AwanBiru Technology Berhad (Awantec) is proud to announce its prestigious win at the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards 2024 in the category of Cloud Service Provider for Public Education. This accolade underscores Awantec’s pivotal role in transforming the educational landscape in Malaysia. Through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education, Awantec has enabled educational institutions across the country to transition seamlessly into the digital age. This ensures that students, from primary school to tertiary level, have access to high-quality education, regardless of their location. En. Azlan Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Awantec, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This win is a testament to Awantec’s unwavering commitment to transforming Malaysia’s digital landscape, particularly in the education sector. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team in delivering innovative cloud solutions that empower educational institutions to adapt to the digital age. Our strategic collaborations with government bodies and industry leaders have been instrumental in delivering scalable and secure cloud solutions tailored to the needs of public education.” He further added, “PIKOM plays a crucial role in the tech industry by not only amplifying tech companies but also connecting every tech player who shares the vision of advancing Malaysia’s digital economy. By championing industry standards and advocating for the needs of the tech community, PIKOM helps create a robust ecosystem where tech companies can innovate, grow, and make a significant impact on the nation’s digital future.”

In an era where digital threats are more prevalent than ever, cybersecurity certification has become crucial for IT personnel. Obtaining a certification in cybersecurity is not just about validating your skills; it's about staying ahead in a fast-evolving field. Here’s why you should consider it. Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and businesses need to protect their digital assets. A cybersecurity certification demonstrates your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. It also ensures that you are equipped with the skills to identify and mitigate potential threats, making you a valuable asset to any organisation. Benefits of Cybersecurity Certification Enhanced Career Prospects Up-to-Date Knowledge Improved Security Posture Credibility Certified professionals are often preferred by employers, leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Certification programs ensure that you stay current with the latest cybersecurity practices and tools. With specialised knowledge, you can help your organisation build a stronger defence against cyber threats. Certifications from recognized institutions, like Rocheston, add credibility to your professional profile. IT personnel are on the front lines of defence against cyber threats. By obtaining certifications, they gain specialised skills to anticipate, detect, and mitigate security risks effectively. Rocheston’s certifications—RCCE, RCCS, and RCCO—are especially valuable and HRD claimable, making them a strategic investment for professionals and organisations alike. RCCE (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer)  focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, providing engineers with the knowledge to design, implement, and maintain robust security architectures. This certification covers a wide range of security technologies and methodologies, equipping engineers to build systems that can withstand sophisticated cyberattacks. RCCS (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Specialist)  offers specialised training for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in specific areas such as network security, ethical hacking, or malware analysis. It is ideal for those who want to focus on hands-on skills to identify vulnerabilities and respond to security threats in real-time. RCCO (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Compliance Officer)  is tailored for professionals responsible for ensuring that organisations adhere to cybersecurity laws, regulations, and standards. This certification teaches compliance officers how to navigate complex regulatory environments, develop comprehensive compliance programs, and ensure their organisations meet industry standards for cybersecurity. Recently, Awantec signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CyberSecurity Malaysia, marking a significant step in upskilling IT personnel through these cybersecurity certifications. This partnership will provide access to high-quality training and resources, empowering IT professionals to achieve RCCE and RCCS certifications. This initiative aligns with Awantec's commitment to enhancing the nation's cybersecurity capabilities by equipping professionals with the necessary skills to protect our digital future. Companies looking to enhance their IT teams' cybersecurity skills should start a conversation with Awantec. Upskilling your team with RCCE and RCCS certifications can significantly strengthen your organisation’s security posture. For more information, contact us at learningsales@awantec.my . Secure your future in cybersecurity today!

In a significant achievement, Google has been named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant™ for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms by Gartner. This prestigious recognition underscores Google's unique ability to meet the needs of customers managing data science and machine learning workloads. With over two decades of experience in integrating AI innovations into large-scale applications like YouTube, Maps, Search, Ads, Workspace, and Photos, Google has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in bringing AI to production on a global scale. AI is deeply embedded in Google's DNA. The company's relentless pursuit of AI excellence is evident in its diverse and sophisticated AI-driven services. At the heart of Google’s AI strategy is Vertex AI, a unified AI platform designed to empower data scientists and their collaborators. Vertex AI combines state-of-the-art AI infrastructure, cutting-edge models, and managed services to facilitate AI-powered digital transformation across enterprises. With its robust capabilities in both predictive and generative AI, Vertex AI enables organisations to unlock new efficiencies and innovations. Benefits of Vertex AI Scalable Infrastructure Comprehensive Tools and Models Collaborative Environment Enhanced Productivity Vertex AI provides access to Google's leading AI infrastructure, ensuring that your AI projects can scale seamlessly from pilot to production, regardless of the size of your data or the complexity of your models. With Vertex AI, organisations can leverage a suite of tools and pre-trained models that accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions. This includes advanced models for image recognition, natural language processing, and more. Vertex AI fosters collaboration between data scientists, developers, and business stakeholders. By offering managed services and streamlined workflows, it helps teams work together more effectively to achieve their AI goals. By automating routine tasks and providing intelligent insights, Vertex AI helps organisations improve productivity and make data-driven decisions. This can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency and business outcomes. For organisations looking to enhance productivity and drive innovation through AI, now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities with Google’s Vertex AI. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to scale existing projects, Vertex AI offers the tools and support you need to succeed. To learn more about how AI can transform your business, contact us today at sales@awantec.my . Let's start the conversation and unlock the full potential of AI for your organisation

In today's fast-paced digital world, seamless communication is crucial for productivity and collaboration. Google Meet, a cornerstone of Google Workspace, continues to innovate, making virtual meetings more efficient and enjoyable. One such innovation is "adaptive audio," a groundbreaking feature that addresses common audio issues when multiple laptops are used in close proximity during meetings. What is Adaptive Audio? Adaptive audio in Google Meet is designed to eliminate awkward echoes and audio feedback, which are common when multiple participants join a meeting from the same room using their own laptops. This feature automatically adjusts the audio settings, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication, regardless of how many devices are in use. The Benefits of Adaptive Audio for Google Workspace Users Enhanced Collaboration:  Adaptive audio allows teams to gather spontaneously without the need for a dedicated video conferencing room. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for organisations with limited resources or those that require frequent, impromptu meetings. Cost-Effective Solution:  By eliminating the need for specialised conference room equipment, adaptive audio helps organisations save on hardware costs. Employees can use their existing laptops, reducing the financial burden of setting up multiple meeting spaces. Seamless Integration:  This feature is available through the Gemini for Google Workspace add-on, ensuring that users can easily incorporate adaptive audio into their existing workflows without any additional setup or training. Improved Meeting Experience:  Adaptive audio enhances the overall meeting experience by providing clear, high-quality sound. This ensures that all participants, whether in the same room or dialling in remotely, can communicate effectively without the distraction of audio issues. Who Can Benefit from Adaptive Audio? Adaptive audio is available to users with work or school accounts, making it an ideal solution for both corporate environments and educational institutions. Organisations already utilising Google Workspace can quickly take advantage of this feature to enhance their meeting capabilities. For those not yet on Google Workspace, adaptive audio offers an additional incentive to make the switch. Don't let audio issues disrupt your meetings any longer. If your organisation is already using Google Workspace, make sure to enable adaptive audio for a superior conferencing experience. For those not yet on Google Workspace, now is the perfect time to make the shift. Contact Awantec at sales@awantec.my to start the conversation and discover how Google Workspace can transform your communication and collaboration efforts. Embrace the future of virtual meetings with adaptive audio and ensure your team stays connected, productive, and engaged.

CYBERJAYA, 30th JULY 2024 - AwanBiru Technology Berhad ("Awantec"), through its subsidiary Awantec Systems Sdn Bhd ("ASSB"), has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with the National Cyber Security Agency ("NACSA"). This strategic partnership aims to enhance, promote, and develop cooperation in cybersecurity technology and talent development, underscoring both parties' commitment to fortifying Malaysia’s cybersecurity landscape. The MoU exchange ceremony took place in conjunction with the launch of the NACSA Cybersecurity Summit 2024 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). The ceremony was presided over by AwanBiru Technology Berhad’s Chief Executive Officer, En. Azlan Zainal Abidin, and National Cyber Security Agency's Chief Executive Officer, Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy bin Megat Tajuddin. The event was witnessed by representatives from both ASSB and NACSA, marking a pivotal moment for Awantec Systems Sdn Bhd, a leading provider in Cloud-based technology solutions and talent development.  Under this MoU, both ASSB and NACSA have committed to jointly develop and implement new technologies in cybersecurity, focusing on innovative solutions to address emerging threats. Additionally, the collaboration will extend to the launch of new cybersecurity initiative geared towards training, upskilling, and meeting industry demands, with an emphasis on providing accessible online learning and job platforms. En. Azlan Zainal Abidin, CEO of AwanBiru Technology Berhad, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This MoU signifies a pivotal moment for both ASSB and NACSA. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to establish a robust cybersecurity ecosystem that not only addresses current challenges but also nurtures future talent." The collaboration between ASSB and NACSA is poised to drive innovation, empower professionals, and fortify Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape. As both parties aspire to pave the way for a safer digital future, this partnership underscores our shared commitment towards excellence and continuous advancement in cybersecurity technology, talent development and education.

The Company wishes to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Awantec Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“ASSB”) had on 1 August 2024 entered into a Service Agreement with Sabah Net Sdn. Bhd. (“SNSB”) for the subscription of Google Workspace Enterprise Starter License (“Google License”) (“Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, ASSB is to provide Google Licences to SNSB for a period of five (5) years commencing on 1 August 2024 and expiring on 31 July 2029 (“Agreement Period”), unless otherwise earlier terminated following the provisions of the Agreement. Source: https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3470391

The cybersecurity landscape in Malaysia has undergone a significant transformation with the recent approval of the Cyber Security Bill 2024 by the Malaysian Parliament on 27 March 2024. This bill establishes a robust regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the nation's cyber resilience. Central to this framework are the 11 sectors identified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), including banking, energy, health, and telecommunications. These sectors are now mandated to adhere to stringent cybersecurity protocols to safeguard against the ever-evolving cyber threats. In response to this legislative milestone, Awantec has partnered with CompTIA and Rocheston to offer cutting-edge cybersecurity certification programs. These certifications are designed to equip organisations with the necessary skills to fortify their defences against cyber attacks, ensuring their IT personnel are proficient in the latest cybersecurity practices. CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications CompTIA is renowned for its comprehensive cybersecurity certifications, which include Security+, CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst), and PenTest+ (Penetration Testing). These certifications are globally recognized and emphasise practical skills and knowledge essential for combating modern cyber threats. Key features include: Security+:  Focuses on core security functions, emphasising risk management, incident response, and network security. CySA+:  Designed for security analysts, it covers advanced threat detection and response techniques. PenTest+:  Prepares professionals for penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking. Rocheston’s RCCE, RCCS, and RCCO Certifications Rocheston’s certification programs are tailored to address various aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring a comprehensive skill set for IT professionals. These include: RCCE (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer):  Offers in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, and cryptography. RCCS (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Specialist):  Focuses on specialised areas like IoT security, blockchain, and AI in cybersecurity. RCCO (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Operations):  Concentrates on operational aspects, including incident management, threat intelligence, and security operations centre (SOC) management. What sets these certifications apart is their blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. They are designed to be rigorous yet accessible, ensuring participants can immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Awantec’s collaboration with CompTIA and Rocheston aligns with its vision to build a cybersecurity nation. This partnership includes offering nearly a 50% discount on CompTIA's cybersecurity certifications, making these essential courses more accessible than ever before. This unprecedented affordability ensures that organisations of all sizes can upskill their workforce without financial strain. Organisations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and equip their IT personnel with top-tier skills should not miss this opportunity. Contact learningsales@awantec.my  to start the conversation and take the first step towards a more secure digital future. By partnering with industry leaders and offering affordable certification programs, Awantec is committed to empowering Malaysia’s cybersecurity professionals and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.

In last month's newsletter, we explored how Gemini AI empowers educators and students to unlock their full potential. By facilitating smart content creation, personalised feedback, efficient grading, collaborative learning, and enhanced research, Gemini AI has already made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape. This month, we delve deeper into how Gemini AI continues to revolutionise the future of education with its advanced features designed to streamline research, enhance communication, and provide comprehensive support for students and educators alike. Streamlining the Research Process Imagine having a speedy research assistant at your disposal. Gemini AI can quickly gather, summarise, and organise large amounts of information, making the research process more efficient than ever. Students and educators can rely on Gemini to sift through text, identify credible sources, and summarise complex concepts. This allows students to jumpstart their research and focus more on analysis and understanding rather than spending hours gathering data. Instant Email Recaps Keeping up with emails can be overwhelming, but Gemini AI makes it easier by providing instant email recaps. Integrated with Gmail, Gemini can summarise lengthy email threads, allowing users to get up to speed in just a click. This feature ensures that educators and students stay informed and can quickly grasp the essence of any conversation, saving valuable time and improving productivity. Automated Note-Taking in Google Meet Taking notes during meetings can distract from the discussion at hand. With Gemini AI in Google Meet, note-taking is put on autopilot. Gemini captures notes during meetings, allowing participants to focus on the discussion and be fully present. This feature is particularly beneficial for educators who need to concentrate on the content being discussed rather than documenting every detail. Enhanced Research and Understanding For students aged 18 and above, Gemini AI offers robust support in conducting thorough research. By identifying sources and summarising complex concepts, Gemini helps students deepen their understanding of various topics. This guided support enables students to confidently learn intricate subjects and ask questions they might hesitate to ask in class. Creating Practice Materials Mastering challenging topics becomes easier with Gemini AI. Students can generate practice questions, study guides, and personalised quizzes tailored to their specific needs. This feature allows students to focus on areas where they need improvement and provides a more personalised learning experience. Efficient Communication and Project Planning Gemini AI also streamlines communication and project planning for educators. With Gemini in Google Docs, educators can quickly draft and organise messages for their community, jump-start big projects, and create detailed project plans using templates in Google Sheets. Additionally, Gemini helps in generating agendas to keep sessions organised and on schedule, ensuring that educators can efficiently manage their time and resources. Enhancing Presentations with Custom Visuals Bringing presentations to life is now easier with Gemini AI in Google Slides. Educators and students can generate custom visuals to visualise complex concepts, making them more digestible and engaging. This feature not only enhances understanding but also inspires creativity in presenting information. Gemini AI saves time by speeding up time-consuming tasks, making learning more personal by tailoring content to individual needs, and inspiring creativity with fresh ideas and approaches. By empowering students with AI-guided support, Gemini helps them learn confidently and efficiently. We invite educational institutions already on Google Workspace or those yet to sign up to contact us at sales@awantec.my  and start a conversation about how Gemini AI can transform their educational experience. Embrace the future of education with Gemini AI and unleash your potential today.

Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape has rapidly evolved with increased digitalisation across sectors. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures. The Malaysian government has enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure through initiatives like the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM). Despite these efforts, organisations must adopt advanced security solutions to stay ahead of cyber threats. Google Security Operations, along with Mandiant's expertise, offers an effective solution to these challenges. The Perfect Combination of Technology and Expertise Google Security Operations is a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise. This platform provides businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to defend against both advanced and emerging threats. Mandiant's threat hunters, guided by their extensive understanding of threat actors, use the scale and speed of Google Security Operations to quickly identify anomalies, reducing the time attackers can remain undetected in your environment. Disrupting Attacks with Elite Threat Hunters Our experts bring a unique perspective, continuously honing their intuition for attacker behaviour through exposure to critical cyber attacks. This enables them to stay a step ahead of potential threats. The intelligence-led approach of Mandiant's threat hunting is defined by the latest intel from frontline engagements and vast telemetry from VirusTotal and Google. This human-led approach has exposed a wide range of threat actors, including insiders, financially motivated criminals, and state-sponsored hackers. Confidently Defending Against the Latest Threats Mandiant experts keep pace with evolving threats and proactively adapt their hunting scenarios based on frontline experiences. This dynamic approach helps identify new tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers. Organisations can make informed decisions with a comprehensive understanding of threats from hunt results, which are mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK® framework. This mapping enables organisations to see which controls were subverted and take decisive action to strengthen their defences. Seamlessly Powering Hunts Across All Your Data Google Security Operations allows hunters to analyse cloud and EDR data at scale, finding hidden threats from both the present and the past. With 12 months of hot retention, hunters can perform retroactive analysis against new threats or behaviours. The platform’s sub-second query capability ensures that frontline knowledge is quickly integrated and applied across the customer base, enabling rapid and effective threat detection. Google Security Operations stands out from other security platforms due to its intelligence-driven, AI-powered approach, combined with the expertise of Mandiant threat hunters. This unique combination ensures that businesses are not only equipped with the best tools but also supported by top-tier professionals who understand the intricacies of cyber threats. Organisations looking to leverage this advanced, intelligence-driven, and AI-powered security operations platform should not wait. Start the conversation today by contacting sales@awantec.my  to protect your business against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The Company wishes to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Awantec Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“ASSB”) has been awarded a contract for “Langganan Google Workspace for Education Plus Bagi Sekolah-Sekolah Di Bawah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia” (“Letter of Award”) to the Ministry of Education (“MOE”). MOE issued the Letter of Award to ASSB on 1 July 2024 and ASSB accepted it on 4 July 2024. The formalisation of the agreement between MOE and ASSB is currently underway. Under this award, ASSB will provide Cloud-based solutions, such as Google Workspace for Education and Google Cloud Platform to all schools under MOE. This award is a renewal of the contract previously awarded by MOE to ASSB for the supply of “Perisian G Suite Enterprise For Education Bagi Sekolah-Sekolah Di Bawah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia” for a term of three (3) years, effective from 9 July 2021 until 8 July 2024, which was duly announced by AWANTEC on 9 July 2021. The duration of the contract is thirty-six (36) months, commencing on 9 July 2024 and expiring on 8 July 2027. The value of the contract is RM25,687,684.16 (inclusive of applicable Sales and Service Tax). Source: https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3461867

AwanBiru Technology Berhad, with over 20 years of industry excellence, introduces Awantec TalentXchange—your gateway to exceptional talent and career opportunities. As a trusted technology and talent services provider, we connect top-tier talent with leading organisations, ensuring mutual growth and success. Trusted Connections: Through strategic partnerships with the public sector and top companies, Awantec TalentXchange offers unparalleled access to premium career opportunities. This opens doors to your next career milestone, making us a valuable ally in your professional journey. Expert Guidance: Our recruitment specialists bring years of industry expertise to the table, ensuring a strategic match between talent and organisational needs. This expert guidance guarantees that you find the right fit for your company or your next career move. AI-Powered Upskilling: We elevate skills with personalised AI algorithms and data-driven insights. Our collaboration with Skillsoft Percipio provides lifelong continuous learning access to 25,000 courses and over 160 professional industry certifications, empowering candidates to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. TalentXchange Platform: Revolutionising the job-seeking experience, our user-friendly TalentXchange Platform promotes transparency and efficiency. This virtual marketplace streamlines the process for both employers and job seekers, ensuring a seamless experience. Proven Track Record: Join thousands of satisfied employers and job seekers who have found success through our platform. Awantec TalentXchange is trusted by many for its reliability and results. Our comprehensive suite of services covers the entire recruitment spectrum: Our innovative approach, coupled with cutting-edge technology, enhances the recruitment process, making it efficient and effective. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, helping build dynamic, innovative teams ready to tackle today’s global market challenges. Awantec TalentXchange is your trusted partner in talent acquisition and workforce management. Let's unlock the full potential of human capital together, driving success, innovation, and growth. Interested in elevating your hiring process? Contact us at careertx@awantec.my to start your discussion today.

In today's data-driven world, organisations are constantly seeking ways to harness the power of data to drive smarter business decisions. Google BigQuery, an integral part of the Google Cloud Platform, offers a comprehensive solution to transform raw data into actionable insights, leveraging the power of AI. Let's delve into how BigQuery addresses the challenges businesses face and the transformative potential it brings. Current Challenges in Business Decision-Making Most insights are trapped inside unstructured data: A significant portion of valuable business information resides in unstructured data like emails, social media posts, and customer reviews. Extracting insights from this data is challenging without advanced tools. Real-time intelligence is needed in this more personalised and dynamic environment: In a fast-paced world, timely insights are crucial. Businesses need real-time data processing to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs. Time and complexity from data to insights are long due to fragmented tools not designed to talk to each other: The traditional data processing pipeline often involves multiple tools and platforms that don't integrate well, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. Governance was already a top concern and AI made it more critical than ever: With the rise of AI, ensuring data governance and compliance has become even more essential. Organisations need robust frameworks to manage data securely and ethically. Businesses struggle with people efficiencies and platform efficiencies: Many organisations face challenges in optimising their workforce and technology stack, which can hinder their ability to derive value from data. Transforming Business with BigQuery, AI, and Gemini BigQuery is a powerful, fully-managed, and serverless data warehouse that allows organisations to analyse vast amounts of data quickly. It provides a unified platform that integrates seamlessly with various data sources, reducing complexity and enabling faster time-to-insight. AI Activation on Business Data: By integrating AI capabilities, BigQuery allows businesses to automate the extraction of insights from both structured and unstructured data. Machine learning models can be built and deployed within BigQuery to provide predictive analytics and more profound business insights. Gemini, Always-On Data Intelligence: Gemini ensures continuous data intelligence by providing real-time analytics and insights. This always-on approach means businesses can stay ahead of trends and make proactive decisions. Advantages of BigQuery Scalability: Handle massive datasets effortlessly. Speed: Execute complex queries in seconds. Cost-Effective: Pay only for the data you query. Integration: Seamlessly connects with various data sources and Google Cloud services. Security and Governance: Advanced security features and compliance tools. Don't let valuable insights remain hidden in your data. Leverage the power of BigQuery to transform your business decisions. Google Cloud Platform users should start making use of BigQuery now to unlock new levels of efficiency and insight. Organisations looking to switch to Google Cloud can start their discussions with Awantec by contacting sales@awantec.my. Start your journey to smarter business decisions today!