The Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart translation system dubbed “MyTranslate”.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said MyTranslate consolidates reference materials from various disciplines into a single repository for future academic convenience, according to Bernama.
We’re observing that numerous books across various disciplines, including technical fields, lack consolidation into a unified reference format.
With this initiative, it ensures that terms from diverse technical disciplines like law and science can be easily referenced by anyone.
Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Higher Education Minister
ITBM’s CEO, Sakri Abdullah, highlighted the need for a translation system that promotes the Malay language, with ITBM leading Malaysia’s translation industry and ensuring the accurate and proper use of the national language.
ITBM recognises and values the presence of other translation systems, such as Google Translate and Bing Microsoft Translator.
However, these systems alone cannot fulfil the responsibility of promoting the Malay language and ensuring its correct usage. Hence, there’s a necessity for a similar system tailored to the Malaysian context.
Sakri Abdullah, CEO, ITBM
The MoU outlines a collaborative effort, merging UTM’s expertise in AI with ITBM’s ownership of translation data.
Additionally, it encompasses the creation of a UTM-ITBM satellite office at UTM Johor Bahru, Johor.
