Introduction
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. Like many other countries, Malaysia is keen to explore the potential of IoT and has been working on various initiatives to implement this technology. In this article, we will explore the current state of IoT in Malaysia, the industry’s challenges, and the progress toward achieving the goals set out in the National IoT Strategic Roadmap.
Understanding IoT in Malaysia
Malaysia’s government has identified IoT as a critical technology to help the country progress toward becoming a high-income nation. IoT is seen as a key enabler for the country’s digital transformation. It is expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
However, despite the potential benefits of IoT, Malaysia is still in the early stages of its adoption. The technology is still relatively new, and there needs to be more awareness and understanding of what IoT can do, how it can be implemented, and its implications. As a result, many companies and organizations in Malaysia are still exploring the potential of IoT rather than implementing it.
The Challenges Facing the IoT Industry in Malaysia
One of the main challenges facing the IoT industry in Malaysia is the need for more infrastructure and connectivity. IoT devices rely on a strong and stable network to function, and in many parts of Malaysia, connectivity still needs to be improved. This has made it difficult for companies to deploy IoT solutions and slowed down the industry’s innovation pace.
Another challenge is the need for more skills and expertise in IoT. Many companies in Malaysia need more technical knowledge and skills to develop and deploy IoT solutions. This has created a skills gap that needs to be addressed if the country is to realize the potential of IoT fully.
Progress Towards Achieving the Goals of the National IoT Strategic Roadmap
In 2015, Malaysia launched its National IoT Strategic Roadmap, which outlined the country’s vision and goals for IoT. The roadmap aims to make Malaysia a regional hub for IoT development and innovation and to drive the adoption of IoT across various industries.
One of the critical goals of the roadmap was to achieve 30% adoption of IoT solutions by 2020. However, as of now, it is still being determined whether this goal has been completed. While there have been some notable IoT initiatives in Malaysia, such as developing smart cities, there is still a long way to go before the country can be considered a leader in IoT.
Enablers and Barriers to IoT Implementation in Malaysia
To expedite the realization of the vision of the National IoT Strategic Roadmap, several enablers and barriers need to be addressed. Some of the enablers include:
- Building a robust and reliable network infrastructure
- Developing a skilled workforce with expertise in IoT
- Providing funding and support for IoT initiatives
- Encouraging collaboration between government, industry, and academia
Some of the barriers include the following:
- Lack of awareness and understanding of IoT
- Limited network infrastructure and connectivity
- Lack of funding and support for IoT initiatives
- The need for regulatory frameworks to ensure data security and privacy
Malaysia’s Efforts to Promote IoT Adoption
Despite the challenges facing the IoT industry in Malaysia, the government and industry players have been taking steps to promote IoT adoption and development. One example is the launch of the National IoT Strategic Roadmap (2014), which serves as a comprehensive guide to encourage IoT initiatives and set the direction for IoT development in the country.
Progress in Implementing IoT in Smart Cities
Smart cities are one of the key areas where IoT is being implemented in Malaysia. The government has launched several initiatives to develop smart cities in the country, such as the Smart Selangor, Penang, and Perbadanan Putrajaya initiatives, which aim to transform the States and Municipals into smart cities by leveraging IoT and other digital technologies.
Future Outlook for IoT in Malaysia
Despite the challenges and obstacles facing Malaysia’s IoT industry, the future outlook is promising. The government and industry players are taking steps to promote IoT adoption and development, and there is growing awareness and understanding of the potential benefits of IoT.
As the country continues its digital transformation journey, IoT is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. With the proper infrastructure, skills, and support in place, Malaysia has the potential to become a leading player in the global IoT industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysia has made significant progress in promoting and implementing IoT, although challenges still need to be overcome. The government and industry players need to continue their efforts to build the necessary infrastructure, skills, and support to enable the widespread adoption of IoT. With its potential to transform various industries and drive economic growth, IoT has a bright future in Malaysia. The country is well-positioned to become a leader in the global IoT industry.
SOURCE: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/state-iot-adoption-malaysia-opportunities-obstacles-dr-mazlan-abbas
EN 
BM