that generates real-time data for cyber threats and traffic monitoring. APU’s Cybersecurity Talent Zone is a clear and perfect example of how APU collaborates closely with industry leading organisations to expose students to best-in-class technologies and systems. In addition, a full-fledged Cyber Threats Simulation and Response Centre (also known as a Cyber Range) is also located within the Cyber Security Talent Zone.)

APU’s team FetchOrbis demonstrated outstanding problem solving skills and excellent technical skills at the EY Asia Pacific Global Hackathon held in Hong Kong.

About Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is amongst Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities. APU offers a wide range of degree programmes in Technology that aim to nurture students into professionals and prepare them for challenging careers and roles in business and society globally. The multi-cultural student community comprises 12,000 students from over 130 countries. APU has earned an enviable reputation as an award-winning University through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels. It was announced as among the Highest Rated Universities in Malaysia, being rated at TIER 5 (EXCELLENT) under the SETARA 2011, 2013 and 2017 Ratings by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Internationally, APU also achieved 5-Stars Ratings at the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in four categories – Teaching, Employability, Facilities and Inclusiveness.

APU houses industrial-grade facilities to provide exposure to students under the real-time environment. The APU Cyber Security Talent Zone (pic) is the first-of-its-kind in Malaysia that trains students practically to handle cyber threats based on real-life cases.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

Click Here

Financial FREEdom to owning a home

by FG Media | Mar 8, 2019 | Branded Content, Property

In response to the government’s efforts to stimulate the residential property sector, IOI Properties Group has unveiled a host of home ownership incentives under an unprecedented ‘IOI F.R.E.E. Ownership’ campaign.

Announced by Finance Minister YB Lim Guan Eng in January 2019, under the government’s Home Ownership Campaign (HOC), buyers are exempted from paying stamp duty on the transfer of property priced up to RM1 million and stamp duty on the loan documents for properties priced up to RM2.5 million.

Taking advantage of this, the ‘IOI F.R.E.E. Ownership’ campaign takes things one step further for greater savings.

Encapsulating the program’s benefits, the name ‘IOI F.R.E.E.’ is an abbreviation for Flexible financing options, Rebates, Extra rebates and Exemptions on stamp duties.

The best time is now to own your dream home!

Flexible Financing:

IOI Pay Later Buy Now helps prospective homeowners move forward with the next phase of their lives. Eligible prospects will enjoy a low down payment and an extended period of 5 years to settle their differential sum payments, free of interest!

With the flexibility afforded under this program, homebuyers will get extra cash in hand, and would be able to go ahead with their other plans, such as marriage, investment or renovating and decorating their new home during the 5 year deferment period!

Need more cash? There’s more! Free up some cash and reduce your monthly instalment payment by opting to service only the loan interest (without the repayment of principal loan sum) for the first 5 years of the loan tenure.

IOI Rent To Own as the name suggests, allows homebuyers to stay in a home of their choice now and own it later, and it also comes with a rental refund of up to 100% that goes towards offsetting the property purchase price. This campaign is specially tailored to give homebuyers a head start in owning their home. Homebuyers are presented with plenty of time to beef up their loan eligibility, save up for a down payment or even try out the development before committing.

Rebates:

This is the time for rebates and more rebates. For a start, homebuyers can enjoy a minimum of 10% discount. On top of that, IOI Properties has lined up a host of additional rebates for a host of award-winning developments just for this ‘IOI F.R.E.E Ownership’ campaign period. What’s more, IOI LiVO members get to enjoy a further discount on top of the additional rebates!

Exemptions:

In addition to the government’s waiver of stamp duties for both MOT & loan documents, IOI Properties is covering all SPA & loan legal fees. Collectively, the extra cash in hand, discounts, rebates and free legal fees add up to a hefty and neat savings for homebuyers.
Encouraging homebuyers to move fast, IOI Properties Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Jason Tie said “The best time is now. There is no better time to buy a property! It has been announced that the stamp duty exemptions are applicable to all buyers and not just for first time homebuyers. Homebuyers should act now before 30th June 2019 to enjoy all the incredible savings.”

For more information on the IOI F.R.E.E Ownership campaign

Click Here

Refurbishment of water facilities to increase water supply storage for customers

by FG Media | Mar 7, 2019 | Branded Content

KUALA LUMPUR: Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) has taken initiatives to refurbish 164 service reservoirs and 55 pump houses in stages from 2017 to 2026.

The demand for potable water has been rising sharply with rapid development in the state of Selangor and to ensure the stability of supply in the distribution network, the inactive facilities had to be recommissioned.

These facilities were deactivated previously due to deteriorating conditions such as ageing, leaking and rusty tanks, as well as due to vandalism which led to missing critical equipment.

Air Selangor had identified all these inactive facilities and outlined a refurbishment plan in which these facilities were given a new lease of life to provide additional storage.

As at December 2018, Air Selangor has carried out the refurbishment of 35 inactive service reservoirs and pump houses to improve the storage volume of potable water in the distribution network.

A total of 147.341 million litres per day (MLD) had been added to the distribution system in 2018 with the refurbishment of these water facilities.

The refurbishment effort will help to improve the sustainability of water supply, particularly in water stressed areas, where demand is always high. This will also provide more storage reserve in times of water interruption due to scheduled maintenance or emergencies. Simply put, the duration of water interruption for customers can be minimised as these reservoirs act as reserve supplies for the premises in the vicinity.

Since 2017, Air Selangor has allocated about RM30.6 million for the refurbishment of these facilities with funding from the State Government grant as well as internal funds from Air Selangor.

In 2019, Air Selangor is planning to refurbish approximately 45 inactive reservoirs and pump houses. This is another one of the many initiatives undertaken by Air Selangor to improve water supply service to its customers.

Some of the recently refurbished assets include the reservoir

Motor Control Centre panel for pump and motor operations

SIBS 2019 opens its doors to the Global Business Community

by FG Media | Mar 1, 2019 | Branded Content, Lifestyle

Invest Selangor Berhad will host its 3 rd Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) on 10-13 October 2019, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bringing together global brands and congregating industry players from the world under the patronage of State Government of Selangor. The four-day summit comprises four main components as follow:

• Selangor International Expo 2019, 5 th edition, 10-13 October 2019
• Selangor-ASEAN Business Conference 2019, 3 rd Edition, 10-11 October 2019
• Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention, 4 th Edition, 11-13 October 2019
• Selangor R&D and Innovation Expo, 10-13 October 2019

“The Selangor International Business Summit is an annual international summit that caters specifically in positioning the state as a prominent catalyst in the South East Asian region”, said Yang Berhormat Dato’ Teng Chang Khim, Selangor State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Investment, Industry & Commerce and Small & Medium Enterprise (SME), during the Press Conference of Selangor International Business Summit 2019 today. “In the current situation, Selangor continues to play its role as the most competitive Gateway to ASEAN and the Global Trading Hub – where local and international businesses can build and strengthen their presence in ASEAN. Furthermore, SIBS provide the avenue as not only the gateway into the Malaysian market but more importantly, continues to serve as a springboard to tap into the broader ASEAN market, home for over 600 million consumers and more than 200 of the world’s largest companies”, Dato’ Teng further adds.

SIBS tagged as the largest state-wide trade summit aims to provide a platform for Malaysian and International companies in the industry to forge trade relations and exchange knowledge in business and product innovation. With this encouraging support from local and international companies, it is evident more companies across the globe are recognising the value of investing in Selangor International Business Summit, and this supported by the fact a higher number of renowned companies are interested in collaborating with SIBS this year. SIBS 2019 is also set to offer a broader range of opportunities and exposure. Get ready to expect more than just a diverse glimpse into international products and services as SIBS 2019 will host more than 700 booths from over 40 countries and is expected to receive more than 30,000 trade visitors for the four days event endorsed by Malaysia External Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad as the official airline partner.

【Modern Home Exhibition】Mid Valley Exhibition Centre43rd Modern Home FairFriday – Sunday (March 8 – 10)

by FG Media | Feb 28, 2019 | Branded Content, Lifestyle

For those who are looking to refurbish your new home, we’ve got something for you! This coming Friday to Sunday (March 8 – 10) for three days in a row, Malaysia’s most well known home exhibition【Modern Home Exhibition】will be held in Mid Valley Exhibition Centre. There will be big brands attending this fair with loads of deals and promotions! Don’t miss out on this fair if you’d like to compare amongst brands and find the best deal for your new home, all in one site!

1. The 43rd Modern Home Exhibition will be held from 8 March to 10 March at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.

2. There will be more than 350 exhibition booths and over 120 companies attending this fair to provide you with all kinds of furniture options for your new home. From furnitures with a modern look to those with leading edge technology, they’ve got it all at the Modern Home Exhibition, making it an even better reason for you to visit.

3. Visit the Modern Home Exhibition for over 35 different styles and various promotions on the best wardrobes and kitchen cabinets in town.

4. With over 20 mattress companies attending the exhibition and bringing you leading edge technology on their products, you’ll definitely find the right bed for your desired comfort level.

5. There will also be deals on CCTV and Automatic gates for you to choose from.

6. For those who are looking for household items that alleviates the trouble of cleaning and cooking, this is the best place to be as there will be deals on the most important household appliances. From cleaning products to fruit mixers and even kitchen appliances that simplifies the cooking process, you’ll be able to find them all at the Modern Home Exhibition.

7. Families wishing to upgrade or add new wardrobes to meet growing needs will find many of the latest designs with affordable prices at the exhibition.

8. Customers who spend more than RM1000 in the 43rd Modern Home Fair will receive RM1300 travel vouchers to major cities in China, Bali and Chieng Mai. This travel voucher entitles one to free hotel accommodation, free meals and free entry to various attractions for the entire trip.

Gold Rain and Hailstones kicks off ICT 30th anniversary

by FG Media | Feb 28, 2019 | Branded Content, Lifestyle, people

The Instant Café Theatre Company turns 30 this year. To begin the year, ICT is in the process of restaging Gold Rain and Hailstones as the opening of a programme of Malaysian writers, voices and stories. Gold Rain and Hailstones by Jit Murad is a seminal work in Malaysian theatre history.

It was Jit Murad’s first play, originally staged in 1993 to huge public and critical acclaim. Jit and his plays inspired a generation of Malaysian writers in both film and theatre, and he counted such people as the late, great Yasmin Ahmad among his close friends. His plays also delighted a generation of theatre goers who loved his wit, his warmth, his ingenuity, his way with words and his very Malaysian humour.

There are a number of reasons for restaging this play now. One is because it is an important play that has particular resonance for us Malaysians today. Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik lagi negeri sendiri as the old saying goes. Whether that is true or not is the subject of the play. Another reason is to introduce Jit Murad and his work to a new generation of Malaysian theatre makers. We hope this restaging of Gold Rain can inspire another burst of creativity just as it did before. Originally directed by the then ‘up and coming’ young director Zahim Albakri, it was performed by Jit Murad himself and Lin Jafaar. Now the task of directing has been given to another ‘up and coming’ theatre and film director, Gavin Yap, whose second major feature film will be released in April. This play marks his return to theatre after a period honing his craft in cinema. Ultimately, he intends to turn the play into a feature film. The play features an impressive cast of strong, young actors: Sharifah Amani, Redza Minhat, Farah Rani and Ghafir Akbar.

Why are stories like Gold Rain and Hailstones important?

Because in this new and promising era, the people of Malaysia need to have their stories told and their voices heard. Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik laginegeri sendiri is the reality today.

But people want to speak, to know if they can speak without fear, to ask questions, form their own opinions, debate, make informed decisions more than before. Good theatre creates the environment for intellectual and creative liveliness. It sparks curiosity; feeds inventiveness; stimulates creative thinking and leads to creative solutions; it nourishes critical thinking and forms independently-minded people who are not easily led.

The purpose of theatre is to share stories, to provide a place where we can listen deeply to each other. Good theatre tells the diverse stories that we must hear if we are to have a better understanding of those outside our immediate communities. It generates empathy, develops kindness and cultivates generous, open-minded, tolerant individuals.

Theatre provides an outlet for the dispossessed, the disadvantaged, the voiceless and invisible, the youth from troubled backgrounds, the middle class liberal who feels under attack, the quiet conservative who feels she cannot express her opinion safely. As in the Malay tradition, good theatre can be a place of healing and emotional growth for the community, a soothing balm and an avenue to explore and come to terms with some of life’s harsh realities.

ICT has always been a ‘people’s theatre’, giving equal value to theatre and its audience. It believes in breaking through protocols and in making theatre for everyone. It hopes to make us all feel braver to say what is on our mind – singly and as a collective. There is no one opinion that is right or wrong. It wants theatre viewers to see themselves as a diverse but homogenous lot – people seeking to express themselves or to see their experiences reflected. Through its political satire it has tried to speak Truth to Power; through its current New Malaysian Writing platforms – FIRSTWoRKS and ALMoST TRUE SToRIES – it wants to help nurture new Malaysian writers who have written in Malay, English, Chinese and a mixture of all those languages, to tell much-needed new Malaysian stories. Through its workshops and education outreach it has sought to share knowledge; through its international collaborations, tours and workshops it has sought to bring Malaysia to the world and the world to Malaysia.

What inspired you to write Gold Rain and Hailstones? And why is the play timely for a restaging?

I can’t recall the original ‘inspiration’, to be honest. It was a long time ago. Something about the guilt and defensiveness of my own ‘dislocation’ as ordained by my own society… and perhaps a subtler point that being ‘different’ was planted even BEFORE the overseas experience? Maybe in the current climate we feel more latitude to express individuality? Bear in mind, I rather hope it speaks to ‘mutts’ of ALL ilk and races. I am forced to acknowledge that this was a young man’s play. Ultimately we arrive at reconciliation with our society in our OWN ways.

How do you hope the play will be received this time around? And would you have changed anything in the script?

I suppose I hope they’ll watch the play with the above sentiments. With nostalgia – and much kindness. To be frank, It was what I wrote at a certain point in my Life. It’s become a fossil in quartz, as it were – and special to me for that fact.

What’s keeping you busy lately?

Working on a new play. Ideas bristling like porcupine quills – but youth’s focus and bravado eludes me these days.

Will you be watching the play?

Damn right I’ll be watching the play! Every night, probably…I just hope I still have enough clout to get a fortnight of comps!

About the play

The Instant Café Theatre Company presents GOLD RAIN & HAILSTONES
by Jit Murad

Directed by: Gavin Yap

Featuring: Ghafir Akbar, Sharifah Amani, Redza Minhat, Farah Rani

Venue: DPAC Theatre

Performance Dates & Times

March 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @ 8.30PM

March 2, 3, 9, 10 @ 3PM

Tickets: RM65, RM50

Golden Tickets: Be a Golden Ticket Buyer! Instant Café is dedicated to the idea of keeping ticket prices low! You can help us do that by buying a Golden Ticket for only RM150. A Golden Ticket gets you absolutely nothing but a warm special feeling that you have played some part in subsidizing theatre tickets and spreading the love of theatre in Malaysia. Yes, you have now become an Instant Patron of the Arts. Oh and you also get a choice of the best seats in the house. It doesn’t get any more Golden than that.

DPAC Box Office: www.dpac.com.my; 03-4065 0001, 03-4065 0002

Golden Tickets available at dpac or by emailing us at: [email protected]

Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn Bhd Bank Details: RHB, 2140 3500 133 062

View Website

Gold Rain and Hailstones is a Malaysian classic by acclaimed playwright Jit Murad. It was first staged to critical acclaim in 1993, hailed as the best play of the year, moving audiences to laughter and tears. In conjunction with the production we will be holding writing workshops, talkback sessions and a Masterclass. This is the opening production to mark Instant Café’s 30th Anniversary. We are still in need of funding to stage this play. To find out more about how you can support Instant Café, this play and our work please contact us at [email protected]