Ts. Norazlina Md Sani, RTTP, Lead of FutureTech, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI)

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As the Lead of FutureTech at MRANTI, a government agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), I focus on leveraging technology to enhance citizens' lives and drive socioeconomic progress.

My role includes managing projects centered on deploying innovative technologies across various industries, particularly in developing and testing autonomous vehicles at MRANTI Park and with sandbox partners. 

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, our challenge is to adapt quickly and facilitate effective knowledge transfer among stakeholders.

By integrating technology into public policy, we aim to foster innovation that improves quality of life and addresses societal challenges.

Key initiatives like the MakersLab and the Autonomous Vehicles Experimental Lab (AVXL) empower universities, communities, and industries to create innovative solutions, ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible benefits for all citizens.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

This year, I was deeply involved in the Autonomous Vehicles Experimental Living Lab (AVXL), a project we initiated in 2021.

After a year of securing Local Council approval, I engaged in partnership discussions in Germany and the UK, learning about global best practices in autonomous vehicles.

This led to the establishment of our Local AV Advisory Panel, pairing local experts with international advisors from Germany, the UK, and the UAE to navigate challenges effectively. 

In May 2023, we became a registered testbed under the "Guideline for Public Road Trials of Autonomous Vehicles 5.0," culminating in the AVXL launch in November.

Additionally, I contributed to the Port Innovation Ecosystem project to enhance port operations and collaborated on the Consortium Makerspace to promote innovation and STEM education in Malaysia, fostering a sustainable future across various sectors. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

In 2024, I learned the vital importance of agility and adaptability in both my professional and personal life.

As a technologist, I understood the need for continuous learning to keep pace with evolving technology. However, this year, I faced a significant personal challenge when my son had a major accident in July, requiring my support during a critical time.

This situation forced me to reassess my priorities while managing my role as Project Owner and Project Manager for living labs, where I was under immense pressure to meet project timelines and KPIs. 

For nearly three weeks, I managed my team remotely from the hospital, which tested my decision-making under pressure.

This experience underscored the necessity of resilience, a supportive work environment, and the importance of prioritising family and personal well-being alongside career growth. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, I aim to explore quantum computing architecture and its associated solutions, focusing on superconducting and topological qubits.

I'm particularly interested in how quantum algorithms can tackle complex challenges in cryptography, material science, and optimisation.

Additionally, I find advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning exciting, especially techniques like federated and transfer learning that enhance AI efficiency while ensuring data privacy. 

I also want to deepen my understanding of blockchain and decentralised technologies, particularly decentralised finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, to improve transparency in sectors like supply chains and healthcare.

Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about extended reality (XR) for transforming education through immersive learning experiences.

I plan to investigate edge computing to optimise performance for IoT devices and explore advancements in biotechnology, genomics, and renewable energy solutions for a sustainable future. 

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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

I believe that AI is a transformative force in society, particularly within the public sector. It enhances efficiency, streamlines processes, and improves citizen services by automating routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic projects.

AI's powerful data analysis capabilities can unlock insights from the vast data managed by governments, informing policy decisions and resource allocation.

For instance, AI can analyse crime statistics for better resource deployment in law enforcement and predict health trends in healthcare. 

AI tools like chatbots can revolutionise citizen engagement by providing immediate responses and simplifying access to government services.

However, ethical considerations such as data privacy and algorithmic bias must be addressed.

Governments should adopt clear guidelines for AI deployment, invest in employee training, and engage citizens to ensure AI initiatives meet community needs while fostering trust. 

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

As I look toward 2025, my priorities center on advancing technology and fostering positive societal impacts.

A key focus will be expanding Autonomous Vehicle Testing at our Experimental Lab, enhancing guidelines, and collaborating with stakeholders for real-world deployment.

Strengthening collaboration within the innovation ecosystem is also crucial, particularly through the Consortium Makerspace, promoting knowledge exchange among universities, industries, and government bodies. 

Additionally, I aim to support digital transformation efforts, leveraging technologies like AI, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain to enhance public services and citizen engagement.

Promoting sustainability initiatives will address environmental concerns, integrating technology in healthcare, agriculture, and energy.

I will also foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability through training and workshops and enhance support systems for public sector employees, advocating work-life balance and well-being.

Ultimately, my goal is to drive meaningful technological advancements for an inclusive, sustainable society in 2025. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

As a public sector innovator, I emphasise the importance of cultivating a culture of experimentation, where new ideas can be tested safely, turning setbacks into valuable lessons.

Collaboration with diverse stakeholders—including government entities, private partners, academia, and the community—is crucial for leveraging various perspectives and resources, leading to stronger solutions.

A citizen-centric approach ensures that our efforts address real needs, making solutions user-friendly and accessible through ongoing feedback. 

Data-driven decision-making is another priority, as it provides insights into citizen needs and operational efficiencies.

Inclusivity and diversity within innovation initiatives foster creativity and comprehensive solutions.

Additionally, I advocate for supportive policies that enable trial projects and funding for research.

Measuring impact through clear metrics and demonstrating resilience in overcoming challenges are vital for long-term success.

By embracing these principles, we can drive impactful change that enhances service delivery and citizen engagement. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

I draw inspiration from several remarkable individuals who have significantly impacted technology and innovation in Malaysia and globally.

Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, former CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has been pivotal in promoting Malaysia's digital economy and fostering innovation among local startups.

Dr. Mazlan Othman, an astrophysicist and the first Malaysian to lead the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, inspires me through her dedication to space science and education, encouraging the next generation of scientists. 

Internationally, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, exemplifies relentless innovation and a vision for a sustainable future.

Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, advocates for diversity and ethical technology, while Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasises empathy and inclusivity in leadership. These leaders motivate me to push boundaries and contribute positively to the technological landscape.