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Innovate, Connect, Cultivate The Cloud Cultures series is an exploration of the intersection between cloud innovation and culture across the globe. Malaysia accelerates growth through digital transformation Amidst the swiftly changing digital landscape, Malaysia stands out as a dynamic force capturing global attention. This nation—enriched by its diverse population comprised of Malays, Indians, Chinese, and more—is home to people and companies that have adeptly embraced innovative technologies, ensuring the benefits extend to all, not just the tech-savvy elite. Malaysia has established a culture of digital acceleration through industries like energy, farming, and education by striking a balance between growth and the needs of their people. During my travels, I learned how they’ve embraced cloud innovation in a way that allows them to navigate the modern world with confidence and ensure that everyone is along for the ride. Before setting out to meet with local companies, I joined General Manager of Energy and Utilities for Microsoft Malaysia, Shereeta (full name: Datin Sharifah Shereeta Syed Sheh), for a traditional Malaysian breakfast at her favorite restaurant. We sat down to talk about our upcoming interviews over nasi lemak—a delicious combination of fried anchovies, fish, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and sambal on fragrant coconut rice, alongside pancakes, coconut grits, and colorful baked treats. Delighted by the food and excited for the day, we parted ways after breakfast. Shereeta headed out to a local chicken farm while I ventured further into the city. PETRONAS is building a more sustainable world I began my visit in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at the Golden Triangle, a hub for shopping, commerce, and entertainment. Standing 88-stories tall with a 17-acre park at its base, the PETRONAS Twin Towers are a wonder to behold. The skyscrapers are complete with malls, museums, a philharmonic orchestra, and a skybridge with views of the vibrant city. This is where I met Phuah Aik-Chong, CEO of Petronas Digital, to learn how PETRONAS utilizes the cloud to accelerate digital transformation. PETRONAS is a dynamic global energy group with presence in over 100 countries. They produce and deliver energy and solutions that power society’s progress, enriching lives for a sustainable future. PETRONAS’ commitment to sustainability starts at the core of their operations and extends throughout their value chain. People are their strength and partners for growth, driving innovation to deliver a unique spectrum of solutions. PETRONAS’ commitment to Malaysia’s progress doesn’t stop at providing oil and gas—they make a concerted effort to provide development opportunities to underserved populations. One such initiative is the BeDigital Bootcamp, which involves upskilling students from various universities in Malaysia. Partnering with Microsoft, they have collaborated on multiple initiatives that reflect the mutual goal of empowering Malaysians to benefit in tandem with the rapid pace of innovation and digital advancements. Chop Cheong Bee uses e-farming to feed Malaysia While I stayed in the city, Shereeta took a break from the bustling metropolis and turned down a quiet dirt road. There, she learned about a local company that helps independent chicken farmers use cloud technology to turn their operations into smart farms—improving food security across Malaysia with affordable, high-quality chicken. Founded in 1985, Chop Cheong Bee began as a poultry trading company, supplying chicken to local markets and establishments in Malaysia. After a brief period of time, they had to close due to an overwhelming number of manual tasks. However, in the late 2000s, they reopened focusing on technology and e-farming practices. Cloud technology enables Chop Cheong Bee to create environments where chickens can thrive, utilizing a closed and climate-controlled farming system. The solution they developed collects data to inform how much feed is being consumed and the meat conversion ratios, all in real time. Today, Chop Cheong Bee is a crucial poultry supplier that facilitates a sizable portion of the chicken supply in Malaysia. General Manager of Chop Cheong Bee, Datuk Jeffrey Ng Choon Ngee shared how e-farming is the future: “With our solution, we can improve the broiler production index by 20 to 30 points. That’s easily a 10 percent improvement. If more farms can achieve this, then the cost of production will drop. And then hopefully, more Malaysians can afford quality poultry.” Chop Cheong Bee built a system that can produce about 280 to 340 million chickens annually and supply 80 to 100 customers daily. This new way of farming not only provides millions of people with affordable and nutritious meat, but has also attracted a younger, more technology-focused generation of farmers to this vital industry. Bersama Malaysia ensures citizens are part of the country’s digital acceleration My final stop in Malaysia was a basketball court to shoot hoops with a recent graduate, Vaashini Palaniappan, who took part in the Bersama Malaysia (Together with Malaysia) program. Alongside sponsors like the Ministry of Education and Microsoft, the initiative teaches students digital skilling, inspiring young students, and women to dream outside the norm and build careers in tech. Vaashini Palaniappan, data scientist and recent graduate, shared her future aspirations: “There are so many women in this data and AI field that want to invent something, that want a brighter future. Because of this, I’m inspired to do something different. I want to be inventive using AI.” Growing up in a small town, Vaashini didn’t have a lot of exposure to technology. But by participating in university programs, she was able to study sciences, learn technical skills, and understand the impact of advanced technologies on medicine. After seeing a close friend pass from cancer, Vaashini said she was determined to become a doctor and leverage innovative technology for good—specifically, to use AI to detect early signs of cancer and build a hyper-personalized treatment plan for patients. Bersama Malaysia, along with Microsoft’s Code with Barriers program, were created to ensure citizens of Malaysia are a part of the digital acceleration of the country. These programs are empowering Malaysia’s inclusive digital economy and advancing the nation’s digital transformation across the private and public sectors. Malaysia has consistently been a trailblazer in fostering opportunities for its citizens. Through initiatives like Bersama Malaysia, the nation ensures that no one is left behind in the dynamic landscape of transformation. Innovating together makes change happen Later that evening, Shereeta and I discussed our journey over my first experience with a popular local fruit: the durian. After getting used to the infamous smell, I snacked on the custard-like meat and reflected on Malaysia’s inspiring commitment to extending growth far beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and urban epicenters. This version of cloud culture ensures that as the pace of progress quickens, it doesn’t come at the cost of anyone being sidelined. As is often the case, I saw in Malaysia that the best way to accelerate growth isn’t racing ahead; it’s moving forward together. In this ever-changing world, there is always more to experience. See you on my next adventure! Learn more: Watch more Cloud Cultures episodes Find the Azure geography that meets your needs Cloud Cultures Check out the other blogs in this series, from Poland to Malaysia, and more Read now The post Cloud Cultures, Part 6: Accelerating collective growth in Malaysia appeared first on Microsoft Azure Blog. View the full article

Innovate, Connect, Cultivate The Cloud Cultures series is an exploration of the intersection between cloud innovation and culture across the globe. Last year, I visited Poland, Sweden, England, and Italy, and learned how the unique culture of each of these countries has shaped how they adopt and use technology, demonstrating the diverse ways in which technology can be used to enhance lives and societies. It was a fascinating testament to the versatility of technology, and there was clear evidence that people shape technology, not the other way around. Now, I start my next adventure in Mexico, a leading country in cloud adoption in Latin America. Cloud Cultures Explore the ways people across the globe are using Azure technology Learn more Mexico is a country of contrasts, where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Its rich cultural heritage reflects the diverse influences that have shaped its identity, from pre-Hispanic civilizations to global integration. But Mexico is not only a country of tradition; it is also a country of innovation, where technology and business are constantly evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing world. In this episode of Cloud Cultures, I explore how three companies in Mexico are using technology to create a culture of reinvention, and the impact they’re making on both the economy and society. Libertad Soluciones de Vida: A vision of financial inclusion My first meeting is with José Ricardo Merino, the CEO of Libertad Soluciones de Vida, a company that is transforming the financial sector with a mission of social impact. Libertad Soluciones de Vida offers a range of financial services, from savings and loans to insurance and pensions. Their focus is to support people who are often excluded from the traditional banking system, and to create a more equitable world by empowering people with the tools they need to improve their lives. Libertad Soluciones de Vida has been operating since 1960, but it was in 2018 that they decided to accelerate their digital transformation, using the cloud as the foundation of their new services. The cloud enables them to reach more customers, especially in remote and rural areas, and to offer them a seamless and personalized experience. As José Ricardo Merino explains, the cloud is not only a technological solution, but also a cultural one. “The cloud is a way of thinking, a way of working, a way of innovating. It allows us to be more agile, more flexible, more responsive to the needs of our customers and our society. It also allows us to be more creative, to experiment with new ideas, to learn from our failures, and to improve our services. The cloud is a catalyst for change and growth.” José Ricardo Merino, CEO, Libertad Soluciones de Vida The cloud is the foundation of their new services, helping to guarantee that everyone can use the same services no matter where they are located. Whether in the heart of the Mexico City, or in the forests of the Yucatan, members can log on and all have the same access. Cemex: Builds a legacy Mexico is renowned for its rich archaeological heritage and ancient sites, spanning historical cultures and civilizations. Just as these beautiful stone foundations have stood the test of time, so too has Cemex, a company that has embraced innovation to construct a legacy that has endured for over a century. Cemex began as a regional cement company in 1906, but through mergers and acquisitions, they have grown into a global construction materials company, providing industry-leading products and solutions around the world. Fausto Sosa, the Vice President of Information Technology at Cemex, shared how innovation has been key to their success, with technology aiding their efficiency and ability to reinvent and create products and services. “We’ve initiated a program we call Cloud Transformation with a clear goal: to elevate customer experience. By expanding our capabilities and fostering flexibility and innovation, we’re striving to position our company at the forefront of progress.” Fausto Sosa, Information and Technology Vice President, Cemex In an industry built on traditional approaches, Cemex stands out by piloting innovation in small, agile batches before scaling across the organization. Moving forward, they are excited to explore how the cloud might enable further advances such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Grupo Bimbo: Nourishing a better world, through technology The enticing aromas of Mexico City’s street food led us to Grupo Bimbo, a company that’s innovating to protect the planet, while feeding the planet. And while I visited, I spent a lot of time enjoying the amazing products they create. From a single bakery in 1945, Grupo Bimbo has expanded to 34 countries with more than 100 brands. Their journey from a small bakery to world’s largest bakery company is a testament to their founders’ vision and fighting spirit. The success of the bakery is largely due to their knack for embracing innovation through technology, being the first bakery to use cellophane. “Imagine Mexico in 1945, it was just a small place, and the founders had a clear vision on where they want to take it. At the beginning, everything was done by them. They started that way and in 70 plus years, they became the biggest bakery in the world. Sometimes you need to overcome the struggles to find or to grow. That sentiment, that fighting spirit I think has made us who and where we are. The founder’s mentality, that fire, continues to be in our DNA.” Juan Pajon, Business Technology Global Senior Vice President, Grupo Bimbo. Today, they’re harnessing data and cloud technology to enhance their sustainability efforts, aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. What’s next Change, as I’ve experienced in Mexico, is a natural, healthy progression that opens doors to fresh opportunities. Innovation doesn’t need to be abrupt; a gradual process allows us to discover what truly resonates with us. It’s through challenging the established notions that we pave the way for novel ideas. By welcoming change, Mexico is crafting a future as vibrant and rich as its past. My journey to Mexico was fueled by a craving for delectable cuisine and priceless wisdom. Having savored both, my gaze now shifts eastward—to a young nation striving to bridge cultural, social, and geographical divides. Let’s continue this journey of discovery, where technology, steeped in culture, shapes our everyday world. See you next time for new sights, cuisine, and innovation! Learn more Watch more Cloud Cultures episodes. Microsoft anuncia avances e impacto inicial de su primera Región de Centros de Datos en México. Find the Azure geography that meets your needs. Cloud Cultures Check out the other blog posts in this series, from Poland to Italy, and more Read now The post Cloud Cultures, Part 5: Embracing innovation and preserving a vibrant identity in Mexico appeared first on Microsoft Azure Blog. View the full article

Cultivate a culture of learning, experimentation, and innovation within the organization.View the full article

The 2023 Accelerate State of DevOps Report from the DORA team at Google Cloud found teams with generative cultures performed better. View the full article

In the face of rapid digital transformation, a positive organizational culture and user-centric design are the backbone of successful software delivery. And while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the center of so many contemporary technical conversations, the impact of AI development tools on teams is still in its infancy. These are just some of the findings from the 2023 Accelerate State of DevOps Report, the annual report from Google Cloud’s DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) team. For nine years, the State of DevOps survey has assembled data from more than 36,000 professionals worldwide, making it the largest and longest-running research of its kind. This year, we took a deep dive into how high-performing DevOps performers bake these technical, process, and cultural capabilities into their development practices to drive success. Specifically, we explored three key outcomes of a having a DevOps practice and the capabilities that contribute to achieving them: Organizational performance - generating value for customers and community Team performance - empowering teams to innovate and collaborate Employee well-being - reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction/productivity This year, we were working with a particularly robust data set: the total number of organic respondents increased by 3.6x compared to last year, allowing us to perform a deeper analysis of the relationship between ways of working and outcomes. Thank you to everyone who took the survey this year! ... View the full article

Originally published on Failure is Inevitable.Fostering teamwork and cultureWith decreased resources, increased stress and cognitive load, and social distancing policies, many teams are under extreme pressure. Without over-communication and special attention paid to organizational culture, teams can.. View the full article

The Assessment of DevOps Capabilities (ADOC) is crowdsourced, vendor-neutral and designed for individuals, teams and organizations who want to baseline their current DevOps state, identify the next target state, gain insights into how to improve their organization and team capabilities and measure and accelerate continuous improvement during their DevOps journey. The assessment models five DevOps […] The post ADOC: Assessing DevOps Culture appeared first on DevOps.com. View the full article

Just as DevOps set to de-silo development and operations teams, the DevSecOps movement is bringing security to the same table. A shift-left security mindset is permeating much discussion of late. Cyberattacks are on the rise in the era of COVID-19 and cybersecurity has become paramount to arm business-critical applications. Furthermore, new regulations have emerged to […] The post KubeCon Coverage: Incentivizing the DevSecOps Culture appeared first on DevOps.com. View the full article

Originally published on Failure is Inevitable.Fostering teamwork and cultureWith decreased resources, increased stress and cognitive load, and social distancing policies, many teams are under extreme pressure. Without over-communication and special attention paid to organizational culture, teams can..View the full article