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Star Special THE STAR Sunday 28 September 2014 Intelligence and simplicity come together > 4 IT solutions for business and living > 10 TECH WORLD Living the modern life Technology at your fingertips.

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StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 28 September 2014

Intelligence and simplicity come together > 4 IT solutions for business and living > 10

TECH WORLD

Living the modern lifeTechnology at your fingertips.

2 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

Keeping you connected

DIGI Telecommunications, one of Malaysia’s first mobile service providers,

is now a household name in the country.

Recently, DiGi presented users in Malaysia with its all-new network as it went through a comprehensive network modernisation exercise.

This exercise has seen more than 6,300 sites upgraded with the latest hardware and equipment.

This new network has enabled 82% of the country, including all major cities and secondary towns, to have 3G coverage with Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) and this percentage is expected to grow to 86% by the end of the year with further improvements to indoor coverage as well.

Major cities across the country, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Baru are now 4G-enabled.

DiGi now has extensive plans in the pipeline for the coverage expansion to reach 1,500 long-term evolution (LTE) sites by the end of this year.

Continuing its support of the always-on, high-speed data experience, more than 4,100km of fibre optic cables have been laid out nationwide.

This figure is expected to increase to more than 13,000km by the end of 2016. These upgrades will effectively provide subscribers with a consistent Internet experience.

Internet plans on offer

DiGi has an extensive network that is capable of supporting greater Internet usage demands.

DiGi’s Broadband Plans

Plan Broadband 25 Broadband 45 Broadband 65

Monthly commitment RM25 RM45 RM65

Total quota 1GB

Save RM5 Save RM5 Save RM5

2GB 8GB

1GB 2GB 5GB

- - 3GB

Existing DiGi Postpaid Subscribers

Anytime quota (24 hours)

Off-peak quota (2am – 8am)

This is why DiGi has designed a host of Internet plans to suit the usage patterns of Malaysian data lovers.

The number of multi-device users in Malaysia has increased significantly in the past few years. The number of devices owned by each family has also increased considerably and this is why DiGi has decided to introduce its new DiGi Broadband Plans with MobiFi.

MobiFi is a personal mobile hotspot that powers the Internet on up to 10 devices at a time.

The DiGi Broadband Plan with MobiFi is perfect for families, small office set-ups or small groups of people who need a mobile device that provides fast Internet connection.

The DiGi Broadband Plan with MobiFi is also ideal for tablet users. And the best part about MobiFi is its highly affordable cost that will appeal to many people.

DiGi offers a range of broadband plans to suit the need of every user with some plans starting from as low as RM25 a month. There are currently three plans that are available:l Broadband 25l Broadband 45 l Broadband 65

With these plans, subscribers will have the flexibility of getting up to 8GB of Internet quota with Broadband 65, Broadband 45 for the more moderate users and Broadband 25, which is also perfectly suited for individuals with light Internet usage.

The MobiFi device is offered separately to subscribers on a convenient 12-month instalment

plan. There is good news for existing DiGi Postpaid subscribers as they will enjoy a savings of RM5 when they sign up for any of the broadband plans on a 12-month contract.

Stay connected

MobiFi with DiGi is a must-have device for those who want a fast and reliable Internet connection, whether for work or play. Through

MobiFi, DiGi now offers new and improved mobile WiFi devices, with the option of either 3G- or 4G-enabled capability.

The one-of-a-kind MobiFi device allows up to 10 users to share an Internet connection at the same time as long within the device’s connection radius. Embedded with a Li-on battery, the MobiFi device is designed to provide longer lasting battery life.

MobiFi’s 4G-ready and Micro

Device type 3G MobiFi 4G MobiFi Tablet

Device model Alcatel Y600 Alcatel Y850 Start Tablet

Regular retail price RM279

RM100 RM150 RM150

RM449 RM599

RM7 x 12 months (RM84) RM18 x 12 months (RM216) RM20 x 12 months (RM240)

Device upfront + registration

Monthly device fee

MobiFi with DiGi device table

SD support feature make it the perfect device to have when you want reliable Internet connection wherever you go.

Its add-on features such as the in-car charger and wall charger (with magnet and PIN connectors) is convenient for users and further enhances the device’s mobility.

With MobiFi, you can be assured of Internet connection even if you are away from home or travelling.

MobiFi allows up to 10 users to share an Internet connection at the same time as long as they are within the device’s connection radius.

Sunday 28 September 2014 StarSpecial 3

4 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

The Toshiba T Series is a stunning addition to any kitchen.

Cooling efficiency and storage practicality are features that will appeal to every household.

Intelligence andsimplicity come together

RARELY do form and function blend so seamlessly in an otherwise bland but

essential piece of household appliance. A refrigerator is an appliance that is either monotonous in appearance or overly frilled with design clutter.

It was only recently that discerning individuals and homemakers were truly able to take pleasure in a refrigerator that not only looks good but smart enough to conserve energy.

Toshiba’s new T Series refrigerators with Inverter Technology carries the design sophistication that is generally seen in expensive premium class appliances.

Taking a design cue from minimalist art, Toshiba’s two-door refrigerators come in two distinctive looks – the Glass Door and Steel Door series.

Each features minimum ornamental elements that are styled with handle-free design, full-flat surface and angular corners in a more elegant finishing.

Less is definitely more when it comes to making a stylish statement for your kitchen.

Savingsfor your home

This work of art also comes complete with a smart Inverter to match. A first for Toshiba refrigerators, the new inverter effectively adjusts its power output according to your usage and the amount of food stored.

Coupled with the use of a DC Fan and a thicker insulation wall to ensure a more consistent temperature, the new inverter is able to maximise energy efficiency up to 30%.

In a time when our energy consumption is escalating, it is good to know that both the Glass Door and Steel Door series come with the five-star energy-efficiency rating.

This translates to a sizeable saving in your electricity bills in the long run.

It is also good to know that Toshiba’s new refrigerators utilise a more environmentally friendly R600A refrigerant than the commonly used options in the market.

Cooling efficiency and storage practicality are what really set these new refrigerators apart from other models in the market.

Thoughtful storage solutions such as the dual cooling zone shortens the time needed to chill your drinks by almost half. This is because of the twin air outlets that channel more cool air faster into the compartment.

Shelves to store drinks are strategically placed at eye level and are easily slideable eliminating the need to bend down to grab a cold drink like you normally would with a conventional door pocket storage.

The 25.3L storage volume is spacious enough to store 38 cans of 350ml drinks and this is definitely a big bonus for parties and weekend gatherings.

Interestingly, the dual cooling zone also doubles up as an ideal storage space for meat and fish thanks to its fast-cooling capacity.

Fresher fruitsand vegetables

Now you do not have to worry about your food going bad in

TOSHIBA Sales and Services Sdn Bhd (TSS) has been in Malaysia for more than 30 years.

The company has since built a formidable reputation as a distributor of high-quality home appliances and audio visual products.

TSS’ headquarters is in Shah Alam and it has a network of branches throughout Malaysia.

And with an extensive dealer network nationwide, Toshiba customers are assured of excellent after-sales service and advice on product maintenance. For more information, call1300 887 899 or visitwww.toshiba.com.my

About Toshiba in Malaysia

the refrigerator because the LED Hybrid Deodorizing System (Glass Door series) and Hybrid Bio Deodorizing System (Steel Door series) ensure that your food stays fresher for much longer.

These systems effectively eliminate bacteria and disintegrate odour molecules to keep the refrigerator clean and fresh.

The LED Hybrid Deodorizing System has an added capability to decompose ethylene gas that accelerates the ripening of fruits and vegetables.

If you love fruits and

vegetables, then you will love the big vegetable crisper.

Having a larger storage space simply means fewer trips to the supermarket.

In addition, you will also receive a free vegetable basket with the purchase of any T Series model to keep your greens in place.

Small enhancements can make a big difference when it comes to convenience. One such subtle touch is the Big Ice Twister with three ice trays and another optional ice twister beneath the shelf. This feature is great for

unexpected guests and get-togethers.

Other features include the flexible door pocket layout that lets you change the position of the door pockets to easily fit your needs, a utility box for storing non-food items and a side control panel for easy access.

Toshiba’s two-door refrigerators with Inverter Technology are more than just a stunning centrepiece in the kitchen.

Innovative features and storage solutions, advanced Inverter Technology and thoughtful convenience make this new series the ideal complement for today’s modern lifestyle.

The two-door T Series refrigerators with Inverter Technology are available in Shell White (gross capacity of 480L) and Black (gross capacity of 480L and 430L) for the Glass Door series.

The Steel Door series are available in Steel Fine Metallic and Reddish Gold (both with a gross capacity of 480L and 430L).

Customers get to enjoy a

The Toshiba commitmentAS a worldwide group of companies, Toshiba is committed to serving the needs of all, especially its customers, shareholders and employees by implementing forward-looking corporate strategies and responsible business activities.

Toshiba strives to create products and services that enhance human life and lead to a healthy, thriving society.

Toshiba constantly seeks new approaches that help realise the goals of the world community, including ways to improve the global environment. Toshiba – Committed to People, Committed to the Future.

12-year* extended warranty coverage on a refrigerator compressor.

*Upon online registration and valid for selected refrigerators purchased from July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2016.

Sunday 28 September 2014 StarSpecial 5

6 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

A versatile two-in-one deviceTHE Aspire Switch 10

SW5-012 is Acer’s latest technological offering.

Fulfilling every person’s dream of increasing productivity whether at work, meetings, and staying connected while on holiday or on the road, this newest two-in-one device provides a fantastic visual experience and is easy to use and carry around.

The Aspire Switch 10 provides a life-like visual experience with its bright colours, crisp and clear text featured on a HD 1280x800 10.1–inch display courtesy of the Zero Air Gap technology.

It reduces reflection by removing the air and air bubbles between the display and the screen.

The IPS technology adds brilliant colour and detail even when viewed from afar. It provides a wide viewing angle of up to 178°, allowing users to share content easily.

Whether during a presentation in a dark room or while watching a movie outdoors, users will get consistent colour and a one-of-a-kind viewing experience as both indoor and outdoor visibility is optimised with LumiFlex, a sunlight visibility solution.

The new generation Gorilla Glass 3 display with Native Damage Resistance ensures protection against scratches and improves its toughness and durability.

The Gorilla Glass 3 protects against lateral cracking and deep scratches.

Versatility at its best

The smooth and versatile Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 can assume four configurations instead of the usual two.

The device is equipped with the Acer Snap Hinge, a unique hinge on the keyboard dock that has strong magnets. It also provides

a latch-less docking experience. A substantial audible snap is heard and this assures the user that the keyboard is safely locked in.

The screen is detachable, giving users a thin and light tablet. When users place the tablet into the keyboard dock, they will have a good Windows laptop with a nice track pad.

When users flip the tablet into the dock backwards, the device is in presentation mode that allows the keyboard to be used with the display facing the other way.

Finally, users can set up the tablet and keyboard dock up in an inverted “V” to watch videos in the tent mode.

The Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 boosts productivity no matter where you are. One of the thinnest two-in-one devices in the market, it measures less than 8.9mm (0.35 inches) in tablet mode and 20.2 mm (0.79 inches) with the keyboard dock.

Lightweight and durable, the Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 is made for assignments, work, holiday and when commuting.

Frequent travellers need not worry as the tablet weighs only 0.585kg and 1.17kg when the tablet is combined with the keyboard.

Users can browse their favourite webpages, play exciting games and watch films in the palm of their hands with the Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012.

When space is limited, the tent mode is perfect for use.

With the slim Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 users can read recipes in the kitchen or set it up on a bookshelf.

In giving a presentation, there is the display mode where a proposal or a video conference can be broadcasted.

It can display memorable moments as it doubles up as a large photo frame in the living room or office cubicle.

In notebook mode, the Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 is a fully functional laptop with a Precision Touchpad that supports six touchpad gestures and delivers greater sensitivity and easy navigation.

Users will also enjoy the Acer Active Pen’s superior precision and accuracy while writing and

drawing. Furthermore, creating and sharing becomes easy with fine pointing, tapping and palm rejection.

Packed with power

Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 offers solid performance as it is powered by the Intel Atom CPU Z3735F processor (quad-core, 1.3GHZ), 2GB of RAM and comes with ample storage space of 32GB or 64GB.

Powered economically, it delivers long battery life of up to eight hours for almost a full day of computing. In addition, it powers two USB 2.0 ports (one micro), a HDMI outlet and a micro SD card reader.

Users have the convenience of using Microsoft Windows 8.1

with Bing, Microsoft Office 365 Personal and Microsoft InstantGo as this software comes ready in the Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012.

Users are able to type, create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents virtually anywhere and

anytime, and deliver their work where a network is available.

In addition, the 2MP HD webcam with 1920x1080 resolutions allow users to record events on audio and video.

It also features two front speakers that are positioned on either side of the device to give a complete surround-sound experience.

Acer’s innovative nano-imprint technology (NIL) offers a wide range of stylish notebook cover options that use an environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

The Aspire Switch 10’s rear cover is made from aluminium and with NIL technology, with a gentle grey brush stroke, adding style and elegance.

The Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 is a fantastic option as it allows you do more than most Windows hybrids, plus it is durable and portable.

Acer Aspire Switch 10 SW5-012 is now available in Malaysia.

n For more information, call 1800 881 288 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm) or visit www.acer.com.my

The Aspire Switch 10 allows users to use the keyboard even when the display faces the other way.

The inverted ‘V’ position allows users to watch videos with ease.

The Aspire Switch 10 delivers long battery life of up to eight hours.

Sunday 28 September 2014 StarSpecial 7

8 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

Making the right callMOBILE phones in this time

and age have gone beyond their basic functional use

of making calls and sending texts. These days, mobile phone users demand a range of features for the different functions that users expect their phones to perform well at, hence the constant evolution of smartphones.

The smartphone has become a symbol of one’s lifestyle, and DiGi has you covered with its range of smartphones from almost every major player in the market.

DiGi offers a range of Internet plans for the purchase of selected smartphones. Here are the DG SmartPlans on offer:

l RM28 a month under the DG Smart Family plan with 1GB of Internet data.l RM50 a month under the DG SmartPlan 50 with 2GB of Internet data.l RM78 a month under the DG SmartPlan 78 with 3GB of Internet data.l RM108 a month under the DG SmartPlan 108 with 5GB of Internet data.l RM148 a month under the DG SmartPlan 148 with 6GB Internet data.

Xiaomi Redmi NoteOne of the latest offerings from

Xiaomi Redmi Note.

Asus Zenfone 5.

Xiaomi is the Redmi Note. This phablet has a 5.5-inch

capacitive touch screen that supports multi-touch gestures, a 13-megapixel camera with full HD video recording capabilities and a 5-megapixel front camera for taking flawless selfies.

In the performance department, the Redmi Note is impressive with its 8GB internal storage, 1.7GHz octa-core processor and 2GB of random access memory (RAM).

The Xiaomi Redmi Note is available for free with the DG SmartPlan 108.

Asus Zenfone 5The Asus Zenfone 5 is a new

addition to the Asus family of smartphones.

With 16GB of internal storage, the Zenfone 5 will not leave the average smartphone user wishing they had more space. In the event that more storage space is needed, the Zenfone 5 has expandable memory of up to 64GB.

The Zenfone 5 comes equipped with an 8-megapixel camera that also supports HD recording at 30 frames per second (FPS).

Android v4.3 Jelly Bean is available and can be upgraded to Android v4.4 KitKat. The Asus Zenfone 5 comes free when you subscribe to the DG SmartPlan 78.

Samsung Galaxy S5Samsung has always wowed

the crowd with its feature-laden smartphones and this is still the case with the Galaxy S5. The 5.1-inch screen of the S5 is large enough to watch videos, send texts and work on.

The 16-megapixel camera is a suitable replacement for a bulky stand-alone camera as it also supports HDR video recording.

All of that plus its LTE capability and fast processing speed make this S5 a good buy at only RM799 with theDG SmartPlan 148.

HTC Desire 310HTC has been raising the bar

with every new smartphone release and this time it has done it again with the Desire 310. This affordable mid-range phone

Monthly fee RM50 RM78 RM108 RM148 RM28

DG SmartPlan50

DG SmartPlan78

DG SmartPlan108

DG SmartPlan148

DG SmartFamily

(SupplementaryPlan)

Internet 2GB 3GB 5GB 6GB 1GB

Calls (minutes) 100 300 600100 hours

withinfamily lines

SMS (all-networks) 200 (DiGi to DiGi) 100 300 6003,800 SMS

withinfamily lines

boasts an impressive 4.5-inch screen.

This 3G-capable phone runs on Android v4.2.2 Jelly Bean and the best part is, it comes free with the DG SmartPlan 78.

Lenovo A680Computer maker Lenovo has

been in the smartphone scene for a while now and its phones are only getting better.

Being another mid-range smartphone, the Lenovo A680 is a good-looking phone with impressive features that match its looks.

Weighing only 165g, the Lenovo is one of the lighter options available these days. Its 1.3GHz quad-core processor should provide good computing power

Subscribers who sign up to a minimum 12-month contract will enjoy a monthly rebate of RM5 for a year.

while the 5-megapixel camera takes good food photos.

Storage, as with most smartphones, is expandable up to 32GB. The Lenovo A680 is available for free with the DG SmartPlan 78.

Apple iPhone 5SApple’s 5S is the smartphone

of choice for those looking for a premium alternative.

Its 1.7GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM provide the processing muscle demanded of a smartphone in this modern day and age.

LTE is supported and 30FPS HD video recording is also supported by the 8-megapixel camera. The iPhone 5S can be yours for only RM159 with the iDiGi 238 plan.

Lenovo A680.

Samsung Galaxy S5.

HTCDesire 310.

Apple iPhone 5S.

10 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

IT solutions for business and living

l Back-up of important datal Water leakage detectionl Gas fire suppressionl High-sensitivity smoke detection systeml Multi-tier security checkpoint with CCTV camera monitoring

Exitra’s data centre offers the option of scalable virtual server rather than physical servers through its cloud server solution.

In addition, the data centre also offers co-location services, which are fully equipped with environmental management, backup power system, fire protection and high physical security hosting.

It also provides DRaaS, which delivers a selection of cost-effective contingency plans to replicate and recover critical servers and secure critical data to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.

Finally, through its managed services solutions, the data centre gives clients the option to outsource a variety of IT services to Exitra.

This enables them to

concentrate on the development of their businesses.

“We have the expertise to help clients through our diverse range of products and services. We can cater to every stage of growth and expansions of our clients’ businesses.

“At every step of the development of their business, we have the appropriate IT solution to help clients grow their business with confidence and security,” says Lim.

Exitra’s products and services are all formulated to be simple for clients to adopt and use; easily scalable to ensure that clients seize every opportunity to grow, yet flexible enough to enable them to react to differing business environment; as well as secure so that clients can devote their efforts in productive business activities.

The company is also constantly improving its existing facility.

This involves providing more sophisticated and advanced server, higher speed of bandwidth, improved performance of application support, improved SLA, and dedicated team for incidental management and follow a well-structured certification.

Among some of its latest additions to its range of services and products is the development of business and lifestyle applications with their latest ventures being MyCloudTable and MyCloudDesks.

MyCloudTable is an application for users who indulge in luxury dining.

The application focuses on restaurant bookings and it provides users with the finest and most memorable dining experiences.

MyCloudDesks aims to allow business users a customisable workflow and to streamline data management, accessibility and security.

“Technology evolves in ‘days’, it is up to us to explore new technology or improve on older ones.

“Our aim is always to be there to help improve all business users with applications or consumer lifestyles through our products and services,” says Lim.

• 99.749% Uptime• Annual Downtime: 22 Hours• Partial Redundancy in Power and Cooling

• 99.982% Uptime• Annual Downtime: 1.6 Hours• Redundancy Power, Cooling & Hardware Components

• 99.995% Uptime• Annual Downtime: 0.4 Hours• Redundant power, cooling, hardware, & fault tolerance components

TIER 4

TIER 3

TIER 2

• 99.671 Uptime• Annual Downtime: 28.8 hours• No Redundancy

TIER 1

Your Business Cloud SolutionsInfo by :

Data centre tier standard.

Exitra‘s data centre engineers provide round-the-clock, end-to-end IT solutions.

IN 2007, Exitra Sdn Bhd started off as a shared service centre for LGB Group to align

and integrate all of the group’s business needs.

LGB Group, which is an established industrial powerhouse with diversified business activities in utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing and property development, realised that with the launching of Exitra, the group’s IT business process and facilities will run smoothly.

“The decision to establish Exitra initially was to address all the IT needs for LGB Group but since then, the company has evolved and we are now extending our services to the market from individuals to SMEs and large corporations,” says Lim Chin Sean, Exitra’s director.

In 2009, Exitra obtained the MSC Malaysia status and in 2012, MyCloud diversified into the market and extended IT services and solutions to end-users.

MyCloud is Exitra’s platform to provide the full spectrum of web-related products and services to help businesses meet their requirements for web presence.

Among its services include domain name registration, website and e-mail hosting, website builder, e-commerce packages and search engine optimisation.

“The immediate future of computing focuses on mobility and cloud computing. Through a centralised cloud solution from workstations and mobile devices, all businesses will always be on the move,” he adds.

The cloud model enables enterprises to deploy and manage their own private data centre without the hassle of owning or managing the underlying infrastructure, and therefore zero capital expenditure.

Enterprises, especially those with multiple outlets and location, can now seamlessly integrate and maximise operational flexibility with the cloud.

“Our range of cloud servers enables all clients to choose the most optimised cloud computing solutions for their needs. Cloud servers provide fast, cost-effective and secure scalability to our clients, enabling them to respond to the need of their businesses efficiently,” says Lim.

Additionally, the company also delivers a comprehensive range of enterprise level cloud-based business applications and services to customers, including point of sales system (MycPOS), human resource system (MycHR), payroll system (MycPayroll), accounting system (MycAccounting) and enterprise resource planning (MycERP).

To be in line with the growth of cloud computing, Exitra develops its own data centre to complement the rising market demand.

Last year, the group invested in a purpose-built Tier 3 data centre in Kuala Lumpur.

This modern and highly secured data centre provides business owners not only good infrastructure as a service (IaaS) but also software as a service (SaaS) and disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS).

“The most basic type of data centre is a Tier 1 data centre with no redundancy and relatively higher downtime.

“On the other hand, Tier 4 data centre is the most stringent type that is designed to host highly critical computer systems.

Our data centre is a Tier 3 with most of the redundant subsystems available,” explains Tay Thian Hing, senior IT manager at Exitra.

The redundant subsystems are used in data centres to ensure that computer systems continue without service interruptions.

The higher the redundancy, the better the data centre’s resilience to guarantee system availability in the event of component failure.

“Our multi-level fault-tolerant design ensures that there is no single point of failure and our data centre can operate independently even in the event of total failure in the mains current,” adds Tay.

With comprehensive end-to-end integrated IT solutions, Exitra’s data centre boasts several features, among them are:l 24/7/365 HelpDeskl 99.9% uptime network guarantee

l 24/7/365 first level remote hands and eyes supportl Service Level Agreement (SLA)l Power-ready emergency generator

Benefits of cloud computing.

Sunday 28 September 2014 StarSpecial 11

12 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

The smart way to achieving dreams RAJA Puteri Atilia Raja Haron,

or more commonly known as Atilia Haron, comes

from a musically inclined family, especially on her mother’s side.

She is the daughter of Salamiah Hassan, a singer who gained popularity in the 1970s and 80s. Like her mother, this pop jazz singer-songwriter is a little dynamite herself – petite yet full of energy.

“My mother is a singer and my grandmother was also a singer. In fact, my mother’s whole family – all 12 brothers and sisters – sang. So, music came naturally to me,” she says.

But being a songstress did not come easy for Atilia. Although she was involved in the music industry since childhood, Atilia’s mother had other plans for her.

“My mother was also known as the ‘queen of jingles’, so I was only allowed to do jingles and commercials.

“Sometimes, I got to appear on television shows with her and had the opportunities to perform duets. But she was against me being a professional singer – she wanted me to focus on my studies,” she says.

Atilia obtained a degree in advertising and worked as a producer for a decade. Only after that did she pursue her music career seriously.

“I still wanted to sing even though I was doing well in advertising. I quit my day job six years ago, which was one of the hardest decisions I had to make because it was a relatively late age to pursue this career,” she admits.

“In advertising, I knew I would get a salary at the end of every month. I was earning enough to buy myself a home and a car. But as a new singer, I couldn’t guarantee financial security. I couldn’t tell if I could get bookings for shows or not. It was very scary.”

Making herdream come true

Finally, at the ripe age of 34, Atilia produced her debut album Sangkar. The release of her album at the end of March 2007 also launched her name as the new voice of Malaysia’s pop jazz genre.

The production of the album took six years and Atilia contributed lyrics to some of the songs.

The album was produced and released under her own label, Mujik Productions.

“In this region, contemporary music like jazz and soul is developing at a promising rate but pop music is still favoured by the mainstream listeners.

“Recording companies will normally go with what they know best, which is pop music, and no one can blame them for that. That’s why I decided to start my own label,” she explains.

And contrary to her initial worries, she has been consistently getting shows.

The jazz fan base is gradually increasing in South-East Asia and the number of jazz festivals is growing by the year thanks to talented jazz vocalists such as Atilia herself. She went on to

produce her second album, Indah in 2010.

Physical andmental well-being

The earnings she received from doing the shows enabled her to set up her own yoga studio, Yoga One That I Want, fulfilling yet another of her dreams.

The devoted yoga practitioner now owns two yoga studios – in

Damansara Perdana and Shah Alam – and hopes to open more branches to inspire more people to take up yoga as part of their lifestyle.

“Yoga is beneficial for health. Whether it is to stay active, improve your heart health or to de-stress, yoga can boost anyone’s well-being. When I was still working as a producer, I led a very unhealthy lifestyle until I discovered yoga,” she shares.

When she realised that she could hardly breathe after walking from one end of the

stage to the other, she knew she had to make a lifestyle change.

“I wanted to do something easy and convenient. Coincidently, there was a yoga studio behind my house. Little did I know, yoga is not easy at all! I felt sore all over for days after my first lesson,” she says.

But she realised that the soreness was an indicator that she has not been physically active in years and decided to stick to attending yoga classes consistently.

After practising yoga for nine years, Atilia spent a month

undergoing an intensive yoga instructor course in Koh Samui this year and finally received her certification to teach yoga.

The experience was physically, mentally and spiritually challenging, she admits, because not only did she have to adhere to a strict vegan diet, the course itself was held during the Aidilfitri period.

“On the first day of Syawal, I had a bowl of cornflakes in the

Atilia is a certified yoga

instructor.

Atilia uses her HTC One M8 to stay connected with her family, friends and fans.

Besides being a professional singer and yoga instructor, Atilia has also appeared on stage musicals and television shows.Atilia is certainly always on the move. To help her manage her schedule and daily activities, she relies on her smartphone. A self-confessed social media geek, Atilia admits to documenting almost every part of her life on Instagram and making meeting engagements through group messaging. morning. I thought I could handle

it but that night I actually broke down and cried.

“Even though there were 35 of us from 25 countries, no one there knew about the significance of Aidilfitri,” she shares.

Nonetheless, it was a worthwhile experience and a dream come true for Atilia, who has always wanted to be a certified yoga instructor.

Although she started her yoga practice with ashtanga yoga, Atilia teaches the vikasa-styled yoga, which is more cardio-based.

Besides being a professional singer and yoga instructor, she has also appeared on stage musicals and television shows. Atilia is certainly always on the move.

To help her manage her schedule and daily activities, she relies on her smartphone.

A self-confessed social media geek, Atilia admits to documenting almost every part of her life on Instagram and making meeting engagements through group messaging.

“I use my HTC One M8 a lot, especially to keep connected with my family, friends and fans. Sometimes, I also use it to learn how to make pancakes. It’s not too much to say that my life depends on my phone,” she quips.

Despite her recent marriage, Atilia is certainly not slowing down. The singer, who turns 40 this month, is currently working on her third studio album.

She has also just started organising free yoga classes every Saturday at 7am in KLCC Park to continue to spread goodness and positivity.

Sunday 28 September 2014 StarSpecial 13

14 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

For smoother business operationsFOR an organisation to expand,

providing an environment for all staff to be able to unleash their fullest

potential and have a focused goal is critical.A working environment that provides

flexibility, agility and mobility allows individuals to work effectively, efficiently, add value and contribute to growth and expansion of the company.

History of excellence

Fuji Xerox has had a long history of offering wide arrays of products and solutions that ease day-to-day businesses, communications and operations.

According to Lee Chin Guan, senior marketing manager at Fuji Xerox Malaysia, Fuji Xerox is no longer just a producer of office multifunction devices but is now a business partner in giving total office document management solutions.

Lee demonstrates one of the latest Fuji Xerox flagship office multifunction colour printers – the ApeosPort-V C7775.

Multifunctional Apart from basic functions such as

printing, copying, scanning and faxing, the ApeosPort-V C7775 offers new advanced technologies and services to improve its functionality and usability.

One of its interesting features is the Smart WelcomEyes Advance. The device is equipped with cameras to detect users as

they approach it. The device will then come out of its

power-save mode and be ready for use when the user is in front of the device.

The camera will also perform face recognition to authenticate the user automatically.

This provides convenience in access and also reduces the power consumption of the device.

Complete with a sophisticated booklet-finisher option – Smart Work Enabler – the ApeosPort-V C7775 is capable of producing folded pamphlets and stapled documents with punched holes, which will save you time on producing high-quality documents.

Fuji Xerox’s new range of ApeosPort-V series of multifunction printers are wonders for office workers.

The touchscreen user interface of the device is impressive.

You can flick, drag, tap or double-tap to scroll, zoom and switch pages smoothly and quickly just like you would with a smartphone or tablet.

You can also print directly from your smartphone or tablet via AirPrint or the Fuji Xerox Mobile Print Utility application.

Fuji Xerox, the document services and communications company, also offers software solution and services to manage document process and workflow securely and easily.

Fuji Xerox DocuWork is a document-handling software that allows you to

Fuji Xerox DocuShare enables document management, collaboration, review and

approval, and web publishing to enable information sharing at all points of the

enterprise by all employees. Adoption of cloud technology at

the infrastructure, applications and service levels is also

underway.Fuji Xerox Working

Folder cloud storage service, together with the ApeosPort-

V’s direct cloud connection, provides seamless access to cloud-stored

material, direct print from cloud, function to scan and capture paper document directly to cloud storage.

It is an effective, affordable and secure way to combine and

access paper and digital files at any place or time.

The Fuji Xerox Scan Translation Services is able to translate paper document into multiple languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Fuji Xerox is also the first and only company in the industry to receive the Green Tag Certificate of

Endorsement by Green Technology Corporation Malaysia for the ApeosPort-V C7775 series.

This endorsement is a testament to Fuji Xerox’s environmentally friendly products and technologies that can help in reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint significantly.

n For more information, call 1300 881 163 or visit www.fujixerox.com.my

The ApeosPort-V C7775.

manage various types of electronic documents. Word, PowerPoint, Excel and image files can be combined, re-arranged, annotated and numbered on a single interface on the virtual desk of DocuWorks.

The document can then be protected with 256-bit password for secured distribution or converted to PDF format.

StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014 TECH WORLD 15

i-Pmart offers customers a wide range of electronics and tech gadgets.

Upgrade your PC and winINTEL Malaysia is excited to announce a host of promotional activities and

deals. This is in conjunction with the availability of new tablets and two-in-one devices for its PC Refresh Campaign.

Consumers looking to replace their old desktops or laptops with new portable devices can purchase tablets or two-in-one devices, which are capable of consuming and creating content.

Intel has a wide range of tablets such as the Acer Iconia Tab 8,JOI 8, ASUS Fonepad 7 and Lenovo Miix 2. Its two-in-one devices include the ASUS Transformer Book T100, Lenovo Flex 2 and Microsoft Surface Pro 3 for all types of usage and price range.

Even though all these devices come in different shapes and sizes, there is one thing that they have in common – all devices are powered by Intel processors.

No matter how you choose to use your machine, Intel processors are capable of delivering performance that is competitive on both its battery life as well as

price point.To encourage consumers

to upgrade their old PCs, Intel Malaysia will be holding competitions and activities to sweeten the deal on these tablets and two-in-one devices.

Over the next two days, consumers purchasing a new Intel device are eligible to win BIG

Shoppingmade easySHOPPING online is becoming a norm and is a growing trend for many Malaysian consumers because of the many benefits it offers.

You can purchase almost anything with just a few clicks on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Now, with i-Pmart, it is easy for anyone to purchase electronics and tech gadgets online without the hassle of being physically present at the store.

iPmart.com.my is one of Malaysia’s leading online retailer for tech gadgets and was founded by Mart Tang in 2012.

As a pioneering e-commerce tech company, i-Pmart understands that constant innovation is an important factor for a business to thrive and grow through the times.

A business needs to adapt to changes in technology and consumer trends that are quickly shifting towards online shopping.

At i-Pmart, you can find a wide range of tech gadgets, including mobile phones, tablets, gaming consoles and PC accessories at competitive prices.

Customers will certainly be spoilt for choice when they shop for tech gadgets at the i-Pmart website.

With the aim of providing customers with a pleasant online shopping experience, i-Pmart ensures that its customers can shop with ease with its user-friendly responsive interface that caters not only to computer screens but also other devices, including tablets.

With the safety and security of customers a priority, payment for purchases are made through secure payment platforms such as Maybank, MOLPay and FPX.

Customers within Malaysia will get their purchases delivered quickly and safely to their doorstep between one and four days of the purchase.

The cash on delivery option is available to customers who live in the Klang Valley and Johor.

To keep customers informed and assured of their purchases, i-Pmart provides an order tracking facility on its website to allow customers track their orders online.

n For more information, visit www.iPmart.com.my

points from AirAsia.This is a great incentive for

those looking to buy a new Intel-powered device before September ends.

“We know that Malaysians today are more demanding and want devices that enable them to work and play on the go.

“At Intel we’ve been listening

At Intel we’ve been listening and working together with our partners to create a great selection of tablets and two-in-one devices for the job. If you need performance, long-lasting battery life and mobility, you can’t go wrong with an Intel-powered machine.

and working together with our partners to create a great selection of tablets and two-in-one devices for the job. If you need performance, long-lasting battery life and mobility, you can’t go wrong with an Intel-powered machine,” says Sameer Tupaki, marketing manager, Intel Malaysia.

Win AirAsiaBIG points

Consumers who purchase any Intel-powered devices at selected retailers will also be eligible to enter the Fly for Free with BIG contest with RM5,000 worth of AirAsia BIG points to be won.

The Fly for Free with BIG contest ends on Tuesday (Sept 30).

n For more information, visit pcrefresh.intel.my/contest.php

Intel is promoting its new tablets and two-in-one devices.

— Sameer Tupaki

16 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 28 September 2014

Multifunction printers bag awardsBUYERS Laboratory LLC (BLI),

an independent company that evaluates office

document equipment and solution products based on an extensive list of criteria was awarded Konica Minolta six 2014 Summer Pick Awards for its bizhub series of monochrome multi-function printers (MFP) and its PageScope mobile application.

BLI has influenced the decision of many buyers as it has put devices from leading vendors to the test for more than 50 years.

Its Pick Awards, presented twice annually, acknowledge the hardware and software offerings that measure up as the best in BLI’s rigorous and comprehensive lab testing.

BLI assesses a wide range of the most important features and performance factors for buyers, including reliability, productivity, image quality, media handling, ease of use and more.

bizhub series of A3 Monochrome MFP

“The award has been given to the bizhub 754e, bizhub 654e and bizhub 454e because of its high-level performance and durability while exhibiting exceptional print quality.

“Additionally, its conveniently designed control panel featuring functions such as touch and swipe scrolling are easy to use. Moreover,

the print driver MyTab function enables custom configuration of the user’s most frequently used features,” says Tony Tang, general manager, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd.

The models were further praised by BLI for its print quality, with all three earning excellent or very good ratings in all the categories that they were

evaluated for.The awards are a testament

to Konica Minolta’s bizhub A3 monochrome MFP’s leading position in the mid to high-volume category.

bizhub series of A4 Monochrome MFP

Konica Minolta bizhub

4750 and 4050 were awarded the BLI Summer 2014 Pick for Outstanding A4 Monochrome MFP for small to mid-size workgroups.

According to BLI, both bizhub models deliver outstanding value because of its flawless reliability, intuitive design, simple maintenance and integration with time and money-saving solutions as well as low cost of ownership.

Additionally, both models demonstrate impressive print quality, scoring very good to excellent ratings in nearly every category.

“We’re delighted that the bizhub 4750 and 4050 A4 devices have won this award as a result of its impressive performance and user-oriented features.

“Our aim is to provide solutions that offer value and a great user experience for our customers and these two models have clearly demonstrated this,” says C.K. Lim, head of sales and marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd.

PageScope Mobile Application

Based on BLI’s report, Konica Minolta offers exceptional mobile printing in its PageScope Mobile, a free app for Android and iOS devices.

PageScope Mobile offers users the ability to print documents stored on their mobile devices,

Konica Minolta won six 2014 Summer Pick Awards for its bizhub series of monochrome multi-function printers (MFP) and its PageScope mobile application.

in the cloud or attached to e-mails. The easy-to-navigate app offers a plethora of print settings, including the ability to save frequently used settings as favourites.

While mobile printing is becoming prevalent, the practice is not without significant IT risk. BLI analysts commended PageScope Mobile’s wide range of security features, including secure print release and QR code authentication, as some of the most stringent they have ever seen.

Other distinguishing features include robust scanning options as well as support for printing a wide range of document types, including Microsoft Office legacy file formats.

In January, Konica Minolta received the 2014 A3 MFP Line of the Year award for an unprecedented four consecutive times.

This is proof of the success of Konica Minolta’s ongoing quest to meet different customers’ needs across diverse work environments.

It also highlights Konica Minolta’s commitment to the development of a wide range of products featuring advanced, user-friendly technology.

n For more information,call 03-7801 2611 or visitwww.konicaminolta.com.my/business