According to a recent report, a research and development centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and an American multinational technology company which develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services announced that they will be working together to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) platform and artificial intelligence (AI) to local companies especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The chief technology officer of the R&D centre stated that a laboratory will be built using the technology from the Malaysian branch of the American multinational company while the R&D centre will be developing a suitable solution.
He added that the centre wants SMEs to adopt the latest technologies in the face of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) and one of the key elements is AI. Companies who want to conduct research and technology development could not do so as the cost is quite high and moreover, there are not many capable AI technology companies in Malaysia.
Hence, the R&D centre noted that it will develop the infrastructure using the technology from the multinational tech company to enable SMEs and young entrepreneurs to adopt AI in their business.
It was noted that the centre has expertise in this field and wants to see more technology and innovation used within the local industry, according to the CTO of the centre who made a statement at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The signing was witnessed by the Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and was witnessed by the managing director of the Malaysian branch of the multinational technology company.
Commenting on the partnership, the Minister of MITI said that AI is one of the key elements that must be adopted in the country’s ecosystem under the IR4.0 initiative. He added that Artificial Intelligence has a high value in business and able to contribute an estimated US$3.9 trillion by 2022.
Further, the minister said that the country’s business structure should also change in order to adapt to the changing technology globally.
Many companies have taken gradual steps in switching from conventional to digital and bringing the country on the right track against IR4.0 realisation.
It was noted that, currently, the move for most companies including government agencies has been directed to IR4.0. Thus, MITI sees that this is a good thing but it is necessary to expand and establish more strategic cooperation to assist all corporations.
The minister added that collaboration with international companies is also highly encouraged as it is being done by MIMOS along with the multinational tech company. It opens opportunities and platforms to SMEs in facing IR4.0.
Another report noted that the partnership between the two companies signifies the establishment of the multinational tech company’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet Of Things (IoT) Schools in Malaysia.
First launched in 2016, “A Cloud for Global Good” is a policy book developed by the multinational company that offers recommendations for governments, industry and civil society.
The aim of the book is to ensure that the opportunities of technology are evenly shared and that challenges facing society are identified early and practical solutions applied. Over the years, the tech firm has advanced the policy framework laid down in the book, including new learnings and ideas within it. Its launch in Malaysia marks the book’s first entry into the region.
The MITI minister noted that through this collaboration, the country are one step closer to achieving one of the objectives of the policy that is to create the right ecosystem for Industry 4.0 by providing digital infrastructure and digital skills training.
In line with the nation’s goal to become one of the main destinations for the high-tech industry by 2025 under Industry4WRD policy, the partnership between two companies will see the establishment of a joint lab in the R&D centre.
