Prioritise practical AI solutions for daily operations, expert advises SMEs

By Danial Dzulkifly

SHAH ALAM, Sept 15 — Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia should adopt a more practical approach to implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily operations rather than diving into costly and complex industry solutions, according to AI expert Prof Shamsul Sahibuddin.

The professor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence said most SMEs in the country, especially those with an annual revenue of less than RM500,000, are not prepared to immediately implement high-end AI technologies.

“It is crucial for SMEs to first identify how AI can enhance their daily operations, such as by streamlining administrative tasks, optimising due diligence, or simplifying bureaucratic processes.

“AI requires data, and without a foundational system in place to collect and process that data, you can’t just adopt AI and expect results,” he said at a forum in conjunction with the Selangor Aviation Show 2024 at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre, Bukit Jelutong yesterday.

The forum, titled ‘AI and Aviation: How Can You Prepare for the Aviation Career of the Future’, also featured Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prof Kim Chua and Universiti Kuala Lumpur-Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology’s Centre for Women Advancement and Leadership head Hazariah Mohd Noh.

It was moderated by Asian Business Aviation Association chief operating officer Penny Lim.

Shamsul also advised SMEs to focus on simpler AI applications that are more accessible, rather than advanced technologies such as predictive maintenance, commonly used in the aviation industry.

“For most SMEs, survival is the priority, not AI. Of the over 500,000 businesses in Malaysia, 99 per cent are SMEs, and only around 5,000 are large enough to adopt sophisticated technologies,” he said.

Instead, SMEs, particularly those with an annual turnover of less than RM500,000, should prioritise practical, incremental improvements.

For students and young professionals, Shamsul suggested they need not aim for advanced certifications immediately.

“Students do not need to go straight for certifications like from the International Air Transport Association. Instead, they should be introduced to basic AI applications that can optimise daily operations, which are more than sufficient for the next five years,” he said.

Looking ahead, Shamsul encouraged a balanced yet optimistic approach to AI adoption for SMEs.

“We should focus on low-hanging fruits, such as AI for content management, but also look forward to more advanced technologies.

“The younger generation, especially those in research and development, will be crucial in driving the next wave of AI and machine learning solutions,” he said.