Malaysians win awards for AI solutions

AN artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of monitoring carbon dioxide emissions from an automobile and sending an alert in the event of a rise in its level was among the innovative ideas being feted at a global event held recently.

The brainchild of Malaysian student Mohd Farith Ibrahim, it earned him the recognition of “Grand Prize Winner” in the “AI Enthusiasts” (over 18s) category at the Intel AI Global Impact Festival.

One of three winners who won the award, he also bagged a USD$5,000 (RM21,102) prize, a laptop, as well as mentorship and internship opportunities at Intel.

At the festival, three other Malaysians were celebrated for their AI innovations – student Lim Chee Wei was named “Country Winner” in the “AI Impact Creator” (over 18s) category for a home surveillance solution; student Chloe Poon Rou Yi picked up the “Promising AI Enthusiast” award in the “AI Enthusiasts” (13 to 18) category for an intelligent food itinerary planning solution; and lecturer Jasy Liew Suet Yan was crowned “Country Winner” in the “AI Impact Shaper” category for designing AI solutions that would make learning coding more fun and personalised.

Themed “Enriching Lives with AI Innovations”, the festival – held as part of the organiser’s Digital Readiness initiative in partnership with the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) Centre, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) – drew the participation of over 110,000 students, next-generation technologists, and future developers from 135 countries.

The participants submitted over 230 AI innovations, with 14 of these entries coming from Malaysian students and teachers.

At the virtual event held on March 11 in honour of the winners, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed congratulated the Malaysian winners.

Also present was Intel Malaysia managing director and vice president (Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Operations) A.K. Chong, who described the submissions as “truly inspiring”.

They served as great examples of how properly imagined AI has the power to improve lives in many different ways, she said in a press release.

As part of its Digital Readiness initiative, Intel in collaboration with CREST also recently launched its AI for Youth programme in Malaysia.

The programme aims to help the youth develop a deep understanding of AI by demystifying the technology, and equipping them with the skillset and mindset required for AI readiness.

The programme is also intended to democratise access to AI toolsets and at the same time, train the youth to use them skillfully to create AI solutions that drive meaningful social impact.

The Education Ministry now allows students participating in the AI for Youth programmes to earn points that will be officially recognised and added to their Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curriculum Assessment scores, according to the press release.