Urban Vision: Innovation for the Future
- HBS
- May 28
- 2 min read
Updated: May 29
On 8 May 2025, Haniffa Business School welcomed Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin, CEO of MRANTI, for an eye-opening session under the UrbanVision Distinguished Talk Series titled “Innovation for the Future.” In an era of rising geopolitical volatility and rapid digital acceleration, Dr. Rais challenged the audience to confront a critical question: Is Malaysia truly ready for intelligent transformation?
From national vulnerabilities in food security to the widening gap between education and real-world needs, Dr. Rais painted a vivid picture of what’s at stake. He highlighted how countries like Qatar and India have turned adversity into opportunity through innovation and technology — demonstrating how purposeful action, not scale, defines success. Malaysia, he warned, must urgently rethink its development strategy, especially as we continue to depend heavily on imported food despite having the capacity to grow our own.
Drawing on global data, he shared that the AI industry is projected to exceed USD 997 billion by 2028, with adoption globally jumping to 72% in 2024, according to McKinsey. AI interest is truly global in scope, impacting industries worldwide. He noted that in Malaysia, AI is projected to contribute up to RM52 billion to the national GDP by 2030 (Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021–2025), and that 50% of companies plan to train their staff to work with AI within the next two years (Hays Global Cyber Security Report 2024).
Dr. Rais explained that we’ve moved past Artificial Intelligence to Generative Intelligence, and are now entering the age of Agentive Intelligence — systems that make decisions on our behalf.
Next: Self-Intelligence — AI that becomes energy-independent and driven by survival instincts.
He introduced the concept of 5IR — a future where humans and intelligent systems increasingly converge — and raised thought-provoking scenarios on the future of AI autonomy. As we move beyond conventional AI toward systems that may act independently and learn continuously, the need for national awareness and readiness becomes even more urgent.
Framing his insights through the IOOI model (Input, Output, Outcome, Impact), Dr. Rais urged all stakeholders — from educators to policymakers — to ensure innovation is not just impressive but impactful, measurable, and aligned with national well-being.
This was not just a talk — it was a wake-up call to lead, adapt, and innovate with clear intent. Thank you, Datuk Wira Dr. Rais, for inspiring the HBS community to see the future not as a distant horizon, but as a responsibility that starts today.
