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A local chip design company, SkyeChip, has developed Malaysia’s first-ever edge AI processor, named the MARS1000.
First things first, what's an edge AI processor?
When you think of AI, you probably think of huge, powerful computers in massive data centers far away, like the ones that run ChatGPT. Edge AI is different.
Edge AI uses artificial intelligence data closer to its source. Simply put, it relocates compute resources to collect and process data locally. Devices with this processor are much faster because they don't need to send data to a cloud and wait for a response. It can make decisions then and there without an internet connection.
The MARS1000 is a "smart IoT chip" that's purpose-built for these kinds of jobs, ready to be used in all sorts of new devices.
Smarter Malaysia May Be Nearby
While an edge processor isn’t as powerful as an advanced Nvidia chip, it marks a significant milestone for Malaysia. This homegrown chip can potentially make our lives easier and more efficient.
It's a cost-effective solution for everyday devices, making AI adoption across key sectors like education and agriculture more widespread.
A traffic light fitted with the MARS1000 chip could use its built-in AI to instantly analyse traffic flow and change signals to reduce congestion. Similarly, the chip can be used to power smart cameras that can detect anything from accidents to suspicious behaviour in real-time.
"Made by Malaysia"
The development of the MARS1000 seems in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a plan introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to transform Malaysian into an inclusive and sustainable AI nation by 2030. While the country is already an exporter of semiconductors, the plan is to move further up the value chain by becoming a producer of world-class, "Made by Malaysia" products.
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