YTL Power showcases Malaysian AI capabilities during South Africa visit

JOHANNESBURG: YTL Power International Berhad highlighted Malaysia’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre capabilities during a business delegation visit to South Africa, with interest expressed by South African officials in potential cooperation.

Executive Director Yeoh Keong Hann said the visit followed earlier discussions in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to Yeoh, Ramaphosa had expressed interest in Malaysia’s progress as an emerging AI hub.

He was speaking to the media as part of the business delegation that joined the Prime Minister's official and working trips in the African continent.

Yeoh also said the delegation showcased Ilmu, Malaysia’s locally developed large language model, as well as Ryt Bank, which he described as an AI-powered digital bank built fully in Malaysia.

“They were kind of blown away and surprised that it was a fully Malaysian technology,” he said, noting that South African officials sought to understand how similar technology could be introduced in their country.

According to Yeoh, South Africa is keen to move quickly, with both sides discussing timelines for follow-up work.

He also described the South Africa visit as “fruitful,” highlighting the exposure and opportunities created by the Prime Minister’s decision to include Malaysian companies in the mission.

"We are really excited to see more business opportunities that we can bring home and really grow the ecosystem for AI in Malaysia,” he said.