CYBERJAYA, July 31 — The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) aims to nurture more Malaysian companies to develop autonomous technology ecosystems and export locally designed chips to global markets.
This follows the launch of the country’s first dedicated Remote Operations Centre (ROC) for autonomous logistics vehicles in Cyberjaya.
SIDEC chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping said the state agency is shifting its focus from merely strengthening Malaysia’s integrated circuit (IC) design capabilities to expanding their applications in autonomous robotics, with the goal of creating more homegrown companies across the industry’s value chain.
“We already have a strong IC design base. The next step is to explore more applications for these IC design chips.
“Autonomous robotics will be our next major subject to work with,” he told the media after the ROC’s launch at Coplace 9 today.
Yong added that SIDEC wants to develop more local firms that can produce chips, provide system integration, and build the software and hardware needed for autonomous and robotics technologies.
Earlier today, Autonomous Logistic Solutions (ALS) launched Malaysia’s first dedicated ROC in Cyberjaya with SIDEC and Cyberview to oversee Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicle trials on public roads.
It will remotely monitor ALS’ driverless Robo Vans in real time as they operate along the 22km Cyberjaya MyAV Route, which features 21 stops, after receiving approval under the Transport Ministry’s autonomous vehicle regulatory sandbox.
The trials aim to collect operational data, validate the technology and support the development of Malaysia’s regulatory framework for autonomous logistics.
He noted that the emergence of autonomous technologies presents opportunities for local startups, especially as Malaysia strengthens its position as a regional transport and logistics hub through developments such as the East Coast Rail Link, ports, and airports, as well as growth in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
The autonomous ecosystem will create new software related industries, including mapping and object recognition technologies, while generating demand for highly skilled engineers.
“A lot more foreign companies with new applications are coming in. While we encourage that, we also want to build more Malaysian companies to do system integration.
“(These companies) are going to employ more people, particularly in high-tech fields. This is why we are expanding from IC design to include the application of IC design technologies as well,” Yong said.
Meanwhile, SIDEC plans to expand autonomous vehicle testbeds beyond Cyberjaya by working with partners such as the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation and Pos Malaysia, to create controlled environments for trials involving warehouses and industrial logistics.
He said that broader testing is necessary to address regulatory issues involving safety, legality, liability, and insurance before wider deployment can take place.
“The next stage is to do it not only in a closed-loop area, but hopefully (we are able to) expand it, with the support of the federal and state governments, to certain selected township or warehousing areas,” Yong said.
Increased testing will also help build public and regulatory confidence in the technology.
The initiative supports Selangor’s goal of becoming a regional hub for artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, and digital innovation by 2030, while featuring Cyberjaya’s role as a living lab for emerging mobility technologies.
