The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology (MOSTI) has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sandbox pilot programme, which they expect to create over 13,000 new talents and 900 startups.
MOSTI’s minister, Chang Lih Kang stated in a report from The Star that the programme is a collaboration between MOSTI, The Higher Education Ministry, and the American technology company, Nvidia.
This collaboration aims to transition Malaysia into a knowledge-based economy where AI is a key driver of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
Part of the initiatives included in the pilot programme includes upskilling and reskilling programmes focused on AI-related skills.
The launch of the programme happened last Thursday (April 18) at the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) Park in Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia has a clear AI policy
In a press conference after the launch, Higher Education MinisterDatuk Seri Dr Zambry stated that the current government has a clear national AI policy.
He also announced the future launch of an AI faculty, which will involve 20 public universities and 20 private universities. Under the AI faculty’s pilot programme participants will be allowed access to specialised labs.
The first AI faculty will be launched by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) this coming month, on May 10. The faculty is then expected to start its academic programme in October this year.
