By Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Ipinfra Networks Sdn Bhd won the third pre-event One ASEAN Startup Award 2024 on Monday, signalling Malaysia’s growing technology prowess in the digital space.
The Cyberjaya-based Ipinfra’s creative artificial intelligence-driven Cattle AI.Apps that assist farmers in weighing their cattle accurately - shifting from the traditional method - beat other regional contestants to win the award.
“Winning this award shows Malaysia has the talent in the tech startup ecosystem and we can promote our technology across ASEAN.
“Our app is designed to help farmers get their cattle’s actual weight. Many farmers in ASEAN do not use proper weight scaling machines or how the cattle’s growth is monitored.
“This technology provides weight accuracy and helps in breeding and feed management as well,” its chief executive officer Suzairi Abdul Rahman told Bernama after the award presentation ceremony in Phnom Penh.
The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyse images or video footage of cattle, captured through the mobile device, to accurately estimate the weight without using physical scales.
A team of seven developers took about eight months to produce the user-friendly tool that will be critical in cattle farming, said Suzairi.
The One ASEAN Startup Award is an initiative by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to support emerging startups across Southeast Asia. The competition aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurs in the region.
The third round held in Phnom Penh was jointly organised by ERIA and Japan External Trade Organisation, along with Techo Startup Centre Cambodia.
The earlier competitions were held in the Philippines and Malaysia.
Ipinfra, winner in the Digital/AI category received US$10,000 and a plaque, and now qualifies for the final round that will be held in Vientiane, Laos in October this year.
It was a timely achievement as Malaysia strives to establish Kuala Lumpur as the regional digital and startup hub and aspires to be in the top 20 countries in the global startup ecosystem index by 2030.
Speaking at the event, ERIA’s Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations Dr Aladdin D. Rillo said the younger generation is becoming the catalyst for change in society with their creative solutions.
“The One ASEAN Startup Award is a platform for the most promising startups in Southeast Asia to showcase their potential. This competition is designed to encourage partnerships, drive growth, as well as create positive social and environmental change.
“By collaborating with various stakeholders, we hope to play our part in supporting entrepreneurs amid these challenging times and establishing the region as a global tech hub,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that tech startups in ASEAN have not peaked due to limitations in funding, human capital, regulatory issues, and infrastructure.
“There are still gaps in accessing information and limited growth of the digital economy. The critical issue is how to provide an enabling environment for young tech entrepreneurs (while) access to information and connectivity is important.
“We need to enhance infrastructure, upgrade digital literacy, funding, and improve regulatory (frameworks),” said Aladdin.
-- BERNAMA
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