GEORGE TOWN, Dec 5 — Aspen Group’s subsidiary, AG Innovation Sdn Bhd today signed a deal with IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd to create a comprehensive cloud infrastructure and technology services platform in Penang.

The partnership with IBM will see Aspen Group investing RM10.3 million in setting up the cloud innovation platform hosted in Penang to serve local and international users.

The collaboration involves the purchase and subscription of IBM Blue Box, Bluemix, application development, technical services and consultancy for Aspen Group to set up the platform.

"Aspen Group is joining hands with IBM Malaysia to create the first and most comprehensive cloud infrastructure and technology services platform in Malaysia which will be hosted locally in Penang,” Aspen Group chief executive officer Datuk M.Murly said in his speech at the signing ceremony at E&O Hotel here today.

He said the economics of cloud computing can potentially change the game for many businesses that are willing to be very proactive in managing potential downside.

"The establishment of this comprehensive cloud platform will enable us to integrate smart city solutions for Aspen Vision City development and all our flagship projects,” he said.

Aspen Group has allocated RM100 million to invest in smart city infrastructure eco-system.

Aspen Vision City features a mix of residential and commercial properties complemented with first class infrastructure and amenities.

Aspen Group also signed a collaboration agreement with Jardine Schindler Group for smart digital urban mobility solutions in Aspen’s developments in Penang and Selangor.

Murly said the group is teaming up with Schindler to provide smart digital mobility systems across all its developments.

"The first development that will be integrating with Schindler’s latest Smart Digital Solutions is Vervea commercial precinct, the first phase of Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan,” he said.

The smart digital solutions included systems such as intelligent elevator dispatching system, security access control systems and smart personalized passenger services.

The first phase of the RM10 billion Aspen Vision City is expected to complete by 2018 which will include the Vervea commercial precinct, Columbia Asia Hospital and IKEA Store.