Govt Support and Startups Crucial to Accelerate and Implement AI, IoT Adoption
The support from government through its initiatives and the role of local startups in addressing community-specific challenges and driving economic growth is extremely crucial in the process of speeding up the adoption rate of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
On this, IoT industry expert Dr Mazlan Abbas said that government intervention through tax incentives, subsidies and regulatory frameworks would enable businesses to invest in these technologies and drive long-term digital transformation.
“Providing financial assistance to businesses developing AI and IoT solutions will spur local innovation and reduce reliance on imported technologies,” he noted, stating that the country had made notable progress with its National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap that outlines key strategies for expanding AI capabilities across various industries, despite still some challenges arising when it comes to real-world adoption.
Mazlan said that in this regard, startups play a pivotal role as they are more agile, innovative and able to respond quickly to changes and local needs.
“Startups develop tailored technology solutions, such as AI for crop monitoring or IoT for flood alerts, filling the gaps left by larger corporations that tend to focus on broader markets,” he added.
However, he pointed out that despite their potential, startups face significant hurdles including limited funding, regulatory complexities and a lack of collaboration opportunities.
Due to this, Mazlan stressed the need for stronger financial support, simplified regulations and greater integration between startups and established corporations to ensure sustained growth.
“Governments can play a key role by providing grants, loans or dedicated startup funds to help founders turn ideas into viable products and solutions,” he continued, highlighting the importance of establishing regulatory sandboxes to provide a controlled environment for companies to test AI and IoT technologies before large-scale deployment.
Citing the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) as an example, Mazlan said the facility enables researchers and startups to test their products, services, business models and delivery mechanisms in a real-world setting to not only foster innovation but also ensure compliance with industry standards.
Beyond financial and regulatory support, he underscored the importance of talent development in AI and IoT, calling for greater investment in education and skills training. Hence, universities and vocational training institutions should focus on equipping students with expertise in AI, IoT and data analytics to meet industry’s evolving demands.
“Public-private partnerships can also play a significant role in bridging the skills gap, with established corporations working alongside startups to develop AI-driven solutions for critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and urban mobility,” he said.
