Dato Hafsah Hashim, CEO, SME Corp, receiving a token of appreciation from Serene Sia, MD, SAP Malaysia, after delivering the keynote address at the SAP SME Summit 2012

“SAP’s strategy to serve the SME market is to approach the market in the way that best addresses our customers’ needs and buying preferences,” said SAP Malaysia Managing Director Serene Sia at the SAP SME Summit 2012, held at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. The annual summit addresses issues related to SMEs and showcases ICT solutions to help companies of all sizes and industries run better.

This year, SAP showcased its 2011 business performance among Malaysian SMEs and outlined its solutions to help SMEs improve operational efficiencies and accelerate growth. With SMEs making up more than 98 percent of businesses in Malaysia, SAP is committed to supporting the goals of the Malaysian Economic Transformation Plan (ETP) by encouraging the use of ICT to increase efficiency and succeed in achieving a GDP contribution of 40 percent by year 2020.

 SMEs face numerous hurdles when adopting a business solution such as cost and complexity which may include costs of the software and services, as well as people and time. Aside from this, tighter budgets, less sophistication and organizational knowledge, technology hurdles and fewer people, meaning are constant issues for SMEs.

In order to address these issues, SAP identified two key areas which are important when applying an ICT solution to a business. They are:

Mobility

In November 2011, SAP is showcased 50 business applications for SMEs at SAPPHIRENOW in Madrid. 20 of these applications were free and 11 came from SAP’s partner ecosystem.

Not only is SAP a proponent of mobility for the business, it is also an exponent of this approach. SAP ended 2011 having deployed 14,000 iPads to 53,000 employees scattered all over the world. That includes all of its salespeople, a high proportion of IT staffers and developers, as well as many managers and senior executives. SAP is the second-largest user of iPads in the world.

Rapid Deployment Solutions

SAP has also innovated in the way in which it delivers business software solutions to customers, particularly to SMEs. SAP’s Rapid Deployment Solutions (RDS) are a set of pre-configured, fixed price offerings with a well delineated scope that can be up and running in just 12 weeks. Today there are more than 50 RDS offerings in market, with more being rolled out each quarter. All RDS offerings are rigorously put through and internal SAP qualification process to ensure their stability, reliability and full integration with SAP’s broad portfolio of products before being delivered to customers by experienced partners within the SAP Ecosystem. SMEs can then choose to extend their RDS deployments with comprehensive SAP solutions, preserving their investment and minimising the need to retrain personnel to use new tools.

For more information on SAP and their solutions, visit their website at www.sap.com.

Apple has just announced that the third generation iPad will finally be arriving in Malaysia along with 11 other countries this Friday, April 20. Available in black or white, the new iPad boasts a stunning new Retina display, Apple’s blazing fast A5X chip with quad-core graphics and 5MP HD iSight camera with advanced optics. It’s not quite as thin nor light as the previous generation iPad, but packs a punch in performance. And still maintains its impressive 10 hour battery life.

Beginning Friday, April 20, the new iPad will be available in Malaysia, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, South Korea, St Maarten, Uruguay and Venezuela. Beginning on Friday, April 27, the new iPad will be available in Colombia, Estonia, India, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa and Thailand.

The new iPad is the fastest selling iPad yet, pushing out three million units in just three days since its big launch on March 16, 2012.

The new iPad Wi-Fi models will be available in black or white for a suggested retail price of RM1,499 (US$399) for the 16GB model, RM1,899 (US$599) for the 32GB model and RM2,099 (US$699) for the 64GB model. The iPad Wi-Fi + 4G models will be available for a suggested retail price of RM1,899 (US$629) for the 16GB model, RM2,199 (US$729) for the 32GB model and RM2,499 (US$829) for the 64GB model.** The new iPad will be sold through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com) and select Apple Authorized Resellers. Please note that the Malaysian prices are unconfirmed/unofficial.

While 4G LTE is only supported by AT&T and Verizon in the US, and selected networks in Canada, you can still plug in your 3G/HSPA/HSPA+ or GSM/EDGE supported SIM cards to enjoy data access.

Thinking of an iPad but on a budget? This is it!

In anticipation of the coming of the new iPad, Malaysia’s Apple Online Store has already slashed the prices of the iPad 2 to RM1,199 (for the base 16GB Wi-Fi model). This is an awesome time to pick up a cheap iPad!

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

**4G LTE is supported only on AT&T and Verizon networks in the U.S. and on Bell, Rogers and Telus networks in Canada. Data plans sold separately.

PC.com recently held the annual PC.com Readers Choice Awards 2011/12, an awards night to recognise leading technology brands in their respective segments. Nominees are selected based on reviews by the editorial team throughout the year, shortlisted then, for the first time this year, put up online for readers to vote on. The awards, held at Furama Hotel in the heart of KL was attended by established technology brands, industry peers and members of the media. The awards was also to celebrate PC.com’s 12th year anniversary. What a journey it has been!

Samsung and Canon were big winners that night, clinching five awards each, not surprisingly clinching Best Consumer Smartphone and Best DSLR Camera respectively, just to name a few. Samsung also went on to win Product of the Year for its runaway winner GALAXY Note. 

Celcom wins Best Telco of the Year. Image source PC.com

The well-dressed Celcom team won The Best Telco of the Year award while Celcom head-honcho Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli bin Ramly picked up a special award for Best CEO of the Year.

Up and coming telco U Mobile captured the hearts of judges and readers to win The Rising Star award. Not to be outdone, rival telco Maxis grabbed an award for Best CSR Initiative award.

The Edifier iPod Speaker dock I won in the lucky draw. Lucky me!

Samsung were big winners, sweeping five awards including Product of the Year for its awesome GALAXY Note.

Influencers all in a row. From left, Harinder Singh aka @lightrouichi, Ikhwan aka @tekong, Aman Firdaus aka @amanz

The Samsung team looking very, very busy at work. NOT. Draw Something on the GALAXY Note.

Entertainment for the night

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(12 Photos)

Full winners list of PC.com Awards Night:

• Best Security Software = Kaspersky
• Best Computer Speakers = Edifier
• Best Headphones = Sonic Gear
• Best Accessories Brand = Logitech (Runner up = Acer)
• Best Processor = Intel
• Best Motherboard = Asus
• Best Hard Disk = Western Digital
• Best Graphics card = Gigabyte
• Best GPS = Garmin
• Best Wireless Product = D-Link
• Best Projector = Sharp
• Best LCD TV = Samsung (Runner up = Sharp)
• Best Desktop Monitor = Samsung (Runner up = Acer)
• Best DSLR Camera = Canon (Runner up = Nikon)
• Best Mirrorless Camera = Sony (Runner up = Olympus)
• Best Compact Camera = Canon (Runner up = Nikon)
• Best Camcorder = Canon (Runner up = Panasonic)
• Best Laser Printer = Canon (Runner up = Oki)
• Best Inkjet Printer = Canon (Runner up = Epson)
• Best MFP Printer (Office use) = Konica Minolta (Runner up = Oki)
• Best Desktop PC = HP (Runner up = Acer)
• Best Business Laptop = HP (Runner up = Toshiba)
• Best Consumer Laptop = Acer (Runner up = Samsung)
• Best Ultrabook = Asus (Runner up = HP)
• Best Tablet PC = Samsung
• Best Consumer Smartphone = Samsung
• Best Business Smartphone = Blackberry
• Best Prepaid Telco = Digi
• Best Postpaid Telco = Maxis
• Best Wired Broadband = UniFi
• Best Wireless Broadband = Celcom

PC.com Special Awards:

• Rising Star = U Mobile
• Best Government Performance for ICT Initiative = MAMPU
• Best CSR Initiative = Maxis
• Best Telco of the Year = Celcom
• Product of the Year = Samsung Galaxy Note
• CEO of the Year = Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly

It was my first time attending an industry tech awards night and found it fun, also being able to meet old friends and new, mingle with industry peers and influencers.

I win! Image credit: Rebeccasaw.com

It was a plus to have also won the lucky draw (Edifier speaker dock!) and a quickdraw Twitter challenge where I beat other social media peers like Rebecca Saw aka @wackybecky, Aman Firdaus aka @Amanz, LiewCF and Christopher Tock aka @Spinzer. Sweet is the taste of victory!

Happy Anniversary PC.com and congratulations to all winners!

Khor Chin Ghee, the winner of Nissan Grand Livina, the grand prize of Microsoft's “Great Family Time” contest and Sunny Ooi, Microsoft Malaysia, Consumer Channels Group Director.

You’ve probably caught a glimpse of a web-series on NTV7 featuring Nazaruddin and Sheahnee about the use of technology to keep their family together and a number of in-store promotions by Microsoft lately. Over four months ago, Microsoft initiated their “It’s a great time to be a family” campaign here in Malaysia, featuring their first ever Windows and Microsoft Office TV Commercials including their web-series.

Sharifah Nurul Awwall bt Sayed Abdul Rahman, winner of a travel voucher worth RM15, 000, Khor Chin Ghee, the winner of Nissan Grand Livina, Sunny Ooi, Microsoft Malaysia, Consumer Channels Group Director, Mohd Izwan Bin Mohd Lazan who won a Nikon Digital SLR camera and Emyrnah Bt Desemin who won a 40-inch Sony Full 3D HD TV.

During the campaign period, Microsoft also held the “Great Family Time” contest which aimed to encourage the use of genuine software. The contest gave participants a chance to win a Nissan Grand Livina with the entry requirement of purchasing a genuine Microsoft product and answering a simple question. Khor Chin Ghee walked away win a new Nissan Grand Livina overcoming over 22,000 other participants, while Sharifah Nurul Awwall bt Sayed Abdul Rahman,  won a travel voucher worth RM15, 000; Emyrnah Bt Desemin took home a 40-inch Sony Full 3D HD TV and Mohd Izwan Bin Mohd Lazan gets a sleek new Nikon Digital SLR camera.

Ecstatic over the win, Chin Ghee said “Winning a Nissan Grand Livina just by using genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium was an amazing surprise and something that my family and I truly appreciate. Windows 7 makes our PCs faster, simpler and more reliable.  With fewer clicks, faster searching, easier browsing, and simpler ways to connect, my family and I are not only able to able to communicate better but also complete our tasks faster with simpler, streamlined, navigation. In addition, the improved security in Window 7 helps to safeguard our PCs and privacy while we try new and exciting things and personalize ours PCs to be just the way we want it. Thank you Microsoft!”

The campaign was held across 35 markets worldwide, 163 outlets participated in Malaysia including Thunder Match Technology Sdn Bhd which contributed 14% to the sales output  and reaching over 6 million people in Malaysia through TV, print media and advertising with 22,000 participating in the “Great Family Time” Contest which was held in the Microsoft Malaysia HQ in KLCC.

YouTube Dalam Bahasa Melayu, wei!

YouTube officially launched its localised service and content for Malaysia yesterday, being the 42nd country in the world with an official YouTube local site. The launch of YouTube Malaysia was hosted by Adam Smith, Product Manager, YouTube Asia Pacific and Sajith Sivanandan, Country Manager, Google Malaysia.

Youtube Malaysia now delivers local content for Malaysians and easier to highlight contents from local partners such as KRU Studios and many more. Users can access Youtube Malaysia by visiting www.youtube.com.my  or by selecting “Malaysia” at the bottom of YouTube home page.

Catch the video below featuring Joe Flizzow, Yuna and more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ_Uw5WDRXs

Daigo Saito of Sparks Achilles Drift Team, driving his specially-prepared Toyota Altezza emerged champion at the Achilles Formula Drift 2011 held at Dataran Merdeka over the weekend. Saito clinched overall Driver’s Champion title and also helped his Sparks Achilles team win the overall Team Champion title for the 2011 season. Drift legend and Japanese compatriot Marabu Orido driving for Team RSR finished second with Thailand’s Kiki Sak Nana of Red Bull Drift Team clinching the final podium spot.

Malaysia drifters showed they had what it took to play with other world class drivers. Thanks to home ground advantage and the cheering partisan crowd, 10 out of 13 Malaysian drivers qualified for the found of 32. Lim Zee King, Tan Tat Wei, Ser Ming Hui and Mervyn “Nakamura” Abdullah all made it into the Top 16. Mervyn in fact caused quite a stir by upsetting Thailand’s ace driver “Non” Saranon Pornpatanarak who was ranked second in the series coming into the competition. Mervyn however bowed out to Thailand’s Chantpon Kerdpiam in the last eight, after a close battle which went into a rematch. The other Malaysian hopeful, Ser Ming Hui made it into the quarterfinals before being stopped by eventual champion Saito.

Saranon Pornpatanarak vs Mervyn Nakamura

Defending champion Saito was flawless throughout the competition, and at most times, looked unthreatened and unchallenged. From his previous experience at Dataran Merdeka last year which had a similar layout, Saito and his team purpose-built and prepped his race car to better optimise to the track conditions and layout. The much-anticipated final duel between Saito and the familiar figure Orido was exciting but ultimately one-sided. Orido made a rare error, spinning out in the first run to give Saito and upper hand for the remaining run. Saito only had to keep it error-free in the second run to ensure his title finish.

Saito’s consistency and amazing form has seen him sweep the Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia legs.

Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia Final: Daigo Saito vs Manabu Orido

The Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 was organized by ESPN STAR Sports and title sponsored by Achilles Radial. The event had full support of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and the following proud Sponsors & Partners – Mansion 88 (Official Sponsor), Tune Talk (Official Telco), Chevrolet (Official Car), Hypertune & SHIFT (Official Partners), Tyrepac (Official Online Portal), DRIVE (Official Energy Drink), Tayaria (Official Tyre Changer), Spritzer (Official Water) and Doubletree Hilton (Official Hotel). ESPN STAR Sports is the official broadcaster for the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011, and provided coverage across its networks, covering 24 countries to a cumulative reach of more than 300 million viewers in Asia.

Last Year's Formula Drift in Dataran Merdeka Was a Huge Success-LR

The weekend of December 17 and 18, 2011 is set to be filled with hisses from blow-off-valves, screeching tires, billowing smoke and smell of burnt rubber when Archilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 returns with a bang to Kuala Lumpur. ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and Title Sponsor Archilles Radial have announced the return of the third edition of the much-loved drift event, to the historic venue of Dataran Merdeka. The Malaysian edition of the Formula Drift has attracted regional interest and talent, as well as world-class drivers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia.

Forty professional drivers from across Asia Pacific will be vying for honours in their rear-wheel drive cars, which will include defending champion Daigo Saito of Spark Archilles Motorsports. Saito has stamped his mark of supremacy in previous legs in Singapore and Indonesia. Fellow Japanese compatriot and race legend Orido Manubu is expected to give Saito a run for the money in his RSR Toyota Supra. Some world class drifting action is expected to be displayed. This is Orido’s debut in the Formula Drift Asia series.

Other top drivers from the region include Thai stars Kiki Sak Nana and Saranon, in addition to Australian champion Josh Boetchher, who will be making his debut in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s hopefuls and local drift stars – Ivan Lau, Tan Tat Wei, Ariff Johanis and Ee Yoong Chern will be capitalising on their homeground advantage and local partisan support.

The Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 is organized by ESS and title sponsored by Achilles Radial. The event is also supported by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and the following proud Sponsors & Partners – Mansion 88 (Official Sponsor), Tune Talk (Official Telco), Chevrolet (Official Car), Hypertune & SHIFT (Official Partners), Tyrepac (Official Online Portal), DRIVE (Official Energy Drink), Tayaria (Official Tyre Changer), Spritzer (Official Water) and Doubletree Hilton (Official Hotel). ESPN STAR Sports is the official broadcaster for the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011, and the coverage will be aired across its networks, covering 24 countries to a cumulative reach of more than 300 million viewers in Asia.

Tickets are available from Ticket Pro from 21 November 2011 (www.ticketpro.com.my or Hotline 03 7880 7999).  Walkabout tickets cost RM28 and Grandstand tickets go for RM128.  For more information, log on to the official Formula DRIFT web site www.formuladriftasia.com.

Indonesia's Mahardiga Lasut (L) fights for the ball with Malaysia's Jasuli Mahali during a qualifying group football match at the 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEAGAMES) in Jakarta on November 17, 2011. Malaysia won 1-0. AFP PHOTO / HOANG DINH Nam

Malaysia‘s “Harimau Muda“, the national U-23 team that represents the country in international football competitions like the Olympic Games, Asian Games and SEA Games has retained the SEA Games football gold, which they first won in 2009. The nail-biting final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta saw the young Malaysians beating Indonesia’s “Garuda Muda” 4-3 in penalty shootouts.

The much-anticipated final showdown between two of South East Asia’s best teams was keenly contested right from the beginning with Indonesia threatening the unsettled Malaysian defense in the early minutes. The Indonesians were relentless in attacks with danger men Titus Bonai and Patrich Wanggai in offense.

The Indonesians were rewarded in the 5th minute through a glancing header from a corner kick. Unmarked Gunawan Dwi Cahyo made no mistake to put Indonesia 1-0 ahead. The goal did wonders for Ong Kim Swee’s young side it seemed with the Tigers tidying up their game and kept much of the possession in the remaining half.

Malaysia drew level in the 38th minute with a sliding header by Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar, stunning the home side. The Malaysians in the capacity 87,000 crowd went wild. So did Malaysians in mamak stalls, pubs and at home. I donned my Harimau Malaya jersey with some friends to catch the game at Tom, Dick & Harry and it went absolutely berserk! Celebrations all around!

The second half saw Indonesia dominating possession and both side parried each others blows. Both teams fought hard till the end of full time with score level. If diabetes didn’t kill Malaysians for our love for teh tarik, then high blood pressure certain would, no thanks to the suspenseful drama on pitch. Two disallowed goals from either side due to offside was enough to send temperatures soaring.

Tired but still fighting, both teams had to settle with penalty kicks.

In the penalty shoot-out, Titus Bonai, Egi Melgiansyah and Abdul Rahman were on target for Indonesia while Gunawan Dwi Cahyo and Ferdinan A.S. failed to convert their attempts, no thanks to the able hands of Khairul Fahmi who was brilliant all night.

For Malaysia, Mahalli Jasuli, Fandi Othman and Mohd Fadhli Shas were spot on with their kicks. Ahmad Fakri Saarani made it a little harder for Malaysia, having his weak grounder saved by Indonesian keeper. Skipper Baddrol stepped up to take the fifth and final penalty for Malaysia and although managed to be parried by the lanky Indonesian keeper, the ball had enough momentum to roll into the net.

We jumped. We screamed. We high fived. We leaped. We banged tables.

So a well-deserved goal medal for Malaysia! In all honesty, this is one of the best, most exciting football finals I’ve watched in a while. It’s cruel to have to pick a team to win, as I thought both teams played brilliantly in their own ways to come out champions. But I guess there can only be one winner.

This is another bright day for Malaysian football. The glory days of the 1980′s are slowly and steadily returning.

Syabas, Harimau Muda. I stand proud!

Did you watch the game? Tell us how you felt about it!

This is a video blog of my experience at the Chelsea FC vs Malaysia friendly football match at Bukit Jalil last Thursday night. Had an awesome time!

Official Chelsea FC vs Malaysia video from Naza World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMnUjwDz11k

A huge, big thank you to Naza World for sponsoring the whole experience. Definitely something to remember and look forward to more in the future!

Naza World is committed to support the local Sports Tourism and are all for healthy lifestyles hence their Sponsorship as Official Transporter and Logistics for ChelseaFC as well as the Official Transporter + Logistics + Jersey for the ongoing first ever Sepaktakraw World Cup happening at Stadium Titiwangsa 21 – 24th July 2011 Open to Public + many more future events.

Hence keep following @Naza_World for firsthand updates/experience! Top stuff!

Blindness. Hypnotism. Cold sweat. Palpitations. Vertigo. Not words you would use to describe hysteria that surrounds a product launch. And yet, time and time again, the state-of-mind that is induced and incepted into every Apple fans’ subconscious can only be described as religious or out-of-this-world. Take the iPhone. People queue for days. They camp overnight. It’s all a little crazy.

Source: LowYat.net

While there wasn’t an official big launch with the iPad 2 in Malaysia, the biggest Apple reseller – machines announced availability of the sexy tablet ‘iDevice’ for Friday through a couple of its outlets. Hundreds queued before doors were open officially at 10.00am, several even queued the night before! The first in line was Wilson from iPadMalaysiaLabs.com. Thousands queued at other authorised Apple resellers outside of the Klang Valley including Johor, Ipoh, Penang and Kuching. Unfortunately, due to limited stock, the iPad 2s were sold out within an hour. Fresh batches of stock is expected to hit store within 1-2 weeks.

For those who can wait, Apple has updated its online store where you can also place an order for your iPad 2. Ships within 1-2 weeks, which isn’t such a long wait after all.

Apple has really upped the ante this time round by making the iPad 2 available in Malaysia at the same time as countries like Singapore. No longer do buyers have to depend on the overinflated grey market, much to the dismay of grey market importers of course. One such disgruntled seller on LowYat.net had this to say:

Did you get your iPad 2? Planning to get one? Send us your thoughts!

[learn_more caption="Official Press Release"]
iPad 2 Arrives in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore & Eight Other Countries This Week

Wi-Fi Version Available in China on May 6

CUPERTINO, California—April 27, 2011—Apple® today announced that iPad® 2, the second-generation of its breakthrough post-PC device, will arrive in Japan on Thursday, April 28 and Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and eight additional countries on Friday, April 29. iPad 2 will be available at Apple retail stores at 9 a.m. local time, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and online through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com) beginning at 1 a.m. Additionally, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China beginning Friday, May 6.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life* that users have come to expect.

Pricing & Availability
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in Japan on April 28 and Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and UAE on April 29 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China on May 6, and further international availability will be announced at a later date.

iMovie® and GarageBand® for iPad apps are available for $4.99 (US) each from the App Store? on iPad or www.itunes.com/appstore. The Smart Cover is available in a range of colors in vibrant polyurethane for $39 (US) or rich leather for $69 (US).

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
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