Addressing the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on Malaysia

MIMOS launches first Internet of Things Technical Working Group Workshop towards developing National IoT Blueprint

Kuala Lumpur, May 14: MIMOS today launched the first national Internet of Things Technical Working Group (IoT TWG) Workshop to kick start the development of the National IoT Blueprint, which will play a key role in shaping Malaysia’s ICT landscape and take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by IoT technologies.

The two-day Workshop, which brings together the cream of the cream from the technology community, academia and government agencies nationwide, will share knowledge and discuss ideas on means to best address the importance and impact the IoT will have on the country’s economic and social progress and explore collaboration in IoT research, development and commercialisation.

Launched under the patronage of the Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, the opening of the workshop was also attended by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Deputy Secretary General (Science), Dr Zulkifli Mohamed Hashim.

“The IoT will inspire new working practices and business processes, spark a new wave of innovation, allow us to penetrate new markets and industries and encourage greater investments in technology,” said Dr Zulkifli. “With the right direction and policies, the National IoT Blueprint will bring about tremendous economic benefits to the country.”

The Internet of Things encompasses the integration of enabling technologies – devices, embedded software, connectivity/communications and information services, among others. It is expected to transform daily life via the application of smart appliances, homes, offices, vehicles, streets and cities.

Dr Zakri said the Blueprint would realise the Science to Action (S2A) initiative launched last year by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak. The initiative aims to intensify the application of science and technology for industrial development and the wellbeing of Malaysians through three key components: Science to Industry, Science to Wellbeing and Science to Governance.

“The Internet of Things will also act as Science to Action enablers,” he said. “In Science to Industry, for example, it will realise opportunities in the digital age which in turn can lead to a Gross National Income of RM1.7 billion and the creation of 14,720 new jobs by 2020.”

Dr Zakri said the Blueprint would also complement national transformative initiatives as Digital Malaysia, the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Programme.

“The Internet of Things will change the digital market and create greater economic value for all organisations and for Malaysia’s economy” he said, adding that the Blueprint would be presented to the government in October.

MIMOS President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah said the Internet of Things was a logical progression for the national R&D centre in ICT after having ‘introduced’ the Internet to Malaysia in 1992.

“MIMOS has been undertaking applied research in ICT towards raising national competitiveness and to position Malaysia as an innovation-led economy since our inception in 1985,” he said. “It is therefore fitting that we spearhead the IoT initiative with the support from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.”

Agencies and companies taking part in the Workshop include the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), National Heart Institute, Cisco Systems, Celcom Axiata Berhad, Intel, Oracle Corporation and Microsoft.