Malaysia calls for Global South to have greater say in AI decisions

Malaysia has urged the Global South to play a larger role in shaping global rules surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), as the technology continues to reshape economies, societies, and decision-making processes across the world. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that a few private actors currently hold significant control over how billions of people communicate, work, transact, and consume information, asserting that technology should benefit humanity, not the other way around.

He cautioned against allowing a limited number of countries or companies to dictate AI regulations, emphasizing the need for equitable decision-making and development. The Malaysian foreign minister stressed that the Global South cannot merely serve as a location for data centers while external parties decide on AI policies, advocating for the country's participation as a partner in innovation, not just a customer or market for technological solutions.

Malaysia's call for greater involvement in AI governance comes as the United Nations ramps up its efforts to develop a global approach to AI oversight, with the inaugural session of its Global Dialogue on AI Governance taking place in Geneva. This initiative aims to provide an inclusive platform for countries to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. The issue is particularly pertinent to Malaysia, which has positioned itself as a regional hub for data centers and AI infrastructure.

In addition to advocating for greater AI governance involvement, Mohamad Hasan also called on parties involved in the ongoing conflict in West Asia to cease their actions, warning that disruptions to key energy and trade routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab, would have far-reaching consequences beyond the region. He stressed that Malaysia and other middle powers should not be silenced when major powers cannot reach agreements, urging them to assert their regional perspectives and interests.