KUALA LUMPUR: MIMOS Bhd and Microsoft Malaysia are working together to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) platform and artificial intelligence (AI) to local companies especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
MIMOS chief technology officer Thillai Raj said a laboratory will be built using Microsoft technology while MIMOS would develop a suitable solution.
"We want SMEs to adopt 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 cost is quite high and moreover, there are not many capable AI technology companies in Malaysia.
"Hence, MIMOS will develop the infrastructure using Microsoft technology to enable SMEs and young entrepreneurs to adopt AI in their business.
"MIMOS has expertise in this field and want to see more technology and innovation used within the local industry," he said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MIMOS and Microsoft in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The signing was witnessed by Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Darell Leiking.
Also present was Microsoft Malaysia managing director K Raman.
Commenting on the partnership, Darell said AI is one of the key elements that must be adopted in the country's ecosystem under the IR4.0 initiative.
He said AI has high value in business and able to contribute an estimated US$3.9 trillion by 2022.
Further, Darell said 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.
"Currently, the move for most companies including government agencies has been directed to IR4.0.
"MITI sees that this is a good thing but it is necessary to expand and establish more strategic cooperation to assist all corporations.
"Collaboration with international companies is also highly encouraged as it is being done by MIMOS along with Microsoft Malaysia. It opens opportunities and platforms to SMEs in facing IR4.0," he said.