KOTA KINABALU: The newly-launched pilot digital Internet of Things (IoT) Sandbox programme here will boost innovation development for Sabah's economy.
The platform, which is the first in East Malaysia, aims to encourage research and development (R&D) in the fields of science, technology and innovation (STI).
The application of IoT is in line with the federal government to implement Industrial Revolution 4.0 in main sectors in the country.
With IoT application in Sabah's industrial sector, it is expected to contribute RM9.8 billion to the gross national income by 2025.
Among the targeted initial impacts of the IoT Sandbox is the development of 20 proofs-of-concept through the implementation of 50 capacity development programmes involving local communities.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the IoT Sandbox will be a game-changer to the life of people in Sabah.
Through digitalisation efforts, it could benefit services, agricultural, mining and tourism sectors among others.
"It will be a catalyst for the IoT ecosystem development and directly contribute to the innovation economic development in Sabah.
"Companies also can optimise its operations and reduce the labour costs, reduce wastage, improve services and increase the competitiveness by reducing production costs," he said during the launch of the IoT Sandbox programme, here, today.
Dr Adham's speech was read out by MOSTI Secretary-General Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan.
Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yakub Khan, who was present during the launch said the IoT Sandbox programme is part of the flagship programme under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.
"The digital IoT Sandbox will be a platform for innovators and digital entrepreneurs to come up with products and subsequently to test the feasibility of the product.
"Through this, it is also expected to encourage youth's involvement to try out products or new technology that could spur state economy, improve efficiency in the public and private sectors.
"It will also indirectly promote the culture of STI in addition to creating more jobs highly skilled," said Yakub.
The event also witnessed the state Ministry signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Sabah Universiti Teknologi MARA and the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI).
The collaboration between the three parties will focus on the commercialisation support for local technology practitioners and thus generate new economic opportunities to create highly skilled job opportunities.