AI Sandbox launch with NVIDIA

AI SANDBOX PILOT PROGRAMME INITIATIVE EXPECTED TO CATALYSE 900 STARTUPS AND 13,000 NEW TALENTS BY 2026

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THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SANDBOX PILOT PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION SANDBOX (NTIS) AND NVIDIA CORPORATION (NVIDIA)

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18 April 2024, Kuala Lumpur - The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) today launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sandbox Pilot Programme, demonstrating its dedication to enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) through the cultivation of AI talent in collaboration with other government bodies and industry stakeholders.

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YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation said the groundbreaking initiative is a strategic collaboration between the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) and NVIDIA, is set to propel Malaysia into a knowledge-based economy, with AI driving innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

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“The programme envisions facilitating the establishment up to 900 AI startups by 2026, nurturing the development of over 13,000 new AI talents and potentially stimulating up to 10% economic growth through the creation of new industries and job opportunities we are setting a new benchmark for Malaysia's presence on the global stage” the Minister emphasised.

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The Minister further stated that this is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and competitiveness in the international arena, perfectly aligned with our national goal of incubating 100 AI companies to generate RM1 billion in revenue by 2030.

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With Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) as the lead secretariat, the inaugural phase of the sandbox programme will kick off on a virtual platform and this phase will be open to any AI startups who are eager to participate and contribute to the programme's objectives.

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This collaboration not only provides new economic opportunities but also fosters entrepreneurship, attracts foreign investment and creates high-value job opportunities in emerging AI-driven industries in Malaysia.

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With the support of NVIDIA, this will further contribute to addressing the training and capacity building on AI, ensuring that Malaysia's workforce remains competitive and adaptable in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven industries.

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The AI Sandbox Pilot Programme is designed to boost the adoption of AI technology across Malaysian organisations, effectively narrowing the gap between existing practices and global industry norms. The initiative encourages the execution of trial projects and proofs of concept within these organisations, showcasing the tangible benefits and viability of AI technology while highlighting its potential for significant return on investment and enduring advantages.

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Moreover, the programme is set to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. This effort aims to facilitate the exchange of vital best practices and resources essential for the development, deployment and adoption of AI, further enriching Malaysia's AI ecosystem.

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Meanwhile, commenting on the collaboration with NVIDIA, NVIDIA functions as a Technology Partner under NTIS Innovation Acceleration Network Partner (IAN), with support from NVIDIA’s AI-related capability-building programmes.

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Applicants gain seamless access to specialised labs without the logistical burdens of setting up individual environments or sourcing their data. This collaborative initiative then optimises the testing process for AI solutions within a professional and conducive environment.

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MRANTI has also launched an ambitious collaboration to equip Malaysia’s top talents from universities, startups and research institutes with key AI skills.

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"Our collaboration encompasses training for startups, innovation ecosystems, professors and educators via the Deep Learning Ambassador Programmes and providing Deep Learning Institute courses to NVIDIA Inception programme members. This holistic approach guarantees that a broad spectrum of stakeholders is adeptly prepared to play a pivotal role in cultivating Malaysia's AI-ready workforce," said Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin Hj. Mohamed Ariff, Chief Executive Officer of MRANTI.

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This collaboration between MRANTI as lead secretariat for NTIS and NVIDIA supported by MOSTI and MOHE underscores a shared commitment to advancing Malaysia's AI capabilities. By harnessing the collective strengths of government, industry and academic partners, the AI Sandbox Pilot Programme initiative is set to position Malaysia as a formidable force in the global AI revolution, highlighting the nation's role as an active proponent of AI-based solutions.

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Also present at the launch were Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education (MOHE) and Keith Strier, Vice President of NVIDIA Corporation.

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For more information visit www.sandbox.gov.my

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#THE END#

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Prepared by

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

18 April 2024

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ABOUT MRANTI

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The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation - MRANTI, a convergence of Technology Park Malaysia (TPM Corp) and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) is Malaysia’s central research commercialisation agency that fast-tracks the development of technology innovations from ideas to impact.

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MRANTI serves as a connector, incubator and catalyst to enable early-stage ideation to mature entities to commercialise and scale. MRANTI offers innovators and industry access to world-class integrated infrastructure, programmes, services, facilities and a suite of resources. In doing so, MRANTI aims to expand Malaysia’s funnel of innovation supply, and unlock new R&D value by ensuring effective transitions in the commercialisation lifecycle. It will also link academia with industry and the public sector to streamline market-driven R&D efforts for mission-based outcomes.

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MRANTI is headquartered at MRANTI Park, an extensive 686-acre 4IR innovation hub in Kuala Lumpur, supporting the growth of smart manufacturing, biotech, agritech, smart city, green tech and enabling technology clusters.

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For more information, please visit http://mranti.my/

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Media Enquiries:

MRANTI Strategic Communication

Farhana Syed farhanasyed@mranti.my (+6019-2220292)

Sakinah Alwi sakinah@mranti.my (+6012-4629293)