Gobind: Malaysia seeks to develop AI talent, companies

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to cultivate artificial intelligence (AI) talent and companies to become a creator of the technology instead of just a consumer, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening capabilities, Deo stated that the nation must develop AI technologies capable of competing on a global scale.

Strengthening AI talent is currently the primary focus, as Deo explained during a response to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Deo warned that the rapid pace of AI development might lead to the emergence of new technologies and associated risks within a short period. Consequently, the country must be better prepared to handle these challenges. The government is actively monitoring emerging AI technologies through AI Malaysia, a platform that brings together experts to help the government understand technological developments and identify potential risks.

These experts assist the government in anticipating emerging technologies and evaluating how existing technologies could introduce new legal issues and risks, such as safety concerns.

AI Malaysia serves as a crucial platform for experts to provide insights into likely new technologies and the potential legal issues and risks that could emerge from existing technologies. Deo explained that the government does not want to face a situation where risks have already reached the country without proper preparation. In response to concerns raised by Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the potential impact of AI on 40% of jobs worldwide, Deo reassured that the government is closely monitoring occupations that could be affected by emerging technologies.

Mechanisms have been established to identify jobs at risk and prepare workers for changes in the labor market.