Muslim Insiders

29/07/2024

This systematic approach help entrepreneurs be more efficient in growing their business. Read the full article below.

Lean management is made up of several key principles. They are value identification, value mapping,

29/07/2024

Malaysia's Brain Drain Crisis: Lack of Meritocracy as Key Driver
​
Malaysia's chronic brain drain issue was brought back into the spotlight after a federal lawmaker mistakenly translated the term to "longkang otak" during a parliamentary session earlier this month, as reported by Malay Mail.
​
Malaysia's brain drain rate has reached 5.5% in March last year, nearly double the global average of 3.3%. With approximately 1.8 million Malaysians now living abroad, the country is facing a significant loss of skilled talent, particularly among young graduates.
​
Experts point to the lack of a true meritocratic system as a key factor pushing talented Malaysians to seek opportunities overseas. Mustapha Sakmud, the Deputy Human Resources Minister, also stated last year that the lack of meritocracy in the workplace is one of the top reasons Malaysians choose to migrate. ​ Many feel that social connections and privileges, rather than merit and abilities, often determine career advancement in Malaysia.
​
Other factors that contribute to it are challenges Malaysians faced during seeking jobs. According to Malay Mail, citing 2019 Hays Asia Overseas Returnees Report, there are a total of four challenges. They are lower salaries and benefits, limited job options, being unfamiliar with the job market in Malaysia, and foreign spouses and children struggling to adapt to Malaysia’s culture.
​
A 2010-2011 study by the World Bank found that one in ten skilled Malaysians born in the country choose to leave, which is twice the world average. The main cause cited was less attractive salaries and benefits compared to other countries.
​
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the issue last year, emphasizing the need for incentives to encourage top talent to return to Malaysia. The government has implemented measures such as wage hikes for civil servants and plans to attract skilled Malaysians back to the country.
​
However, experts believe that the brain drain problem cannot be resolved without a combined effort from both the government and private sector. Adopting people analytics solutions and creating more entry-level job opportunities are some ways companies can improve employee engagement and foster better talent retention.
‎

29/07/2024

Networking is all about mutual benefits and interests. Read the full article below.

Networking is all about relationships and receiving mutual benefits. This means that both parties sh

27/07/2024

Here is How Tawakkul Can Ease Your Entrepreneurial Journey. Read the full article below.

Not everyone is blessed with peace of mind, except entrepreneurs who are relentlessly chasing succes

26/07/2024

Engaging in these spaces can significantly boost motivation and business success for entrepreneurs. Read the full article below.

These online community platforms are saturated with founders and entrepreneurs who are looking to gr

26/07/2024

OpenAI Releases SearchGPT: A New AI-Powered Search Engine Prototype
​
OpenAI has unveiled a prototype search engine named SearchGPT. This AI-powered tool is crafted to provide a more organized and meaningful search experience than traditional search engines.
​
With features such as summaries with direct attribution links, follow-up question support, and a sidebar with additional relevant links, SearchGPT will be available to 10,000 test users for feedback and refinement.
​
“We’re testing SearchGPT to combine our AI models' strength with web information, offering timely answers and clear sources,” stated OpenAI.
​
The prototype aims to enhance user experience and facilitate publisher engagement by prominently citing and linking to sources.
​
Key Features:
​
💫 Organized Search Results: Provides clear, concise summaries with direct attribution links.
💫 Interactive Search: Supports follow-up questions in a conversational interface.
💫 Visual Responses: Includes images and videos for better understanding.
💫 Publisher Collaboration: Partners with publishers for high-quality content and user engagement.
💫 Real-Time Information: Delivers up-to-date web information with clear source links.
​
OpenAI plans to integrate the most effective features of SearchGPT directly into ChatGPT, enhancing the overall user experience. The focus will be on improving areas such as local information and commerce. OpenAI will continue gathering feedback from users and publishers to refine the tool further.
‎

25/07/2024

A business is attractive when it is well-positioned for growth. Read the full article below.

A positive brand image appeals to customers, but for investors, a business is attractive due to its

25/07/2024

How Can Companies Gain Trust from Consumers?
​
Gaining consumer trust is crucial in today's competitive landscape. A PwC survey shows that while consumers engage with companies on social media, they question the safety and reliability of these platforms.
​
💫 Using customer data responsibly: 83% of consumers consider data protection a top priority. Businesses must be transparent about how they collect, store, and use customer data.
​
💫 Consistent high-quality products and services: 79% of consumers prioritize the quality of goods and services and product affordability (75%). Consistently delivering high-quality products and services at reasonable prices demonstrates commitment to customer satisfaction and fosters long-lasting relationships.
​
💫 Authentic contents: Social media is also a crucial platform to focus on. ​ Companies must create authentic, engaging content that resonates with their target audience. Promptly responding to customer inquiries and addressing concerns fosters a sense of trust and transparency.
​
💫 Loyalty programs: Nearly 50% of consumers are willing to share their data for personalized services. Offering loyalty programs with valuable benefits helps businesses collect data and build trust.
​
Gaining consumer trust requires prioritizing data protection, quality, affordability, authentic social media engagement, loyalty programs, and consistent values. Addressing these factors helps companies build lasting customer relationships and drive business success. For a full report, refer to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024.
‎

24/07/2024

Small things that set you apart from a real entrepreneur can make the dream look more unattainable. Read the full article below.

Dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur is a significant aspiration that many people share. However, no

23/07/2024

Brands that know their way to connect with their audience are more likable. Read the full article below.

What happens if people like you? They will be more likely to follow your social media, like your con

23/07/2024

Survey Reveal Organizations Trust AI Agents for These Key Tasks
​
A survey by the Capgemini Research Institute reveals that organizations are increasingly placing their trust in AI agents for a variety of critical tasks. As AI technology continues to advance, companies are leveraging these agents to enhance efficiency and productivity across different areas.
​
Key findings from the survey include:
​
💫 Data Analysis and Synthesis: A majority of organizations (63%) express confidence in AI agents for analyzing and synthesizing data. This helps them extract insights and make data-driven decisions.
💫 Email Composition: Half of the organizations surveyed trust AI agents to compose work-related emails.
💫 Coding: Looking ahead, 60% of organizations anticipate that AI agents will handle most coding tasks within the next 3–5 years. This expectation points to AI's potential to automate and accelerate software development processes.
​
The survey, conducted globally among 1,100 executives at the director level and above from different organizations. It underscores the shifting role of AI from supportive tools to autonomous entities capable of performing complex tasks independently.
​
As companies prepare for broader AI adoption, establishing robust data governance and training strategies will be essential to ensuring transparency and maximizing the benefits of AI technology.
‎

22/07/2024

Businesses Need New Ways to Get Consumer Feedback
​
Consumers are giving less feedback than before, so businesses must find new methods to understand their customers.
​
This year’s Consumer Trends study by Qualtrics XM Institute reveals a crucial shift: people are sharing their feedback less directly. The study, based on feedback from over 28,000 people in 26 countries, shows that traditional feedback methods, like surveys, are no longer enough.
​
Key points from the report:
​
✨ 21% of consumers say nothing, whether they have had a good or bad experience.
✨ 66% of customers won’t tell you if they’ve had a bad experience.
​
Since 2021, direct feedback has dropped by 7.2 percentage points. This means businesses need to use a variety of tools to gather insights, including data from social media, customer service interactions, and sales metrics.
​
Technology like AI can help companies understand customer experiences better by analyzing multiple data sources. Companies that adapt and use new feedback methods will be able to connect with their customers more effectively and build stronger relationships.
‎

22/07/2024

Entering the halal market improves your brand's image, but how will it be seen? Read the full article below.

Expanding into the halal market is a strategic move for businesses, driven by the growing demand for

22/07/2024

This Malaysian pop singer will always remain a legend who leaves an indelible mark on Malaysia's music industry. Read the full article below.

Dato' Jamal Ubaidillah bin Haji Mohd Ali, better known as Jamal Abdillah, is a prominent singer in M

20/07/2024

What to Do If People Underestimate You as a Leader? Read the full article below.

Individuals who are young, introverted, women, or have disabilities often face underestimation due t

19/07/2024

Engaging skeptical audience must be done in a way that is direct and evokes emotional connection. Read the article below for more.

Public speaking in the presence of a skeptical audience is a normal situation. Audience is skeptical

19/07/2024

Report Reveals What B2B Buyers Are Seeking
​
A report from Digital Commerce 360 reveals that B2B buyers are increasingly prioritizing multiple digital channels in their purchasing processes.
​
What do they seek? The report highlights several critical capabilities:
​
1. Consistent Experience Across Channels: Buyers expect a seamless and efficient purchasing process, consistent across all the channels they use.
2. Multiple Digital Channels for Engagement: Buyers now use about a dozen digitally focused sales channels to engage with sellers, up from previous years, according to McKinsey.
3. Online Transactions: Many B2B transactions now begin and end online, with 53% of companies making online purchases daily or multiple times over a business day.
​
Buyers also desire an enhanced online user experience that simplifies their job and boosts efficiency.
​
With B2B buyers emphasizing the importance of a digitally driven omnichannel strategy, sellers must invest in these capabilities to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
‎

18/07/2024

Preventing yourself from procrastinating requires a strong mindset. Read the full article below.

Being a victim of procrastinating can be daunting, but don’t turn yourself into one. Procrastination

18/07/2024

Here’s How Your Business Can Boost Revenue Up to 56%, According to a Report
​
BrandMuscle's State of Local Marketing report, aimed at affiliates and local businesses, provides actionable insights from a survey of 1,147 businesses.
​
It analyzes over 211,347 data points to identify top-performing marketers and effective tactics, setting benchmarks and offering strategies to boost revenue growth.
​
Their key strategies are:
​
1. Omnichannel approach: Successful marketers use a mix of traditional (print ads, radio, out-of-home), digital (email, social media, paid search), and event (sponsorships) tactics to engage customers.
2. TOFU, MOFU, and BOFU tactics: Top marketers balance top-of-funnel (TOFU), middle-of-funnel (MOFU), and bottom-of-funnel (BOFU) strategies.
3. High-performing marketing channels: Referral programs, purchased leads, and direct mail are top tactics for boosting revenue.
4. Paid media: Paid search and paid social are crucial for quick revenue growth by targeting ready-to-buy customers.
5. Balanced social media strategy: Combining organic and paid social media efforts yields a revenue increase, outperforming using either approach alone.
​
Simply put, using a mix of different marketing strategies can help local businesses increase revenue. By using these tactics, businesses can spend their marketing money wisely and grow their business steadily over time.
‎

17/07/2024

Why SMEs Should Seek Growth For a Better Change
​
Recently, Samenta (the Small and Medium Enterprises Association) highlighted a concern regarding the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. SMEs are being urged to embrace growth and innovation as a strategic priority.
​
While Malaysians are inclined to use existing technology and innovation, they may not be as proactive in creating new technologies or innovations themselves. This reliance on existing solutions rather than developing new ones could hinder the growth of SMEs in Malaysia.
​
Datuk William Ng, the national president of Samenta, points out that the challenges faced by SMEs, such as margin compression, are not solely due to the pandemic but also stem from a historical lack of emphasis on innovation, research, and development (R&D).
​
Over the past two to three decades, many SMEs may have missed opportunities to invest in these areas, which are crucial for building their own brands and remaining competitive in the market.
​
Therefore, SMEs in Malaysia should seek growth and embrace innovation to expand their market reach, improve profitability, enhance adaptability, and attract top talent for a better future.
​
Investing in research, innovation and R&D can lead to a better future for SMEs in Malaysia, enhancing their competitiveness, market reach, profitability, and adaptability.
‎

17/07/2024

Productivity may look unusual for this type of individual. How does it look to them? Read the full article below.

A lot of people assume that creative people can literally spark ideas naturally and effortlessly bec

16/07/2024

5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Could Be Making Right Now. Read the full article below.

As small business owners are deeply focused on their day-to-day operations, it can be easy to miss i

16/07/2024

Malaysia’s Focus on Digital Skills and AI Readiness are Increasing
​
Malaysia is making big strides in developing digital skills and preparing its workforce for the future. According to Coursera Global Skills Report 2024, over 782,000 learners are active on Coursera, with a median age of 32. Nearly half of the learners are women, and 34% of the women are in STEM.
​
💡 There's been a huge 97% year-over-year increase in Professional Certificate enrollments. Malaysians are focusing on areas like data analytics, project management, and digital marketing.
​
Malaysia’s National AI Studies Centre is one example of how it will boost tech education by preparing the workforce for AI and machine learning opportunities.
​
Learners are also focusing on skills like SQL, FinTech, blockchain, and business analytics. This aligns with growing demand for tech professionals and also global trends, where AI is crucial for economic growth.
​
Other top skills are spreadsheet software, supply chain systems, market research, advertising, business communication, investment management and risk management.
​
Across Asia Pacific, Malaysia’s growth in AI course enrollments reflects government investments in AI infrastructure and education. Businesses are investing in AI training for innovation, while universities are enhancing faculty skills in AI. Malaysia is leading the way in preparing its workforce for a tech-driven future.
‎

15/07/2024

3 Big Reasons Why Businesses Should Focus on Experience. Read the full article below.

Nowadays, consumers aren't just making purchases based on appearances or functionality alone. They a

14/07/2024

MQA Ensuring Malaysia’s High-Quality Education, Aiming Global Recognition. Read the full article below.

The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is a statutory body established under the Higher Educ

13/07/2024

Early Stage vs. Well-Developed Leaders: Which One Are You? Read the full article below.

In leadership, there is always room for improvement, and the journey never ends. It involves a lot o

12/07/2024

Thailand Remains a Top Travel Destination For Muslim Tourists. Read the full article below.

Thailand, still secures itself among the top destinations for Muslim tourists worldwide, according t

12/07/2024

Millennials and Gen Z Drive Surge in Australia's Luxury Market: What Are They Seeking?
​
Australia's luxury retail sector is experiencing a significant shift, driven by the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z. As of 2024, Millennials and Gen Z (age 15 to 54) account for more than 50% of all luxury spending in Australia, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years, according to the Luxury Retail Australia report.
​
Younger generations are increasingly gravitating towards luxury goods, viewing them not just as status symbols but as expressions of their individuality and values. They seek products that align with their desire for quality, authenticity, and sustainability, prompting luxury brands to adapt their offerings accordingly.
​
Platforms like TikTok have emerged as influential channels where Millennials and Gen Z discover and engage with luxury brands. 68% of users are more likely to purchase a luxury product based on TikTok content, according to the report. This has made the platform influence luxury purchasing decisions.
​
Environmental consciousness is a significant factor driving Millennials and Gen Z's luxury preferences. These consumers prioritize brands that demonstrate ethical practices and sustainability initiatives, prompting the industry to adopt more transparent and eco-friendly approaches to production.
​
Major cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, have become focal points for luxury retail expansion. Flagship stores and revitalized shopping precincts cater to the urban lifestyle preferences of younger demographics, offering exclusive shopping experiences and a diverse range of luxury products.
​
As Millennials and Gen Z continue to assert their influence on Australia's luxury retail sector, brands must navigate a landscape defined by digital engagement, sustainability imperatives, and evolving consumer expectations.
‎

11/07/2024

How Much Transparency in Communication Is Not Too Much? Read the full article below.

Transparency provides clarity, through being open and honest, which leads to understanding. When you

11/07/2024

Cutting Food Waste in Half Will Help 153 Million People Reduce Hunger
​
Cutting food waste in half could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and undernourishment, benefiting 153 million people worldwide, according to a joint report by the OECD and UN’s FAO.
​
The report emphasizes that by 2033, the number of calories lost and wasted between the farm and household could exceed twice the calories consumed annually in low-income countries.
​
Halving food waste could cut global agricultural emissions by 4%. It could also reduce the number of undernourished people by 153 million by 2030. Fruits and vegetables, being highly perishable, account for over half of the food waste, followed by cereals.
​
UN nations aim to reduce per capita food waste by 50% by 2030, but there is no global target for reducing food loss in the supply chain. The FAO estimates that 600 million people will face hunger by 2030, and reducing food waste could increase food intake and access for low-income populations.
​
Implementing these measures can help alleviate hunger and address climate change effectively.
‎