SALUTATIONS
1. Yang Berbahagia Tuan Fabian Bigar Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
2. Yang Mulia Dato’ Syed Haizam Hishamuddin Putra Jamalullail Managing Director, The Hive Global AI Fund
3. Yang Berusaha Tuan Adrian Marcellus Chief Executive Officer, MyDIGITAL Corporation
4. Yang Berusaha Tuan Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid Head of the National AI Office (NAIO)
5. Mr. Khailee Ng Managing Partner, 500 Global
Esteemed Panellists,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI, and a very good Afternoon to all.
1. Thank you for joining us today as we take a significant step forward in Malaysia’s digital transformation journey. Today, we are proud to launch the NAIO Lab, a collaborative initiative between the National AI Office (NAIO) and the Global AI Village (GAIV). This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about people, progress, and the future we want to build for Malaysia.
2. To our esteemed guests from the industry, academia, and government, both local and international, your presence here today highlights the importance of this initiative. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a force for good, driving equitable growth and improving the lives of all Malaysians.
The Vision of NAIO Lab
Ladies and gentlemen,
3. At the "Building an AI Nation" Forum during the launch of NAIO, we explored the AI Economy as a complete, end-to-end ecosystem. The establishment of NAIO Lab is a timely and strategic move for Malaysia, aimed at building a thriving AI value chain that connects the public sector, infrastructure, industry leaders, academia, developers, startups, supply chains, funders, and users. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also accelerates the development of AI solutions 3 with real-world impact. Ultimately, AI holds opportunities for everyone.
4. NAIO Lab is where we connect cutting-edge technology with real-world challenges, ensuring that innovation serves the needs of the Rakyat and our nation.
5. Our vision is to make AI accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for every Malaysian. Whether you’re a farmer in Sarawak, a healthcare worker in Johor, or a student in Kuala Lumpur, we want AI to work for you.
Why NAIO Lab Matters
6. The NAIO Lab is an indication of Malaysia's commitment to become a regional leader in AI innovation. Now, let me share with you why this initiative is so important.
7. The NAIO Lab will focus on citizen-centric AI applications in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and transportation. These are sectors that touch the lives of everyday Malaysians. By leveraging AI, we can improve productivity, enhance service delivery, and create new opportunities for growth.
8. Through our partnership with GAIV, we are creating more than 450 high-skilled AI engineering jobs over the next 3 to 5 years. This is not just about 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.
9. The NAIO Lab is designed to ensure that no one is left behind. Rakan Tani, our first proof-of-concept, is built with inclusivity in mind with a farmer-focused AI service delivered through WhatsApp. It’s accessible in both Malay and English, and it’s designed to help farmers improve their productivity and livelihoods.
10. This is just the beginning. Other ministries can follow this model, and funding can be sourced through GAIV and The Hive to scale these initiatives.
The Role of Partnerships
Ladies and gentlemen,
11. The success of the NAIO Lab depends on the strength of our partnerships. Today, we are proud to collaborate with GAIV, a global leader in AI innovation, backed by Silicon Valley investors like The Hive Global AI Fund and 500 Global. GAIV brings world-class expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and a commitment to ethical AI development.
12. Not only that, but we are also working closely with local universities, industry leaders, and startups to ensure that the NAIO Lab is a true reflection of Malaysia’s diverse talent and innovation ecosystem. Together, we can create solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also socially impactful.
Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for NAIO Lab
13. As we launch the NAIO Lab today, our focus is on delivering visible results. Our first project, Rakan Tani, will be piloted in Terengganu, focusing on rice farmers. This pilot will test the effectiveness of AI-driven services like e-marketplaces, farming input recommendations, and credit scoring. We aim to roll out the first phase within 3-4 months. Once the pilot is successful, we will work with GAIV and other partners to scale these solutions nationwide.
14. While agriculture is our starting point, the NAIO Lab will soon expand to healthcare and transportation. These are areas where AI can make a real difference in improving quality of life and driving digital economic growth.
A Call to Action/Closing
15. To our industry partners, academia, and startups: the NAIO Lab is your platform to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference. Let’s work together to turn ideas into reality.
16. To our international guests: Malaysia is open for collaboration. We believe that by working together, we can create a global AI ecosystem that benefits everyone.
17. And to every Malaysian: this is your journey too. The NAIO Lab is here to serve you, to make your lives better, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Thank you once again for being here today. Let’s make this journey together, and let’s make it count.
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