Latest news with #MDEC
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Data centre framework key to harnessing tech and AI, says Gobind
KUALA LUMPUR: The Digital Ministry has underscored the need for structured data management and integration across government agencies. This, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said, was key to fully harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enhancing the delivery of citizen-friendly government services. Gobind said each government agency generates data, but must ensure that this data can be digitised. He said data exists in various formats, digital, analogue, visual and audio and must be digitised to be integrated effectively. "To use data meaningfully, we require computer power. That's where data centres and cloud infrastructure come in. We are adopting a cloud-first policy, which will allow us to deploy new technologies faster and at scale. "We must ensure that data sharing is seamless, and to do that, the data must be digitised, securely stored and supported by adequate compute capacity," in a press conference after attending a tour of the Kuala Lumpur Command & Control Centre here today. Present was Kuala Lumpur City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Gobind said while some states have already developed their own digital twin technologies, efforts were now underway to consolidate them into a single national digital twin framework that will benefit all states and ministries. He said his current focus was on consolidating existing assets, harnessing available strengths, and determining the most effective way forward to reduce costs and improve efficiency. "At the Digital Ministry, particularly under MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), we are developing this forward-looking strategy. "If we build on our strengths, prepare for the future, ensure secure systems, and build public trust, I believe we will be well on our way to realising Malaysia Digital 2030," he said. Gobind said the government also intends to establish a National Smart Nation Centre, bringing together initiatives from across the country. This comes ahead of the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025, set to take place from Sept 17 to 19, marking the first time the global event, usually hosted in Barcelona, will be held in Malaysia. He said that it will serve as a platform to gather the brightest talents and tech companies involved in smart technologies, with Kuala Lumpur as this year's showcase. On Kuala Lumpur's progress, Maimunah said City Hall's ongoing digital twin project allows for simulations of urban development, enabling authorities to forecast traffic congestion, estimate carbon emissions based on materials used and evaluate land use proposals. She said DBKL's KLCCC was already leveraging real-time data and sensor systems to implement green wave traffic management and improve flood response. "In the past, enforcement officers had to stand at flood-prone hotspots during heavy rains. "Today, we rely on real-time flood warnings and river level data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, which also gets shared with Alam Flora for cleanup readiness. "All this significantly reduces operational costs and improves efficiency at DBKL," she said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia aims for regional AI leadership with 2026-2030 action plan
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is crafting the National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2026–2030 to establish the country as a regional AI leader and improve its global AI rankings. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo revealed that Malaysia currently ranks 26th in the Stanford HAI AI Index (2023) and 24th in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2024. 'On local talent development, the government has already rolled out several large-scale initiatives to boost the nation's workforce readiness for AI adoption,' Gobind said in Parliament. He highlighted the 'AI for My Future' programme, a collaboration with Microsoft, designed to train nearly 800,000 Malaysians through interactive modules. The minister was responding to Batu Gajah MP Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu's query on Malaysia's AI preparedness, covering technology transfer, talent development, and governance integration. Gobind also noted MDEC's initiatives, including MyDigital Maker and Cikgu Juara Digital, which focus on robotics and data analytics training for students and educators. Additionally, the AI@Work programme with Google aims to train 445,000 civil servants using AI tools like Gemini and Notebook LLM to improve public service efficiency. The government is also reviewing legal frameworks to draft dedicated AI legislation, ensuring governance aligns with Malaysia's ambition to become a regional AI hub. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MDEC, CelcomDigi launch IMMERSE KL to drive tech innovation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), in collaboration with CelcomDigi, has launched IMMERSE KL x CelcomDigi – a flagship event aimed at advancing innovation in immersive technology and creative content. Positioned as a key driver of Malaysia's digital transformation, the event reflects the country's rising focus on XR, virtual production, gamification, immersive storytelling and Web3 to accelerate tech adoption across industries. MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the event serves as a catalyst for digital innovation, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the immersive tech landscape. "With partners like CelcomDigi, we are shaping a future driven by creativity and emerging technology," he added. The standalone flagship initiative has evolved from the Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) to become a focused platform for showcasing immersive and creative technologies. The 2025 edition is expected to draw over 300 participants and 120 companies from Malaysia and the region. As the official partner, CelcomDigi will showcase real-world applications of XR and 5G technologies across multiple sectors, including education, industry and healthcare. Key highlights include CelcomDigi Metaversity, an XR-powered immersive learning environment. It will also include training, simulation and remote support in the industrial metaverse as well as healthcare innovations, which is XR-based 3D DICOM visualisation for medical use. "We are excited to support IMMERSE KL x CelcomDigi as a platform to spark innovation, collaboration and new possibilities for Malaysia's digital future," said CelcomDigi chief innovation officer T. Kugan.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to host Smart City Expo KL 2025 in September
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) this September, marking its first international event focused on smart cities and positioning the country as a key regional hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven urban development. Scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the expo is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates and over 10,000 visitors. SCEKL25 will be the first South-East Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. It is spearheaded by the Digital Ministry through its agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the event will serve as a strategic platform for technology providers and AI-driven smart city solution players, reinforcing Malaysia's leadership in regional digital innovation. "At its core, SCEKL25 is about accelerating a new urban vision - one that is green, efficient, and inclusive, with the rakyat at the heart of every innovation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 15). According to Gobind, the expo supports Malaysia's aspirations under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, aligns with regional efforts through the Asean Smart Cities Network, and complements the country's ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040. MDEC, under the Digital Ministry, is currently spearheading AI Cities initiatives through targeted pilot projects in selected areas across the country. Meanwhile MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil in the statement said the expo will showcase Malaysia's transformation into a digitally connected society, highlighting projects such as predictive traffic systems in Penang, smart traffic optimisation in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial solutions in Sabah. "Our smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious, delivering faster and more adaptive public services. With robust digital infrastructure to drive inclusive growth, startups and SMEs will be able to scale beyond borders,' he said. DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail added that hosting the event would bring strategic benefits to Malaysia, including boosting economic growth through business tourism and attracting foreign investment. "SCEKL25 will elevate Malaysia's global profile in smart city innovation, while driving economic growth through business tourism and strategic foreign investment,' he said. Held under the theme 'AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future', the expo will feature cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure solutions, and future-ready mobility systems aimed at building inclusive and resilient urban centres. For more information, visit - Bernama
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MDX Summit 2025 To Focus On Nextgen Technologies
BUSINESS Director General of the National Digital Department (JDN) Nik Zalbiha Nik Mat speaks during Malaysia Digital Xceleration (MDX) Summit 2025 X Smartgov Malaysia 2025 Media Briefing here today. KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Digital Xceleration (MDX) Summit 2025 will focus on next-generation technologies, discussing five key points in panel sessions throughout the three-day event. MDX will take place from Sept 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, alongside the SmartGov Malaysia Summit 2025. The MDX Summit is co-organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the National Digital Department. Meanwhile, hybrid events curator and platform provider Synapze Sdn Bhd is a strategic partner. MDEC chief executive officer (CEO) Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the summit is anticipated to further boost Malaysia's digital leadership in ASEAN by driving innovation, investment and inclusive growth. He highlighted that more than 5,000 participants are expected for this year's edition. The third edition of the MDX Summit and the inaugural SmartGov Malaysia 2025 are expected to reinforce Malaysia's position as a leading digital nation in ASEAN. 'Technologies utilising digital assets and digital agents at its core will further drive outcomes through talent development, innovation, and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) to smarter public services,' he told a media briefing on the summit here today. MDX Summit will focus on five core areas: Next-Gen Data, Next-Gen Computing, Next-Gen Trust, Next-Gen Creativity, and Next-Gen Talent, demonstrating how Malaysia is applying technological innovation into applied solutions to benefit businesses, government services, the rakyat, and the broader regional economy. As the country's premier digital economy platform, Anuar said both events serve as a hub for transformative discussions on emerging technologies, supporting Malaysia's ambition to lead the regional data economy, in line with the MADANI government's vision of building an inclusive, sustainable and fully digital smart nation.
