Latest news with #Pikom
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Experts cautiously welcome AI and 5G vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's ambitious plan to expand 5G coverage and accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has drawn cautious praise from experts who say the country is on the right track but only if gaps in infrastructure, talent and governance are urgently addressed. 'In the next five years, we'll see rapid advancements in technologies like digital twin systems, predictive maintenance and additive manufacturing – all of which rely on fast, stable connectivity,' said Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) AI manufacturing expert Dr Yupiter HP Manurung. 'These are long-term investments that can boost national resilience, but only if matched with strong local capabilities.' The National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) also welcomed the focus on digital transformation in the 13MP. 'Pikom applauds the government's commitment to building a future-ready digital ecosystem that accelerates adoption of AI and 5G, empowering businesses and communities alike,' said its chairman Alex Liew. 'However, visionary planning alone is not enough – successful execution and robust monitoring are critical.' Liew emphasised the need to bridge infrastructure gaps and digital literacy disparities to ensure broad-based inclusion. 'Inclusivity must remain a core principle – guaranteeing equitable benefits across all demographics.' He also urged the government to approach GovTech not as a siloed effort, but as a collaborative process. 'To realise Malaysia's ambition as a leading AI-driven nation, GovTech must involve the quadruple helix collaboration (a concept of interaction between major segments of the society) in which the government, industry, academia and civil society are co-creators of public digital services.' He called for structured public-private working groups, open innovation models and agile policy frameworks to strengthen areas such as service interoperability and procurement reform. The digital reforms are aimed at expanding 5G coverage to 98% of residential, industrial and rural areas. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that the initiative is part of a broader effort to build a strong digital backbone that enables inclusive participation in the AI-driven economy. 'This isn't just about infrastructure – it's about ensuring that every Malaysian, wherever they are, can take part in the digital future.'
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nominations open for Pikom Digital Excellence Awards 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Nominations are now open for the Pikom Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2025, which recognise the nation's leading figures and organisations in digital innovation and leadership. Organised by the National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom), the annual awards celebrate individuals and companies that are driving transformation across Malaysia's digital economy. Pikom chairman Alex Liew said the awards went beyond recognising achievement, as they validated the transformative power of digital innovation in the country. "Being recognised at the PDEA is a defining moment for both individuals and organisations. It opens new doors, enhances credibility, and extends influence," he said in a statement today. The 2025 edition follows the success of last year's awards, which honoured 33 recipients — including two companies that are now preparing to list on Bursa Malaysia or transition from the LEAP to the ACE market. Award categories span a wide range of sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, e-commerce, cloud services, artificial intelligence, ESG in tech, and outstanding digital transformation initiatives. There are also individual accolades for technology luminaries, chief information officers, women tech leaders, and tech entrepreneurs. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, based on criteria such as innovation, impact, execution, leadership, and alignment with Malaysia's digital economy agenda. The awards ceremony will conclude with a gala night on Sept 10 at the Sunway Resort Hotel.
