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Barnama
25-06-2025
- Barnama
- Is A Trustless Society The Future
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. A trustless society doesn't mean people are more dishonest. In fact, it means we are beginning to depend on systems and technology that don't require trust at all. Instead of trusting each other, we trust machines, apps, and coded rules to keep everything fair and square. In today's fast-moving world, a strange new term is now making waves: 'trustless society'. At first glance, it sounds like a dystopian nightmare which refers to a world where no one trusts anyone. But the truth is more complicated and, in some ways, already a part of our lives. These systems are designed so that transactions and interactions can happen without personal trust. They rely on clear rules, automatic processes, and transparent data. You don't have to worry whether the other person is honest because the system will take care of everything. It sounds great and convincing right? In traditional societies, trust is a key part of peoples' lives. We trust our neighbours, our teachers, and our communities. Trust makes us feel safe, belong and connected. But as the world becomes more digitalised and automated, many of our interactions no longer depend on trust between people. We depend so much on machines and computers. And that's where trustless systems come in. All of these examples remove the need for personal trust and replace it with system reliability. And believe it or not, we're already surrounded by trustless systems. Here are just a few examples: The good and the bad There are some major benefits to this new way of doing things: Less Room for Corruption: Automated systems follow rules strictly. They don't play favourites or accept bribes. Faster Processes: Trustless systems remove delays caused by paperwork, middlemen, or negotiations. Global Reach: You can do business with someone across the world without ever meeting them because the system handles everything. This kind of efficiency has huge value in a fast-paced, global economy. But as we rely more on trustless systems, there's a danger of losing something important: human connection. In a fully trustless society, people become more like users than neighbours. Instead of building relationships, we build profiles. Instead of offering a handshake, we scan a QR code. Everything becomes about the transaction not the trust behind it. And while machines and computers may be fair and fast, they can't be understanding or forgiving. A system can't show empathy if you miss a payment. It can't recognise good intentions when a mistake happens. It follows rules, nothing more. In some cases, this can lead to cold and rigid outcomes, especially for people in difficult situations. Malaysia's cashless and digital governance In Malaysia, we're also seeing signs of a shift toward a trustless society, especially with the rise of cashless payments, e-wallets, and digital public services. For example, apps like Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, and Boost have made it easy for people to buy groceries, pay bills, ride public transport, and even donate to charity, without carrying a single ringgit in their pockets. You don't need to trust the hawker stall uncle or the parking attendant; you just scan the QR code, and the system handles the rest. Similarly, the MySejahtera app during the COVID-19 pandemic was a clear example of digital governance. It allowed the government to trace contacts, manage vaccine appointments, and monitor health status through automation, minimising the need for face-to-face checks or personal trust in reporting. Even JPJ's MySikap system and KWSP's i-Akaun now allow Malaysians to manage road tax, EPF contributions, and withdrawals online, reducing human involvement and relying instead on automated rules and systems. These tools increase efficiency and transparency, but they also raise questions about privacy, data security, and whether we are trading away human interaction for convenience. It's a powerful reminder that while technology helps us do more, it shouldn't replace the values that hold our society together. Let's be clear: there's nothing inherently wrong with using systems that help us avoid fraud, speed things up, or simplify life. But we must also ask: At what cost? If we depend too much on systems, we may lose the skills and values that come from personal trust: patience, forgiveness, loyalty, and kindness. These are things that no app or algorithm can replace. For example, a community that helps each other during hard times isn't built by rules, it's built by people who care and trust one another. The way forward for us The key isn't to reject technology or trustless systems but to balance them with the human side of society. We can use trustless systems for what they do best: securing transactions, protecting data, enforcing fairness. But we should also invest in relationships, build strong communities, and teach values like honesty and empathy. A world run by code may be efficient, but a world run by compassion is what truly makes life worth living. As we move toward a more digital future, the idea of a trustless society will continue to grow. But we shouldn't let technology replace the human heart of our communities. After all, no system, no matter how smart can hug a child, help a friend, or offer a second chance. Let's build a future where trustless systems support us but where real trust still brings us together. --- BERNAMA Prof Dr Noor Ismawati Jaafar (isma_jaafar@ is a Professor in Information Systems at the Department of Decision Science, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya.
Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
The fastest vanishing careers
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: K Krishnan Text Size: LAST WEEK we looked at the fastest growing careers. This week let us look at the fast vanishing careers. Some careers that were once considered stable and lucrative are disappearing at an alarming artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting economic demands are making certain jobs obsolete. Advertisement For students, youths, and even parents guiding their children's career choices, understanding these trends is crucial to avoid investing time and money in a dying profession. This article explores the fastest-vanishing careers in Malaysia and globally, why they are declining, and what future-proof alternatives exist. Jobs Being Replaced by Technology # Cashiers and Retail Sales Assistants With the rise of self-checkout kiosks, e-commerce and cashless payments (like GrabPay, Touch 'n Go eWallet and Boost), the need for human cashiers is shrinking. Supermarkets like AEON and Tesco are increasingly adopting automated systems, reducing the demand for traditional cashiers. Alternative Careers: Digital payment specialists, e-commerce managers, or customer experience designers. # Data Entry Clerks AI and software can now input, sort, and manage data faster and more accurately than humans. Many companies in Malaysia are using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and robotic process automation (RPA) to handle paperwork. Alternative Careers: Data analysts, cybersecurity experts, or AI trainers. # Telemarketers Robocalls and AI chatbots (like those used by banks and telcos) are replacing human telemarketers. Customers also prefer digital communication (WhatsApp, email) over unsolicited sales calls. Alternative Careers: Digital marketing specialists, social media managers, or customer relationship managers. Jobs Disrupted by Digital Transformation # Print Journalists and Newspaper Deliverers As news shifts online, print media is declining. Many Malaysian newspapers have reduced circulation or moved to digital-only formats. Similarly, newspaper delivery jobs are vanishing as readers get news from platforms like Malay Mail Online, The Star Online and social media. Alternative Careers: Content creators, digital journalists, or multimedia reporters. # Travel Agents With websites like Expedia, Agoda, and AirAsia's direct booking options, fewer people rely on travel agents. Even traditional tour operators are struggling as DIY travel planning becomes easier. Alternative Careers: Travel bloggers, digital nomad consultants, or experience curators for niche tourism (e.g., eco-tourism). # Bank Tellers Online banking (Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks) and ATMs have reduced the need for human tellers. Banks are now focusing more on digital financial services. Alternative Careers: Fintech specialists, financial advisors, or blockchain developers. Manual and Routine Jobs at Risk # Factory Assembly Line Workers Automation and robotics (like those in Penang's electronics factories) are replacing repetitive manual jobs. Even car manufacturers like Proton and Perodua use robotic arms for precision tasks. Alternative Careers: Robotics technicians, industrial engineers, or automation specialists. # Drivers (Taxi, Lorry, Delivery) While still in demand now, autonomous vehicles and drones threaten driving jobs. Companies like Tesla and Google are testing self-driving cars, while drone deliveries (like those experimented with by Pos Malaysia) could replace couriers. Alternative Careers: Logistics analysts, drone operators, or EV (electric vehicle) technicians. # Postal Workers With emails, e-bills, and digital signatures, traditional mail is declining. Pos Malaysia has shifted focus to parcel deliveries (thanks to Shopee and Lazada), but automation may further reduce human roles. Alternative Careers: Supply chain managers, last-mile delivery coordinators. Traditional Skilled Jobs Under Threat # Librarians With Google, e-books, and digital archives, physical libraries are less critical. Schools and universities are investing in digital resources instead. Alternative Careers: Digital archivists, information curators, or research analysts. # Typists and Secretaries Voice-to-text software (like Google Docs' voice typing) and virtual assistants (Siri, Alexa) are reducing the need for human typists. Many executive tasks are now automated. Alternative Careers: Executive assistants with tech skills, virtual office managers. # Traditional Printers and Typesetters Digital publishing and 3D printing are making old-school printing presses irrelevant. Even small businesses now use Canva and online printing services. Alternative Careers: Graphic designers, 3D printing technicians. What Should Students and Youths Do 1. Upskill in Technology Jobs in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming (Python, Java) are booming. Free courses on Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning can help. 2. Focus on Creative and Critical Thinking Roles Jobs requiring human empathy (psychologists, teachers) or creativity (designers, writers) are harder to automate. 3. Consider Green and Sustainable Careers Renewable energy (solar, EV), environmental science, and sustainable business are growing fields in Malaysia. 4. Be Adaptable The job market will keep evolving. Lifelong learning is key. Advice for Parents Encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education but also soft skills. Support your child's interest in emerging fields like AI, digital marketing, or green energy. Avoid pushing them into 'safe' careers that may not exist in 10 years. Conclusion The job market is transforming rapidly, and some careers won't survive the next decade. By staying informed and adaptable, Malaysian students and youths can future-proof their careers. Instead of fearing automation, they should leverage technology to build sustainable, high-demand careers. For parents, the best support is guidance – not insistence on outdated career paths. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Note: What vanishing careers worry you the most? Share your thoughts with us at: [email protected]
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Tourists visiting Malaysia can now sign up for Touch 'n Go eWallet to make QR payments
Tourists visiting Malaysia can now sign up for Touch 'n Go eWallet to make QR payments PETALING JAYA - Foreign tourists visiting Malaysia from Asean countries can now register for the Touch 'n Go eWallet to enable cashless payments via QR code at supported merchants nationwide. This includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Touch 'n Go Digital says the move is especially beneficial for local businesses, such as hawkers, which typically do not accept card payments. Visitors to Malaysia registered with the Touch 'n Go eWallet app will be able to top up their balance using credit or debit cards issued by banks in their home country. They are also not required to use a Malaysian phone number for registration, as verification codes will be sent via WhatsApp. The ewallet operator further says that this would be expanded to other non-Asean markets soon, including China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and more. For more information on the registration process, those planning a visit to Malaysia can visit the Touch 'n Go eWallet website. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alipay+ Is Now Enabled in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, March 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LankaPay - Sri Lanka's National Payment Network - announced their partnership with Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider, to launch Alipay+ acceptance in Sri Lanka at a press conference held on 25th March 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Accordingly, over 400,000 LANKAQR merchants across Sri Lanka will be able to accept cross-border mobile payments from tourists and business traveller via 14 international e-wallets connected to Alipay+ during the first phase. Alipay+, Ant International's cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solution, now connects over 1.7 billion users via 36 international e-wallets and banks apps worldwide. During the initial phase, travellers from 10 countries and regions, can simply scan the LANKAQR code at more than 400,000 merchants across the island to make payments, just as they are used to at home. The Alipay+ partners enabled for cross-border payment acceptance in Sri Lanka in the first phase include: Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), MPay (Macao SAR), Hipay (Mongolia), GCash (the Philippines), Changi Pay and OCBC Digital (Singapore), Touch 'n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad (Malaysia), Naver Pay and Toss Pay (South Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand), BigPay (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand), and Tinaba (Italy). The launch of Alipay+ would represent the biggest acceptance of cross-border payments in Sri Lanka, including their partners from top inbound operators and potential markets such as Italy, Singapore, Malaysia and China, as identified by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and other top growth markets like South Korea and Thailand. All these travellers will now be able to make seamless payments when they visit Sri Lanka, paying with their preferred home payment app/e-wallet, which not only offers added convenience to mobile-savvy customers, but also ensures more business for local merchants. Figures from SLTDA showed steady growth in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, with visitor arrivals increasing by 38 percent in 2024, compared to the year before. For 2025, Sri Lanka is targeting 3 million tourist arrivals and US$5 billion in tourism related revenue. Welcoming Ant International into Sri Lanka, Mr. Channa de Silva, CEO of LankaPay, stated: "We are delighted to partner with Ant International and enable Alipay+ cross-border payment solution, which signifies a landmark milestone in our global journey. This partnership connects us with international Alipay+ partner users worldwide, enabling them to make seamless payments during their visit to Sri Lanka, similar to their experience at home. This collaboration signifies our commitment to enhance payment convenience to tourists and business travellers to Sri Lanka and attract much needed foreign exchange into the country. Our aim is to support the country's booming tourism sector with seamless and secure digital payments providing a greater convenience to the travellers whilst providing a cost-efficient digital payment acceptance mechanism to local merchants." LANKAQR is a national initiative launched by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to ensure all QR code-based transactions are standardized and interoperable in Sri Lanka. Introduced in 2020, LANKAQR network is managed and operated by LankaPay, providing a platform to connect consumers, banks and merchants into a single payment network across the country. Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International said: "The national LANKAQR infrastructure by the Sri Lanka Central Bank and LankaPay lays a strong foundation for the digitalisation of local businesses and we're proud to partner with LankaPay to enhance interoperability and connect global customers to the local payment ecosystem. Tourism will be a significant driving force in the global economy and based on trends we are seeing, Sri Lanka will significantly benefit, as travellers seek rich cultural, nature and unique experiences. Beyond payments, Alipay+ also enables merchants to reach travellers through new digital services directly within mobile apps, digitalising key travel scenarios, opening new channels of engagements and driving even more vibrant and inclusive growth." Ant International and LankaPay will enable more Alipay+ partner e-wallet acceptance in Sri Lanka and collaborate on joint marketing efforts. About LankaPay Incorporated in 2002, LankaPay is Sri Lanka's National Payment Network. With a multitude of digital payment solutions, the entity facilitates domestic interbank payment solutions under the guidance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Being one of South Asia's most progressive payment networks, LankaPay has pioneered many payment technology innovations in the region. Owned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and all licensed commercial banks in the country, the entity is regarded as one of the best public private partnerships in the region. In 2020, under the guidance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, LankaPay implemented LANKAQR – a unified interoperable QR code in compliance with EMVCO standards. Currently there are 21 local banks and finance companies connected to the LANKAQR network enabling over 400,000 merchants across the island. About Ant International Headquartered in Singapore, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider offering a unified techfin platform to unlock next-gen commerce for all. In close collaboration with partners, they support merchants of all sizes worldwide to realize their growth aspirations through a comprehensive range of tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit About Alipay+ Ant International's Alipay+ is a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitisation services that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payments a broad choice of deals and the convenience of digital services using their preferred payment app/e-wallet while travelling abroad. Many small and medium-sized businesses already use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth. 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