FIVE UK companies specialising in artificial intelligence have set up operations in Malaysia.

UK Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Natalie Black said the collaborations are in line with the aspirations of the countries to promote ethical AI.

“We have conducted government to government talks where we have met Communication and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo when he came to the UK earlier this year,” she said at the NextBigTech Asia 2019 conference in Kuala Lumpur, today.

Technological collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, she said, could drive the adoption of AI in Industrial Revolution 4.0 at a faster rate as it could boost productivity across the board. 

Research by Microsoft, among others, has shown that a higher rate of AI adoption could boost innovation as well as increasing productivity by 60%.

She said a safe AI environment also could contribute to a healthier and fairer global economy.

During a trip to the UK in February, the Malaysian delegation led by Gobind was reported to have held a series of meetings with UK government officials to explore collaborations in a number of fields including AI, cybersecurity, 5G and creative content.

Meanwhile, Century Tech founder and chief executive officer Priya Lakhani said the company has engaged local stakeholders to bring AI technology to Malaysian schools

She said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a recent meeting had expressed interest in empowering people with technology.

“He (Dr Mahathir) was so interested in what Century Tech has to offer when we showed him what we have. He aspires to put the best teachers in Malaysia in front of every child,” she said adding that, the company has engaged selected schools in a bid to boost education globally. – Bernama, September 11, 2019.