I-Berhad To Launch A Super App For I-City

The developer also intends to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to launch a do-it-all super app, among others.

I-Berhad Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong noted that the AI strategy is aimed at boosting the development, of which the remaining 60% of gross floor area (GFA) is yet to be developed.

“This is a forward-thinking smart city. Apart from launching the super app, we are accelerating and enhancing the development with the Internet of Things features and a robust digital network,” Lim told New Straits Times.

To be rolled out in stages, the super app will create an ecosystem that eliminates the need of using multiple apps for users. Aside from freeing users from looking at different apps, the app also saves phone space.

It is aimed at improving community smart living in i-City, which is an MSC status development, and is applicable for property owners, visitors, tenants, investors and i-City’s working population.

“There are currently a lot of apps in Malaysia for food delivery, transport, hotels, movie tickets, checking property launches, car parking, payments, and banking. This is where i-City is going, and the project has started. We will integrate all those services into one app,” explained Ricky Lim, Chief Technology Officer at I-Berhad.

“Currently in i-City we have Central Mall i-City, Hotel Best Western i-City, over 4,000 residences, retail, offices, Sumurwang corporate tower and coming up next is DoubleTree by Hilton. The super app will unlock all services into one to make it easy for those who stay, work, shop and play in i-City. We will monetise these services so that the SuperApp will be self-sustaining and allow us to re-invest.”

The pilot project for the super app has already started with the firm’s internal staff, who utilise it for parking and for check-in via face recognition, among others.

“From a technology standpoint it is not a big deal but from a developer’s standpoint, it is a milestone. For the app, you need a lot of infrastructure and technology and this year alone, we have invested RM5 million. This is a testament to the fact that when we say we want to launch a super app, we have already spent the money and the investments will continue,” said Lim.

He also revealed that i-City’s technology will be widely available, in line with the Golden Triangle vision.

The Internet bandwidth in i-City is currently at 400 gigabits, which is four times more than that of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“With this investment in technology, we can play a new game. You can’t call yourself a Golden Triangle if you do not have the connectivity,” he concluded.

Source: PropertyGuru