Tag: #ArtificialIntelligence

  • RM2.9 Million in Strategic Grants Awarded to Drive AI and Industrial Digitalization Progress

    RM2.9 Million in Strategic Grants Awarded to Drive AI and Industrial Digitalization Progress

    MDEC Launches RM2.9 Million in Grants to Accelerate AI and Industrial Digitalization in Malaysia. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced two new strategic grant initiatives worth a combined RM2.9 million, aimed at fast-tracking digital transformation in Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing sectors. These grants are part of the nation’s ongoing push to solidify its position as a digital leader in the region.

    The two programmes — the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant – Artificial Intelligence (MDAG-AI) and the SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme — are open exclusively to companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) or MSC Malaysia status, as well as those with pending MD status applications. Both initiatives are designed to support local tech players by promoting innovation, fostering high-skilled employment, and preparing digital solutions for export.

    According to MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil, the grants are strategically timed to reinforce Malaysia’s digital agenda. “MDAG-AI sets a strong foundation for Malaysia to become a leading hub for AI innovation, while SmartMFG+ supports large-scale digitalisation within the manufacturing sector,” he said. “Together, they serve as a dual catalyst to accelerate our digital economy ambitions.”

    The MDAG-AI grant specifically targets high-impact AI projects aligned with Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap. It aims to support local companies involved in foundational, enabling, and application layers of AI by funding up to 70% of project costs, capped at RM2 million. The focus includes commercialisation of AI products, cross-sector application, talent development, and knowledge transfer. Applications are open until 18 July 2025, with successful applicants to be announced during the Malaysia Digital Expo (MDX) in September 2025.

    On the other hand, the SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme, under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) and mandated by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), seeks to boost digital adoption within the manufacturing sector. It supports MD-status local solution providers with funding of up to 70% of their solution development costs, capped at RM75,000 per company. The programme also includes technical training, solution validation in simulated environments, and commercialisation support. Applications are open until 13 July 2025, and the programme will run from August to December 2025, culminating in the announcement of successful applicants at MDX in September.

    For eligibility and application details, visit:
    🔹 MDAG-AI Grant
    🔹 SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme

    These grants represent a bold move by MDEC to empower local companies, stimulate innovation, and prepare Malaysia’s digital economy for future challenges.

  • Malaysia Launches Industry-Focused Mechatronics Tracks to Drive Industry 4.0 Transformation

    Malaysia Launches Industry-Focused Mechatronics Tracks to Drive Industry 4.0 Transformation

    Taylor’s University Pioneers Malaysia’s First Mechatronics Engineering Degree with Specialised Tracks in Robotics and AI. Taylor’s University has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in innovative education with the launch of Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours to offer specialised tracks in Robotics Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking four-year programme represents a major step forward in preparing a new generation of engineers to drive Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 transformation.

    Blending mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, and AI, the multidisciplinary programme is aligned with Malaysia’s National Policy on Industry 4.0, which prioritises technological advancements across 12 key sectors. The course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to innovate in fast-evolving industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace—all of which are undergoing rapid transformation through automation and intelligent systems.

    “With the global Mechatronics market expected to reach USD 2.25 billion by 2031, this programme doesn’t just prepare our students to fill roles—it positions them to lead the future of engineering,” said Professor Ts Dr Sim Yee Wai, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Innovation & Technology. “Taylor’s University is placing students at the forefront of Industry 4.0 by offering an education grounded in both current industry demands and future technologies.”

    The programme is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council, making graduates eligible for registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, which is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This ensures that graduates meet internationally recognised standards and are able to pursue careers as Professional Engineers both locally and abroad.

    Ir Dr Phang Swee King, Programme Director from Taylor’s School of Engineering, explained, “Our goal is not just to produce job-ready engineers, but future shapers. Through a curriculum that combines critical thinking, innovation, and hands-on learning, we are cultivating graduates who will drive robotics, automation, and AI forward—not simply adapt to it.”

    What truly sets this programme apart is its real-world integration with industry. Through strategic partnerships with global tech leaders such as DJI Academy Malaysia and Unitree Robotics, students benefit from early exposure to state-of-the-art technology via Taylor’s in-house Engineering Undergraduates for Industrial Adoption (EUFORIA) and EUFORIA Type-Research (R) programmes. These collaborations allow students to begin working on industry projects as early as Year 2, gaining vital experience and employable skills long before graduation.

    “At DJI Academy Malaysia, this collaboration marks our first academic partnership, and we see tremendous potential in shaping future-ready engineers together,” said Darren Teh, General Manager of DJI Academy Malaysia. “We are excited to co-develop talent that will innovate global solutions in robotics and automation.”

    Students also engage in multidisciplinary group projects and hands-on initiatives via the university’s Robotics Club, further enhancing their practical capabilities. For those seeking an international academic edge, Taylor’s offers a fast-tracked 2+2 Master’s Pathway with the University of Birmingham in the UK—enabling students to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechatronics & Robotic Engineering.

    Recognised among the top 450 global universities for Engineering & Technology in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Taylor’s University continues to raise the bar in education innovation. With the launch of this pioneering programme, the institution reinforces its commitment to shaping Malaysia’s digital and industrial future—developing engineers who are not only industry-ready but globally competitive.