PETALING JAYA: Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd (EY Malaysia) has launched its ey.ai Innovation Centre in Penang, marking a significant milestone to advance Malaysia’s position as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and capability building.
In a statement, EY Malaysia said that the centre is designed to help accelerate the adoption of AI technologies, support local talent and facilitate organisations to build the future of intelligent, connected businesses.
The new centre extends EY’s flagship ey.ai Innovation Centre in Kuala Lumpur, expanding its strategic focus with deep capabilities in SAP AI. This expansion underscores EY’s ambition to drive the AI agenda not only locally but across the region, positioning Penang as a key gateway for AI-enabled business transformation.
The new centre offers a detailed suite of programmes through its three core components
AI LAB: A secure and collaborative environment for businesses to co-create, experiment and scale AI-powered solutions tailored to real-world challenges.
AI CoE (Centre of Excellence): A delivery excellence and talent development hub that helps accelerate the industrialisation of AI solutions, support local expertise and builds scalable capabilities for clients and ecosystem partners.
AI RESEARCH: Initiatives targeted to identify high-impact use cases and develop locally relevant solutions with global applications.
“The launch of the ey.ai Innovation Centre in Penang is a significant step forward in our mission to help drive technological excellence in Malaysia, as we push the boundaries of what is possible with AI,” said EY Malaysia managing partner Datuk Abdul Rauf Rashid.
Through the new centre, he added, they are committed to play their parts in building their nation’s AI ecosystem, nurture talent and help businesses unlock new value through innovation, in line with Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap 2030.
Gaurav Modi, EY Asean consulting leader, added, “We believe that AI is a transformative force that can redefine the way we serve our clients. The new centre in Penang underscores our commitment to integrating advanced AI solutions into our consulting services. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to unlock deeper insights and drive meaningful innovation, facilitating our clients to navigate complexities and seize new opportunities in an ever-changing business environment.”
The ey.ai Innovation Centrein Penang is fully integrated within the EY Global AI Network, facilitating access to global knowledge, leading practices and innovation pathways. It will serve a diverse ecosystem of businesses, public sector organisations, startups and universities helping businesses move from AI exploration to execution.
“AI isn’t replacing human and business – it is reimagining what is possible. By supporting local talent and integrating advanced AI solutions, we are poised to drive meaningful changes for our clients and contribute to the global AI ecosystem,” said Jessie Qin, EY Global AI, chief data officer.
The center will also showcase and co-develop practical use cases with SAP AI applications across all operations such as finance, supply chain and manufacturing.
“The ey.ai Innovation Centre in Penang aligns with our shared vision of helping make AI more accessible and impactful for businesses. At SAP, our AI-first, Suite-first strategy is about embedding AI into everyday business processes to support customers in aiming to work smarter and achieve better outcomes. We’re pleased to collaborate with EY to bring these innovations closer to our customers and help support their transformation journeys,” said SAP’s president and managing director for Southeast Asia, Liher Urbizu.
Through the launch of the new centre, EY Malaysia said it reaffirms its role as a transformation partner, helping organisations reimagine business models, improve operational agility and drive sustainable growth with AI. The centre will serve as a catalyst for future-forward innovation, connecting local strengths with global opportunities.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Zairil Khir Johari said, “Today’s inauguration marks a defining moment in Penang’s journey towards becoming Malaysia’s Northern AI Powerhouse. Penang stands ready to lead the country’s AI trajectory, connecting our rich manufacturing legacy with a future defined by digital innovation. With our strong ecosystem of global companies, SMEs, research institutions, and digital talent, Penang is well-positioned to become the beating heart of Malaysia’s AI economy.”
