OpenAI + OpenClaw = Best Combo in Agentic Race?
OpenAI just made a power move that signals where AI is heading next: they hired Peter Steinberger, the Austrian developer behind OpenClaw, the viral open-source software that lets anyone build autonomous AI agents. OpenClaw went from zero to hero in three months, captivating developers worldwide with its ability to automate complex, multi-step tasks like managing emails, scheduling meetings, booking flights, and making reservations.
What made OpenClaw extraordinary wasn't just automation, it was true autonomy. When Steinberger accidentally sent it a voice message it wasn't designed to handle, the system didn't crash. Instead, it figured out the file format, identified the tools it needed, and responded perfectly without being told how.
This kind of intelligent problem-solving is what developers dream about, a real-world J.A.R.V.I.S. from Iron Man. But it also triggered alarm bells among security experts, because an AI assistant that operates independently across multiple systems is incredibly powerful yet harder to control and secure.
OpenAI's move to bring Steinberger on board while keeping OpenClaw open-source reveals the new battleground in AI. As AI models become increasingly similar in capability, the real competition is shifting to infrastructure, security, reliability, and most importantly, winning developer trust. Sam Altman framed it clearly: the future will be "extremely multi-agent," with AI systems working together, and this capability will quickly become core to their products.
The strategic implications are huge. While Anthropic's Claude has dominated the developer segment, OpenAI is making a play to reclaim that territory by embracing the most exciting open-source agent technology. Industry experts predict this will spark a new wave of agentic products and startups, similar to how earlier experiments like BabyAGI launched companies like Lovable, Crew AI, and others.
How This Impacts MSMEs in Malaysia
For Malaysian small and medium businesses, AI agents represent a genuine opportunity to level the playing field against larger competitors with bigger teams. Imagine having a tireless digital assistant that handles your routine business tasks, responds to customer inquiries, manages your calendar, processes orders, and even coordinates with suppliers, all without needing a salary or time off.
The cost implications are significant. Instead of hiring additional administrative staff at RM2,500 to RM4,000 monthly, businesses could deploy AI agents at a fraction of the cost while scaling operations efficiently. This is particularly valuable for Malaysian MSMEs operating on tight margins where every ringgit counts.
Customer service becomes 24/7 without the expense of shift workers. AI agents can handle inquiries in multiple languages including Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, and Tamil, addressing Malaysia's multilingual market needs seamlessly. Your customers get instant responses whether they message at 9 AM or midnight.
However, the security concerns that experts raised about OpenClaw apply to Malaysian businesses too. An AI agent connected to your email, accounting software, customer database, and payment systems could become a security vulnerability if not properly implemented. This is why the move towards more secure, enterprise-ready AI agents is crucial for business adoption.
The competitive landscape in Malaysia is shifting rapidly. Early adopters of AI automation are already pulling ahead, serving more customers with smaller teams and reinvesting savings into growth. Businesses that delay risk finding themselves outpaced by more efficient, AI-powered competitors.
What You Should Do to Adopt/Adapt This
Start by identifying the repetitive, time-consuming tasks in your business that drain productivity. Common candidates include appointment scheduling, email management, basic customer inquiries, invoice processing, and data entry tasks that your team handles daily.
Begin with a pilot program focusing on one specific workflow rather than attempting to automate everything at once. For example, deploy an AI agent to handle appointment bookings for two weeks and measure the time saved and customer satisfaction before expanding further.
Prioritize security from day one by working with experienced AI consultants who understand both the technology and your business risks. They can help you implement proper access controls, data protection measures, and monitoring systems so your AI agents enhance rather than endanger your operations.
Consider the integration requirements with your existing systems. Your AI agent needs to work smoothly with your current software for accounting, inventory, CRM, and communications. Professional implementation ensures these connections are secure and reliable.
Set clear boundaries for what your AI agents can and cannot do autonomously. Some decisions still need human judgment, especially those involving significant financial commitments, sensitive customer issues, or strategic business choices.
Reference
https://fortune.com/2026/02/17/what-openais-openclaw-hire-says-about-the-future-of-ai-agents/
Ready to harness AI agents for your business?
Infinitee Solutions helps Malaysian businesses transform AI opportunities into measurable results, from strategy to secure implementation. Contact us now to discover how AI agents can work for you without the hassle.