By Sharen Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on track to join the world’s top 20 artificial intelligence (AI) economies by 2030 under the National AI Roadmap 2021–2025, with AI expected to contribute more than RM60 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Investor confidence is gaining momentum, particularly in data centre development, as industry experts note that AI has moved beyond hype to become a genuine economic driver — positioning Malaysian companies for sustained long-term growth.
As Malaysia accelerates its AI ambitions, corporate innovators like I-Bhd demonstrate that integrating AI and robotics with traditional industries can create scalable, resilient, and future-ready ecosystems — setting the stage for the country to become a leading AI economy in the region.
Global research by McKinsey & Co forecasts that AI will be a primary catalyst for rising data centre demand, with Malaysia’s AI market projected to expand tenfold over the next six years. Key growth areas include natural language processing, computer vision, AI robotics, and generative AI, all expected to register annual growth rates exceeding 40 per cent.
Moody’s Ratings has highlighted the surge in investment in semiconductors and data centres but cautioned that returns may take time to materialise, warning of potential overcapacity risks reminiscent of the late-1990s tech cycle.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised that Malaysia must move beyond debating whether to adopt AI and focus on both adoption and execution, noting that these complementary strategies are essential for fostering innovation and trust in the digital ecosystem. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang echoed the sentiment, describing AI as a national imperative for Malaysia’s economic future.
Despite progress, AI adoption among Malaysian manufacturers remains at an early stage. A Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing survey shows that only 26 per cent of companies have implemented AI solutions, while the majority remain in awareness or exploratory phases.
Corporate innovators, however, are accelerating AI integration. Datuk Paul Khong, group managing director of Savills Malaysia, told Business Times that forward-looking developers are increasingly embedding AI and robotics into new projects to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.
At the forefront is I-Bhd, whose i-City development exemplifies the fusion of technology and modern living. Through partnerships with tech firms, universities, healthcare providers, and logistics operators, I-Bhd is creating an open, scalable ecosystem that combines robotics, AI-driven wellness, and urban analytics.
“I-Bhd’s strategy generates new revenue streams grounded in a strong real-asset foundation, creating a resilient model for long-term growth,” said Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, I-Bhd chairman. “Our model rests on three pillars: a stable real-asset base ensuring steady cash flow, a capital-light partnership structure for scalability, and the upside potential of accelerating AI adoption.”
Lim highlighted that I-Bhd has evolved from digital appliances to establishing i-City as Malaysia’s first Digital City, and is now positioning itself as the country’s first intelligent ecosystem operator, integrating real estate, robotics, and AI into a connected platform.
Under its 2025–2030 strategic roadmap, I-Bhd aims to build Malaysia’s first billion-ringgit intelligent ecosystem, with flagship initiatives including AI Tower, AI & Robotics World Experience Centre, AI World, Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS), AI Wellness Subscriptions, and the i-City SuperApp. These projects aim to shift revenue from property-centric to a balanced portfolio driven by digital services, AI-led operations, and platform-based engagement — akin to a “Tesla of Cities” approach where data and analytics continuously monetise customer interactions.
Lim noted that post-pandemic, I-Bhd has significantly diversified its business. Non-property segments, including investment properties, digital infrastructure, leisure, and hospitality, now complement its property base, creating recurring revenue streams and a platform for continuous AI and robotics innovation.
Unlike traditional developers that sell and exit, I-Bhd retains and manages assets, maintaining a billion-ringgit portfolio that funds ongoing technological enhancements without burdening property owners. The model delivers value across three dimensions: enhancing resident experience, improving operational efficiency, and generating recurring digital revenue.
On a national scale, AI adoption is accelerating. An AWS report shows that approximately 2.4 million Malaysian businesses — around 27 per cent of enterprises — have embraced AI, with benefits emerging across healthcare, precision farming, logistics, and manufacturing.
Standard Chartered Malaysia found that nine in ten corporate leaders prioritise foundational systems such as cloud computing, with AI (68 per cent) and automation and robotics (62 per cent) identified as key drivers of trade digitalisation.
However, challenges remain. Implementation hurdles (66 per cent), regulatory barriers (58 per cent), and interoperability gaps (50 per cent) continue to slow progress, leaving many trade processes reliant on paper-based systems.
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