1. Mr Adrian Marcellus

CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation

2. Ms AK Chong

Vice President, Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain, and

Managing Director, Intel Malaysia

3. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ahmad Zaki bin Zahid

Chief Strategy Officer, DNB

Young innovators,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good afternoon to all of you.

1. It is a great honour to be here today, to celebrate the remarkable innovations that have emerged from the MYCentre4IR AI Impact Challenge 2024. This is a great initiative to encourage young AI innovators. I’m glad that MyDIGITAL Corporation and Intel Malaysia have collaborated to organise this event.

2. Let’s begin with a huge round of applause for our outstanding winners! It is incredibly inspiring to see young minds rising to the occasion, harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly for positive impact. You truly represent the future of our nation!

3. Your innovative ideas and solutions reflect not only your immense talent but also the limitless potential you hold within. Remember, age is no barrier. What truly matters are your enthusiasm, ingenuity and drive to succeed.

4. AI, digital innovation, and technology are fields where everyone, regardless of age, can make an impact. I’ve been left impressed with some of the projects showcased in this challenge in the two categories - ‘Above 18’ and those aged from 13 to 18. The projects ranged from healthcare to safety and food waste reduction. The work that our young innovators have done in this competition shows that the future of Malaysia is bright, and in capable hands.

5. To our secondary and university students – you stand at the forefront of technological advancement. Your knowledge and skills will drive our nation’s progress. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. I urge you to keep pushing boundaries, seeking knowledge and remaining curious.

Ladies and gentlemen,

6. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers. The collaboration between Intel and MyDIGITAL Corporation has been instrumental in democratising AI, through the “AI untuk Rakyat” programme. As at August 29, 2024, 1.28 million Malaysians have completed the programme. The collaboration continues, culminating in the MYCentre4IR AI Impact Challenge. This programme not only equips students with essential skills for the digital age, but also empowers them to leverage AI for practical and impactful solutions. We will also get to unearth young talents through such initiatives. Your contributions are vital in building the skills necessary for the future, and your support creates an invaluable platform for aspiring innovators to shine.

7. Intel has a long history in Malaysia. 52 years to be exact. Its inaugural offshore facility was established in 1972. Since then, Intel Malaysia in Penang has grown from a 100-strong workforce to approximately 14,000 professionals. These talents are involved in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, and the design and development of microprocessors and software. I’ve been made to understand that in its design and development group, 98% of employees are Malaysians. I’m also happy to note that women represent 40% of Intel Malaysia’s workforce and look forward to seeing more women being part of the company. Syabas, Intel!

8. With an initial investment of RM1.6 million, Intel's unwavering commitment to Malaysia has manifested in a cumulative investment exceeding RM32 billion. The company has also committed to more investments in the next decade, amplifying its role in contributing to Malaysia's annual electrical and electronic exports. Intel is also demonstrating various technology, and solutions focusing on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technologies that are developed locally by Intel employees to enable the local and global ecosystems. The company is also applying AI technology in local applications, together with ecosystem partners in healthcare, education and manufacturing.

9. Intel Malaysia has also been pivotal in building AI-ready Malaysian talents. In 2022, Intel joined forces with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) by providing Intel's AI kits to 5 local universities - Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Tenaga Nasional and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation - to equip future talents with AI skills.

Ladies and gentlemen,

10. The government remains committed to fostering an environment whereyoung talents can thrive. Initiatives like MYCentre4IR AI Impact Challenge highlight our dedication, in collaboration with the private sector, to nurture the minds that will lead our digital transformation. In fact, the MYCentre4IR AI Impact Challenge has driven inclusive innovation - designed to foster a culture of innovation that transcends social, economic, and geographical boundaries, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to contribute to Malaysia's AI landscape. Intel has been instrumental in assisting the government in various initiatives and I truly hope that the company will continue doing so. This is to ensure that we will progress together.

11. As for the young innovators, remember that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Collaborate with your peers, share your ideas, and continue to engage with the community around you. The connections you build today could very well lead to groundbreaking projects tomorrow.

12. Congratulations once again to our young and inspiring innovators. Keep dreaming big, continue to innovate, and inspire. The future is yours to shape!

Thank you.