MIMOS, Microsoft in pact to boost IoT, AI adoption

KUALA LUMPUR: MIMOS Bhd and Microsoft Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) to establish a joint lab to help boost adoption of the Internet of Things ( IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Malaysia.

MIMOS Bhd chief technology off icer Thillai Raj said the partnership would see the establishment of a joint lab in MIMOS which would be equipped with Microsoft’s IoT and AI programmes.

“The key part of the collaboration is to make use of Microsoft Cloud which has many ( programme) libraries that can be used for Internet of Things ( IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This can boost the adoption of these technologies by local industries.

“Local industries need to pick up IoT and AI. MIMOS will help to develop these industries and local software developers who approach the MIMOS lab to experience and utilise these technology,” he told reporters after the exchange of the MoU yesterday.

Thillai said investments into research and development were costly and the setting up of a joint lab would enable MIMOS to get local developers to use these facilities to build industry-relevant applications that would also help boost IoT and AI adoption.

The exchange was witnessed by International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, who also launched Microsoft’s “A Cloud for Global Good in Asia” policy book which offered recommendations to governments, industry and civil society on adopting cloud computing.

Darrell said the shift to mobile and cloud computing was steadily gaining momentum with more than five billion mobile phone subscribers and over 3.2 billion Internet users globally.

“With the rapid acceleration of this digital transformation, more companies are investing into big data, AI, IoT and other digital enablers.

“It has been estimated that the business value derived from AI itself could yield US$1.2 trillion in 2018 and is expected to grow to US$ 3.9 trillion by 2022,” he said.

Darrell said it was imperative that both the public and private sectors work hand-in- hand to take full advantage of the growth opportunities presented by the global digital age.

Me anwhi le, Mic rosof t Malaysia Managing Director K Raman said following the government’s implementation of the Industry4WRD policy, Microsoft was excited to work with MIMOS to build a future ready workforce in the country, especially for those who would be able to capitalise on the full capabilities of AI, IoT and other future technologies.

“With the launch of “A Cloud for Global Good in Asia”, we are to play a part in setting the trajectory of the nation towards being a leader in innovation, as well as technological skills, in priming itself for Industry 4.0,” he added. — Bernama