Brands: Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI)

Critical convos with a focus on impact: How MRANTI is bridging local & global markets

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

“We must take action. Whether in policy-making, research, or industry practice, it is our responsibility to turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s solutions.”

This call to action from MRANTI CEO Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin captures the organisation’s drive to turn innovation into tangible impact. But while insights are important, real change requires more than just ideas—it requires collaboration and action.

At MRANTI, that means bringing together local and global leaders to tackle some of Malaysia’s biggest challenges, from food security to healthcare transformation. 

At the recent three-day I-Nation Global Summit 2024, we got a firsthand look at how MRANTI is putting this vision into action. Here are three ways they’re bridging local and global markets.

1. Providing a platform for open international discussions via the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) Global Sandbox Forum

As the name may suggest, the NTIS Global Sandbox Forum spotlights how sandbox models drive innovation across industries like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) by creating safe spaces for experimentation. 

Held on the second day of the summit, the forum invited speakers from around the world to share their sandbox success stories during a panel session titled “From Policy to Practise: How Regulatory and Innovation Sandboxes Accelerate Technology Commercialisation”. 

We got to hear insights from industry experts who shared their best practices in building successful sandboxes, namely:

• Raphael von Thiessen from Momentum Collaboration, Switzerland
• Dr. Choi Haeok from Science and Technology Institute (STEPI), South Korea
• Anton Rizki Sulaiman from Center For Indonesian Policy Studies, Indonesia

Moderated by Hazami Habib, Chief Executive Officer of Akademi Sains Malaysia, the panellists didn’t shy away from candid sharings about what worked or didn’t work for their sandboxes. This allowed for open discussions on how Malaysia can build sustainable, scalable innovations through our own sandboxes such as the NTIS Sandbox.

Some key points that were shared included the importance of having an interconnected innovation ecosystem, the need for governments to be agile when it comes to policies, and the value of cross-collaboration amongst stakeholders and ecosystem players.

2. Hosting satellite events that allow for real-time problem-solving and actionable outcomes

Due to the captivating main stage lineup at the I-Nation Global Summit 2024, we could only attend one satellite event, the NTIS Global Sandbox Forum. Yet, even this brief experience showcased how MRANTI’s events facilitate real-time problem solving.

To illustrate, Raphael von Thiessen noted the regulation concerns encountered by the Swiss Innovation Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is a test environment for the implementation of AI projects. For example, autonomous tractors for agriculture would occasionally need to cross public roads, where they’re classified as self-driving vehicles but don’t meet the requirements to be on public roads. 

This raised the issue of how policies must evolve alongside innovation. In Raphael’s case, they took an active approach to meeting with local legislatures and requested revisions in traffic laws to accommodate such use cases. 

Moderator Hazami Habib shared that as a think tank, Akademi Sains Malaysia has come up with various solutions locally too. “We do everything that is unthinkable but the government is not ready, so what we need is an agile government.”

A case study she cited was Japan and its gradual adaptation of autonomous vehicles on highways. With such encouragement from the authorities, the nation is moving towards a future where driverless cars might rule the streets.

While we didn’t manage to attend the other satellite events, they each play a role in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation:

3. Advancing innovations that address universal challenges faced by the international community

Rebranded in 2021, MRANTI was established to drive idea generation and impact through the invention, development, and commercialisation of technology and innovation.

Hence, it has many initiatives in place to facilitate Malaysian businesses and innovators in this endeavour. This includes bootcamps, IP services, research prototyping, as well as a slew of in-house programmes like its Supercharger Series.

Some of the graduates under MRANTI’s initiatives have been successful in creating innovative technology that addresses universal challenges. From healthcare access to sustainable agriculture, local startups are contributing valuable solutions to the international community.

For example, Qmed Asia is a healthcare tech startup that graduated from the Supercharger Series and was named one of the top tech startups at the HK Tech 300 SEA Start-up Competition. Initially a digital solution to long queues, Qmed Asia has moved towards patient care with innovations like the Qmed AI Vision, an AI-powered tool designed for interpreting radiological images.

HEXA IoT, who was part of the MRANTI Global Accelerator Programme (GAP), was also present at the summit and showcased their agritech device called Project A3. It helps boost harvests by tracking crop performance with a 5G remote-steered all-terrain vehicle with AI vision.

Bigger and bolder ambitions in the works

MRANTI Park takes these efforts a step further. The space allows local talent and international investors to come together and turn ideas into real-world solutions with global impact.

Going forward, its CEO announced at the summit that MRANTI will establish artificial intelligence (AI) labs with partners in the UK with a Hub and Spoke lab configuration between the UK, India, and MRANTI. 

In a commitment to ensure that critical conversations like those at the summit lead to meaningful progress, Datuk Wira Dr. Rais stated, “We will compile and continue to monitor the discussion points to ensure actions are taken, especially in the areas of agriculture and healthcare—two critical sectors for our future generations.”

The team will also deliver regular updates on the progress of key initiatives discussed during this summit and future ones. This is to ensure that impactful actionables come out of their events. 

All of these efforts play into MRANTI’s bigger goal of supporting the growth of more innovations that meet the needs of international markets, and come 2025, we can expect greater things from the organisation.

• Learn more about MRANTI here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: 5 reasons Tokyo makes an ideal launchpad for M’sian & S’porean startups to scale globally

Featured Image Credit: MRANTI

3 benefits your tech startup will gain from joining MRANTI’s Supercharger Series, explained

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

It’s been a pretty good year for the Malaysian innovation scene.

We’ve seen exciting ideas brought to life like BoomGrow’s 5G-connected vertical farm and Brikoole (“breathable bricks” to reduce air conditioning) that won the national James Dyson Award 2024.

Of course, achieving these feats comes with its own set of challenges, such as funding gaps and the resources for research and development (R&D). But Malaysian startups and entrepreneurs don’t have to face these challenges alone. 

The government has various programmes available to help you grow and turn your bold ideas into innovative tech solutions, like the Supercharger Series.

What is the Supercharger Series?

It’s a free programme under the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) with the objective of fast-tracking the commercialisation of startup R&D projects. 

In simpler terms, this programme helps turn your research and ideas into market-ready solutions, faster and more effectively.

This is done by connecting your startups with key industry professionals like innovators and researchers, and allowing you to explore more funding opportunities.

But what benefits do Malaysian startups gain from joining the Supercharger Series?

1. You’ll be able to future-proof your startup’s tech innovations

In today’s fast-paced tech world, staying ahead means more than just keeping up; you have to constantly be innovating. 

By aligning with Malaysia’s strategic priorities (as outlined in the Malaysian Grand Challenge) startups will be at the forefront of industries set to define the next generation of innovation. This includes fields like agriculture, healthcare, food security, and smart technology.

The Supercharger Series focuses on these industries too, so startups will be more technologically adept at creating solutions for current and future problems. 

For example, as part of the Supercharger Series’ efforts, MRANTI partners with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to provide startups with up-to-date knowledge and expertise on food security and drone technology. Such collaborations equip startups to develop cutting-edge solutions and position themselves as industry leaders.

2. You’ll gain access to MRANTI’s strong network of expertise and resources 

The Supercharger Series acts as a bridge between academic research and the commercial world, connecting you with Malaysia’s top experts in R&D and innovation.

This support helps you fine-tune your strategies and fast-track your tech development. 

Whether it’s improving a prototype, overcoming regulatory challenges, or planning your market launch, the program provides the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

Mohd Izzat Muslim, founder of Fulkrum Interactive Media, shared, “The Supercharger Series stands out for being much more hands-on and practical.” Izzat used to struggle with market penetration and effectively utilising funds from grants until he learnt new strategies from the programme.

3. You’ll be on the fast track to commercialising your solutions and business ideas

Under the Supercharger Series, MRANTI offers a more in-depth bootcamp called the Supercharger R2C (Road-to-Commercialisation) Bootcamp. 

Designed for startups in the pre-commercialisation stage, this bootcamp starts with a three-day workshop and continues with a three-month facilitation programme. This hands-on guidance will equip your startup with the know-how to bring your products and services to market.

Key commercialisation topics you’ll learn here include defining your value proposition, validating your target market, addressing intellectual property and regulatory considerations, and developing a launch strategy for your innovation.

Startups that have benefitted from this are bootcamp alumni like Qmed Asia (a healthcare tech startup), Agiliux (an insurance tech startup), and Life Origin (a foodtech startup). 

To join, you can keep an eye out for announcements on the next Supercharger R2C Bootcamp here.

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At the moment, MRANTI’s Supercharger Series is held in key innovation hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak. But they’re committed to expanding the programme’s reach in more locations based on the needs of the startup community.

“Our goal is to create equal opportunities for startups across Malaysia, supporting local ecosystems and facilitating greater nationwide impact,” MRANTI’s team told us.

This year’s Supercharger Finale will be held at the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 on December 3, where participants will get a chance to learn commercialisation strategies from Dr. Hamed Motaghi from Quebec University, Canada.

The session is scheduled for 4PM to 5PM at Connexion Convention Centre, Bangsar. Admission is free, but you should secure your seats now before tickets run out.

• Learn more about the Supercharger Series here.
• Read other articles about MRANTI’s past efforts here.

Also Read: Mega sales are coming up in M’sia, here’s how to ensure that your parcels don’t go missing

Featured Image Credit: MRANTI

AI could bring in RM1 billion in revenue by 2030. Here’s how M’sian startups can get a cut.

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

Malaysia has attracted three billion-dollar investments in AI development between May and June 2024, showcasing the country’s drive for AI advancements. 

Our country’s geopolitical advantages, such as being in the centre of Southeast Asia and having a foreign policy that hinges on neutrality, make us a strategic nation to invest in.

But Malaysia isn’t just relying on large foreign companies to push AI innovation. 

Local players are also stepping up, and the Artificial Intelligence Sandbox (AI Sandbox) by the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) through Technology Innovation Park Malaysia (TiPM) in collaboration with NVIDIA is a prime example.

What is the AI Sandbox?

The AI Sandbox was officially launched on April 18, 2024.

It’s a programme under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) with TiPM as the lead secretariat.

The sandbox aims to be a testing ground where entrepreneurs, innovators, or spin-off companies can test, research and develop prototype products and services in a controlled environment before scaling up.

By collaborating together on the AI Sandbox, NTIS and NVIDIA are at the forefront of bringing Malaysia and Malaysians closer to being part of a knowledge-based economy, leveraging AI as a key driver of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. 

At NTIS, innovators can gain access to capacity-building programmes, networking with local and international stakeholders, funding, as well as IP patent and trademark facilitation.

NVIDIA on the other hand, is a key player in AI renowned for developing GPUs used extensively in AI training and inference. 

These GPUs power diverse AI projects across research, framework, and library development, providing AI solutions for industries like healthcare, automotive, finance, and robotics.

How will the programme be carried out?

The AI Sandbox Programme will be conducted virtually, as part of the sandbox’s introductory phase.

Dr Afnizanfaizal Abdullah, Head of Innovation Commercialisation at Technology Innovation Park Malaysia (TiPM), explained that the programme aims to comprehensively support AI startups. It includes:

• Scheduled workshops providing participants hands-on experience with AI tools and technologies tailored for advanced users.
• Intensive boot camps allowing participants to dive into practical applications, coding exercises, and real-world problem-solving using AI technologies like GenAI, visual analytics, and data engineering.
• E-learning via NVIDIA’s online courses that offer in-depth knowledge and skills development in AI technologies. The e-learning platform provides video tutorials, documentation, and interactive coding modules.
• Community discussions between participants and AI experts to share experiences, challenges, and solutions around their ideas, fostering a continuous learning community.
• Industry events and conferences that expose participants to the latest AI advancements. There will also be networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, fostered by TiPM and NTIS.

“By providing these interactive programmes, this platform will enable startups to build, refine, and commercialise their AI solutions effectively,” Dr. Afnizanfaizal told Vulcan Post.

Furthermore, TiPM will collaborate with universities, startups, and research institutes, with the goal of equipping Malaysia’s graduates with AI skills, whilst fostering an AI-ready workforce in the country.

In a press release, MOSTI’s YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang stated that this AI Sandbox aims to facilitate up to 900 AI startups by 2026 and develop over 13,000 new AI talents. 

He added that this initiative is set to boost economic growth by up to 10% and generate RM1 billion in revenue by 2030. This can set a new benchmark for Malaysia’s global presence by creating new industries and job opportunities.

Ultimately, the AI Sandbox Programme aims to enhance AI adoption in Malaysian organisations, bridging the gap between current practices and global industry standards.

Global companies like YTL, Google, Microsoft, and ByteDance are already banking on the AI developments that will come out of our country. 

By participating in the first batch of the AI Sandbox Programme, your AI solution could develop into a homegrown player that’ll boost the local economy and put Malaysia on the world stage as a global solution provider someday.

AI is one of the focal points mooted and supported by MOSTI at its annual Malaysia Commercialisation Year Summit (MCY Summit), taking place August 12-13, 2024.

The summit aims to boost and accelerate the commercialisation of research innovations and products in both local and international markets.

Hence, tech companies that are developing AI-related technologies are encouraged to get directly in touch with TiPM here or NTIS here.

• Register for the AI Sandbox Programme here.
• Read about other AI-related topics we’ve written here.

Also Read: Explore Malaysia’s future in biotech, hydrogen & spacetech at this KL summit on August 12-13

Featured Image Credit: NTIS

Explore Malaysia’s future in biotech, hydrogen & spacetech at this KL summit on August 12-13

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

Since 2014, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) has hosted its annual Malaysia Commercialisation Year Summit (MCY Summit). 

It’s designed as a platform to boost and accelerate the commercialisation of research innovations and products in both local and international markets.

Now in its eighth edition, MCY Summit 2024 will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre between August 12-13, 2024.

Spotlighting emerging innovations

The first day of the conference will spotlight Malaysia’s future in biotech, spacetech, and the hydrogen economy. 

Did you know: The hydrogen economy is an umbrella term for the roles hydrogen can play alongside low-carbon electricity to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

MCY Summit 2024 will kick off with a panel asking: What will Malaysia look like as the global hub for biotech innovation and accessible healthcare? 

ALPS Global Holding‘s cellular therapy solutions, developed through stem cell research, showcase Malaysia’s biotech potential. These advancements position Malaysia as a medical tourism hotspot, attracting both local and international clients.

However, to get there on a larger scale, challenges in regulatory hurdles, funding, and talent development must first be overcome, and the panellists will explore potential solutions.

The panellists will feature ALPS’ Group CEO Dr Tham Seng Kong, Professor Dato’ Dr A Rahman Jamal, a Senior Principal Research Fellow at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Dr Iffah Izzati Binti Zakaria, a Senior Scientist at Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI), as well as Dr. Ami Fazlin Syed Mohamed, Director at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR).

They will discuss the importance of collaborative research and cover the supportive policies required for further commercialisation.

Next, ministers from MOSTI and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will discuss integrating hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in Malaysia.

They will share insights on supporting energy transitions with data on technology, innovation, policy, finance, and investment. With Malaysia aiming to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, these dialogues are vital. The ministries will exchange ideas on policy frameworks for the National Energy Transition and Hydrogen Economy Roadmap.

MCY Summit 2024 will also explore the country’s involvement in spacetech.

Did you know: Spacetech encompasses everything from satellites and other instruments to the human aspects of space travel, such as astronautics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Feedough

Led by the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), the government projects the space sector could add RM10 billion to the economy by 2030.

“This endeavour is set to catalyse the growth of 500 space-related technology startup companies, creating around 5,000 job opportunities and fostering innovation within the sector,” MOSTI’s Chang Lih Kang told New Straits Times.

MYSA will be joined by Uzma Berhad (an energy solutions provider) and Access Partnership (a technology consultancy firm) in a panel discussion. 

They will emphasise the importance of a cohesive policy approach, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation. This collaboration is crucial to propel Malaysia’s space technology ambitions from policy formulation to successful orbital missions.

Other happenings to anticipate

Besides the main stage discussions featured at the event, you can also check out MCY Summit 2024’s satellite talks to build your knowledge in commercialising innovations.

They include sharings from MyIPO, which will grow your understanding of how intellectual property (IP) rights can drive business growth in Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

You’ll also get to hear from Cradle Fund on some current trends in technology funding, as well as available grants and investment programmes offered to innovators and researchers.

Richard Ker will be another keynote speaker to watch out for at MCY Summit 2024. He’ll delve into how entrepreneurs can leverage their personal brand to enhance their startup’s market visibility.

MCY Summit 2024 will also be hosting an award ceremony to recognise promising researchers and innovators in Malaysia. 

You’ll even get to watch live demos and interact with these winning solutions at the summit’s exhibitions.

Overall, this event is an opportunity to join over 80 companies and 10,000 participants in spearheading Malaysia’s technology innovation. Admission is free, so register your interest here with your details.

• Learn more about the Malaysia Commercialisation Year Summit 2024 here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: You don’t think website building is worth RM100K until you know what this M’sian team can do

Featured Image Credit: MCY Summit 2024

Net zero explained: Why Amazon, Microsoft, & M’sia itself are pledging to be carbon neutral

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

Achieving carbon neutrality is all the buzz right now in the business world.

Apple and Microsoft have set goals to become carbon-negative by 2030. Amazon and General Motors have vowed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Meanwhile, Google claims that it’s maintained carbon neutrality since 2007.

The Malaysian government also announced that it is committed to lowering the country’s carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The idea is to foster a green economy by promoting low-carbon industries, decarbonisation, a circular economy, and clean energy transitions.

But, what does it mean to be carbon neutral, and why are companies—even countries—gunning for it?

Carbon jargon, explained

Every action you take, whether it’s driving, blasting your aircon, or any other activity that emits carbon dioxide, contributes to your carbon footprint. Carbon accounting is used as a metric for companies to estimate their carbon footprint.

Striving for carbon neutrality involves balancing out these emissions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. From a consumer perspective, this can be done by offsetting your carbon footprint through means such as installing solar panels for your home or transitioning to an electric vehicle.

You can also purchase carbon offsets or carbon credits to make up the difference. This could include investing in carbon offset projects like planting trees or wetlands restoration.

By achieving carbon neutrality, you ensure that your carbon dioxide emissions have a net-zero environmental impact.

This is crucial in combating the effects of climate change, as greenhouse gases contribute to rising global temperatures and climate-related risks such as floods, droughts, and rising sea levels.

But why are we doing this?

As a reminder, the Malaysian government has vowed to lower the country’s carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. And there’s a reason for that timeline.

“Since 2015, Malaysia has pledged to contribute to global climate change efforts via the Paris Agreement,” said Khalid Yashaiya, Chief Strategy Officer of the Technology Innovation Park Malaysia (MRANTI).

Briefly, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change that was established at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, in December 2015.

The main goal is to keep the global average temperature rise below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Additionally, efforts are being made to limit the increase to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Did you know: Pre-industrial levels refer to any period before the start of the Industrial Revolution (pre-1760).

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

This has led Malaysia to launch policies like the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. Together, they serve as strategic guidance and implementation roadmap to address the carbon-related challenges, and for the government to drive the economy decarbonisation and clean energy transition. 

“It is fundamental to understand that achieving carbon neutrality is not just about having policy in place but also financial considerations, market forces and mindset change,” Khalid added. 

“Loss & Damage (L&D) fund introduced in the COP28 is an example of financial considerations to incentivise countries and businesses to consider ESG, whereas mindset shift requires more than policy change and financial incentives, rather it needs time and enforcement.”

Khalid further elaborated that delaying Malaysia’s decarbonisation actions can lead to various disadvantages. They include weakening the nation’s position in international climate negotiations, and reducing our access to crucial financial and technological support.

Furthermore, as developed and developing nations have shared responsibilities in combating global climate change, Malaysia will have to do the same. 

Doing so will provide the country with cross-border economic benefits such as free trade zones and multilateral trade partnerships, which are now becoming more ESG-driven.

In addition, achieving net-zero emissions in Malaysia by 2050 would have profound impacts across social, governmental, and economic dimensions.

For example, staying within the 1.5°C global warming limit will increase Malaysia’s resilience to climate-related risks such as flash floods, droughts, and heat waves.

Embracing the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices can also result in better economic opportunities. This is because the global renewable energy market size is projected to reach US$245 billion (around RM1.14 billion) at a CAGR of 9.47% between 2024-2032.

“Capturing even 1% of the total market would bring various positive spillover effects to the nation’s energy sector’s supply chains, new workforce skill sets, as well as new energy technology innovation and applications,” Khalid added.

Ultimately, transitioning to cleaner energy sources would lead to improved air quality, better public health outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs associated with air pollution-related illnesses.

So, what is Malaysia doing to achieve this?

As Malaysia’s one-stop research commercialisation agency with the resources to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative ideas that will drive impact, MRANTI has launched its Force For Good (FFG) campaign.

It’s part of the agency’s effort to support the country’s sustainability agenda, both within its organisation and for the rest of its ecosystem players.

As part of the initiative, MRANTI aims to develop its 686-acre MRANTI Park into a carbon-neutral science and technology hub.

The goal is to have MRANTI Park be a one-stop centre bringing together researchers, creators, and innovators to nurture ideas into industry-changing solutions.

Within the park, there will be various ESG-focused initiatives conducted to build up MRANTI’s workforce and for startups, governments, and the greater business landscape to become sustainability and community-driven.

For example, the MRANTI ESG Learning Framework will be developed to upskill employees in line with local and global ESG needs.

Additionally, MRANTI is incorporating ESG-driven business modules into its new and existing accelerator programmes.

Startups that participate in MRANTI’s programmes will be trained and mentored through an eco-conscious approach. They will also get access to high-tech resources to R&D and commercialise products responsibly, such as through MakersLab.

Under the FFG initiative, Khalid added that MRANTI is looking to grow startups and innovators in the sectors of dronetech, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, as well as those in healthtech, biotech, and agritech.

“We foresee these technology pathways would naturally be pivoted to promote sustainability-driven technology that considers natural resources and fosters economic and social development,” he stated.

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One of Malaysia’s biggest challenges on the road towards net zero lies in decarbonising our energy-centric economy that’s highly reliant on fossil fuels.

While acknowledging the challenges, the UNDP considers Malaysia’s goals as “ambitious yet achievable” with strong international support and effective implementation, Khalid shared. 

Ultimately, based on KPMG’s Net Zero Readiness Index findings in 2019, Malaysia was able to reduce its carbon emissions intensity rate to 33%. “It was done with minimal disruption to policy making, policy, and regulatory changes,” he elaborated.

That said, Khalid stated that achieving the targeted carbon emission reduction in the next few years requires a whole-nation approach. This would have to involve policy interventions, tech advancements, changes in energy production and consumption patterns, as well as the public’s participation.

The good news is that several policies are already in place, with the Bursa Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) and the Malaysia Airlines’ Voluntary Carbon Offset Programme as some examples.

“These initiatives mark a significant stepping stone to encourage more enterprises or government-driven entities to embark and support carbon offsets projects in Malaysia,” he commented.

• Learn more about MRANTI here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: 3 GenAI use cases with the potential to take off in M’sia, based on global examples

Featured Image Credit: Associated Press / Microsoft / Pexels

M’sia is ramping up sports innovation. Here’s what to know about NTIS SportTech Sandbox.

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

Here at Vulcan Post, we’ve reported on plenty of technological developments in sectors like edutech, healthtech, dronetech, and even artificial intelligence (AI).

But one industry that we rarely see crop up with new and exciting innovations, is sports.

In fact, research in the Journal of International Studies (Issue 8) highlighted that many Malaysian businesses struggle to maximise the opportunities in sports development. This can be attributed to insufficient R&D facilities, networking opportunities, and government support.

Things might soon change though, following the launch of the SportsTech Sandbox at the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) set up by Institut Sukan Negara (ISN) recently.

What is the SportsTech Sandbox?

The SportsTech Sandbox was officially launched on November 28, 2023, following its prior activation in 2021.

It’s a programme under the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) as the lead secretariat, and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). 

The aim is to foster sports innovations and advancements to meet the changing needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Think of the sandbox as a testbed where entrepreneurs and developers can R&D, as well as test their prototype products and services in a controlled regulatory environment before implementing them on a larger scale.

At NTIS, innovators are also provided with access to capacity-building programmes, networking opportunities with local and international stakeholders, funding, and even IP patent and trademark facilitation.

The goal of the SportsTech Sandbox is to encourage local talents to create sports-related innovations and use these technological advancements to build up local athletes.

Why is all this so important for sports?

Ahmad Rizal Azwir, NTIS’s Senior Manager, highlighted two reasons: performance optimisation, and more efficient rehabilitation and recovery processes.

He elaborated that using precise data collection and analysis can enable athletes and coaches to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can help in optimising training routines, techniques, and strategies to maximise performance.

One local startup that’s attempting to aid in this area is Genomas Sdn Bhd (Genomas). It’s a biotech company utilising DNA and genome processing to identify and personalise data-informed recommendations for sports talents.

This would also help athletes when it comes to their rehabilitation and recovery processes. Data analytics can analyse an athlete’s specific injury and recovery patterns to create personalised rehabilitation programmes. 

“Genetic-based talent scouting is relatively novel in Malaysia,” said Rizal. “While some Western countries apply it selectively in elite sports, China has implemented it nationwide to detect ‘special talent genes’.” 

Rizal elaborated that genetic data utilisation has yet to be commercialised sufficiently in Malaysia and SEA. “This is due to limited infrastructure, insufficient funding, the absence of commercial incentives, and a general lack of awareness regarding its significance,” he told Vulcan Post.

Furthermore, the development of more sports advancements in Malaysia could benefit the country on an economic scale. This is particularly so in the area of exporting Malaysian-made sports products, as well as hosting global sporting events in the country, such as the Formula One Grand Prix, the Olympics and the World Cup.

Following the SportsTech Sandbox’s launch at NTIS, this test bed can provide the resources to support and advance the local sports industry. 

Hence, tech companies that are developing sports-related technologies are encouraged to get directly in touch with NTIS. The agency is looking for practical solutions that could address issues on a national scale.

NTIS’s SportsTech Sandbox is welcoming all types of sports-related developments, including traditional sports from badminton and basketball, to modern ones like esports and even drone racing.

• Connect with NTIS here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Sick of mistakenly buying fake products online? TikTok Shop has a solution for M’sians.

Featured Image Credit: MRANTI

5 reasons why drone deliveries have yet to fully take off in M’sia

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

The idea for drone or Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) deliveries was made mainstream when Amazon shared their plans in 2013 to have it take the skies within five years. 

They envisioned a promising concept: Packages containing products, from toothpaste to smartphones, would be brought to customers’ doors or lawns by a drone. The drone would land, deliver the package, then fly away.

However, this hasn’t taken off commercially.

Locally, companies like AirAsia’s Teleport have shared their ambitions of rolling out drone deliveries to streamline ecommerce logistics.

Such plans have remained in pilot testing for years now, with no official news of when Malaysians can expect to see our skies filled with parcels to be dropped off.

What happened?

In partnership with Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), we invited local dronetech experts to share their input on why drone deliveries haven’t taken off in Malaysia.

Our interviewees comprised representatives from Universiti Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UNIKL MIAT), Malaysia UAV Drones Activist Society (MUDAS), along with the nation’s official drone, UAS, and aviation regulator, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). 

Drone deliveries have happened in Malaysia before

While commercial drone deliveries haven’t been commercialised, it’s worth highlighting that they have been tested in Malaysia.

In February 2021, DHL and Malaysia Aviation Group’s cargo subsidiary collaborated on a pilot project to deliver medical supplies to remote areas in Sarawak. 

They used a drone to transport blood samples, vaccines, and medical equipment to rural communities, bypassing challenges posed by limited road infrastructure.

During the 2021 and 2022 flood relief operations led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian drone service providers were instrumental in delivering vital supplies to flood-stricken remote areas. 

These areas were otherwise inaccessible due to the floods, and MRANTI served as the lead agency in coordinating the Special Drone Services Emergency Task Force (PTK2Dron).

CAAM highlighted another case study involving the delivery of medical supplies from a hospital to an urban residential area. 

To drop off the supplies, the drone utilised a parachute system which allowed for safe emergency landings. This minimised the risks of damaging the drone, payload (items being carried), or anything on the ground.

Why have such players been given approval for drone deliveries, though?

“These projects were conducted as pilot programmes or under specific approvals by the relevant authorities,” said Dr Hazariah Mohd Noh, a deputy dean, senior lecturer, and researcher from UNIKL MIAT. 

“In many cases, regulatory bodies may allow certain projects to proceed on a trial basis to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of drone deliveries in specific use cases, such as transporting medical supplies to remote areas.”

CAAM added that such permissions are usually granted for a limited time and under specific conditions as mentioned in the Civil Aviation Directives (CAD). 

More specifically, the CAD 6011 Part V: Special UAS Project, highlights that drone service providers are expected to demonstrate strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements during the trial phase. 

So, why doesn’t Malaysia have more drone deliveries?

1. Drone deliveries aren’t cost-effective, yet

The mass adoption of drone deliveries can be expensive.

To keep up with the promise of speedy deliveries, ecommerce companies might have to build specialised drone delivery facilities to meet faster delivery promises. That would also mean having more cost-intensive warehouses and potentially more employees.

Practically, for drone deliveries to take off, service providers have to prove that they can offer a cost-competitive edge compared to land-based methods such as motorbikes, cars, and lorries.

Automation could therefore be a key factor in lowering the cost of drone deliveries. This will have to come alongside developing drones that can carry more payload and fly longer distances with better batteries.

With such features, delivery drones could reduce the need for human drivers, and therefore lower fuel consumption associated with traditional delivery vehicles. 

2. The ecological and social impact of drone deliveries is still unknown

William Alvisse, Secretary of MUDAS pointed out that the commercialisation of drone deliveries could have an impact on nature, and subsequently human welfare.

For example, widespread drone operations could contribute to noise pollution, especially in urban areas. 

Thus, regulators are still researching the environmental and social impact of drones, which CAAM noted is a crucial area to consider in their guidelines.

With proper planning and optimisation, large-scale drone deliveries could offer a greener alternative to traditional delivery methods. 

This is because drones run on electricity and produce lower emissions during operation, which could contribute to a cleaner transportation system.

3. The public still doesn’t trust dronetech fully

Like any emerging tech, the public may view the novelty of drone deliveries with an air of distrust.

“The worst thing that could happen to the industry to elevate the public’s distrust is a series of high-profile accidents at launch,” CAAM said. 

Manufacturers and regulators must strive for perfection, which relies heavily on the safety features equipped on drones. 

“The technology would require an autonomous drone which is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) able to reliably identify a clear landing zone,” CAAM explained. 

Delivery drones must also have obstacle avoidance features to avoid any objects in their delivery path, be they a person, building, or animal such as birds.

“The drones must also have backup features that can mitigate other potential risks,” added William.

Taking notice of this area, CAAM assured that regulators are still determining how packages can be dropped off safely. 

“Various delivery methods have been proposed, such as hovering the drone at a safe height above the destination and lowering the package via a cord, a parachute dropping the parcel onto the landing area, or employing dedicated delivery stations,” CAAM shared. 

For now, the safety of delivery drones is something that’s still being worked out, along with a form of insurance coverage in the unfortunate scenario where damages are caused by a delivery drone.

Advocacy initiatives such as those conducted by associations like MUDAS are vital in educating the public and communities to give them a better understanding of dronetech.

4. We still don’t know who gets to fly the delivery drones

Will they be individuals, SMEs, ecommerce platforms, corporations, or dedicated logistics companies?

The interviewees concurred that if every drone operator flies their drones at once, it can lead to airspace congestion between drones and other aircraft, such as aeroplanes and helicopters.

Hence, aerospace regulators are still determining the proper flight paths, or “Drone Highways” for delivery drones.

Dr Hazariah also brought up an interesting point.

“From an industrial and corporate perspective, if drone deliveries are made available to all parties, it may result in unfair competition, especially for SMEs.”

CAAM chimed in, highlighting that businesses could face challenges such as quality control and customer satisfaction in their delivery experience.

In such a scenario, it may then be necessary for third-party logistics companies to be the ones providing drone delivery services between businesses and consumers for a more even playing ground. 

That way, drone delivery prices can be determined by dedicated logistics players, and consumers who opt for drone deliveries will be the ones bearing the shipping costs.

5. No official regulation for drone deliveries has been set globally

As dronetech is an emerging industry, global government agencies and aviation authorities are still coming up with comprehensive regulations to ensure the safe and effective integration of drones into various sectors.

It’s likely that Malaysia will only see developments in drone deliveries after they are rolled out globally first. That was noted by Associate Professor Ir. Abu Hanifah Haji Abdullah, a retired Airworthiness Engineering and Management Research Leader from UNIKL MIAT.

He elaborated that all aviation activities are subjected to compliance with the standards published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

“For the case of drone deliveries, the legislation framework does not officially exist yet in the world. However, CAAM has published provisions to legislate drones for research and development activities,” Prof Abu added.

However, MRANTI is positive that drone delivery operations will be operational and commercialised sooner than people might think.

That’s according to Wan Mohd Farhan, MRANTI’s Head of DroneTech who’s also facilitating missions under the Malaysia Dronetech Action Plan 2022-2023 (MDTAP30).

“We are being updated by the authorities and solution providers that there are multiple drone delivery pilots currently being tested in the healthcare, as well as the oil and gas industry,” Farhan told Vulcan Post. 

“With the current CAD being observed and risk mitigations complied by the drone operators, as well as the UAS Traffic Management system deployed, we could see the commercial deployment of drone delivery in Malaysia as soon as next year.”

-//-

While this article has touched on a handful of areas that need to be addressed before drone deliveries can take flight, it doesn’t encompass the full picture brought up by the dronetech experts. 

This is especially so in terms of the technical aspects required of drones and their operators to safely deliver parcels.

Questions still being discussed include:

What’s the maximum weight of parcels a drone can carry? Which drones are suited for the job? What altitude should delivery drones fly at to avoid planes and other aircraft? Who will manage air traffic control for delivery drones?

For now, our interviewees believe that once drone deliveries become more widespread, there will be a couple of industries that might be prioritised. 

Some examples include the transport of medical supplies, and shore-to-ship deliveries.

As Malaysians await the day when we might get to experience the potential benefits of drone deliveries, drone hobbyists who still wish to practise their flying can do so within the guidelines of existing regulations. 

That is, avoiding no-fly zones such as Putrajaya, KLCC, public and high-risk areas like hospitals or industrial complexes, as well as ensuring that your drone flying permits are up to date.

Meanwhile, those who wish to actively get involved in the development of Malaysia’s dronetech industry can get in touch with MRANTI. 

• Connect with MRANTI’s DroneTech Team here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about dronetech here.

Also Read: Before fixing your iPhone with fake parts, here’s what this M’sian biz wants you to know

Featured Image Credit: Freepik

3 M’sian startups that practise ESG debunk misconceptions about the topic

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

ESG (environmental, social, and governance) has become a corporate buzzword that’s widely discussed in boardrooms across the globe.

However, a 2023 report by Alliance Bank noted that Malaysian SMEs may not be familiar with the importance of adopting ESG principles, despite the government’s efforts.

This might indicate that SMEs may not have the best understanding of what practising ESG really means.

Understandably, small business owners may then wonder whether putting effort into this exercise is worthwhile.

So, in collaboration with Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), we reached out to three Malaysian startup CEOs who practise ESG in their companies to debunk some misconceptions about the topic. 

They also shed light on how SMEs can do so without overhauling their businesses.

They are:

• Joshua Lim, co-founder and CEO of Beebag, a startup reducing plastic pollution by gamifying the use of reusable shopping bags;
• Dr Raihan Musa, CEO of Exploria, a startup educating children on the importance of environmental protection through STEM-based e-learning, DIY kits, and field trips;
• Pennie Lim, founder and CEO of Homa, a startup repurposing construction waste into sustainable and affordable building materials.

Misconception #1: ESG only focuses on environmental factors

Many may have a misconception that ESG purely focuses on environmental factors of a company’s practices. 

For that reason, SMEs may find ESG intimidating to approach, for fear of greenwashing.

Briefly, greenwashing happens when a company intentionally or unintentionally deceives investors and consumers into believing that its product is more eco-friendly than it actually is.

“ESG is not limited to environmental sustainability but also includes treating consumers and employees well, promoting social impact, and maintaining strong governance practices,” Dr Raihan told Vulcan Post.

Every aspect of ESG is evaluated on a spectrum to showcase an organisation’s commitment to mitigating external harm.

For example, environmental criteria explore a company’s commitment to preserving the environment via corporate policies targeting climate change. 

Social criteria assess the consideration of humans, evaluate policies that promote diversity, fair and livable wages, and offer protection from sexual misconduct. 

Lastly, governance considers issues like corporate transparency.

“At its core, I believe what ESG is trying to achieve is to tell businesses to not only focus on profits but also focus on creating a positive impact for stakeholders that they are directly or indirectly affecting,” Joshua shared.

Pennie views ESG as a comprehensive framework that guides her company’s practices and culture. 

Misconception #2: My ESG efforts only count if I follow every metric

“Adopting ESG practices does not have to be an all-or-nothing endeavour,” said Joshua. “It’s possible to start developing good ESG habits with incremental steps.” 

All three interviewees stated that SMEs can start by focusing on specific areas that align with their values and operations. 

For example, Homa ensures fair pay and equity for employees, while fostering a positive work environment.

“The key is to take a pragmatic and phased approach, gradually incorporating sustainable practices into the company’s operations and culture,” said Pennie. 

“Over time, as the benefits become evident, SMEs can allocate resources strategically to further enhance their ESG practices.”

Misconception #3: ESG only applies to large corporations since they have a larger footprint

To SMEs, ESG may seem like something only larger corporations should care about, as multinational companies have a bigger impact on the environment and the people around them.

But from our interviewees’ experiences, practising ESG is something that can be done by all businesses, no matter the size.

“Consumers increasingly prefer businesses that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability,” Joshua said. 

“By adopting ESG practices, SMEs can attract environmentally and socially conscious customers, enhance their brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge.”

It’s not just consumers, but talent too, Dr Raihan added. 

“Employees, particularly younger generations, are seeking meaningful work and aligning their values with the organisations they join,” she elaborated. “By prioritising ESG practices, SMEs can create a purpose-driven work environment that attracts and retains motivated employees.”

Pennie highlighted that taking on ESG practices can also give companies an edge when it comes to fundraising. 

Dr Raihan explained, “Investors and financial institutions are increasingly integrating ESG criteria into their decision-making processes. SMEs that embrace ESG practices may have an advantage in accessing capital, securing loans, or attracting investments.”

This advice comes from a place of experience. 

In 2022, Exploria and Beebag were chosen by MRANTI and UNICEF to receive a prize fund of RM150,000 each at MRANTI’s Impact Challenge Accelerator.

The accelerator supports and enhances startups that tackle social and environmental challenges.

Misconception #4: ESG adoption is expensive, and there are too many changes to be made

It’s understandable that SMEs with less established resources and financing may find it challenging to adopt ESG practices.

This may be because entrepreneurs believe that a lot of changes need to be made systematically and operationally for a business to practise ESG. 

However, that isn’t necessarily the case. Joshua stated that many ESG practices can leverage existing resources and infrastructure.

“For example, SMEs can begin by implementing energy-saving measures, promoting waste reduction and recycling, or establishing fair employment,” he said.

Joshua added that work-from-home arrangements can help companies contribute to reducing carbon emissions, while using digital platforms minimises paper usage. 

By creatively utilising existing resources, SMEs can adopt ESG without making significant financial investments and could even see a reduction in operational costs.

The entrepreneurs highlighted that SMEs can also ease the financial burden by taking advantage of available support.

“Various governmental and non-governmental organisations offer resources, guidance, and funding opportunities to support businesses in adopting ESG practices,” added Joshua.

Misconception #5: ESG reporting is too confusing with so many frameworks out there

ESG reporting is meant for companies to detail their ESG practices to stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s transparency, accountability, and commitment to sustainability.

At present, there are various methodologies and standards for ESG reporting, which can be overwhelming for SMEs to determine which ones to follow.

Empathising with the uncertainty, MRANTI is developing its own ESG framework that Malaysian companies can easily refer to.

“There is no one size fits all when it comes to sustainability frameworks,” noted Khalid Yashaiya, MRANTI’s Chief Strategy Officer. 

“Given the broad understanding of the concept of sustainability, the notion should be defined, strategised, implemented, and monitored according to one’s business needs and/or social mission to avoid greenwashing.”

A dedicated framework can also benefit investors, consumers, and other businesses to make informed investment decisions into companies.

Called The MRANTI Sustainability Framework, MRANTI’s aim is to support the country’s sustainability efforts, develop an inclusive workforce, and continuously support the startup ecosystem into becoming ESG-accountable.

The MRANTI Sustainability Framework is being mapped following the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). 

Once the framework has been published, it will hopefully make things a lot clearer for all businesses, including SMEs, to do the same.

-//-

Ultimately, adopting ESG practices is a journey, and it’s okay to start small. Every step a company makes toward sustainability and social responsibility is still a positive one.

As Dr Raihan summed up, “It’s essential to recognise that change, especially in long-established practices, can be challenging. That said, embracing ESG principles can ultimately lead to benefits in terms of resilience, reputation, and long-term success.”

• Learn more about MRANTI here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: What M’sian SMEs should know about TikTok Shop, which saw a 78% seller increase in 2023

Featured Image Credit: Dr Raihan Musa, CEO of Exploria / Joshua Lim, co-founder and CEO of Beebag / Pennie Lim, founder and CEO of Homa

Drones could create 100,000 jobs in M’sia by 2030, here’s how you can take part

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

There was a time when drones were viewed as a toy or just a cool gadget. They were used by photographers and videographers to showcase their creativity through stunning overhead shots.

Later finding their way into more industries, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are today commonly used to improve workflows in agriculture, construction, security, surveillance, as well as search and rescue. 

Drone technology (dronetech) is a booming industry within Malaysia alone, which is why it is expected to contribute RM50.71 billion to the country’s GDP and create 100,000 high-value job opportunities by 2030.

And no, those jobs aren’t just for pilots and engineers.

To get us there, the government rolled out a national action plan, called the Malaysia Drone Technology Action Plan 2022-2030 (MDTAP30).

Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) was appointed by the Ministry of Technology, Science, and Innovation (MOSTI) to lead the agenda.

If you’re hoping to take part in the dronetech industry, here are several leading Malaysian dronetech companies with job openings and drone-related training opportunities.

Hint, hint: The first two names on this list have also been ranked in the world’s top 20 in the Drone Services Providers Ranking 2022.

Drone companies

1. Aerodyne Group (Aerodyne)

Coming in number one on this list and in the Drone Services Providers Ranking 2022, Aerodyne initially started as a media production company that also used drones in their services. Later on, Aerodyne transitioned into a drone services company, and the drones were even used to provide assistance for flood relief efforts.

As the startup grew, the team expanded to providing services in agritech, construction, logistics, and more, where the use of drones and data technology helped to make asset inspection and monitoring more efficient, faster, and safer.

Aerodyne has been working with MRANTI for a while now, and they were part of the launch of Area 57 in August 2021. Briefly, Area 57 is the one-stop centre for dronetech innovation in Malaysia, and this was where Aerodyne debuted their first BVLOS flight demo to MOSTI.

Did you know: BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) refers to the operation of UAVs and drones at distances outside the normal visible range of the pilot. This enables a drone to cover far greater distances. 

Unmanned Systems Technology / Geospatial World

Headquartered in Cyberjaya, Aerodyne is now in 44 countries globally, including Australia, the US, UAE, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia.

More than having the technical know-how for the job, Aerodyne’s employees (also known as AeroRangers) are valued for their soft skills which include leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. 

Candidates who can display these qualities may have a high chance of fitting in with the company’s culture. Those who are curious and up-to-date about the industry are also appreciated.

Aerodyne’s open vacancies include:

• Lead Game/Digital Twin Developer
• Manager in Group Management Reporting
• Senior Executive, Group Treasury
• Manager in Governance, Risk and Compliance 
• Internships

Check them out here.

2. Meraque

Meraque started in 2017 as a UAV operator in Facilities Management Building Services. They’ve since ventured into agriculture, telecommunications, entertainment, and logistics.

The team’s involvement with MRANTI was seen during 2022’s flood relief efforts, where Meraque’s drones were used for surveillance, and for delivering critical medical supplies via Pharmaniaga.

Meraque also made it on the Drone Services Providers Ranking 2022, as a top 20 drone company.

Located in Puchong, Meraque’s office is a place where employees are trusted to have ownership over their work. 

With an aim to continuously enhance their products and services, as a candidate, you’d have an edge if you collaborate well in a team, and are passionate about your work.

Meraque’s open vacancies include:

• Data Analyst
• Product Design
• Junior CAD Drawing
• Drone Pilot
• Corporate Communications Intern
• Networking System (IT)
• Drone Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer Intern

Check them out here.

3. MALVUS Sense (MALVUS)

MALVUS, abbreviated from ‘Malaysia Vision Unmanned System’, was incorporated in September 2016. Headquartered in Bangi, they have offices in Miri and Kota Kinabalu too. 

Providing services in aerial patrolling, structural integrity inspection, and precision agriculture, MALVUS’s clientele includes TNB and Petronas, to name a few.

They also work in plenty of data-based operations such as acquisition and analytics, drone assembly and maintenance, along with drone pilot training.

In terms of the company’s values, MALVUS’s team believes that qualifications aren’t the only prerequisite for scoring a job there. Instead, they look for candidates who are driven by success, and are resourceful.

MALVUS’s open vacancies include:

• Field Surveyor
• Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst
• Junior Geologist
• Integrity Engineer
• Finance Executive
• Business Development Executive

Check them out here.

Drone training centres

4. Drone Academy Asia

Based in Cyberjaya, Drone Academy Asia was founded in 2018, when the team noticed that the bulk of drone usage in Malaysia was skewed towards aerial photography and hobbyists.

At the time, there wasn’t yet a local centre for professional UAV training to upskill workers in using drones for commercial functions.

Hence, Drone Academy Asia came in to fill that gap by providing drone piloting certification that’s approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

The desire to upskill is a highly valued trait in anyone who wishes to join the Drone Academy Asia team.

Drone Academy Asia’s open vacancies include:

• Drone Instructor
• Drone Education Sales Executive
• Digital Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern

Check them out here.

5. Aeronerve Institute

Located in Bangi, Aeronerve was founded in 2018 to provide UAV solutions in construction, agriculture, surveillance, and defence. 

Much like Drone Academy Asia, Aeronerve’s team also realised that there was a gap in the workforce’s know-how in operating commercial drones.

Hence, Aeronerve Institute was rolled out in 2022 as the drone training and consultancy arm under Aeronerve. 

To date, the institute shared that they have provided training to more than 3,000 candidates, including government officials, researchers, private drone fleet crews, and individuals looking to upskill.

As educators and instructors themselves, they are looking for team members who are capable of training others, and able to foster a culture of collaboration within the company.

Aeronerve Institute’s open vacancies include:

• STEM Educator-cum-Drone Instructor
• Digital Marketing Executive
• Business Development Executive

Check them out here.

6. Bonus: Asia Drone IoT Technologies (Asia Drone)

Note: They’re not currently hiring, but this is a drone company to keep your eye on for future vacancies.

Established in 2018, Asia Drone stated that they’ve trained over 1,000 remote pilots in UAV operations such as aerial mapping and surveying, precision agriculture, as well as maintenance and repair. 

As a drone training centre in KL and Johor, Asia Drone offers programmes to nurture local talents and help them find jobs within the industry. 

They’re looking to upskill participants with a technical or vocational background, or even retrenched workers from sectors like oil and gas, aviation, and IT and software.

Furthermore, graduates of their programmes (Dronetroopers), may be given job opportunities within the company and partnering ones, should vacancies open up. 

When it comes to working at Asia Drone, team members are required to be creative and critical, and have the ability to socialise. This is because if they’re hired as instructors, they must be skilled at engaging with students.

You can keep a lookout for job openings here.

-//-

A large misconception about working in the drone industry is that it only involves those who know how to operate a UAV, such as pilots, engineers, and the like.

In reality, though, drone operation constitutes just 20% of the whole project workflow, with the remaining 80% composed of skills related to data processing, analysis, and other backend work. That’s according to Aeronerve Institute’s CEO, Nizzal Syafiq.

Other than the companies we’ve highlighted, there are more opportunities for those who wish to actively participate in UAV training and dronetech job openings. These can be found by getting directly in touch with MRANTI via area57@mranti.my.

Area 57 is also a host to drone training providers like DJI Academy Selangor, Archidrone, and TDXC, which uses the area for practical drone flying operations within the designated areas.

• Learn more about MRANTI here.
• Read other dronetech-related articles here.

Also Read: 6 ways to manage and protect your precious banking access from online hacks or scams

Featured Image Credit: Drone Academy Asia / Meraque

MRANTI spotlights 4 high-growth industries boosting Malaysia’s tech scene & economy

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

As of 2020, KL ranked as the 11th emerging startup ecosystem, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2020, and is a regional leader within SEA. 

To no one’s surprise, ecommerce makes up one of the top-ranking industries at present, due to the pandemic. But what other industries should stakeholders be keeping their eyes on?

This was a question answered at I-Nation, the flagship event hosted by the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), which took place over November 29-30, 2022. 

The conference spotlighted four high-growth industries that could boost Malaysia’s tech scene and economy in the next few years.

1. Food security

The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, and 9.8 billion in 2050, according to the United Nations.

How do we ensure that food systems can accommodate this?

Having consumers grow their own food is one way to lighten the load, stated Romil Samsudin, co-founder of the social impact platform, Zer0Hunger. Malaysian startups are already providing solutions in this area, such as this Penang startup offering self-sufficient vertical farming systems to grow greens.

This is just one example of how technology can be leveraged to achieve global food security.

Thus far, the outlook on Malaysia’s agritech scene is also encouraging. 

Farmers are actively applying smart technology to their operations, such as these ex-accountants growing Japanese musk melons in their Putrajaya IoT farm, and a durian farmer’s son implementing 5G to detect freshly fallen durians. 

Sime Darby’s Plantation R&D Centre’s Samsudin Amit also shared that it is looking into how palm oil can be used to make vegetarian chicken. This can contribute to long-term food security when looking at meat alternatives. 

2. Healthcare

The world’s ageing population and an increase in chronic conditions pose the need for more healthtech solutions to alleviate the burden on public healthcare systems. 

Health equity is all about making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Telemedicine can provide the public with better access and reach, particularly to underserved individuals. 

Telehealth provider, DoctorOnCall is one Malaysian player in this field that already has 2.8 million monthly users, claimed its CEO, Maran Virumandi at an I-Nation talk. The startup has also set up mobile clinics in the form of “pods” to access the needy and rural communities.

At Vulcan Post, we’ve even seen a Malaysian e-pharmacy roll out a subscription plan to make topping up prescription medicines easier.

I-Nation’s panellists have noted that one untapped solution in the healthtech sector is a solution for public and private healthcare facilities to store patient records on a secure blockchain. 

This way, patients seeking care and treatment from different providers can easily access their own data, without needing to port around bulky, physical paperwork. 

3. Climate change

Malaysia’s devastating floods in 2021 resulted in overall losses of RM6.1 billion. The outcome of this natural disaster posed the questions: “Is Malaysia equipped to handle the effects of climate change? What are we doing to manage, or lower it?”

One solution is to diversify Malaysia’s food sources, such as reducing the reliance on livestock. This was according to Dr. Gary Theseira, Technical Expert at the country’s climate change mitigation agency, the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC). 

Another option could be implementing a carbon tax that companies have to pay if they emit a certain value of greenhouse emissions.

Singapore has already done so, and the country plans to use the funds to find ways to offset the emissions generated. 

Bursa Malaysia will also launch an exchange for companies to invest in climate-friendly projects and solutions. This is meant to promote low-carbon business models and encourage more to do the same. 

4. Workforce automation

As the pandemic has forced businesses and individuals to pick up digital solutions to stay connected, companies are embracing workforce automation.

So that employees don’t get left behind, it’s important to ensure that the workforce is upskilled in automation and digitalisation.

5G networks will reportedly provide 50x more speed, 10x less latency, and 1,000x more capacity than 4G and LTE. Hence, more devices can be connected for enhanced user experiences, and supply chain productivity can see an upward trend.

If workforce automation is pulled off right, we could see increased efficiencies in robotics, 3D printing, machine learning, AI, and cloud computing. This was highlighted by Deep Prakash, Head of Enterprise Business at Sweden-based 5G developer, Ericsson.

While 5G continues to be rolled out across the country, 5G connectivity is already offered at MRANTI Park to businesses that are leveraging its facilities.

For improving Malaysia’s economic inclusivity

Ultimately, all the industries highlighted above play a role in increasing Malaysia’s economic inclusivity, and managing the country’s cost of living. 

With tech-driven agencies like MRANTI helping to implement and commercialise the innovations mentioned above, this could lead to the betterment of the economy, as well as environmental and business sustainability. 

• Learn more about MRANTI here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: For RM210/hr, international teachers can prep M’sian students for all major exams

Featured Image Credit: I-Nation 2022

Meet the M’sian drone startups aiding in flood relief efforts, and what they’re tasked with

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

As 2022 draws to a close with us in the midst of monsoon season, one can’t help but think back to what happened during 2021’s year-end holidays. It was one of the worst floods Malaysia had experienced in years, which resulted in overall losses of RM6.1 billion, according to the Department of Statistics.

Starting with heavy rains on December 16, the storm continued without an end in sight for several days. This resulted in floods that wrecked properties and vehicles, leaving people stranded, missing, and deceased, with thousands displaced.

It got so bad that it took momentous efforts from the government, along with the public and private sectors to extend help medically, through donations and fundraising efforts, as well as volunteer-driven clean-ups. 

Malaysia is now better prepared, and flood hotspots have been identified nationwide. The list includes districts like Selangor’s Klang, Hulu Langat, and Sepang, Negeri Sembilan’s Jempol, Sarawak’s Miri, Johor’s Batu Pahat and Segamat, and many more.

Despite the government’s best efforts, which include allocating RM174 million to the National Disaster Relief Fund during Budget 2023, natural disasters can still be unpredictable. 

Taking the learnings from last year’s floods, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) will help facilitate flood relief efforts alongside first responders. 

These parties will do so through the Pasukan Tindakan Kecemasan Khas Dron (PTK2Dron) initiative. 

PTK2Dron was set up by the Ministry of Technology, Science, and Technology (MOSTI) in 2021, after the flood that happened in Sri Muda and Hulu Langat, Selangor.

The flood relief initiative is working with drone and tech companies reviewed and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), and Department of Survey and Mapping (JUPEM).

Those selected have been assigned to conduct surveillance, monitoring, and delivery services in designated flood zones throughout Malaysia.

Here are five such companies that were vetted based on their capabilities, equipment readiness, and track record in conducting projects within similar conditions.

1. Aerodyne Group (Aerodyne): Mapping services

Founded in 2014, Aerodyne now has a presence in 32 countries globally, including Australia, the US, UAE, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia​.

Aerodyne was an early partner of MRANTI’s during the December 2021 flood relief in Sri Muda, and Hulu Langat, Selangor.

At the time, the company was engaged by the Selangor state government to assist in monitoring floods in the state. These partnerships eventually led to the start of PTK2Dron.

Working with local authorities, Aerodyne is tasked with mapping disaster areas using geospatial intelligence for PTK2Dron 2022.

This tech provides critical information such as monitoring directional water flow and receding water levels to develop effective evacuation plans. 

It’s beneficial as the drones can capture footage in places that helicopters cannot go, like air spaces lower to the ground, closer to buildings, and between trees. Drones are also faster to deploy and cost a lot less than helicopters.

Aerodyne’s drones are equipped with various sensors such as RGB, infrared, and thermal ones to identify victims whether day or night, helping rescuers know they are entering the right areas. 

“With additional input through this flood aid mission, our AI can provide insights and intelligence with higher accuracy,” said Aerodyne’s founder and Group CEO, Kamarul A Muhamed on how this initiative can help in furthering the company’s tech. 

“This will assist in future disaster management such as predicting water flow direction prediction and even predicting possible disasters.”

2. H-Drones & Robotics (HDR): Underwater search and rescue 

Established in December 2020, HDR develops drones and other robotics tech like underwater robots, otherwise known as Remotely Operated ​​Vehicles (ROVs).

While HDR has drones that provide services like 3D mapping and surveying to its clients, MRANTI has assigned the company to deploy its ROVs for the PTK2Dron initiative. 

These ROVs will search for victims in underwater environments that would otherwise be risky and too constricted for human divers to navigate.

Without putting any lives at stake, scouting activities can be done from a distance using the underwater robots’ sonars and cameras. 

Furthermore, the ROVs can travel in water depths of up to 150m, solving the challenge of divers who can only reach 30m.

3. Hidrokinetik Technologies Sdn Bhd (Hidrokinetik): Unmanned boats for survivor detection, towing, and delivering supplies

Hidrokinetik was founded in 2019 for designing, manufacturing, and operating its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), AKA autonomous boats.

Its USVs are mainly used to find safer and more efficient alternatives to conventional hydrographic surveys (studying bodies of water to see what the “floor” looks like). 

The team was granted permission by DBKL to use the Metropolitan Lake in Kepong as a test bed for their tech.

Other than using its hydrographic surveying tech to monitor changes in the water for PTK2Dron, Hidrokinetik’s unmanned boats can also be involved in operations such as:

• Towing;
• Survivor detection;
• Providing victims with medical supplies, food, and other necessities;
• Acting as an onboard weather station and radar to provide meteorological data, if required.

“Our expertise in marine robotics and surveying systems allows us to enhance a small portable vessel (boat) in moving remotely or autonomously with precision while transmitting sizeable real-time data,” explained Mirza Hamza, CTO of Hidrokinetik.

In addition, Hidrokinetik’s USVs have a customisable payload, giving its boats the ability to incorporate surveillance technology and deploy its USVs into hazardous flood areas to search for survivors.

Mirza shared that participating in PTK2Dron could encourage Hidrokinetik’s team in rolling out a specialised search and rescue USV fleet to answer emergency calls, should the country need it.

4. KANZU Research (KANZU): Geotagging locations of vulnerable groups to prioritise aid

KANZU was established by Dr. Noralfishah Sulaiman (Dr. Nora) in September 2014. It was founded as a scientific research group under Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Technology Management and Business.

Other than conducting R&D activities in property and facilities management, KANZU also looks into Disaster Management and Digital Disaster Risk Reduction (D-DRR) solutions.

One of KANZU’s D-DRR programmes, MOBILISE, can be used for the PTK2Dron initiative. To put it briefly, MOBILISE is a digital infrastructure that helps disaster management agencies reduce the impact of floods, landslides, earthquakes, and the like, on communities.

MOBILISE can be used in PTK2Dron’s flood simulation exercises to prepare first-response teams, agencies, and communities in the event of real disasters.

The tech can also geotag the locations of vulnerable individuals like the elderly, bedridden, disabled people, children, and pregnant women. 

This can assist agencies in dispatching help quickly during search and rescue efforts, as well as delivering medicine to these groups during the floods.

5. Meraque: Drone deliveries for medicine and food

Founded in 2017, Meraque began as a UAV operator in Facilities Management Building Services. The company has since ventured into other industries like agriculture, telecommunications, entertainment, and logistics.

Like Aerodyne, this isn’t Meraque’s first foray in assisting with flood relief efforts. Previously, its team collaborated with Pharmaniaga and the Ministry of Health of Malaysia to deliver medical supplies in flooded areas via its Drone Delivery Services.

Joining PTK2Dron, Meraque has the capabilities for surveillance, along with delivering goods and supplies of up to a 7kg payload.

Based on the performance and results from this mission, Meraque’s team will use their findings to improve their processes and tech for future initiatives.

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Malaysians are an empathetic bunch, and it’s part of our nature to help in times of trouble. This is especially so for those already equipped with the resources to send aid. 

However, with helicopters and pre-assigned drones being dispatched, unauthorised UAVs from the public—no matter how well-intentioned—could jeopardise relief efforts.

Hobbyists who still wish to practise their flying can do so, but are advised to avoid no-fly zones and flooded areas throughout the duration of the PTK2Dron initiative so that relief efforts are not disrupted. Take note that there are no specific dates for the duration of the relief operations, as they are done when disaster calls. 

Hence, hobbyists are advised to monitor social media updates from the official account of Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). 

Meanwhile, those who wish to actively help in these efforts can get directly in touch with MRANTI. The agency is looking to hear the public’s practical suggestions and solutions that can fit into the picture for present and future flood relief operations. 

• Connect with MRANTI’s drone department here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about drone-tech here.

Also Read: TikTok takes online shopping interactivity to new heights for M’sian merchants this 11.11

Featured Image Credit: Hidrokinetik / H-Drones & Robotics

MRANTI’s I-Nation 2022 will host talks confronting environmental & biz sustainability

[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.]

Since 2019, the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) has hosted its annual E-Nation conference to build sustainable, innovation-driven entrepreneurship for the country. 

E-Nation saw participants such as tech and social entrepreneurs, investors, academicians, corporates, policymakers, and government agencies.

Following the convergence of MaGIC and Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), the agency is now known as Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI).

Bringing back its flagship event, the conference will be called I-Nation. MRANTI believes this event will strengthen its position as a research commercialisation agency, driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) agenda.

I-Nation will take place on November 29-30, 2022 at ​​MRANTI Park, Bukit Jalil. The conference will revolve around the theme, “Global Reset: Tech for Impact”.

Day 1: Globalisation in a digital world

The I-Nation conference will comprise talks that focus on 4IR in line with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals, such as:

• Economic Inclusivity;
• Supply Chain;
• Healthcare;
• Climate Change;
• Food Security.

Day one of I-Nation will kick off with a speech that poses the question: What can be achieved if countries were to become truly digital?

From changes in governing models to setting up virtual companies internationally, Taavi Kotka, former Estonian Government Chief Information Officer, and Head of the Estonian e-Residency Programme Council will lead this talk.

Did you know: e-Residency provides non-Estonians access to form a company in Estonia, along with other processes like banking, payment processing, and taxation, all without being a resident. 

In terms of Malaysia’s landscape, the implementation of 5G infrastructure for our socioeconomic benefit can be seen as an example. Meant to accelerate the development of high-speed and affordable connectivity, businesses are also able to compete on a global scale. 

5G connectivity is now being rolled out, and MRANTI Park already offers it to businesses that are leveraging its facilities.

Taavi will look into real-life examples of digitalisation in government taking place in the world today in his presentation.

Next up, MRANTI’s own Group CEO, Dzuleira Abu Bakar, will be taking the stage with other government leaders, including the Ambassador of Germany to Malaysia, the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, and the British High Commissioner to Malaysia.

They will discuss examples of innovations that have helped propel economic growth in the respective countries they represent.

The session will also look at how innovations can be turned into policies and processes. This can be exemplified through MySejahtera, which was developed by a local IT company and implemented by the government to facilitate contact tracing efforts in response to COVID-19.

Moving on to the subject of climate change, day one will also cover talks that break down Malaysia’s establishment of a Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). For context, the VCM is an exchange enabling companies to invest in climate-friendly projects and solutions happening in the market. 

It’s an initiative meant to promote low-carbon business models, and to show how companies can innovate amidst the shift to environmentally friendly practices to slow down the effects of climate change. Some industries that can be commended in this area include renewable energy sectors, electric vehicle solutions, as well as projects in waste management, and energy efficiency.

The panel will feature Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator of Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA) Malaysia, and Vaibhav Dua, Partner at McKinsey & Company Malaysia. Also joining this discussion is Bryan Lim, Executive Director and Head of Healthcare at Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

Day 2: Raising B40 living standards, and exploring agritech in food security

Recently, a post on Facebook went viral of a story detailing how an entrepreneur selling teh tarik ikat tepi managed to change his fate, supposedly moving out of the B40 income group to T20. What can be done to help more of Malaysia’s B40 achieve a similar future?

Day two of I-Nation will feature philanthropist and founder of Yayasan Chow Kit Malaysia Dato’ Dr. Hartini Zainudin. She will be one of the speakers exploring the strategies for raising Malaysia’s B40 income and lifestyles.

Agriculture and farming methods have changed drastically in the past decade, and more people in younger generations are beginning to find this industry appealing, thanks to agritech. 

At Vulcan Post, we’ve seen a durian farmer’s son implement 5G to detect freshly fallen durians, and ex-accountants growing Japanese musk melons in their Putrajaya IoT farm.

Technology can assist in optimising agricultural operations, along with increasing productivity and income generation, all while being eco-friendly.

Dr. John Tey Yeong Sheng from Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, and Wong Chee Chiew, Partner at Kearney Malaysia, will be joining a panel discussion to share their insights about agritech’s role in food security. 

Other speakers at I-Nation presenting their views on sustainability include Dr Billy Tang, founder of ​​People With Disabilities (PWD) Smart Farmability, and Lakshmi Lavanya Rama Iyer, Head of Policy and Climate Change at WWF Malaysia. 

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On top of thought-provoking conferences, MRANTI states that I-Nation will be an experiential one, where participants can get involved in satellite events and exhibitions taking place at MRANTI Park. 

If you’re interested in participating in I-Nation 2022, you can register your interest here with your details, admission is free.

• Learn more about I-Nation 2022 here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Here’s what IPC’s new work pods can offer mall goers who are also workaholics

Featured Image Credit: Dzuleira Abu Bakar, Group CEO of MRANTI