Sidec Steps Up Focus On Physical AI

SHAH ALAM, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) is intensifying its focus on Physical Artificial Intelligence (AI) this year across the automotive, robotics, and next-generation intelligent mobility sectors, with particular emphasis on the low-altitude economy.

Sidec, in a statement, said key components of the initiative were the development of an advanced AI System-on-Chip (AI-SoC), a versatile 3-in-1 platform designed to support automotive, robotic, and drone applications.

The state-owned agency also noted the collaboration would prioritise low-emission and future mobility solutions, including autonomous driving technologies, electric vehicle (EV) platforms, drones, as well as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems.

“This initiative will be done while driving industry-ready talent development, applied research, and innovation to accelerate commercial adoption,” it said. 

Meanwhile, Sidec chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping said Selangor was working towards establishing testbeds and sandboxes for autonomous vehicles, including robotaxis and commercial autonomous transport, and woud be engaging with relevant agencies to support implementation.

He added that suitable sandbox locations had already been identified for phased deployment.

“In parallel, the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras will collaborate to build and nurture a future-ready talent pipeline in semiconductors and integrated circuit (IC) design, aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive, robotics, and intelligent mobility industries,” he said. 

Sidec, in the same statement, said that since its establishment, it had supported and nurtured more than 380 companies through comprehensive programmes that provided access to funding, strategic networks, mentorship, market opportunities, and long-term ecosystem support.

Selangor State Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairman Ng Sze Han also highlighted the continuous strengthening of Sidec’s accelerator initiatives, including the introduction of the Triple X Accelerator, Retail-X, Deep-X and Token-X.

He said the initiative reflected Sidec’s clear understanding of the diverse needs of businesses operating at different growth stages and across emerging technology frontiers, enabling more targeted and impactful support.

“Beyond startups and SMEs, Sidec has also taken strategic steps to expand into the semiconductor sector, a critical pillar of the global digital economy.

“With the establishment of two Malaysian Semiconductor IC Design Parks in Puchong and Cyberjaya, Sidec is strengthening Selangor’s position within the semiconductor value chain.

“The two parks are currently home to 15 companies and have generated employment opportunities for 261 engineers, demonstrating tangible progress in high-value job creation, talent development, and industry participation,” he said, adding that the initiatives were aligned with the National Semiconductor Strategy and supported the long-term development of Selangor’s technological capabilities. 

-- BERNAMA