KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) — The newly launched NAIO Lab, a collaboration between Malaysia’s National AI Office (NAIO) and Global AI Village (GAIV), is expected to spearhead the development of citizen-centric AI (artificial intelligence) applications across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and transportation.
For a start, it has launched Rakan Tani, which will be piloted in Terengganu, focusing on rice farmers.
“This pilot will test the effectiveness of AI-driven services such as e-marketplaces, farming input recommendations, and credit scoring. We aim to roll out the first phase within three to four months,” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said during the launch of the NAIO Lab here on Thursday.
Gobind expressed confidence that the pilot would not only empower Malaysian farmers but would serve as a model for scaling AI solutions nationwide.
On the NAIO Lab initiative, which is expected to produce more than 450 high-skilled AI engineering jobs in the country, Gobind said it would not be about just importing global talent, but also nurturing local talent and ensuring Malaysians are at the forefront of AI innovation.
“We want to build a generation of AI leaders who can compete on the global stage,” he said in his speech at the launch.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the goal is targeted for achievement within the next three to five years.
Describing the NAIO Lab as a pivotal step in Malaysia’s AI journey, he said it would set the foundation for a future where AI-driven solutions foster not only economic growth but also societal progress.
By fostering strategic partnerships between the government, industry leaders, academia and startups, the lab will continue accelerating AI innovation, ensuring Malaysia remains a technological trailblazer.
Gobind emphasised that the lab represents the key element of Malaysia’s vision to become a global AI hub, where developers can collaborate, experiment and innovate to create tangible benefits for the nation.
“While agriculture is our starting point, the NAIO Lab will soon expand to healthcare and transportation. These are areas where AI can truly make a difference in improving the quality of life and driving digital growth,” he said.
— BERNAMA
Thursday , 06 February 2025