By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Aug 15 — The fifth edition of the PJ Startup Festival, to be held at Starling Mall over the weekend, will feature artificial intelligence (AI) applications and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, as the event continues to expand its reach.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, who will host the event, is optimistic that this year’s edition will offer greater exposure to the public, as well as to potential employers and business owners, about the implementation of AI in their businesses.
“With the panels invited and the activities planned, we aim to provide the public, particularly business owners, with insights into how AI applications can enhance productivity in their businesses,” Lim said during the Hai Selangor morning show, hosted by Media Selangor earlier today.
“The stereotype is that AI will replace jobs, but the reality is that these applications, which can produce design work and are extensively used in automation, still require a physical workforce to guide their application.
“By offering insights into AI usage, we can also highlight the AI-related skills that perhaps can be integrated into universities or TVET (technical and vocational education and training) institutions,” she said.
Lim also said the festival will demystify the startup ecosystem, which can seem daunting or intimidating due to its reliance on complex solutions and technologies.
She added that skills such as marketing are equally important alongside computer programming and other technical skills.
[caption id="attachment_368204" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei speaks during a panel at the PJ Startup Festival 2023, held at Dewan Banquet MBPJ, Petaling Jaya, on April 1, 2023. — Picture via FACEBOOK/PJ STARTUP FESTIVAL[/caption]
This year’s event will feature a variety of panels and activities designed to stimulate the startup ecosystem in Selangor.
Among the key attendees are Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, and Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Dedicated talks by bankers and venture capitalists will provide insights into how startup founders can secure funding.
The two-day festival will also include a job fair.
Other state and federal government agencies, such as the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, will be present to share their initiatives to support local startups.
