Uptime Institute Announces Education Collaboration with Custommedia Academy as Exclusive Partner in Malaysia

As Malaysia rises as a premier data center hub, Custommedia Academy has been appointed the exclusive local partner for Uptime Institute’s globally recognized Uptime Education training programs. This collaboration will equip 400 professionals by 2025 with the expertise to design, operate, and manage cutting-edge digital infrastructure—ensuring Malaysia’s workforce is ready to meet the demands of billion-dollar tech investments from giants like Google, Microsoft, and AWS.

NEW YORK, NY – February 12, 2025 – Uptime Institute today announced an agreement with Custommedia Sdn Bhd as the exclusive local partner in Malaysia to offer its Uptime Education courses through the Custommedia Academy. This partnership combines Custommedia Academy's local expertise with Uptime Institute's globally recognized training programs and standards for digital infrastructure performance. The collaboration aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of data center professionals in Malaysia, providing them with essential tools to efficiently design and operate data centers. Key benefits of these training programs include improved operational efficiency, risk minimization, and alignment with industry best practices.

“Malaysia is fast emerging as a premier data center hub in Southeast Asia, fuelled by strategic initiatives and transformative investments that are reshaping the nation’s digital landscape. This is part of a broader digital economy strategy to boost the sector’s GDP contribution to 25.5% by 2025,” said Aidinorazri, Chief Marketing Officer, Custommedia. “Our partnership with Uptime Institute will enable Custommedia Academy to contribute towards achieving Malaysia’s national digital aspirations by ensuring the workforce is well-prepared to design, build, operate and manage increasingly complex digital infrastructures. To help achieve this, we intend to train 400 data center professionals by the end of 2025,” he added.

Aidinorazri continued that among the standout projects being undertaken in Malaysia currently include the Bandar Teknologi Maju Perlis in Padang Besar—a massive 600-acre development featuring cutting-edge AI-driven data centers and high-performance computing supported by sustainable energy infrastructure. In parallel, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) showcases the region’s vast potential, positioning Malaysia as a critical economic and digital innovation hub.

“These developments, alongside major investments from global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, AWS, Nvidia, and NTT Data, inject billions into Malaysia’s digital economy, driving an ever-growing demand for skilled data center professionals.”

"Addressing the talent shortage is crucial to sustaining growth and ensuring Malaysia's competitiveness in the global digital economy," said Patrick Chan, Vice President for South Asia at Uptime Institute. "As Malaysia positions itself as an important and strategic destination for international investment in digital infrastructure, our Uptime Education training unit is poised to work with Custommedia Academy to train and develop the skilled workforce of today and tomorrow. Custommedia Academy’s proven expertise in training ISTQB, IREB, and ASAQB certified professionals, along with its alignment with Malaysia’s digital economy initiatives, makes it an ideal partner for this collaboration. Together, we aim to bridge the gap between global standards and local industry needs, ensuring Malaysia’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape."

The training begins with Uptime Education’s Data Center Fundamentals course, an entry level course designed to provide a structured overview of the data center environments, what data centers are, what they do and why we need them. The course provides an overview of basic design and design philosophies and the essential factors of data center management including operational processes, energy management and facility management. Additional courses will also be available including Certified Data Center Technician Professional (CDCTP®); Accredited Sustainability Advisor (ASA); Accredited Tier Designer (ATS); Accredited Operations Specialist (AOS); Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS); and Certified Data Center Management Professional® (CDCMP®). Course information and schedules can be found on the Custommedia Academy website .

About Custommedia Sdn Bhd

Custommedia Academy is Malaysia's leading training provider focusing on software engineering-related training for professionals. It is part of Custommedia Sdn Bhd, a software engineering company, which was established in 1991.
Based in Selangor, Malaysia, the Academy runs courses primarily focusing on Software Quality Assurance (SQA), Software Requirements, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, as well as software development techniques and methodologies.

Since 2008, Custommedia Academy has been an Accredited Training Provider for the Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB). Through this partnership, the Academy offers courses relating to internationally recognized certifications under programs managed by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB), the International Software Architecture Qualification Board (ISAQB), Brightest, and the TMMi Foundation. For more information, please visit custommediaacademy.my

About Uptime Institute

Uptime Institute is the Global Digital Infrastructure Authority. With over 3,500 awards issued in over 118 countries around the globe, and over 1,100 currently active projects in 80+ countries, Uptime has helped tens of thousands of companies optimize critical IT assets while managing costs, resources, and efficiency.

For over 30 years, the company has established industry-leading benchmarks for data center performance, resilience, sustainability, and efficiency, which provide customers assurance that their digital infrastructure can perform across a wide array of operating conditions at a level consistent with their individual business needs. Uptime’s Tier Standard is the IT industry’s most trusted and adopted global standard for the design, construction, and operation of data centers. Offerings include the organization’s Tier Standard and Certifications, Management & Operations reviews and assessments including SCIRA-FSI financial sector risk assessment, the Sustainability Assessment, and a broad range of additional risk management, performance, availability, and related offerings. Uptime Education training programs have been successfully completed by over 90,000 data center professionals, such as the highly respected ATD (Accredited Tier Designer) and AOS (Accredited Operations Specialist). More recently, the Uptime Education curriculum has been expanded by the acquisition of CNet Training, Ltd. In 2023.
Uptime Institute is headquartered in New York, NY, with main offices in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Riyadh, Singapore, and Madrid with full-time Uptime professionals based in over 34 countries around the world. For more information, please visit uptimeinstitute.com.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Caravel: Elevating Travel with Style & Function

Caravel is the ultimate destination for discerning travelers, blending function, style, and innovation in every journey. Conceptualized in 2023 with La Meute, a French design company, Caravel offers a global, modern aesthetic. Its flagship store opened in SM Podium in October 2024, followed by Greenhills GH Mall.

 

Designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, Caravel curates world-renowned brands like Bric’s, Porsche Design, Thule, Travelpro, and Echolac. Whether for business, leisure, or everyday adventures, Caravel ensures your travelware meets every need—durable, secure, and stylish. Discover a new way to travel. Make it your own. Make it Caravel.

Caravel, home of elevated global travelware, is designed with purpose, functionality and style.  Conceptualized in 2023 with the guidance of La Meute, a French design company, the brand has a global look that is both contemporary yet modern. The first and flagship store opened in October 2024 at the 4th Floor of SM Podium followed by a second store at the 2nd Floor of GH Mall in Greenhills.

Caravel caters to professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who value both style and function. Blending practicality with elegance, Caravel offers travel essentials that align with the ambitions of its discerning clientele. Caravel embodies a voyage into new frontiers of innovation, fashion, and style. 

Designed for Every Journey

Caravel has something for every scenario—whether navigating airports, heading to meetings, or embarking on spontaneous road trips. Whether for business, leisure, or outdoor exploration, Caravel ensures that your travelware fits the purpose of the travel.

Functionality that Enhances Travel

A great travel companion adapts to your needs. Caravel’s products cater to real-life travel demands—lightweight yet durable, expandable yet compact, stylish yet secure. Features like water-resistant materials, anti-theft compartments, and ergonomic designs that provide peace of mind on the go. 

Express Yourself Through Travel

The way you travel reflects your personality. The right bag is more than just an accessory—it isan extension of your lifestyle. Do you prefer effortless organization, bold adventure, or polished sophistication? Caravel’s brands and products complement diverse personalities, so you can stay true to your style.

Post-Travel Care

Caravel ensures your journey continues even after your return, with post-travel care and maintenance services, your travel gear remains in top condition for your next adventure. 

Caravel guides you as you navigate on your journey, providing brands, products and services that resonates to you, after all you are the expert of your own travels.  It’s your travel, it’s your expertise.  Make it the way you want it.

• Make It Business with laptop briefcases for protection and organization.

• Make It a Weekend Getaway with versatile duffels for short trips.

• Make It Everyday with slings and totes for urban outings.

• Make It Family with luggage sets for seamless travel planning.

• Make It Convenient with front-access luggage for quick retrieval.

• Make It Secure with TSA locks for added protection.

• Make It Fit with expandable designs for extra space.

• Make It Personal with customization options.

• Make It Fashionably Classic with Bric's timeless elegance. 

• Make It Luxurious with Porsche Design’s refined aesthetic.

• Make It Travel More Miles with TravelPro’s durability.

• Make It Versatile with Thule’s adaptable business-to-casual bags.

• Make It Modern Contemporary with Echolac’s sleek, minimalist designs.

There are so many ways to Make it Your Own, Make it Caravel.

About Caravel

Caravel is a multibrand global travelware store born from the vision of providing an exceptional experience for the discerning modern travelers. A curation of world-class brands, craftsmanship-blended with functional design and elegant style. Rooted in delivering the best customer experiences, Caravel is the ultimate destination for brands and products that serves its purpose of function and style.

About Jake Bros., Inc.

Founded in 1987, Jake Bros, Incorporated (JBI) is one of the leading retailers and distributors of bags and luggage brands in the Philippines.  JBI is the exclusive distributor of global brands such as Bric’s, Porsche Design Travel, Thule, Echolac, Travelpro, Wenger, Case Logic, Discovery Travel, Elle Travel, Verage and GoTravel Accessories. JBI also owns and operates Thule, Wenger, Case Logic, and Bric’s stores, Tripologie and Caravel multibranded stores.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Vector Partners with bythen to Disrupt the $325B Creator Economy

 

    Tokyo – Japan, January 20, 2025 - Vector Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; Chairman and CEO: Keiji Nishie; TYO: 6058)   has been actively supporting startup growth through investments and PR/IR assistance. To date, Vector Inc. has invested in approximately 250 domestic companies and has backed 32 companies achieve IPOs and sustatin post-listing growth.

As part of it’s pioneering expansion into overseas investments, Vector Inc. has decided to invest in  bythen, an Indonesian-based AI startup, and enter into a capital and business alliance.

The Global IP market has been experiencing rapid growth, reaching approximately USD 315.5 billion in 2021-threee times its size a decade ago. Additionally, the rise of social media has fuled the expansion of the "creator economy," where individuals can develop and montize their own original IP.

bythen empowers users to creative AI-powered digital twins, produce engaging content, and live stream, unlocking new opportunites to elevate their online presence and monetize influence. The platform democratizes access to virtual influencers, leveraging AI-driven content generation to enbale 24/7 automated engagement across social media platforms. bythen is poised to disrupt the $325 billion creator economy and empower over 200 million global content creators.

Kevin Mintaraga, the founder of bythen, is a globally recognized serial entrepreneur. He previously built Magnivate, which was acquired by WPP in 2012, and Bridestory, which was acquired by Tokopedia in 2019.

Looking ahead, the Vector Inc. will continue to expand its focus beyond domestic companies to include overseas companies, driving business and economic growth by investing in companies with cutting-edge technologies and world-leading services.

Profile of Kevin Mintaraga, CEO of bythen

・Co-founded Magnivate, a digital agency (now Mirum Agency), in 2008.

・Sold Magnivate to WPP, the world's largest advertising and marketing company, in

2012 and served as the youngest subsidiary CEO in WPP’s history until 2013.

・Founded Bridestory in 2013, which grew into Indonesia’s largest wedding

marketplace and was acquired by Tokopedia in 2019.

・Served as CMO of Tokopedia (now part of the GoTo Group) from 2019.

・Featured on Campaign Asia’s Power List for four consecutive years.

Comment from Kevin Mintaraga

"Japan is a global leader in the virtual influencer industry and a powerhouse of IP content. Receiving investment from Vector, Asia’s largest PR company with a vast domestic and international network, is a great honor.

Vector’s strong reputation and customer network in Japan and the broader Asian region will play a pivotale role in helping bythen promote its avatar collections and solutions. Furthermore, this partnership opens the possibility for collaborations between bythen and Japan’s iconic IPs.

Until now, the rights to virtual influencer IPs were typically owned by companies, limiting individuals' freedom to customize and adapt them. bythen aims to democratize virtual influencer IPs globally by providing users with tools and solutions to build and grow their digital presence."

Profile of Ryo Umezawa, Vice President of New Business Development and Global M&A, Vector Inc.

・Spent ten years in the Philippines before graduating from Sophia

University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business and Economics, in 2007.

・Interned at J-Seed during university, contributing to business launches

and marketing activities from 2005.

・Worked at Traffic Gate (now LinkShare Japan) from 2008, building smartphone ad network businesses and developing voice recognition search app

・Co-founded two startups, a mobile marketing company and a coupon aggregation business

・Served as the CEO of HAILO Japan, a taxi-hailing app, and held executive roles

at HomeAway Japan, Tinder Japan, and investment funds East Ventures and Antler.

・Appointed as Vice President of New Business Development and Global M&A at Vector Inc. in 2024.

Comment from Ryo Umezawa

"It is a great honor to support an entrepreneur embarking on his third venture with a vision of democratizing AI virtual characters and pursuing global expansion. This initiative will showcase Japan’s content and culture globally, unlock creators’ full potential, and contribute to the growth of the sharing economy."

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

GoGym's First Community Event of 2025: Love on the Run

  

GoGym is hosting its inaugural "Love On The Run" Community Fun Run on Sunday, February 23rd, featuring a 5-kilometer route along Ayala Avenue in Makati City. The event, led by GoGym staff and personal trainers, encourages members to bring friends, with registration required for all participants.

Love is in the air, and so is the sound of running shoes hitting the pavement! Join us for GoGym's inaugural "Love On The Run" Community Fun Run on Sunday, February 23rd, along the scenic Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Community Event Details:

Distance: 5 kilometers
Call Time: 5:30 AM
Start Time: 6:00 AM
Location: Ayala Avenue, Makati City (specific meeting point will be shared with registered users prior to the event)

Led by our enthusiastic GoGym staff and personal trainers, this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate health, community, and a bit of Valentine's Day spirit. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, everyone is welcome. We encourage our members to bring along friends and loved ones—even if they're not yet part of the GoGym family.

Why Run? Regular running offers a plethora of health benefits:

Heart Health: Engaging in just 10 minutes of running daily can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mental Well-being: Running has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive functions, making it a natural way to boost your mental health.

Bone Strength: As a weight-bearing exercise, running helps increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Plus, running with a community adds an extra layer of motivation and fun. After all, they say time flies when you're having fun—and maybe even faster when you're running with friends!

Registration: To ensure a smooth experience, registration is required for this event. Please sign up through our Instagram @gogym.ph or visit our website to secure your spot. You can also go to any of our locations and talk to our staff to get signed up!

Lace up those sneakers, grab a friend, and let's make this Valentine's season memorable. Because nothing says "I care" like a shared morning run and a healthy heart!

See you at the starting line!

Note: Please arrive promptly at 5:30 AM for check-in and warm-up activities. The run will commence sharply at 6:00 AM.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES