KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) has 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.

In a statement on Thursday, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the initiative, 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.

“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” said Chang.

Chang said the initiative is a testament to the ministry’s commitment to driving innovation and competitiveness in the international arena, aligned with the national goal of incubating 100 AI companies to generate RM1 billion in revenue by 2030.

Mosti said 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 that are eager to participate and contribute to the programme's objectives.

It said 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.

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

Meanwhile, Mranti chief executive Officer Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said 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 aptly prepared to play a pivotal role in cultivating Malaysia's AI-ready workforce," he said.