Cyberjaya, 8 March 2023 - Awantec Systems Sdn Bhd (“ASSB” a fully-owned subsidiary of AwanBiru Technology Berhad), continues to equip talents and organisations in line with digital industrialisation by entering into an Instructor Contractor Agreement with Global Knowledge, a worldwide leader in IT and technology training, a subsidiary company of Skillsoft Pacific Pte Ltd. This partnership will strengthen ASSB’s position as Malaysia’s leading provider of digital learning solutions by delivering both pertinent and cutting-edge training solutions to talents and organisations. Through this collaboration, ASSB is given the right to provide training based on the demands from Global Knowledge clients in the APAC region. “Talents and organisations need to be adaptable especially in these digital-first settings where there is an increased adoption of AI, technology and automation. Consequently, new and improved skills are constantly in demand. ASSB’s partnership with Global Knowledge is timely as it allows talents and organisations to fully unlock their tech skills and unleash their potential. This partnership will also allow ASSB to extend our presence and to provide training services throughout the APAC region, a market with plenty of promise and capacity for expansion” Director, Talent and Development, Dr Peter Lee Fuei Siong said. As the nation’s leading digital transformer, Awantec has always been determined to focus on its core DNA, the confluence between talent and technology. Since their establishment, they have been the main channel that supports their customers, teams, and partner organisations to innovate, improvise talents, find creative solutions, and raise the standard of accomplishments through innovative training and industries-based solutions. With the products and solutions from Global Knowledge as the foundation of Awantec’s training materials and knowledge, Awantec will now be able to give professional and practical training as subject-matter experts and offer workable solutions to both the commercial and government sectors, not only in Malaysia but also in Asia-Pacific. The surge in technological changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the work pattern, changes in customer behaviour, global recession and loss of jobs - resulting in the necessity for existing staff to adapt and upgrade their skills. This ASSB and Global Knowledge partnership can close the skills gap that is happening in most organisations today. “Upskilling not only improves the employees morale and increases productivity, it also ensures a flexible, agile workforce and enables the employees growth and development. Therefore, learning and development need to be integral in the company’s culture. Organisations should take the advantage of the training tools and resources available via Global Knowledge’s training module to eliminate the skill gap that is happening in their organisation.” Dr. Peter Lee Fuei Siong added.

In this digital era, organisations are becoming more and more dependent on technology to conduct business. With this increased reliance on technology, the threat of cyber-attacks has also risen. It is crucial for organisations to secure their networks, systems, and applications to minimise the risk of a cyber attack. This is where Rocheston Vines comes in. One of the key offerings from Rocheston is its Vulnerability Vines, a state-of-the-art web-based vulnerability scanner. This innovative solution utilises the latest NVD, CVE, and Mitre Attack databases to provide organisations with a complete security assessment of their infrastructure. The user-friendly dashboard GUI makes it simple for organisations to understand the results and implement the recommendations provided. Another highlight of Rocheston's offerings is its Rocheston Rosé Cybersecurity Operating System. This Linux-based operating system contains an extensive collection of over 1TB of hacking tools and frameworks, making it one of the most comprehensive hacking operating systems on the market. Not only is it visually appealing, it is also considered to be one of the most powerful cybersecurity solutions available. In addition to its penetration testing services and operating systems, Rocheston also offers a comprehensive RCCE (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer) course. This course is designed to help individuals gain an in-depth understanding of the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. The course covers subjects such as cloud security, IoT security, VR security, and AI security and is delivered through an open-source Rocheston Rose platform containing up-to-date labs and tools. This course is perfect for individuals who want to enhance their cybersecurity skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry. In conclusion, Rocheston Vines provides a complete solution for organisations looking to secure their digital assets. With its comprehensive penetration testing services, advanced operating systems, and comprehensive cybersecurity training programs, Rocheston is well-equipped to help organisations stay ahead of the security curve. Whether you're looking to secure your network, systems, or applications, Rocheston Vines has the expertise and solutions to help you achieve this. Don't wait, take the first step in securing your digital assets today with Rocheston Vines. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to take advantage of Rocheston Vines as they are increasingly becoming targets of cyber attacks. SMEs often have limited resources and are less likely to have robust cybersecurity measures in place compared to larger organisations. With Rocheston Vines, SMEs can access comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that are both affordable and effective. Protecting themselves against cyber threats is critical for SMEs as a cyber attack can have devastating consequences, including loss of sensitive data, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Don't take the risk, secure your SME with Rocheston Vines today.

Cyber attacks have become an increasingly serious concern in Malaysia. The country has been subjected to numerous cyber attacks in recent years, with 72% of Malaysian organisations experiencing online data breaches and 2.5 million Malaysians' personal information being leaked onto the "dark web" last year with almost RM600 million in losses recorded throughout 2022 as a result of cyber crime in the country. In digital-first environments, organisations must prioritise internet security awareness and equip themselves with the necessary solutions and talent to combat the increasingly swift and sophisticated cybercrime strategies. In collaboration with Awantec, Rocheston offers cyber security training programmes designed for professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. These programmes have been created by subject matter experts who have gone through extensive research to create content that is practical and connects perfectly with current industry standards. At the launch of the Cyber Range, which serves as Awantec’s training facility will witness its inaugural training programme with Rocheston. These facilities are equipped with cyber labs for safe, comprehensive, and practical training environments, offering participants the opportunity to experience cutting-edge infrastructure. The training provided by Rocheston, a reputable cybersecurity training provider, is expected to increase self-awareness of cybersecurity in Malaysia, and therefore decrease the total number of cybercrime cases in the country. By educating themselves about emerging fraud dangers, individuals can protect themselves, while businesses can update and upgrade their security measures to keep their operations secure. Overall, the collaboration between Awantec and Rocheston offers individuals and organizations access to the latest and most practical cybersecurity training to improve cybersecurity preparedness in Malaysia. Rocheston cybersecurity certifications will enable you to become certified specialists in the various fields within the budding discipline of cybersecurity. Designed for professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of cyber security, the RCCS (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Specialist) programme and the RCCE (Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer) programme are two of their most sought-after certification programmes in the field. These internationally recognised programmes which have been accredited by ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 have been created by subject matter experts who have gone through extensive research to create content that is practical and connects perfectly with current industry standards. Organisations who are looking to improve their cyber security strategies can choose from Rocheston’s other various type of certification programmes such as CCO (Cybersecurity Compliance Officer) and RCPT (Rocheston Certified Red/Blue PenTester), Securityone RCCS (Cybersecurity Specialist).

Google Meet has quickly become one of the most popular video conferencing tools in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a range of features designed to make video calls and live streams more accessible and user-friendly, it's no surprise that Google Meet has become a staple in many organisations, businesses, and educational institutions. One of the standout features of Google Meet is its live streaming capabilities. Users can set up a live stream directly from Google Calendar by creating an event and adding details such as the date and time. The live stream can then be conducted using Meet video settings in the Admin Console, with the option to apply the settings to everyone in the organisation or a selected organisational unit. Not only does Google Meet allow users to present information to a large audience outside of their organisation, but it also offers the option to live stream to YouTube. This feature is particularly useful for public live streams, and with the recent introduction of multiple workspace tiers, Google Meet has become a versatile tool for all types of organisations. In addition to its live streaming capabilities, Google Meet also offers captions and cross-domain live streams, enhancing the overall experience for all participants. And, for those who want to keep track of attendance, the platform provides an attendance report for video meetings with five or more participants or live stream events. This report is automatically generated for Google Workspace for Education Plus users, while others can choose to turn attendance tracking and live stream reports on or off from Meet or Google Calendar. To live stream a video meeting in Google Meet, follow these steps: Open Google Calendar in your web browser Click on the Plus icon and select more options Enter the necessary information regarding the event Add the guests who will be joining the meeting. To join Google Meet, click on the down arrow to attach the live stream To allow view-only access to others, provide the live stream URL Note: The maximum number of live-stream viewers is dependent on your Google Workspace edition. With live streaming in Google Meet, up to 100,000 users (or 10,000 in some editions) can view the meeting from the web or their mobile device. Cross-domain live streams enable you to extend the viewership of the live streams not only to guests within your organisation but also to guests in another trusted Workspace domain. You can also invite up to 500 internal or external participants to a meeting, and join a video call by using the Google Meet app on your phone or by calling the dial-in number included in the invitation. In conclusion, Google Meet is a robust and user-friendly video conferencing platform that offers a range of features to make live streams and video calls a seamless experience. With the option to live stream to YouTube, captions, cross-domain live streams, and the availability of an attendance report, Google Meet is the go-to tool for organisations, businesses, and educational institutions looking to stay connected.

The world is increasingly relying on technology, which has opened up new avenues for communication, commerce, and innovation. However, with this increased reliance on technology comes an increased threat to sensitive and confidential information. The public sector, including government organisations, holds a vast amount of sensitive data and are a prime target for cyber attacks. As such, it is crucial for these organizations to have a robust cybersecurity infrastructure in place. Mandiant, one of the world's leading cybersecurity firms, is at the forefront of providing top-notch cybersecurity solutions and services to governments, public sector organisations and the private sector globally. With decades of frontline experience and a team of experts in the field of cybersecurity, Mandiant has established itself as a reliable and trustworthy provider of cyber defence solutions. One of Mandiant's key offerings is the Mandiant Advantage SaaS platform. This platform leverages the company's frontline experience and industry-leading threat intelligence to deliver dynamic cyber defence solutions. By combining expertise, intelligence, and adaptive technology, the Mandiant Advantage SaaS platform provides organisations with effective and efficient cybersecurity programs. Mandiant's services are designed to help organisations defend against and respond to cyber threats. Their approach is focused on developing more effective and efficient cybersecurity programs and instilling confidence in the readiness of organisations to handle cyber threats. In addition to the SaaS platform, the company also provides threat intelligence services, which are essential for organisations to stay ahead of the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. Mandiant releases regular reports, such as the Mandiant Cyber Security Forecast 2023, to provide organisations with insights into the latest cyber trends and threats. Of particular importance in democratic countries, Mandiant also offers specialised solutions for securing elections. An ongoing and holistic election security program is critical for organisations to be better informed, protected, and able to respond to the latest cyber threats. Mandiant provides a unique combination of expertise across threat intelligence, services, and solutions to empower customers to continually evolve and defend themselves against election threats. In conclusion, the public sector should look to Mandiant for assistance in securing its cyber infrastructure. With its expertise, experience, and innovative solutions, Mandiant is well-positioned to help organisations defend against and respond to the latest cyber threats. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for organisations to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their cybersecurity infrastructure is robust and effective. Mandiant can provide the support and expertise needed to achieve this.

Awantec, a subsidiary of AwanBiru Technology Berhad, was awarded the prestigious Skillsoft APAC Partner of the Year award for 2022. The achievement comes directly from efforts taken by the Group in developing upskilling opportunities for talent in Malaysia. Out of all the APAC Skillsoft partners, Awantec's nomination and win stem from its dedication to supporting efficient and significant learning. The Group’s initiatives include offering a range of upskilling programs, leveraging Skillsoft’s breadth of content, and delivering customised learning solutions using the Skillsoft Learning Platform. The team has been instrumental in driving skills transformation, enabling learners to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies that are both occupation- and industry-specific. More than 25,000 people have received upskilling from Awantec in Malaysia since 2019 for organisations and agencies working in a variety of industries. Including more than 21,000 digitally upskilled individuals, this encompasses a wide range of digital transformation, cyber security, corporate communication, and customer experience initiatives. “The award provides a strong backing in terms of how we have helped the Talent landscape within Malaysia, especially within the Public Sector. This win is a testament that Awantec is on the right track forward, especially when it comes to Upskilling”, said Dr Peter Lee Fuei Siong ,Director, Talent & Development. “With recent research showing a potential USD90billion forecast within the E-Learning industry, options like mobile learning and integration of AI within learning to create a customised and seamless experience for the users to easily upskill. We must seize this opportunity and leverage the technology to empower our citizens and the global economy,’ added Dr Peter Lee. The award recognises the Group's dedication to assisting organisations in bridging their employees' present skill gaps and developing them into top-tier talents. Its customised learning solutions and a wide variety of skill-development programmes have proved to be advantageous to its clients. This accolade from Skillsoft recognises Awantec's continuous commitment to delivering upskilling opportunities to organisations throughout Malaysia and the APAC region. The Group looks forward to further expanding its capabilities within the upskilling landscape by offering more customisable solutions together with Skillsoft over the years to come.

In today's business world, cyber threats are a constant concern and companies must take action to protect themselves. Corporate leaders, particularly those in C-level positions, need to be knowledgeable about cybersecurity in order to effectively defend their company's operations. According to a recent report, the average number of attempted cyberattacks per company increased by 31% between 2020 and 2021. This highlights the importance of cybersecurity for businesses, with many companies including it as a regular topic in board meetings and CEOs recognizing the importance of strong cybersecurity plans for their organization's reputation and credibility. Cybersecurity is no longer seen as separate from basic business objectives, but rather a necessary component of keeping a company running smoothly. As a result, more executives are putting in place a comprehensive and effective cyber strategy. This not only protects the company from everyday risks, but also ensures its financial stability and reputation. Executives do not need to become cybersecurity experts, but should have a basic understanding of the following five areas: Understanding cybersecurity threats and lingo used in discussions. This includes being familiar with common cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, as well as the terminology used to describe them. This knowledge will enable executives to engage in discussions with cybersecurity professionals and make informed decisions when a threat arises. Recognizing possible threats and risks within the company's ecosystem of vendors, suppliers, and customers. Executives should be able to assess the risk landscape with the help of cybersecurity experts and identify vulnerabilities that may arise from changes or additions to their technology stack. Evaluating and responding to low, medium, and high-risk cyber threats. This includes having a solid incident response plan in place that outlines how the company will identify, respond to, and mitigate the impact of harmful cyber incidents. Executives should be able to determine the appropriate level of response for different types of threats and coordinate the response effort. Proactively implementing a holistic cybersecurity culture throughout the organization. This includes creating campaigns to promote cybersecurity awareness, training employees on best practices, and implementing accountability measures. Executives should strive to create a culture where all employees take ownership of cybersecurity and understand the importance of keeping company information and assets secure. Properly budgeting for cybersecurity. Executives should have a clear understanding of the costs associated with implementing cybersecurity measures and the potential return on investment. This includes identifying the talent and technology budgets needed to support cybersecurity initiatives and filling any gaps in current resources. By having a good understanding of these areas, executives can effectively engage in discussions, make informed decisions, and lead their company's cybersecurity efforts. This not only protects the company from potential threats, but also demonstrates a commitment to security to stakeholders, which can ultimately drive growth and success. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity and regularly review and update the company's cybersecurity strategy to ensure that it remains effective.

The education industry is constantly evolving, and modern technology plays a significant role in this transformation. Google Cloud AppSheet is one such technology that is revolutionizing the way educational institutions manage their operations and workflows. AppSheet is a no-code application development and automation platform that combines Google AI to automate business processes and create apps quickly and easily. This allows educators to become citizen developers and create custom applications tailored to their unique needs, whether it be for managing classroom activities or inventory in an entire building. One of the key features that sets AppSheet apart from other no-code platforms is its rich data collection and offline syncing capabilities. With tools such as GPS location tracking, barcode scanning, image capture, and character recognition, AppSheet streamlines many tedious processes and improves data quality. Tasks such as tracking school visitors, counting inventory, sending out emails, SMS, and push notifications, distributing assignments, and conveying instructions can all be configured and automated, saving valuable employee time. Leveraging Google's AI and ML capabilities further enhances the platform's efficiency, providing access to natural language processing and computer vision models. This allows for intelligent document processing and image annotation, leading to the creation of predictive models that learn from historical app data. The platform is fully integrated with Google Workspace, and users can also connect to third-party apps such as Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce.com. This allows for seamless integration with SQL databases, Apigee, REST APIs, and OData. Whether it's meeting minutes, classroom timetables, test results, seating arrangements, student progress reports, or purchase orders, simply upload the document onto the platform and AppSheet will create the perfect app. AppSheet's governance and control features provide administrators with the ability to set policies and customize the user experience based on roles. Customizable features, UX, security, branding, and usage reports ensure confidence in data being shared within the organization. This also allows for streamlined access to material and programs for classrooms of different levels and grades, as well as meeting rooms of all levels in an organization. With over 4.2 million applications created through AppSheet, it's clear that the platform is highly versatile and useful across multiple industries. As the workforce continues to evolve and digital transformation becomes more prevalent, AppSheet presents educational institutions with the opportunity to develop a talent pool of citizen developers who can drive innovation and increase agility in an ever-changing work environment.

Change management is a process that helps organizations and employees adjust to new technologies and processes. As businesses adopt more digital technologies, it becomes important to manage the transition to a more digitalized state. This process is known as Industry 4.0 and it encompasses major changes in how businesses organize production and create value. Managing this transition can be challenging. Factors such as lack of management support, employee resistance, poor communication, and unclear goals can lead to a failed implementation. Adopting a change management approach early can help alleviate these concerns and encourage the use of new technologies. The first step in change management is planning. Having a solid plan allows for a better understanding of the human, financial, and organizational implications of the change. Project leaders should provide a framework for all stakeholders and clearly outline the project's objectives, requirements, and technological advances needed to be successful. Another important aspect of change management is understanding the human side of the process. Many employees may experience anxiety as a result of the change and may misinterpret the project's goals. By adopting a more inclusive approach, it's important to identify sceptics and supporters within the planning phase and proactively discuss and address any issues. Effective communication is also crucial for successful change management. A clear communication plan should be developed to explain the project in its entirety, including its motives, how it will turn out, and its operational and strategic benefits. Project owners should rely on "ambassadors" or forward-thinking individuals to share this information with their colleagues. In conclusion, change management is a vital step in capitalizing on the potential of Industry 4.0. By planning ahead, understanding the human aspect, and effectively communicating the project's goals, organizations can successfully manage the transition to a more digitalized state.

As for the losers, Awanbiru Technology Bhd tops the list with a total loss of 41%.The stock was selected based on Asia Analytical belief that it had good earnings potential on its cloud venture as well as shielded downside risk on potential government compensation for the termination of Sistem Kawalan Imigresen Nasional (SKIN), a new border control system that was to replace the current Malaysian immigration system — both of which failed to materialise. In addition, the stock was purchased at a hefty valuation of six times price-to-book ratio. Source: The Edge

Google Cloud is a collection of Google's public services for cloud computing. The platform offers a variety of Google-hosted services for storage, computing and application development. Software developers, cloud administrators, and other enterprises’ IT professionals can access Google Cloud services via the public internet or a dedicated network connection. To utilise these services efficiently, the user must have comprehensive relevant skills and knowledge. Companies are now confronted with the task of hiring people who can manoeuvre and maximise the features provided by the cloud platform. Because these skills are not traditionally taught, Google has created certification programmes to validate individuals as qualified personnel in cloud platform services. As such, the Google Cloud Certification is an official Google Cloud Platform attestation that verifies your technical skills in relation to a specific Google Cloud platform job role. The individual must first pass a certification exam that measures their expertise in that field before being officially certified by Google. The path for Google Cloud certification consists of three certifications that encompass different skills and knowledge bases at various levels, namely at foundational, associate and professional level. In addition, Google also provides a fellowship programme which is a certification for Google partners and advanced-level professionals. There is no mandatory requirement to take the certification exams in order but must fulfil certain criteria or aspects like expertise, preparation, and experience depending on the level chosen. Diving deeper, this article will conveniently explore each of the certifications, their implications, skills included, job roles available and impact on one’s career as a whole. 1. Foundational Certification The foundational certification validates one's overall knowledge of basic cloud concepts and principles. Individuals must be familiar with Google Cloud's features, tools, services, products, case usage and advantages. There are also no specific elements or requirements needed in order to be qualified for this certification. Some of the courses involved are namely, Introduction to Digital Transformation with Google Cloud, Innovating with Data and Google Cloud, Infrastructure and Application Modernisation with Google Cloud and Understanding Google Cloud Security and Operation. If the individual is successful, he or she is presently eligible to work as a Cloud Digital Leader in an organisation. The Google Cloud digital certification has validity for three years from the date of issue. This foundational certificate is ideal for those seeking or currently working in technical roles who would benefit from a general understanding of the cloud platform and its role in the overall IT infrastructure. 2. Associate Certification This particular certification traverses more than the average understanding of cloud properties. It verifies that the user possesses the core abilities required to install, run, administer, and manage applications on the Google Cloud platform. Individuals looking to pursue an associate certification should ideally be equipped with six months of experience creating on Google Cloud at the very least. Some of the courses in this certification will involve topics like Architecting with Google Compute Engine, Automating Infrastructure on Google Cloud with Terraform, Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud and many more. Associate-certified employees are qualified to work as Associate Cloud Engineers, equipped with certification valid for three years from the date of issuance. 3. Professional certification The professional certification will require the individual to examine important technical work roles and expert knowledge in Google Cloud product creation, implementation, and management. The individual should have extensive expertise in building up cloud systems for businesses and prior experience implementing services and solutions per company needs. It is also advised that the candidate has at least three years of experience in the cloud sector, and at least one year of managing solutions using Google cloud before opting for this particular certification. With a Google Cloud certification of two years, this professional certification validates the candidate to be employed in any of the following roles – Cloud Architect, Cloud Database Engineer, Cloud Developer, Data Engineer, Cloud DevOps Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer, Google Workspace Administrator or Machine Learning Engineer. These job titles are for the particular set of skills that is evaluated throughout the certification process.

Continues Investing In People, Partners And Products & Services (3Ps) To Stabilise Medium To Long Term Gains Cyberjaya, 24 November 2022 – AwanBiru Technology Berhad (Awantec or the Group), a leading Technology and Talent Digitalisation Enabler, today reported its first quarter (Q1) results for the financial year ended 30 September 2022 (FY2023) to Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, recording continued rise in revenue. The Group Q1FY2023 revenue grew by 48% to RM18.1 million from RM12.2 million recorded in Q1FY2022. Higher revenues were contributed by both Software & Services and Talent segments as the business gained traction since its pivot to the cloud. The Software & Services segment recorded a profit before taxation of RM1.0 million as compared to a loss before tax of RM0.03 million in Q1 FY2022. The Talent segment also recorded a higher profit before taxation of RM1.0 million in the reporting quarter as compared to RM0.59 million in Q1 FY2022, mainly contributed by higher number of placements under the Selangor Kerjaya Program. The Group recorded a narrower loss before taxation of RM0.9 million in Q1 FY2023 as compared to a loss before taxation of RM1.4 million in Q1 FY2022. Awantec Investment and Acceleration Phase – Investing in People, Partners and Products & Services (3Ps) Awantec have reiterated that its pivot to the Cloud strategy has yielded positive results with significant wins in FY2022 and that it will leverage on its recent success and inroads with customers to build deal pipeline and focus on its conversion into orderbook. The Group have also made inroads into GLCs and the private sector, offering a range of products and services with its management new team who are expected to explore regional business opportunities with partners. “We are forging ahead with our investment and acceleration phase following our pivot to the Cloud in 2021. Our continued investments into the 3Ps - People, Partners and Products & Services as we grow our orderbook may cause quarter-to-quarter fluctuations in the earnings trajectory. We however believe that in the medium to long term, it will stabilise on the back of recurring income from renewals and continuing managed services revenue as is typical for cloud-based business.”, said Dato’ Syed Naqiz Shahabuddin, Chairman of Awantec. “With the global economy expected to slowdown in 2023, we are cautiously optimistic of the year ahead. Building from our momentum in FY2022, our Board is of the view that our Group is in a good position to meet our customer requirements by being their trusted partner for technology and talent services.”, added Dato’ Syed Naqiz. Awantec have been a syariah compliant stock under the technology sector and a constituent of the Bursa Malaysia FTSE4GOOD Index. Most recently, Awantec climbed to 38 spot out of 100 companies ranked in the Corporate Governance Disclosure in MSWG-ASEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AWARD 2021 and has also received the APAC PARTNER OF THE YEAR 2022 Award from Skillsoft.