SINGAPORE STUDENTS DEVELOP AI SOLUTIONS FOR DAILY PROBLEMS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Students in Singapore have demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can be built by anyone, showing that with the right tools and community support, people can develop solutions that address real-world needs.

At the opening of the Codechella Singapore 2025 Grand Finale, ChatAndBuild Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Christel Buchanan said intelligence should be built by anyone, for everyone, and not confined to laboratories or large technology companies.

ChatAndBuild in a statement said over 200 students from 10 Singapore universities signed up for Codechella 2025 when registrations opened on Oct 6, including participants from medical, bioengineering, business, and digital media disciplines.

The participants were not limited to computer science backgrounds, underscoring that AI development is no longer exclusive to technical majors. Students built their projects virtually and shared prototypes across social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Judges selected 10 finalists, who then took part in a week-long mentorship programme with industry leaders focused on pitching, product design, and go-to-market strategy.

The three winning teams developed solutions based on challenges they encounter in daily life. Hera, built by five medical students from the National University of Singapore (NUS), is an AI-driven postpartum companion created after witnessing how mothers’ mental health is often overlooked in clinical care.

Meanwhile, solo builder Sidharth Rajesh from Singapore Management University (SMU) developed an AI-powered grading assistant that automates repetitive tasks while maintaining personalised feedback, addressing the long hours educators spend grading.

Another winning solution, Migrant Mate from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), built a multilingual AI application designed to help Singapore’s more than 900,000 migrant workers navigate financial matters, understand their rights, and build community.

Grand Finale brought together judges from organisations, including Google Cloud, Design Strategy Consulting, WeWork and ChatAndBuild, with collaboration from Lorong AI, Singapore's AI community hub, and partners, including Singapore Global Network.

Codechella Singapore forms part of a broader global initiative, spanning Codechella Kids, which introduces AI literacy to young creators, and Codechella Sessions, which are expanding internationally.

-- BERNAMA

MIMOS International Venture and ALAA Consultancy Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Global Expansion of Malaysian Deep Tech

(Front row: L to R) Mohamad Azriani Abd Aziz, Managing Director of MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd.; Husna Nashim, Chief Executive Officer, ALAA Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. signed an MOU to scale Malaysian deep‑tech innovation into global markets. The signing was witnessed by (back row: L to R) Razman Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer, MIMOS Holdings Sdn Bhd, and Tan Sri Dr. Madinah Mohamad, Chairman, ALAA Consultancy.

The MOU document exchange between Mohamad Azriani Abd Aziz, Managing Director of MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd. (second from left); Husna Nashim, Chief Executive Officer, ALAA Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. (second from right), witnessed by Razman Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer, MIMOS Holdings Sdn Bhd, (first from left) and Tan Sri Dr. Madinah Mohamad, Chairman, ALAA Consultancy (first from right), marking the first phase of a broader roadmap to position Malaysian deep-tech on the global stage.  

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd. (MIVSB) recently, announced a strategic partnership with ALAA Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. (ACSB) to scale Malaysian deep‑tech innovation into global markets. The collaboration strengthens MIVSB’s mandate as Malaysia’s primary commercialisation gateway for national R&D and positions the company to engage more directly with international capital and industry partners.
 
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mohamad Azriani Abd Aziz, Managing Director of MIVSB, and Husna Nashim, Chief Executive Officer of ACSB. The ceremony was witnessed by YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Madinah Mohamad, Chairman of ACSB, and Razman Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of MIMOS Holdings Sdn. Bhd. and Executive Director of MIVSB.
 
A Clear Pathway for Malaysian Innovation
MIVSB was established to strengthen further and scale MIMOS Berhad’s advanced research, intellectual property, and deep‑tech capabilities to global markets. Building on MIMOS’ established global engagements, this partnership positions MIVSB to drive the next phase of international commercialisation, while ACSB will support by facilitating access to global investors, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
 
This structured model creates a focused, investment‑ready pathway for Malaysian innovation to scale internationally.
 
Mohamad Azriani Abd Aziz, Managing Director of MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd., said, "Malaysia has built world‑class technology for decades. Our focus now is on ensuring it reaches international markets. This partnership strengthens MIVSB’s role as the bridge between national R&D and global commercial opportunity, enabling us to scale with clarity, discipline, and long‑term value creation."

YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Madinah Mohamad, Chairman of ALAA Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd., commented that, "ACSB is committed to supporting MIVSB’s global ambitions. Our network of sovereign funds and strategic partners provides the capital architecture needed to bring Malaysian innovation to the world."
 
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. Their presence reflects growing international confidence in Malaysia’s deep‑tech capabilities and underscores MIVSB’s role in elevating national innovation to global markets.
 
Driving National Value
The collaboration is designed to deliver significant long-term benefits to the Malaysian economy by further advancing the nation's position in the technology value chain. The partnership is expected to deliver long‑term benefits by:
 
· Strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global technology originator
 
· Attracting high‑quality foreign direct investment
 
· Accelerating the commercialisation of Malaysian intellectual property
 
· Enhancing economic returns from public R&D investments
 
Razman Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of MIMOS Holdings Sdn. Bhd. and Executive Director of MIVSB, added that, "This collaboration reinforces a sustainable, low‑risk model for international engagement. It ensures that Malaysia’s research excellence continues to translate into economic impact and global competitiveness."
 
MIVSB and ACSB will begin identifying high‑impact technology platforms for immediate cross‑border investment and joint‑venture structuring. This marks the first phase of a broader roadmap to position Malaysian deep tech on the global stage.

About MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd. (MIVSB)
MIVSB is an associate company of MIMOS Holdings Sdn. Bhd., wholly owned by MIMOS Berhad under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc.) and an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MIVSB serves as the strategic commercialisation arm for MIMOS Berhad, accelerating the global expansion of Malaysian deep‑tech innovation through partnerships, investment facilitation, and international market development.
 
For more information, please visit www.mimos.my.
 
About ALAA Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. (ACSB)
ACSB is a strategic advisory firm specialising in capital structuring, investment facilitation, and cross‑border partnerships. The company works closely with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and global enterprises to enable high‑impact ventures across emerging markets.

SOURCE: MIMOS Berhad 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
MIMOS International Venture Sdn. Bhd. (MIVSB)
Name: Mohd Nazri Wagiman
Director, Global Strategic Alliances Lead
Email: mohdnazri@mimosinternational.my
 
ALAA Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. (ACSB)
Name: Hasanah Hairuddin
Vice President of Investor Relations
Email: hasanah@alaa.com.my 

--BERNAMA
 

Synchronoss Expands Personal Cloud, Previews Event-Based Group App At CES 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Synchronoss Technologies Inc (Synchronoss), a global leader and innovator in personal cloud solutions, has unveiled expanded capabilities across its white-label Synchronoss Personal Cloud platform at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

“At CES, we are demonstrating how Synchronoss continues to strengthen the foundation of our cloud platform while expanding how it can be used and experienced. Our focus remains on helping partners deliver trusted and meaningful services to their customers,” said Synchronoss President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Miller.

At the event, Synchronoss showcased new enhancements to its white-label Personal Cloud platform designed to help operators and brands deliver secure, scalable, and differentiated cloud services. Updates strengthen core content management, cross-device backup and sync, and cloud intelligence.

The platform now includes enhanced privacy and security controls, including locked folders for sensitive content, granular access and sharing permissions, and integrated document scanning capabilities for securely storing physical documents.

Synchronoss in a statement said it also highlighted continued momentum for Capsyl, its turnkey personal cloud solution, and provided a preview of a new event-based digital experience focused on shared moments and group engagement.

On its one-year anniversary following a successful market launch, Capsyl is expanding beyond mobile to support additional access types and consumer protection use cases, including fixed broadband and integrated security capabilities.

This expansion enables broader household and multi-device experiences, reflecting growing demand for turnkey cloud services with premium features, localisation, and fast time to market.

The new event-based experience leverages the Synchronoss cloud platform to create dedicated cloud spaces for events, bringing photos, videos, and related content together in one place for easy contribution, access, and revisiting.

The experience is being explored for direct-to-consumer use as well as future distribution or integration through strategic partners. The concept demonstrates how personal cloud can evolve beyond static storage to support collaborative content experiences while maintaining strong security and privacy controls.

-- BERNAMA

UNI-FUELS OUTLINES NEXT PHASE OF GLOBAL EXPANSION STRATEGY

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a marine fuel solutions provider, has announced the next phase of its global expansion strategy, focused on scaling operations through disciplined organic growth across key maritime markets.

Uni-Fuels Chief Executive Officer, Koh Kuan Hua in a statement said the next phase reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in a measured and disciplined manner amid increasing complexity in the bunker and regulatory landscape.

Koh added that the company is strengthening its operational capabilities and geographic reach to better support customers while maintaining high standards of operational discipline, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

The announcement builds on Uni-Fuels’ expansion to Dubai, Shanghai, and Limassol in 2025 and provides the strategic framework for additional office openings and operational initiatives to support long-term corporate development.

As part of this next phase, the company’s expansion strategy is guided by priorities that include supporting shipowners and operators across global shipping routes, maintaining strong operational discipline, addressing evolving market and regulatory requirements, and meeting a growing diversity of marine fuel needs.

In executing this strategy, Uni-Fuels will prioritise organic growth by expanding its team, deepening customer relationships, and increasing market coverage in key regions such as Europe, the Americas, and other major international shipping hubs.

The company will also continue to strengthen partnerships with physical suppliers, logistics providers, and counterparties to support efficient, reliable, and resilient fuel supply across its global network.

In parallel, Uni-Fuels said it will continue to evaluate potential strategic opportunities, including acquisitions, where such initiatives align with its long-term growth objectives and strategic fit.

-- BERNAMA

HERE Technologies, Hyundai AutoEver Expand Online Navigation Partnership

 KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- HERE Technologies, a global leader in mapping and location data, and Hyundai AutoEver (HAE), the mobility software subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, announced the expansion of their online navigation collaboration for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles at CES 2026.

HERE Technologies Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific, Deon Newman highlighted that the partnership redefines navigation for the software-defined vehicle era, making it smarter, fresher, and more connected to the world around it.

Meanwhile, HAE Head of Navigation Division, Dongkwon Suh said the expansion into North America and Australia marks a milestone in delivering intelligent, real-time, and personalised navigation experiences.

Leveraging HERE’s automotive-grade maps and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered map-making capabilities, HAE now delivers faster, more accurate updates for its online navigation system, reducing the map data update cycle by more than fivefold.

HERE in a statement said updated roads, speed limits, and points of interest are now reflected more rapidly in infotainment platforms across North America and Australia.

The expansion covers over one million vehicles equipped with Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) and Connected Car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC27) systems, enhancing navigation accuracy, real-time location intelligence, and overall driver experience.

HERE’s unified mapping architecture integrates data from over 44 million connected vehicles, sensors, and community sources, providing a foundation for advanced driver assistance, automated driving systems, and AI-driven cockpit features such as natural language interactions and personalised travel planning.

The collaboration aims to evolve HAE’s online navigation into a streaming navigation solution, leveraging HERE APIs and SDKs to enable lane-level guidance, live map rendering, ADAS integration, and Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) capabilities.

This development builds on a long-standing partnership between the companies, combining innovation, global scale, and a commitment to customer experience, positioning both for the next generation of connected, software-defined vehicles.

-- BERNAMA

Datavault AI Announces it will Exhibit at CES 2026 and Update Investors on Acoustics Division

WiSA™, Data Vault™, Digital Twins, ADIO®, Events Citadel™, VerifyU™, and DVHolo™ on Exhibit January 6 to 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada 

PHILADELPHIA, Dec 31 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DVLT), a leader in data monetization, credentialing, and digital engagement technologies, today announced it will exhibit its WiSA, ADIO, VerifyU, DVHolo, Events Citadel, Data Vault technology and event-based deployments at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada from Jan. 6-9, 2026.

Key Highlights in Datavault AI’s Acoustics Division:

Strong Intellectual Property growth in WiSA with nine new patents issued in 2025 for a total of 63 issued or filed, by Datavault AI.

Increased demand for WiSA wireless audio modules reflects growing adoption of WiSA E across global set-top box deployments and premium audio products, supporting broader market penetration.

Expanding Commercial and OEM Adoption
WiSA-enabled products are actively shipping to, or deployed with, leading global brands, including:

- Klipsch
- Sagemcom
- Bang & Olufsen
- KEF
- Additional global OEMs and commercial integrators

Advanced spatial HD sound transmission technologies developed with interoperability and consumer experience are at the core of Datavault AI’s WiSA technology portfolio.

A legal team from a top intellectual property global law firm has been engaged for a commercial standards-based licensing campaign.

Gen 2 Platform Advancement
Continued progress of WiSA’s Gen 2 software-centric platform, delivering:

- Improved performance, latency, and reliability
- Enhanced scalability for multi-speaker and commercial environments
- Greater flexibility for OEMs and system integrators

Gen 2 software is now running in production environments across:

- Set-top boxes
- Consumer and premium speaker systems
- Commercial audio deployments

Validated and operating on leading semiconductor platforms, including:

- Espressif Systems
- Realtek Semiconductor

Acquired Technology

In July 2025, Datavault AI expanded its intellectual property portfolio through the acquisition of four patents and one pending patent application, secured ownership of the Inaudible Tones® trademark, and acquired SyncIN broadcast technology from Turner Global Media. These assets are being integrated into the Company’s Event Citadel applications, targeting sports, entertainment, and live event use cases. The technologies support Datavault AI’s data-over-sound and acoustics-based signaling capabilities and are designed to integrate with the Company’s broader data monetization platform and proof systems, including VerifyU, which remain key areas of ongoing development and commercialization focus.

CES 2026 Presence Details
Datavault AI’s Data and Acoustic technology solutions will exhibit at CES 2026, January 6 to 9,2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it looks forward to:

- Demonstrating its upcoming Gen 2 software and platform release
- Showcasing live, in-market deployments operating in commercial and consumer speaker systems
- Highlighting WiSA’s evolution as a scalable, silicon-agnostic wireless audio platform.

“The quality in engineering and ownership of the crucial IP is how we became a standard in acoustics with WiSA, it’s truly perfection in the performance of our product, that is most important about what WiSA has achieved, a product perfection culture that carries over to Datavault AI as a whole,” said Nathaniel Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI. “This year marked our development and licensed partnership with Dolby Technologies, our advancement of the WiSA product lines, creation of new innovative ADIO technology integrations into events and advertising and our continued expansion of our intellectual property estate remains central to our strategy. All of this effort is to serve to fortify our position and that of the sole source of groundbreaking solutions,” Mr. Bradley added. 

Index Inclusion Milestone

Datavault AI Inc. has been added to the S&P Semiconductors Select Industry Index, an industry-specific index designed to track companies classified within the semiconductor sector.

About Datavault AI
Datavault AI™ (Nasdaq: DVLT) is leading the way in AI driven data experiences, valuation and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company’s cloud-based platform provides comprehensive solutions with a collaborative focus in its Acoustic Science and Data Science Divisions. Datavault AI’s Acoustic Science Division features WiSA®, ADIO® and Sumerian® patented technologies and industry-first foundational spatial and multichannel wireless HD sound transmission technologies with IP covering audio timing, synchronization and multi-channel interference cancellation. The Data Science Division leverages the power of Web 3.0 and high-performance computing to provide solutions for experiential data perception, valuation and secure monetization. Datavault AI’s cloud-based platform provides comprehensive solutions serving multiple industries, including HPC software licensing for sports & entertainment, events & venues, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy and more. The Information Data Exchange® (IDE) enables Digital Twins, licensing of name, image and likeness (NIL) by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata objects, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI’s technology suite is completely customizable and offers AI and Machine Learning (ML) automation, third-party integration, detailed analytics and data, marketing automation and advertising monitoring. The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more about Datavault AI at www.dvlt.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI,” the “Company,” “us,” “our,” or “we”) and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “goal,” “objective,” “seeks,” “likely” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: statements regarding future events; the commercial potential and anticipated market impact of our patented technologies; our ability to successfully integrate the newly issued patents referred to in this press release with our other patented technologies and Datavault AI agents; our ability to monitor potential infringement of and enforce our patented technologies, including the newly issued patents referred to in this press release; Datavault AI’s expected participation at CES 2026; and the projected growth of the global data monetization and real-world asset tokenization markets, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.

Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; uncertainties regarding valuation methodologies and third-party reports; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; the ability of Datavault AI to develop and successfully market technologies; the risk that the potential technologies that Datavault AI develops may not progress or receive required approvals within expected timelines or at all; risks relating to uncertainty regarding regulatory pathways; the risk that Datavault AI has overestimated the size of the target market, willingness to adopt new technologies, or partnerships; risks that prior results may not be replicated; regulatory and intellectual-property risks; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and could cause actual results to vary from expectations.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments it may make.

Industry and Market Data

Within this press release, we reference information and statistics regarding the market for our products. We have obtained some of this information and statistics from various independent third-party sources, including independent industry publications, reports by market research firms and other independent sources. Some data and other information contained in this press release are also based on management’s estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of internal surveys and independent sources. Data regarding the industries in which we compete and our market position and market share within these industries are inherently imprecise and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties beyond our control, but we believe they generally indicate size, position and market share within this industry. While we believe such information is reliable, we have not independently verified any third-party information. While we believe our internal company research and estimates are reliable, such research and estimates have not been verified by any independent source. In addition, assumptions and estimates of our and our industries’ future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. As a result, you should be aware that market, ranking and other similar industry data included in this press release, and estimates and beliefs based on that data, may not be reliable.

Investor Inquiries
ir@dvlt.ai

Corporate Communications Contact:

IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

SOURCE: Datavault AI Inc.

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

NATIONAL READING SURVEY REVEALS STRONG ACADEMIC HABITS BUT LOW LEISURE READING AMONG MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Teacher Nur Wahidah bt. Husain reading to her Year 5 students at the FINCO Interactive Reading Corner (IRC) in SK Ayer Keroh, Malacca.

 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- While Malaysia boasts a high general literacy rate of 94.64%, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results saw Malaysia rank below the international average for reading, with a decline in scores from 415 in 2018 to 388 in 2022, which underscores the severity of low critical literacy rates. Less than half of participating students achieved the minimum proficiency benchmark.

 
A recent survey by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO), Reading Culture Amongst Malaysian Students, which received 1,168 responses from primary and secondary school students across Malaysia, found a strong positive link between reading and academic achievement. Students who read less frequently tend to achieve lower average grades, which indicates a pressing need for targeted interventions to cultivate a thriving reading culture, particularly in light of declining international assessment scores.
 
The survey also found that while students demonstrated strong reading habits for academic demands, a significant gap exists in self-initiated leisure reading, with more than a quarter of respondents not reading as a personal hobby.
 
Commenting on these findings, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman of FINCO said, “It is encouraging to see students engaging deeply with academic texts, but we must also nurture curiosity and joy in reading beyond the classroom. When reading becomes a habit of choice, not just a task, it opens doors to creativity, empathy, and lifelong learning.”
 
The survey also found that students from low-income households—indicated by receipt of free school meals—are twice as likely to read infrequently compared to their peers from higher-income households, and are also less likely to read for pleasure. Limited book availability at home is a compounding factor, with nearly 1 in 3 students having fewer than 10 books at home.
 
A deeper dive into the data shows a correlation between home book availability and reading frequency. Frequent readers are most likely to come from homes with more than 20 books whereas infrequent readers are more likely to have fewer books at home.
 
Primary students who are read to more than four times per week also showed the strongest tendency to have good reading habits, suggesting that the less students are read to on a regular basis, the less likely they are to be frequent readers.
 
Meanwhile, 73% of respondents reporting to be frequent readers read on digital devices on a daily basis, compared to 53% of infrequent readers, suggesting a positive correlation between reading frequency and use of digital devices. 
 
“Digital reading is reshaping how young Malaysians interact with stories and information. As students turn increasingly to screens for both learning and leisure, our goal should be to nurture habits that promote curiosity, comprehension, and critical thinking—empowering them to navigate information wisely and creatively,” said Clare Walker, CEO of FINCO.
 
The report identifies four focus areas for cultivating a strong national reading culture:

• Fostering Interest-Driven Reading: To cultivate a thriving reading culture, schools and communities should utilise digital platforms and visually appealing genres. Expanding access to culturally relevant reading materials can make reading both enjoyable and inclusive, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds.
• Expanding Access to Reading Materials: Interventions should prioritise expanding both physical and digital access to books, enhancing school and community libraries, and cultivating supportive environments at home and school, moving away from a reliance on extrinsic rewards.
• Cultivating Reading Habits in the Home: Families are encouraged to model reading and establish structured reading routines from a young age, with schools and programmes reinforcing the value of reading for pleasure.
• Leveraging Technology: Educational strategies must actively incorporate digital resources, given the strong link between frequent reading and digital device use. This should include providing guidance to students and parents on online safety and sourcing appropriate reading materials to enhance digital literacy.

The full report can be read on FINCO’s website at www.finco.my/reports.

About the Financial Industry Collective Outreach
The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals. FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through inclusive educational initiatives under four strategic pillars - English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.

FINCO Website: www.finco.my
Instagram: finco_my
Facebook: fincomalaysia
LinkedIn: company/fincomy

SOURCE:  Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Ms. Hannah Jonas
Communications and Event Manager, FINCO
Tel: 014 649 4295
Email: hannah.jonas@finco.my 

--BERNAMA