MICROSOFT, UEM SEAL 3-YEAR DEAL

Partnership to drive cloud-based initiatives based on cutting-edge technologies

FARAH ADILLA

KUALA LUMPUR farah.adilla@mediaprima.com.my

UEM Group Bhd recently inked a three-year agreement with Microsoft Malaysia in a move to drive cloud-based digital initiatives in the country.

The partnership will see UEM Group and its subsidiaries working with Microsoft to spearhead digital initiatives based on cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), predictive data analytics, machine learning and augmented reality.

UEM group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Izzaddin Idris said the partnership with Microsoft complemented the group’s RM150 million three-year integrated Enterprise Resource Planning Cloud Solution, which was announced in October 2015.

“As buildings, highways, factories and entire cities become smarter with ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligent environment, digital solutions are key.

“With Microsoft by our side, we will be able to increase efficiency and productivity as we will have the capability to better respond to the changes and needs of our customers and ultimately improve our customers’ experience,” he said at the signing ceremony, here, recently.

Izaddin said the collection of data for analytics and the use of cloud-based machine learning for prediction and anomaly detection would provide the company with operational insights to improve its service delivery and modernise its solutions.

UEM Edgenta Bhd is its first subsidiary to adopt the modern technology in the group. It has developed a Smart Facilities Management Solution based on Microsoft’s advanced tools of Azure IoT Hub and machine learning, which allows it to harness realtime insights and deliver enhanced value to its customers.

UEM Edgenta managing director and chief executive officer Azmir Merican said the partnership enabled the company to embrace cutting-edge technology to better deliver its services.

“We are successfully teaching the building to think and have embarked on the next phase of IoT, where assets will become more intelligent, cost-efficient and customised based on the needs of communities,” he said.

Microsoft managing director K. Raman said the partnership was truly a landmark in the Malaysian business context.

“Digital transformation is no longer an option. Organisations need to transform to stay relevant in today’s digital economy.

“We work closely with businesses and enterprises to help them fully harness the power of the innovation with flexible solutions and programmes customised for local needs.

“We are committed to building this partnership with UEM Group that is anchored in innovation and create a model for others to look up to,” he said.