The explosive realm of artificial intelligence (AI) is among the new industries in which Malaysia and China can continue their mutually beneficial collaborations, says Tan Hann Syn, chairman of the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry in China (Shanghai).
“China has been very open and eager to share its progress in AI. Innovations like DeepSeek have reshaped perceptions of AI cost-effectiveness.
“There are also spin-off opportunities, particularly in industries like healthcare, where AI can significantly enhance efficiency and outcomes. AI in logistics and supply chain efficiencies are other potential areas to look into.”
Tan said Malaysia remains a desirable investment destination for the Chinese but stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy to enhance economic benefits.
“It is also important to set new benchmarks and achieve objectives in all sectors, including the burgeoning green energy industry,” he said.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s Centre for Business and Policy Research chairman Assoc Prof Dr Foo Lee Peng is excited about the immense possibilities of AI-related joint venture opportunities.
“AI can transform traditional industries through intelligent automation and improved decision-making.
“For instance, in manufacturing, AI enables predictive maintenance and supply chain optimisation; in agriculture, AI enhances crop monitoring and precision farming; and in healthcare, it supports diagnostics and personalised treatment,” she said.
As part of a group of Malaysian scholars who participated in a recent high-level conference in Guilin, China, that explored AI collaboration frameworks, Prof Foo is particularly excited about innovations like AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain, autonomous delivery systems, Internet-of-things integration, and green technologies in logistics.
“These technologies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across the supply chain.
“By adopting these innovations, Malaysia and China can strengthen their logistics infrastructure and position themselves as leaders in smart, sustainable supply chains in the Asean region.
“This underscores a shared vision for a sustainable future, where Malaysia and China leverage their strengths to become leaders in green energy and technology innovation across Asean,” she added.
As Malaysia’s AI sector gains traction, global tech giants are recognising its potential, with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation onboarding 140 AI solution providers and generating over RM1bil in revenue by July 2024, said the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng.
“China’s expertise in AI, big data and robotics can significantly bolster Malaysia’s technological advancements,” he said.
Ng emphasised the importance of leveraging China’s cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance various sectors, including digitalisation, healthcare and telecommunications.
“The greatest potential lies in applying AI across industries like healthcare and manufacturing,” he said.
Ng highlighted the strategic partnership with Huawei in 5G technology as pivotal in accelerating Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 journey.
“Collaborations like these allow us to learn from China’s advancements in robotics and cloud computing,” he said, highlighting the need for strategic partnerships with China to address the AI talent gap.
He noted the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the Chinese Academy of Sciences as a significant step.
“This MOU sets the stage for joint research in AI, tackling key challenges in sectors such as healthcare and urban development,” he said.
Additionally, the partnership involving Malaysian blockchain developer Zetrix with Universiti Malaya and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology exemplifies the deepening ties in AI development and research.
“These initiatives highlight the robust collaboration between Malaysia and China, driving innovation and growth in AI.”
Ng also highlighted the role of education in successful Malaysia-China collaborations, pointing to the Xiamen University Malaysia in Sepang.
“By hosting top-notch universities here, we not only facilitate technology transfer but also build a robust talent pool.
“Technology transfer is important, but when you have universities here, you train people locally and bring talent from there to here.
“This integration not only creates jobs but also positions Malaysia as a hub for innovation in South-East Asia, broadening Malaysia’s academic and technological horizons,” he said.
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