Using off-the-shelf AI solutions for investment promotion

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a technology that is expected to transform the way we work and live. Companies across every industry are scrambling to adopt AI and harness its potential for exponential productivity gains. Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) are also exploring the different ways in which AI can enhance their performance. 

2. While some IPAs are seeking to develop in-house tools, this requires technical skills, access to data, and financial resources that are beyond the reach of many agencies. As an alternative to developing their own tools, IPAs can make use of a growing number of AI-powered solutions available in the market, which can serve as a cost-effective gateway to test new technologies. In this article, we provide examples of off-the shelf tools that IPAs can apply to different areas of their day-to-day work.

Sustaining Malaysia’s FDI Rebound: Promotion is Good, Facilitation Better by FULCRUM

1. Malaysia has always valued foreign direct investments (FDI) as it contributes toward employment, exports and technology transfer, besides enabling the country to join regional production networks. It is therefore not surprising that the remarkable rebound in FDI in 2021 was celebrated with much media fanfare, especially since FDI has been on the decline since 2016. 

Technology readiness levels

1. Many programs fund or otherwise support projects at different stages of development. These are the 9 technology readiness levels, with 1 being the least ready and 9 being already used in real-life conditions.

Helping small businesses thrive in the digital economy

1. Leaders across the public and private sectors have long recognized the importance of supporting small businesses. Across OECD countries, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) represent around 99% of all firms, are a main source of employment and generate 50% to 60% of value added on average.

2. But it isn’t just about economies, it is about stronger communities and greater social inclusion. And by helping small businesses accelerate their digital journeys, it has a multiplier effect in building much wider access to the digital economy.