KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower on Thursday amid profit-taking in big-cap stocks, as investors shifted their focus to smaller-cap counters against the backdrop of weaker regional market performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 7.26 points or 0.43 per cent to 1,669.57 from Wednesday’s close of 1,676.83. The FBM KLCI opened 2.61 points lower at 1,674.22 and moved between 1,666.34 and 1,674.44 throughout the day. On the broader market, gainers led losers by 579 to 489, while 565 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover was slightly higher at 2.79 billion units worth RM2.84 billion from Wednesday’s 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion.
Amazon Joins the Quantum Computing Race
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced its first-ever quantum computing chip, Ocelot, marking a significant step in quantum error correction.
- The chip aims to cut quantum computing error-reduction costs by up to 90%, according to the tech giant.
Race for Quantum Dominance Heats Up
- Amazon’s announcement follows Microsoft's recent claim of a quantum breakthrough and Google's unveiling of its Willow quantum chip in December.
- The competition among tech giants underscores the push to solve one of quantum computing's biggest hurdles—error correction.
How Ocelot Works
- Ocelot is a prototype, not a full-scale quantum system, designed to test error correction techniques.
- Quantum computers use qubits, which are highly sensitive to environmental noise, causing computational errors.
- Amazon's approach to quantum error correction will be key to scaling quantum systems for real-world applications.
Potential and Skepticism
- Experts remain cautious, noting that quantum computing is still years—if not a decade—away from commercial viability.
- Heather West, an analyst at IDC, says Amazon’s Ocelot chip is an advancement, not a breakthrough, as similar approaches exist.
- AWS continues to invest in quantum infrastructure, including its cloud-based Amazon Braket service and an advisory program to prepare businesses for the technology.
Quantum Future: What’s Next?
- Amazon is expected to refine Ocelot over the next few years, with further updates anticipated as the company advances its quantum research.
- CEO Andy Jassy’s push into quantum computing aligns with AWS’s long-term goal of making cloud-based quantum solutions accessible to enterprises.
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