I-BERHAD ACCELERATES RAAS, RM1 BLN INVESTMENT TO DRIVE I-CITY SMART CITY TRANSFORMATION

SHAH ALAM, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- I-Berhad is stepping up the implementation of Robotics-as-a-Service (RAAS) across its property portfolio with an investment of RM1 billion, positioning artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation as a key pillar in property management, hospitality, lifestyle and asset operations as early as next year.

I-Berhad chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong said the initiative is expected to place the company and i-City at the forefront as pioneers of smart city development in Malaysia through comprehensive integration of intelligent technology using advanced task execution systems and equipment.

“RAAS enhances efficiency, reduces operating costs and generates more sustainable revenue streams, while enabling i-City to deploy domestic service robots to residences at costs comparable to existing domestic helper services.

“It also supports I-Berhad’s digital transformation strategy by leveraging AI to develop an innovative and future-oriented smart city ecosystem,” he told reporters after the launch of the AI World Experience Centre here today.

Also present were I-Berhad director Datuk Eu Hong Chew, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board senior director Wizani Rosmin, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Healthcare, Education and Hospitality Division director Wahida Abdul Rahman and MIDA Tariff Division director Normawati Kusairi.

Lim added that the RM1 billion investment also demonstrates technology-based return potential, which could attract local and international investors, particularly in the high-tech property and hospitality sectors, to invest in i-City.

He said i-City will be developed as a smart city powered by automation and AI, integrating technology, lifestyle and various services into a single integrated platform.

In this regard, Lim said I-Berhad launched the AI World Experience Centre at i-City as a demonstration of RAAS technology, allowing visitors to see humanoid robots and AI automation systems operating in a real-world environment.

“The centre showcases the important role of AI in shaping daily life, encompassing learning, healthcare management as well as lifestyle transformation in smart living and working environments.

“As AI technology has now become part of daily routines and is no longer confined to laboratories or digital devices alone, strategic focus has shifted towards its impact on overall experience and quality of life,” he said.

According to Lim, this approach forms the foundation of i-City’s next phase of development through AI World Development, which integrates education, well-being and sustainable living elements within an AI-based smart city ecosystem.

He said the implementation of RAAS marks a significant step towards positioning i-City as a technology-driven smart city, enhancing functionality, efficiency and the overall urban lifestyle experience.

“The RAAS initiative will also serve as the foundation for the official launch of the AI World Experience Centre on Jan 13, which is expected to further strengthen i-City’s position as a leading digital innovation and smart city hub in Malaysia.

“This move underscores I-Berhad’s commitment to driving smart city transformation in Malaysia through intelligent technology, AI-based automation and the integration of RAAS across all aspects of property and lifestyle development,” he said.

The AI World Experience Centre is currently open to the public in preview mode, with subsequent phases to feature a wider range of exhibitions and programmes for education, innovation and future technology exposure.

The centre features more than 100 humanoid robots developed by a leading global robotics company, AGIBOT, providing visitors with a realistic and futuristic interactive experience.

-- BERNAMA