25 September, Kuching – The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Sarawak, in strategic collaboration with SM Digital Innovation Sdn Bhd, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by organizing a Generative AI Application Training Program. This first-of-its-kind collaborative initiative aims to maximize workplace productivity and provide SMEs in Sarawak with the opportunity to learn practical applications that can revolutionize business operations efficiently.

According to the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2023, Malaysia is ranked 23rd out of 181 countries in terms of AI readiness in the public sector. This report underscores the importance of training initiatives like this one, aligning with the national strategy to boost AI adoption and utilization across various sectors, particularly among SMEs.

Dr. Mazlina Shafi’i, Director of MPC Sarawak, stated, “By leveraging AI technology, SMEs in Sarawak can advance toward organizational excellence by improving the productivity and quality of their services and products. Generative AI is not just a trend but a modern management strategy that helps businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving and challenging environment.”

She further explained, “The training program covers comprehensive sessions on the fundamentals of Generative AI, its applications across industries, and practical workshops led by industry experts. Participants engage in hands-on training on text generation, image creation, audio synthesis, and other AI applications. The program concludes with a certification exam as a competency indicator in this field.”

A key component of the training is the use of Xentinel AI, a platform developed by a local industry player. Xentinel AI provides a suite of tools designed to enhance process efficiency and boost productivity through intuitive applications, such as text generation and audio synthesis. By integrating this platform into the training, participants gain practical experience that they can incorporate into their daily operations to achieve better efficiency and innovation.

Ir. Ts. Shawn Mckenzie, the training instructor, added, “The benefits of artificial intelligence are immense. SMEs that adopt Generative AI technology at an early stage will stand out in a competitive landscape and set themselves apart as market leaders in their respective industries. This training equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to use Generative AI effectively, helping them increase work productivity while expecting greater efficiency, enhanced creativity, and improved decision-making processes.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, technological innovation, and productivity through automation. In the healthcare sector, AI accelerates diagnosis and treatment; in security, it aids in surveillance and national defense. AI also promotes the development of smart cities, efficient energy management, and advanced educational systems. For the government sector, AI facilitates data-driven decision-making, speeds up research, ensures efficient resource allocation, and enhances the nation's global competitiveness.

MPC Sarawak and SM Digital Innovation Sdn Bhd remain committed to continuing strategic collaborations like this by offering more intervention opportunities to ensure that local SMEs have the resources and knowledge to capitalize on AI technologies. Initiatives like this are essential steps toward building a strong ecosystem for SMEs in Sarawak, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and productivity enhancement in the region.

For more information about the program and future initiatives, please visit http://www.mpc.gov.my and https://academy.xentinel.ai.

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About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

MPC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). It drives national productivity holistically at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels through three main thrusts: developing future talent, driving digitization and innovation, and building a robust ecosystem. It collaborates strategically with the private and public sectors by emphasising productivity as a key agenda to boost productivity growth and national competitiveness, ultimately leading to shared well-being and prosperity.

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