Powering Alibaba’s eWTP with big data analytics, AI and machine learning

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been more than a year since the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) initiative was launched in Malaysia and although public attention was only revived a week ago during the launch of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s first regional office here, several local companies have already been hard at work making the ambitious project a reality.

Big data analytics firm Fusionex International Plc is one of them, having led a consortium which secured a contract to provide the e-Services platform for the DFTZ from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp.

The awarding of the contract was announced in November last year and according to Fusionex, has since been up and running with more than 3,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on board currently.

“More and more of [these companies] are starting to appreciate that it is important to level up and capitalise on the robust growth in e-commerce and the export market,” said Datuk Seri Ivan Teh, Fusionex founder and chief executive officer of Fusionex.

He added that many local SMEs that Fusionex has spoken to are receptive, open-minded and cognisant of the global language.

“They are open and want to embrace technology as long as it’s easier, faster, better, and more cost-effective than the status quo. In short, they are constructive but might be facing challenges in areas such as market access, funds, modern skills and technology. This is where DFTZ’s e-Services can assist them,” Teh told The Edge Financial Daily in an email exchange.

fusionex founder

The platform is key to realising the e-World Trade Platform (eWTP) that has been one of Alibaba’s key initiatives under the DFTZ banner and aims to provide Malaysian SMEs access to global consumers via e-commerce.

“The e-Services platform functions as a one-stop digital trade facilitation platform, that is integrated with a multitude of business service platforms, e-marketplaces, government agencies, logistics providers, freight forwarders, agents, SMEs and other service providers,” said Teh.

The platform aims to “bridge the gap in terms of know-how, reduce costs, as well as avoid or minimise unnecessary delays and encumbrances associated with the old way of manually doing things,” he said, adding that it is meant to be highly scaleable and inclusive.

According to Teh, the platform is powered by big data technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning and is “designed to help merchants — regardless of shape and size — to level the playing ground, and do so without incurring exorbitant costs”.

Fusionex is also riding on the strength of Alibaba Cloud, what with being the latter’s official strategic partner in this region.

“They are a great, committed partner,” Teh said of Alibaba Cloud, noting that the collaboration is synergistic as the latter “has a great cloud offering, whereas Fusionex is a leader in big data technology, AI and machine learning with a strong international reputation.”

While Fusionex may not be a household name to most Malaysians, it has certainly made waves overseas. The company had, until July last year, been listed on London’s Alternative Investment Market.

However, Teh had decided to take the company private after five years on the market due to what he reportedly said was a persistently undervalued stock.

Without disclosing any figures, Teh shares that Fusionex has “invested significantly” and will continue to invest as it is fully committed to ensuring the success of the e-Services platform.

He did not reveal the names of the group’s partners in its consortium, but that they are local players with the relevant expertise and experience.

Teh pointed out that like the DFTZ itself, the e-Services platform is not constrained to physical hubs such as the KL Aeropolis logistics hub being developed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and Cainiao Smart Logistics Network (Hong Kong) Ltd.

“e-Services will be an open platform that welcomes multiple business service providers, be it forwarding agents, logistics players, and of course very importantly, good local SMEs with great Malaysian products.”

“The cost benefits and efficiencies these players enjoy would ultimately trickle down to consumers [in the form of] faster, more efficient and more cost-effective products and fulfilment,” he said. http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=125412

Nearshoring Starter Kit: Tools for Successful Software Outsourcing

So, you’ve taken the first step towards entering into a nearshoring partnership engagement. Congrats! The decision to outsource is probably not one you took lightly, but you can rest easy knowing that you’ll soon reap benefits such as added flexibility to scale your team up or down, access to expert resources from around the globe, and lowered costs across the board. But, like with any endeavor, the onset of a nearshore outsourcing model can bring with it a few minor bumps as you adjust to your new delivery model.

Since we have a lot of experience working with companies that are just starting to outsource or just starting to do it from a nearshore model, we’ve compiled a number of items to help set you up for successful, long-term engagement.

Find yourself a trusted nearshore software development partner
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the literal thousands of software outsourcing service firms in the US and abroad, but basing a decision on just price can lead to undesirable consequences down the road. It’s best to consider all the variables, especially those related to quality. A truly valuable partner will treat your business as their own, find ways and opportunities to propose improvements and add value, not just follow instructions mindlessly. In fact, Gartner found that “buyers reported that they receive most value from external service providers that can help them change culture and shift to a more agile mindset” in 2017, indicating that a beneficial partnership doesn’t just help you complete tasks on time, but gradually get better at doing so.

Develop a comprehensive scope for the project
It’s incredibly important to understand the short- and long-term goals and objectives of the project. Without a clear idea of how to scale, when and why, you might be unable to take advantage of different opportunities that come up for new projects, innovative ideas or other features, among other things. Your scope can, and should, change as you iterate with your team and incorporate feedback.

nearshore development

Use the methodology that makes the most sense for your organization.
You may follow agile principles or adhere more closely to scrum; either way, it’s important to be very clear and transparent about this with your new outsourcing partner. Whichever methodology works for your organization, make sure you and your outsourcing partner are on the same page. Many times, teams can easily become confused when they are used to working one way and now they are expected to complete daily stand-ups or sprints. Keep in mind, that you or your partner can make slight adjustments and find a middle ground that stays true to workable principles but shifts activities.

Communicate often and transparently.
It’s not enough to expect that communication will be good between teams. Ensure that communication is strong by choosing the right communication tools and setting standards for frequent communication between the relevant parties. It won’t always make sense to have outsourcing team members connecting with the client. We do our best to make sure that the person that has the most insight or knowledge about a particular topic is included when that topic or item is being discussed. Additionally, create a contingency plan for failures in communication or miscommunications.

Keep an open mind
While we talked about defining the scope of the project, it is also important to keep an open mind. It can take awhile to get comfortable with a new partner, and it’s important not to make assumptions during that introductory time. Keeping an open mind to proposed ideas and new ways of working or solving problems is critical to advancing and growing as an organization. We firmly believe that great ideas can come from anyone, so don’t be afraid to listen to suggestions — you may stumble on a game-changing innovation or concept.

Getting the most out of your nearshore outsourcing engagement ultimately depends on having a good understanding with your partner, based on trust and efficient communication. Going forward in your endeavor with these tools in your toolkit will ensure your project has the best probabilities for success, and you can get the most out of your nearshore team in terms of quality and the opportunity for innovation and valuable collaboration. Find out more: https://www.pslcorp.com

Office for Rent KL Service for every single Organisation

For providers that are actually intending to set up their division workplaces, might it remain in an overseas or even in their very own nation may choose this form of workplace answer. Undoubtedly, this form of office is actually really suitable for any sort of sort of service.

Every firm or even organisation objectives to accomplish effectiveness in their particular area or even market. Nevertheless, it should be actually kept in mind that excellence is actually accomplished when vital elements are actually fulfilled. Among one of the most essential variables that have to be actually thought about is actually the area or even workplace of a specific company. To accomplish this, a service needs to have the capacity to discover a suited workplace. Nevertheless, installing your very own workplace could be rather expensive. Benefit a serviced workplace for lease can easily involve the saving.

This sort of workplace appropriates for local business that are actually searching for a versatile lease phrase. Business may significantly gain from a serviced workplace. On top of that, if you possess a company which is actually quickly increasing, at that point picking this workplace remedy is actually a suitable option. Additionally, overseas firms that are actually considering to move to one more nation may additionally use a serviced workplace.

1. Ready-to-Use Workplace Service – For the most part, within twenty four hours of your first query you might have the ability to utilize the office that you desire to rent out. The wonderful feature of this specific workplace service is actually the reality that you perform certainly not need to have to fret about obtaining workplace locations as well as tools due to the fact that a serviced workplace possesses a conveniently on call workplace dining tables and also seats, report cabinetries, various other home furniture, electricals like electric power and also water, completely geared up conference rooms, as well as an event region.

2. Routine Upkeep of Workplace Furnishings and also Tools – When going with a serviced workplace, you do not require to stress over your workplace servicing given that your workplace company are going to look after it for you. Whenever you require one thing for your workplace, you just require to call your serviced workplace supplier.

3. Trustworthy IT Providers – Some of the most effective benefits of making use of such a workplace is actually the truth that the workplace driver handles your IT facilities, which is event space KLactually why you carry out certainly not require to apply an initiative and also hang around contacting your IT assist simply in the event that one thing fails.

Check out https://www.kl33.my/ to find out more.

KL33 Properties Sdn Bhd
10, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
03-2181 0829 / 03-2020 2033

4. Convenient Organisation Place as well as Deal With – It is vital to keep in mind that a provider’s workplace site and also handle participate in an integral part in its own results. Advantage serviced workplaces are actually often discovered at the center of the urban area. This is actually to guarantee that the provider’s workers and also customers or even clients will not possess a difficult time visiting and also fro.

5. Pliable Lease Condition – In deciding on a serviced workplace, you possess the flexibility to go with a brief or even long-term lease deal. For example, you pick to keep for 3 months merely, after that you do not need to have to panic due to the fact that you are going to just spend for the months you have actually kept in the workplace.

Ideal Remedy For Every Single Organisation office for rent KL undoubtedly, a serviced workplace for rental payment appropriates for companies of any kind of dimension. It is actually certainly not merely a brief option; it is actually likewise thought about an irreversible remedy for every single company. It is very important to seek a reliable serviced workplace service provider you may count on.