Malaysian Companies Lag Behind in AI Readiness

Only 13% of organisations in Malaysia are fully prepared to deploy and leverage artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies, according to a recent report by Cisco. The study, known as the AI Readiness Index, also revealed that 33% of companies are partially prepared, 53% are followers, and a mere 1% are laggards.

While AI adoption has been gradually increasing over the years, the emergence of generative AI and its accessibility in the public domain has brought new attention to the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology. The report highlights that 87% of respondents believe AI will significantly impact their business operations. However, it also raises concerns regarding data privacy and security.

The survey findings indicate that companies struggle the most when trying to integrate AI with their existing data, with 81% of participants citing data silos as the main obstacle. Despite these challenges, Malaysian firms are actively taking steps to prepare for an AI-centric future. In fact, 94% of organisations already have a robust AI strategy in place or are in the process of developing one.

The urgency to deploy AI technologies has also increased over the past six months, with 99% of respondents expressing this sentiment. This trend has placed IT infrastructure and cybersecurity as the top priorities for AI deployments.

According to Liz Centoni, the executive vice president and general manager of applications and chief strategy officer at Cisco, companies need to strategically invest in their infrastructure to effectively support AI workloads. Additionally, they must have a comprehensive understanding of how AI is being used to ensure return on investment, security, and accountability.

The AI Readiness Index, which surveyed over 8,000 global companies, highlights the gaps in AI preparedness across various business pillars and infrastructures. As AI continues to shape almost every aspect of business and daily life, it is crucial for companies to bridge these gaps to mitigate future risks.

FAQ

1. What percentage of organisations in Malaysia are fully prepared for AI deployment?

Only 13% of organisations in Malaysia are fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI-powered technologies.

2. What are the categories that companies fall into based on their AI readiness?

Companies in Malaysia are categorized as fully prepared (13%), partially prepared (33%), followers (53%), or laggards (1%).

3. What challenges do companies face when leveraging AI alongside their data?

Companies in Malaysia experience challenges in leveraging AI due to data existing in silos across their organisations.

4. How many companies in Malaysia have a robust AI strategy in place or are developing one?

According to the report, 94% of organisations in Malaysia have a robust AI strategy in place or are in the process of developing one.

5. What are the top priority areas for AI deployments in Malaysian companies?

IT infrastructure and cybersecurity are reported as the top priority areas for AI deployments in Malaysian companies.