LEMON BLOG

Facing intense regulatory scrutiny, Alphabet's Google is striving to influence public opinion and AI-related policies as global regulations loom. A top priority, according to an executive speaking to Reuters, is expanding educational programs to equip the workforce with AI skills.

Six Malaysian companies have secured a spot on this year's Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list, which highlights small enterprises and startups focusing on underserved markets or leveraging emerging technologies, ranging from generative AI to blood-based cancer diagnostics. Released on Monday, the list features eco-friendly innovations, including initiatives such as insect-based alternative proteins and the digitalization of milk production to enhance yields.

According to a recent report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is set to roll out a brand-new multi-account feature. Initially available to Android beta testers, this functionality has now been introduced to iOS with the release of version 25.2.10.70. The update allows users to sign into multiple accounts within a single app, eliminating the need for additional devices or parallel apps. Screenshots from the beta version show a new option in the app settings, enabling users to easily add and manage multiple accounts. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with multiple phone numbers, especially on dual SIM devices. It also provides a convenient solution for individuals who juggle both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business to manage different accounts.

OpenAI is introducing a new artificial intelligence tool designed to assist users with tasks such as booking flights, organizing grocery lists, and even making purchases. This tool, named Operator, is part of a growing trend of AI agents that perform tasks on behalf of users. According to OpenAI's announcement on January 23, Operator can handle a variety of actions by interacting with the web in a human-like manner—browsing websites, filling out forms, and clicking buttons.

Keppel Ltd announced that the United States has granted a landing license for the first subsea cable system directly linking Singapore to the American west coast, strengthening Singapore's position as Asia's top digital hub. The Bifrost Cable System, a collaborative initiative by Keppel, Meta Platforms Inc's subsidiary Edge Cable Holdings USA LLC, and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International, is projected to commence commercial operations in the latter half of 2025, according to Keppel's statement released on Friday.

On the day following Christmas, a modest Chinese startup named DeepSeek introduced a new artificial intelligence system capable of rivaling the advanced chatbots developed by industry giants like OpenAI and Google.

Users are reporting to social medias like X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram reporting ChatGPT down. Currently, ChatGPT is throwing a "Bad Gateway" error and struggling to open the website. Checked with the "Is it down or just me" website and it confirms on it. Seem like it was down since 8:32pm today.

The 5G network should allocate a dedicated portion of its bandwidth to provide secure, encrypted communication for organizations, particularly law enforcement, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He emphasized that having exclusive, secure, and stable bandwidth—separate from public networks—would significantly benefit organizations with critical data security and reliability needs, especially law enforcement agencies.

FSBM Holdings Bhd (KL:FSBM) has formed a strategic alliance with Synergies Intelligent Systems Inc and Zhong Yang Technology Co Ltd to introduce a groundbreaking platform aimed at transforming procurement processes in the fabricated metal industry. Through this collaboration, the partners will roll out HMLV.ai, a sophisticated customer-to-manufacturer platform designed to optimize and modernize conventional supply chains within Southeast Asia's fabricated metal sector.

On Friday, Malaysia announced its intention to pursue legal action against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, for not taking down "undesirable" content. This marks the country's most assertive step yet in addressing such issues. Since assuming office in November following a tightly contested election, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government has committed to tackling provocative content related to race and religion, citing concerns over rising ethnic tensions in the Southeast Asian nation.

Timber company Maxland Bhd has signed an official agreement with data processing services provider GDC Data Sdn Bhd to jointly explore data center development in Kulim, Kedah. In a stock exchange filing on Monday, the company announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Maxland Energy Sdn Bhd and Maxland Real Sdn Bhd, have entered into the agreement with GDC Data.

Less than a day after going offline, TikTok announced it is back online following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump to the company's service providers—likely Apple, Google, and Oracle—that his administration would not enforce a previously proposed ban on the app. "TikTok is currently in the process of restoring services in collaboration with our providers," the company stated. "We appreciate President Trump for offering the necessary clarity and assurance, ensuring our providers won't face penalties for delivering TikTok to over 170 million Americans and supporting more than 7 million small businesses. This marks a significant step in defending the First Amendment and opposing unwarranted censorship. We look forward to working with President Trump on a long-term strategy to keep TikTok operational in the U.S."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians living abroad not to underestimate the technological progress, expertise, and talent present in their home country. He highlighted that Malaysia continues to earn global recognition for its technological capabilities, with many international investors choosing to reinvest after years of successful business operations in the country. Anwar cited Infineon Technologies AG, Germany's leading semiconductor manufacturer, as an example. The company recently invested an additional six billion euros, acknowledging Malaysia's expertise, technology, and talent as being on par with Germany. He made these remarks in response to a question during a gathering with over 700 members of the Malaysian diaspora on Friday.

The objective of the 5G network service is not just to ensure full coverage but to focus on areas that can yield the greatest advantages, such as industrial zones. According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the ministry has pinpointed more than 67 industrial zones that will be prioritized for the rollout of the technology.

On Saturday, TikTok became inaccessible in the U.S. just before a federal ban on the Chinese-owned short-video platform took effect. The app, which had engaged nearly half of the American population, supported small businesses, and influenced online culture, was cut off from users.