KWAP and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan ink MoU to drive AI adoption

• Explore research grants for developing localised large language models
• KWAP’s commitment to accelerate digital transformation in serving stakeholders

Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP] today signed a MoU with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to propel Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, in line with MADANI’s framework, the Malaysia National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 (AI-RMAP) and KWAP’s internal AI Adoption Programme.

Through this MoU, KWAP will explore a few areas of collaboration, including research grants for developing localised large language models (LLMs) that support the national language and the establishment of an AI Governance Framework and Ethics. KWAP is also looking into knowledge and advisory exchanges to aid in developing AI use cases, proofs of concept, and sandboxing, as well as establishing KWAP’s Gen-AI lab. Other areas include the collaboration in research journals, co-organising events and learning courses, and facilitating university talent and student attachments at KWAP, among others.

Nik Amlizan Mohamed, CEO of KWAP, said, “As Malaysia’s largest pension fund for public sector retirees, KWAP recognises the importance of AI adoption in navigating our nation’s transformation into an ageing nation. As part of our commitment, KWAP aims to accelerate the digital transformation, particularly in cyber resilience, digital governance, business systems, technology platform, as well as data management. This collaboration aims to set up a solid foundation towards exploration and adoption of AI.”

Expressing confidence in UMK’s expertise, Nik expects the collaboration will not only aid us in accomplishing both parties’ mutual objectives in AI adoption, including enhancing KWAP’s operations, but also contribute significantly to the nation's advancement in this field, ensuring success and benefit for all stakeholders involved.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research And Innovation) of UMK, which was established in 2006, said, the collaboration between UMK through Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (AIBIG) and KWAP is a significant stride towards advancing the development and research of responsible AI.

“The scope of this collaboration includes research and information sharing, co-publishers in research journals, co-organisation of events such as Ideathon and Hackathon by leveraging university facilities for the implementation of AI use. It also includes the exchange of information on research innovation and student development and industry attachment/training programs for students and university staff,” he said.