Monday, July 14, 2025

Sun Life Financial Resilience Index Finds Inflation Forcing Malaysians to Prioritise Short-Term Needs, with Gen Z Feeling Least Financially Secure

 Sun Life Malaysia today unveiled its second Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index: Balancing today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals, offering a detailed look into how individuals across the region are managing their finances while navigating today’s volatile financial landscape. In Malaysia, the findings reveal that while overall perceptions of financial security have slightly improved, the reality is more sobering – particularly for Gen Z, who emerge as the least financially secure and resilient generation surveyed, in sharp contrast to 66% of Baby Boomers who feel financially secure.


 



The research surveyed over 6,000 respondents across Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, and highlights trends in financial planning, literacy, risk appetite, and the role of professional advice in building long-term resilience.


 


Short-Term Focus Over Long-Term Wealth


 


After several years of high inflation, many people are struggling to manage their daily and long-term expenses. 92% of people are feeling the effects of persistent price increases, and 43% note a significant impact on their ability to cover monthly expenses.


 


As rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets, more Malaysians are focused on meeting their immediate needs rather than planning for their future goals. Managing day-to-day expenses is the top financial priority for 62% of respondents, up from 55% last year, while retirement planning has dropped from second to seventh place this year – a clear sign that budgeting for the present has taken precedence over long-term goals.


 


In an uncertain economic environment, building emergency savings has also climbed the ranks and is now the second most important goal (41%).


 


Achieving financial security is further challenged by a lack of long-term planning. Despite slight year-on-year improvements, long-term financial preparedness remains dangerously low. More than half of respondents (56%) still lack a plan that extends beyond 12 months, and only 8% are planning further than 10 years ahead, revealing a widespread gap in financial foresight and resilience.


 


Ho Teck Seng, President & Country Head at Sun Life Malaysia said the findings show a clear divide: “While some Malaysians feel financially secure, many are struggling with daily expenses and lack of long-term financial planning. The situation is made worse by increasing inflation, which especially impacts the younger generations. As a trusted insurance and takaful company, we recognise the important role we play in helping Malaysians improve their financial literacy so they can manage their money better, save more, and reach their future goals.”


 


Building on the success of the InsureLit Campaign 2024, Sun Life Malaysia is set to expand its efforts in 2025 with a series of targeted initiatives. These include digital and social educational resources, nationwide roadshows, an explainer video series, and a youth-focused financial literacy programme. Through these initiatives, the company aims to deepen public understanding of financial planning and empower Malaysians—especially younger generations—with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Shopee Launches First-Ever MSME Co-Lab in Malaysia to Strengthen Support for Local Entrepreneurs

 



Shopee Malaysia today announced the launch of the Shopee MSME Co-Lab, a new programme designed to strengthen collaboration with local stakeholders and better support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating and succeeding in the digital economy. The Shopee MSME Co-Lab brings together MSME associations, ecosystem partners and other industry stakeholders to share insights, explore emerging opportunities, and co-develop practical solutions that empower small businesses to start and scale online.


Launched in conjunction with this year’s Shopee Seller Summit, the programme marks a milestone in Shopee’s ongoing efforts to support MSME digitalisation in alignment with national priorities such as the MADANI Economy Framework and Budget 2025. As part of the programme’s launch, Shopee formalised a collaboration with Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri (API) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — marking the beginning of ongoing engagement with industry partners to support local entrepreneurs more effectively.



Malaysia is the first Shopee market to activate the Co-Lab, recognising the strength and diversity of its MSME community, while also serving as a foundation for future learning and potential expansion across the region.


“The Shopee MSME Co-Lab is part of our ongoing commitment to listen, learn, and work more closely with MSMEs to build a more inclusive and supportive digital ecosystem,” said Saovanee Chan-Somchit, Country Director, Shopee Malaysia. “Through this platform, we hope to strengthen partnerships and develop solutions that help more Malaysian businesses grow and succeed online.”


Key components of the Shopee MSME Co-Lab programme include:

Strategic Dialogues and Insights

Convening MSME leaders and other industry stakeholders to discuss experiences, insights, and changing priorities as well as exchange views on digital commerce trends and challenges faced by MSMEs. These engagements aim to surface actionable insights that may inform future initiatives or be shared in broader industry discussions.


Innovation Previews and Feedback Loops

Selected MSME partners will receive early access to new features, tools, or strategic initiatives and provide feedback.


Collaborative Partnerships

The Co-Lab may serve as a platform for engaging with partners on potential joint initiatives that benefit the broader Malaysian MSME community. 


“This collaboration with Shopee allows us to bring the voices and needs of MSMEs directly into the room with decision-makers and platform innovators. It's not just about selling more, it's about building a more inclusive digital future together,” said Dato’ Fazli Nordin, Managing Director, Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri.


Commitment to Malaysia and Beyond

The Shopee MSME Co-Lab builds on Shopee’s ongoing efforts to support small business communities through capacity building, platform enhancements, and deeper engagement with ecosystem partners. Launching the initiative in Malaysia marks an exciting opportunity to deepen local collaboration and explore new ways to support MSMEs with learnings that may help shape future efforts across the region.


“Our vision is to be more than a platform–we want to be an active partner in shaping what’s next for MSMEs,” added Saovanee. “The Co-Lab gives MSMEs a voice in shaping the tools and experiences they need, while fostering stronger ecosystems built on mutual trust and shared progress.”


Shopee will onboard more partners under the MSME Co-Lab in the coming months, with ongoing engagements guiding future developments. 


Thursday, July 10, 2025

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: A Pocket-Sized AI Powerhouse With a New Edge-To-Edge FlexWindow

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability. 


 





“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing rich multimodal AI capabilities and seamless functionality to the FlexWindow, we’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”


Biggest, Brightest FlexWindow Yet


Content spills elegantly from edge-to-edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display, which brings essentials front and center and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedules at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.


The 4.1-inch  Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.

With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are. 

The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X,  built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.


Thinnest Yet Durable Galaxy Z Flip


Galaxy Z Flip7 is crafted for portability and puts powerful performance right in the palm of the user’s hand. With its compact size and sleek silhouette, it slips effortlessly into a small pocket or purse, perfect for whatever the day brings. Whether catching calls during a coffee outing or snapping pictures at the store – no need to worry about the inevitable drops and bumps along the way. It’s also built to last and engineered to handle the rigors of daily use. 


Weighing just 188 grams  and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.

The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.

The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.

A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience. 


Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter


While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form. With the largest battery ever in the Galaxy Z Flip series, it delivers enough additional power to watch an extra movie without charging. Users can stream music or listen to podcasts during long commutes, edit photos on the fly and share updates throughout the day without missing a beat. 


The 4,300mAh battery  is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, delivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge. 

The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU  than Galaxy Z Flip6.

Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.


Pocket-Perfect AI


With FlexWindow enhanced for greater usability and Galaxy AI  that is smarter and more intuitive than ever, Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces a new era of convenience and functionality, empowering users to search with their voice, get answers and take action directly on FlexWindow. Powered by the newest One UI 8  and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen. This intuitive, one-handed experience enhances productivity and introduces even more personalization options, making the Galaxy Z Flip7 a smart and handy companion, whether a user is traveling around the globe or simply navigating a busy day.


Galaxy Z Flip7 brings a new level of AI-powered personalization, tailored to users’ style and routine. From curated wallpaper suggestions to emoji, color and widget customization, the FlexWindow becomes a dynamic extension of a user’s personality. Whether prepping for travel or matching the  mood, personalization is effortless and always evolving.

Gemini Live  is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.  

With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’are looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would. 

Now Bar  shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their rideshare, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.

Now Brief  provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.

The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.


A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio 


Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet. With Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine, it intelligently optimizes every scene to deliver crisp, detailed shots in any lighting, without any manual adjustments needed. From playful pet moments to zoomed-in festival shots and glowing sunset portraits, Galaxy Z Flip7 captures stunning results without a tripod or even unfolding the screen.


 


The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide  and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.

With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames. 

10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom  in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.

With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.

Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio  in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE

Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates - including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts - on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form. Available in Black and White, it delivers a minimalist look that complements its intelligent, foldable design.

Future-Ready Mobile Security 

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP).  KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi.  This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.


Availability & Offers

The Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting 9 July 2025 at 10PM (Malaysia Time) till 31 July 225, with general availability beginning 1 August 2025. The Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred, and Mint (online exclusive) color options. The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE comes in Black and White color options.

To buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, please visit: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip7/
To buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, please visit: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip7-fe/ 


Pre-Order Your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch Series Today!






 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 is here! Experience the next Ultra evolution today! From 9th to 31st July 2025, customers will be able to pre-order the new Galaxy Z series from RM3,999. Customers will be able to redeem up to RM390 in e-vouchers when they have completed registration of their interest and purchase their Samsung Reservation+ voucher. Customers are also able to get a RM600 rebate if they choose to upgrade their storage from 256gb to 512gb capacity, when they pre-order during this period. 

That’s not all! CIMB Bank credit and debit card users will be able to receive an e-voucher of up to RM400 to purchase their next Galaxy devices. This promotion can be redeemed online or offline at authorized Samsung retailers. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 can also be pre-ordered with 0% interest instalment plan of up to 36 months at participating banks.

To customers who are looking to expand their Galaxy ecosystem, pre-order the new Galaxy Watch8 series or Galaxy Watch Ultra today and enjoy savings worth up to RM966. Customers who pre-order the new Galaxy Watch series can receive up to 30% off on additional Watch bands too!



Grab the all new Galaxy Watch Series with these rebates as well to expand your Galaxy ecosystem:


To buy these devices, please visit the following sites:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold7/ 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip7/ 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip7-fe/ 

Samsung Galaxy Watch8: www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch8-44mm-silver-bluetooth-sm-l330nzsaxme/ 

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic: www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch8-classic-46mm-black-bluetooth-sm-l500nzkaxme/ 

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch-ultra-2025-47mm-titanium-blue-lte-sm-l705fzb1xme/ 


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: Big Intelligence in a Pocket-Sized Powerhouse


 Samsung Electronics has once again redefined mobile innovation with the official launch of the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact yet remarkably intelligent foldable smartphone that brings multimodal AI into the palm of your hand. Merging elegance, power, and AI intuition into a foldable form factor, the Z Flip7 is proof that smart technology doesn’t have to come in a large package.








“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “We’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”


A Bigger, Smarter FlexWindow

The Galaxy Z Flip7 features the largest FlexWindow display ever seen on a Samsung flip phone — a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge Super AMOLED screen with 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether sending a message, checking a schedule, or snapping selfies, the newly enhanced Vision Booster ensures high visibility even under the sun.


When flipped open, the main 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers a cinematic experience, built for seamless multitasking, streaming, and gaming.


Refined Design, Robust Durability

Slimmer, sleeker, and stronger than ever, the Galaxy Z Flip7 weighs only 188g and folds down to just 13.7mm in thickness — the slimmest Flip yet. With Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, a restructured Armor FlexHinge, and Armor Aluminum Frame, the Z Flip7 is built to withstand life’s adventures, from clumsy pockets to late-night selfies.

Power that Keeps Up with You

Despite its compact frame, the Z Flip7 boasts the largest battery in the series — 4,300mAh, delivering up to 31 hours of video playback. Powered by a 3nm Galaxy-customized processor, users can enjoy improved performance, better multitasking, and Samsung DeX support for the first time ever on a Flip — turning the phone into a desktop-style workstation anywhere, anytime.


AI, Reimagined for Flexibility

Running on One UI 8 and Android 16, the Z Flip7 is packed with Galaxy AI features that work even when the device is closed. Users can access Gemini Live directly on the FlexWindow — enabling them to search, ask questions, complete tasks, or even receive camera-based assistance with a simple voice command or tap.


New features like Now Bar, Now Brief, and Real-Time App Activity make the FlexWindow more dynamic and interactive than ever — allowing users to check rideshare ETAs, manage fitness data, or stay updated on football scores without ever opening the phone.


Best-in-Class Selfies, Right from the Cover

The Z Flip7 raises the bar for compact photography with a 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-Wide dual rear camera system. With Enhanced Nightography, 10-bit HDR video, and Photo Assist’s Portrait Studio, users can take creative, polished selfies — hands-free.


Tools like Dual Preview, Real-Time Filters, and the intuitive Zoom Slider make it easy to get the perfect shot, whether you’re framing an outfit or capturing a group at sunset.


Introducing: Galaxy Z Flip7 FE

Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, an affordable gateway into the foldable world. With a 6.7-inch main display, a 50MP camera, and Now Brief for daily updates, it offers a minimalist yet feature-packed foldable experience — available in Black and White.


Fortified Privacy for the AI Era

Security remains top priority as Samsung introduces Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), creating encrypted, app-specific vaults within the device. With post-quantum cryptography built into Secure Wi-Fi, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is engineered to protect personal data even over public networks.


Availability in Malaysia

The Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order from 9 July 2025 at 10PM (MYT) until 31 July 2025, with official availability beginning 1 August 2025.


Galaxy Z Flip7: Available in Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred, and Mint (online exclusive).


Galaxy Z Flip7 FE: Available in Black and White.



Visit: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip7 for full details and launch offers.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold7: Thinner, Smarter, and Packed with AI Power

 

In a world where smartphones are expected to be more than just functional, Samsung Electronics has once again shattered boundaries with the launch of its most ambitious device yet — the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Thinner. Lighter. Smarter. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is not just another upgrade — it’s a leap into the next era of mobile intelligence, fusing revolutionary design, powerful AI, and immersive displays to deliver a phone that feels like the future, in your palm.

“This is the most intelligent Galaxy we’ve ever created — built not just to keep up with your life, but to elevate it, anticipate it, and empower it, all in real time,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics.


A Masterpiece of Mobility

Weighing just 215g and measuring only 8.9mm folded, the Z Fold7 is the lightest and slimmest foldable Galaxy device ever made — proving that great power can indeed come in a refined form.

The redesigned 6.5” cover screen (21:9 aspect ratio) offers improved usability in compact mode, while unfolding it reveals a breathtaking 8” Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display, enhanced with Vision Booster and 2,600 nits peak brightness — perfect for sun-drenched days or cinematic nights.


Design That Defies Time

Durability meets elegance with a newly reengineered Armor FlexHinge, crafted with a multi-rail structure for reduced creasing. The new Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2 on the cover screen and a Titanium-reinforced Ultra-Thin Glass main display ensure the Z Fold7 is as tough as it is beautiful.


Samsung also reinforces the device with 10% stronger Armor Aluminum, making it ideal for professionals, creators, and explorers alike.

The Galaxy AI Revolution Goes Foldable

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is Samsung’s most AI-integrated device to date, powered by the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite for Galaxy chipset. AI isn’t just a feature here — it’s the foundation.


  • Live Translate, Transcript Assist, and Generative Edit are enhanced for large-screen performance.


  • Gemini Live now works with camera and screen-sharing for real-time insights — just show, ask, and know.


  • With Circle to Search, users simply circle a game item or a fashion piece and receive immediate AI-generated answers without leaving their screen.


Samsung’s One UI 8, based on Android 16, ties everything together — a next-gen OS built specifically for multitasking on large screens, where AI Results View, Drag & Drop AI, Writing Assist, and Drawing Assist turn ideas into action in moments.


200MP of Pure Creative Power

For the first time in a foldable, Samsung introduces a 200MP wide-angle camera, bringing DSLR-level clarity to your pocket. Enhanced by the ProVisual Engine, every shot benefits from AI-optimized lighting, 10-bit HDR color depth, and motion-aware Night Video.


The result? Photographs that don’t just capture a moment — they elevate it.


Whether it's Portrait Studio selfies or Audio Eraser-cleaned vlogs, the Galaxy Z Fold7 transforms the ordinary into gallery-worthy content with ease.


A Fortress of Future Security

Security in the AI age takes center stage with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). Every app has its own encrypted vault, while quantum-safe Secure Wi-Fi defends against emerging cyber threats — ensuring peace of mind with every tap.


Available Soon in Malaysia

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 begin 9 July 2025 at 10:00PM (MYT), with general availability from 1 August 2025. It comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, and an exclusive Mint for online buyers.


Visit: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold7



Wednesday, July 09, 2025

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra Comfort, from Sleep to Workout

 


Samsung Electronics has once again raised the bar in wearable innovation with the launch of the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, marking a bold new chapter in the brand’s commitment to health, performance, and design. Unveiled globally this week, the Galaxy Watch8 series promises to be the most intelligent, stylish, and comfortable smartwatch lineup Samsung has ever released.

“We are committed to empowering billions of people to live healthier lives through our innovative technology,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By combining purposeful design with advanced sensor technology and an intuitive AI-powered experience, the Galaxy Watch8 series serves as a starting point for a healthier, more connected life.”


A Reimagined Design for Enhanced Comfort and Accuracy

Drawing inspiration from the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the thinnest in Samsung’s history—11% thinner than its predecessor—offering unprecedented comfort for continuous wear. Thanks to an improved internal structure and a new Dynamic Lug system that moves naturally with the wrist, the watch not only fits better but also delivers improved health tracking accuracy.

The Galaxy Watch8 series also boasts a 3,000-nit peak brightness display, making it easily visible even under direct sunlight, while a more powerful 3nm processor improves overall performance and power efficiency.

Advanced Health Features for Holistic Wellness

Samsung continues to expand its reputation as a wellness technology leader with several groundbreaking features in the Galaxy Watch8 series:

  • Bedtime Guidance: Offers personalised circadian rhythm recommendations to optimise sleep schedules.
  • Vascular Load Monitoring: Measures stress levels on the vascular system during sleep for a more comprehensive view of cardiovascular health.
  • Antioxidant Index: A first in smartwatch technology, it measures carotenoid levels in just five seconds to help users make informed decisions about healthy ageing.
  • Running Coach: Calculates fitness levels and creates personalised training plans with real-time feedback.


In addition, new stress management tools such as High Stress Alerts and the Mindfulness Tracker offer real-time interventions, while the Energy Score delivers a holistic assessment of physical and mental well-being.


Powered by AI, Driven by Gemini

The Galaxy Watch8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google’s Gemini AI assistant out of the box, operating on Wear OS 6. Users can now interact hands-free using natural voice commands, making it easier to manage health goals, schedule tasks, or navigate apps like Samsung Health and Calendar.


The One UI 8 Watch interface introduces Multi-Info Tiles and a new Now Bar, making it easier to glance at vital information without overwhelming the user experience.


Tailored to Fit Every Lifestyle

The Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, in Graphite and Silver. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, a nod to traditional timepieces, features a rotating bezel and comes in a 46mm size in Black or White. Samsung has also introduced a broad range of interchangeable bands to suit every taste.


Looking Ahead: Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring

Samsung also previewed the Galaxy Watch Ultra, built for outdoor enthusiasts with a more rugged design, enhanced battery life, and new titanium finishes including Titanium Blue.


Additionally, the Galaxy Ring—a lightweight, minimalistic health-tracking wearable—was introduced as part of Samsung’s growing ecosystem. It offers continuous monitoring and up to seven days of battery life, available in Titanium Black, Silver, and Gold.


Availability in Malaysia

The Galaxy Watch8 Series is available for pre-order in Malaysia now, with general availability beginning 25 July 2025. Local pricing and promotional bundles will be announced via Samsung Malaysia’s official channels.

Expand your Galaxy Ecosystem today with the new Galaxy Watch Series!

Model

Connectivity

Colour

RRP

Galaxy Watch8 (44mm)

WiFi

Graphite

RM1,399

Silver

RM1,399

WiFi + LTE

Graphite

RM1,699

Silver

RM1,699

Galaxy Watch8 (40mm)

WiFi

Graphite

RM1,299

Silver

RM1,299

WiFi + LTE

Graphite

RM1,599

Silver

RM1,599

Galaxy Watch8 Classic (46mm)

WiFi

Black

RM1,799

White

RM1,799

WiFi + LTE

Black

RM2,099

White

RM2,099

Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

WiFi + LTE

Titanium Blue

RM3,399

Titanium Gray

RM3,399

Titanium Silver

RM3,399

Titanium White

RM3,399

To learn more or to pre-order, visit www.samsung.com/my or your nearest Samsung Experience Store.

Your Privacy, Secured: Inside the Tech Powering Safe, Personalised Galaxy AI Experiences


 The potential of AI is limitless, but to truly unlock the full potential of what it can do, user inputs that power personalised experiences are critical. AI needs to understand you — your preferences and your routines — to deliver a mobile experience that feels like a natural extension of your everyday life. 

Intuitive, context-aware Galaxy AI features bring these personalised experiences to life, transforming your smartphone from a tool to a smart companion that anticipates your needs and offers suggestions designed to make your life more productive, creative and connected.  

To deliver a fully personalised experience, your device naturally needs access to certain data. This is what allows AI to understand you and tailor its responses in ways that are genuinely helpful and suited to your lifestyle. To ensure your personal data is safeguarded in this era of AI, we’re constantly innovating data protection on your device, so that nothing falls into the wrong hands.

 

Personalisation Made Possible with the Personal Data Engine

Samsung Electronics’ Personal Data Engine (PDE)  is a key component of safely delivering these highly personal experiences. First introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, the PDE is the powerhouse behind some of Galaxy’s most life-changing AI experiences yet. It works silently behind the scenes to learn from your habits and preferences, resulting in a truly personalised, unique experience. 

Whether it’s Now Brief  guiding you through your day with curated updates or simply finding that one perfect photo in your Gallery with natural language input, Galaxy AI makes every AI-powered action feel seamless. And because the PDE safely processes your data on-device, you can enjoy all the benefits of deeply customised AI — without compromising privacy.


Powerful Advancements with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection

To further strengthen the security of Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung developed Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP)  — a powerful new layer of on-device security that protects your most sensitive data without interrupting your experience. First developed for the PDE, KEEP now also safeguards other Galaxy AI features like Smart Suggestions, Now Brief, Samsung Moments and more, running quietly in the background to ensure that each supported app is kept secure. 

Think of your phone like a house. Each app has its own room — separate, but all under the same roof. Then there’s Secure Folder,  which works like a fully detached guesthouse with its own key, set apart from the main home. It’s great for keeping certain things extra private, especially when you want complete isolation from the rest of your device. But as AI features like the PDE start handling more sensitive tasks in real time, there’s a growing need for security that’s just as strong, yet more connected to your everyday experience.

That’s where KEEP comes in. Imagine turning part of the house into a private suite — still under the same roof, but with its own secure entrance that only you can use. It’s more private than a regular room, but not completely separate like the guesthouse. KEEP works the same way: it creates a secure, dedicated space for individual apps — like the PDE — so it can safely handle your data without sending it anywhere or getting in the way of how you use your phone.

As our mobile experiences become more intelligent, KEEP ensures your most personal data stays safe by design. Together with tools like Secure Folder, it reinforces Samsung’s multi-layered approach to data protection — giving both users and services the right type of security for different privacy needs.

With Galaxy AI becoming more personal, features like the Personal Data Engine and Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection are setting a new standard for mobile intelligence — where personalisation and privacy go hand in hand. As these experiences grow smarter and more attuned to your needs, you can rest assured that your most sensitive information will stay safe on your device, exactly where it belongs.


NU Bulldogs from the Philippines Conquers the First-Ever Galaxy Gaming Academy X Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series 2025!

 The inaugural Samsung x MLBB - Galaxy Gaming Campus Tournament (Galaxy Gaming Academy X Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series 2025) has successfully concluded, marking a pivotal moment for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. This groundbreaking tournament brought together the brightest student gamers from Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore in the first-ever inter-country MLBB Campus Series, designed to nurture emerging talent and build a vibrant community of competitive gamers.







The cross-national grand finals, held from June 20-22 at Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta, known as the "esports shopping mall", saw team NU Bulldogs from the Philippines emerge victorious after intense competition among the top eight elite teams. The tournament attracted over 1,000 participating teams from four countries, through domestic qualifiers, all vying for the substantial US$40,000 prize pool.


“Samsung is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of esports talent across Southeast Asia," said Carl Nordenberg, VP, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania. "The Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series reflects our dedication to providing students with the technology, platform, and opportunities they need to excel in competitive gaming. We are proud to support these young athletes as they pursue their esports dreams - and we are excited for a fun and engaging competition between Southeast Asian universities!"


Ray Ng, Head of Ecosystem, MOONTON Games, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “The collaboration between MOONTON Games and Samsung for the first-ever inter-country MLBB Campus Series Tournament significantly aligns with our commitment to building a strong foundation for aspiring gamers to pursue their esports careers through the tournament. We thank Samsung for this partnership and the Galaxy Gaming Academy that successfully showcased their commitment in the gaming and esports ecosystem while encouraging esports development and student participation across the region.”


NU Bulldogs from the Philippines claimed the championship title and the top prize of US$18,000. NU Bulldogs demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork throughout the tournament, proving themselves as the premier campus MLBB team in Southeast Asia.


FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts, settling for second place, took home US$8,000, while third placer VL Team from Indonesia won US$5,000.


 



"Taking home the championship title is beyond what we imagined when we first registered. Playing against the best campus teams from Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore has made us all better players and showed us the incredible depth of talent in our region. This tournament proves that student gamers deserve serious recognition and support, and we cannot wait to see how this grows in the future. We hope more students will join us in competitive gaming!" said Patrick Balanquit, coach for the NU Bulldogs.


GGA x MCS 2025 Tournament Highlights


The GGA x MCS 2025 featured a comprehensive three-stage tournament structure. Beginning with open registration from March 15 to April 6, the competition progressed through domestic online qualifiers (April 7-May 11) across all four countries, with Indonesia conducting an additional offline national competition (April 19-May 25) to select its national finalists. The top two campus teams from each country then advanced to compete in the cross-national grand finals in Jakarta.


 

The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the centerstage as the tournament phone for the MLBB Campus Series. The cutting-edge device provides optimal and professional-level gaming experience for the participants.


The competition highlighted the incredible depth of young esports talent across Southeast Asia, with teams displaying advanced tactical understanding, mechanical skill, and coordinated gameplay typically seen at professional levels. The tournament was enhanced by Samsung's provision of innovative Galaxy mobile devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, ensuring all competitors had access to optimal gaming performance, display quality, and responsiveness crucial for the professional-level Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition.


A key highlight of the tournament was the active presence of representatives from professional esports teams, including Dewa United, Onic, EVOS, and Team Liquid, reinforcing the event's primary objective of providing a structured platform for aspiring student gamers to compete at high levels while gaining invaluable competitive experience. Events like GGA x MCS 2025 are intended to help lower traditional barriers to entry for aspiring esports athletes, creating direct pathways from campus competition to professional careers.


Looking to the Future of GGA x MCS


The success of the inaugural Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series 2025 establishes a new standard for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. The tournament has demonstrated that with proper structure, technology support, and community engagement, campus-level esports can achieve professional-quality standards while maintaining the vibrant, passionate spirit of collegiate competition.


The comprehensive engagement journey—from pre-event awareness building through post-tournament talent scouting—has created a blueprint for sustainable esports ecosystem development that other regions can emulate.


For more details on Galaxy Gaming Academy, please visit Samsung’s Game Portal


Tuesday, July 08, 2025

Samsung Introduces Future-Ready Mobile Security for Personalised AI Experiences

 

 


Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a new set of security and privacy updates rolling out with its upcoming Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8. These updates reinforce Samsung’s commitment to delivering powerful, trusted mobile technology in a rapidly evolving digital world by introducing new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. 


Next-Generation Mobile Security for AI Personalisation

Samsung is introducing Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP),  a new architecture designed to safeguard the next generation of personalised, AI-powered features, as its latest innovation in mobile security. KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring that each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more.


Supporting Galaxy’s Personal Data Engine (PDE),  KEEP helps secure a user’s deeply personal insights – such as routines and preferences – that enable features like Now Brief and Smart Gallery search. These insights stay entirely on-device, protected by KEEP and further secured by Knox Vault, Samsung’s tamper-resistant hardware security environment. The result is a seamless foundation for Galaxy AI that delivers personalised intelligence while keeping data tightly contained and under the user’s control.


KEEP’s system-level structure allows it to scale across Galaxy AI innovations. In addition to PDE, it now protects Now Brief, Smart Suggestions and other on-device features that rely on user-specific inputs – enabling more advanced AI experiences without compromising privacy. With KEEP, Samsung is redefining how mobile devices safeguard data in the background to elevate privacy from a setting to an embedded design principle.


Smarter, More Connected Threat Response with Knox Matrix


As AI becomes more integrated across the ecosystem, Samsung is advancing protections that offer not just stronger security, but greater transparency and control for users, with Knox Matrix leading the way. Through One UI 8, Samsung is evolving Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection for connected Galaxy devices. When a device is flagged for serious risk – such as system manipulation or identity forgery – it is designed to automatically sign out of the Samsung Account, cutting off access to cloud-connected services to prevent threats from spreading. 


Users are notified across their connected Galaxy devices and guided to the ‘Security status of your devices’ page, where they can review the issue and take action. Even devices without the latest security status updates trigger a yellow-level warning, helping users respond before vulnerabilities grow.


Together, these updates make Samsung Galaxy’s ecosystem-level protection more dynamic, intuitive and visible, empowering users to maintain trust across all their devices with more confidence and clarity.



Secure Wi-Fi Strengthened with Quantum-Resistant Encryption


In continuation of its commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is bringing post-quantum cryptography to Secure Wi-Fi,  extending the trusted approach first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series through Post-Quantum Enhanced Data Protection (EDP). Secure Wi-Fi is now being upgraded with a new cryptographic framework  designed to strengthen network protection against emerging threats, particularly those anticipated in the era of quantum computing. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.


Quantum computing, once fully realised, could undermine many of today’s data protection methods. By integrating post-quantum cryptography, Secure Wi-Fi is built to withstand future attacks that capture encrypted data with the intent to break it once quantum technology matures – a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This upgrade fortifies the secure tunnel between Galaxy devices and Samsung servers, reinforcing the integrity of data transmissions in high-risk environments like public Wi-Fi.


In addition to this future-ready foundation, Secure Wi-Fi offers a suite of advanced privacy features:

Auto Protect: Automatically activates in public places like cafés, airports or hotels, securing Wi-Fi connections without requiring user action.

Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP): Encrypts internet traffic and routes it through multiple layers, combining packet encryption and relay to anonymise device information and help prevent tracking.

Protection Activity: Provides visibility into protection history by showing which apps and networks were secured and how much data was encrypted over time.


A Trusted Platform with Built-In Safeguards


In addition to its latest innovations, Samsung continues to strengthen the core protections that underpin the Galaxy experience. These features reflect a multi-layered security approach that protects across hardware and software, while giving users greater visibility and control:

Knox Vault secures sensitive credentials such as passwords, PINs and biometrics in a physically isolated environment, helping to keep them protected even if the main operating system is compromised.

Auto Blocker helps provide defense by default, blocking unauthorised app installs, restricting command-based attacks and mitigating risks from potential zero-click threats.

Advanced Intelligence Settings gives users the option to turn off online data processing for AI features, so personal information can stay on-device, fully under their control.

Enhanced Theft Protection helps protect personal data even in high-risk situations such as robbery, using safeguards like Identity Check and Security Delay to prevent unauthorised access.


This latest set of updates reinforces Samsung’s long-standing commitment to mobile security that evolves with innovation. It strengthens on-device privacy for personalised AI with KEEP, expands transparency and user control through Knox Matrix, and introduces quantum-resistant protection to Secure Wi-Fi for a more future-ready Galaxy experience. As new security challenges emerge, Samsung remains focused on delivering safeguards that are built in, always on and ready for what’s next.