1-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian government is exploring the creation of a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) to address ethical concerns related to the use of the technology. Speaking at a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the Public Sector Day Malaysia programme in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Aug 1), Fahmi said that the establishment of such a framework would help the government understand the challenges of using the new technology.
AI is a technology that uses machine learning algorithms to mimic human intelligence to perform tasks that can iteratively improve itself based on the information it collects. However, the minister noted that the technology could impact the employment sector and that a group of experts from government agencies and the industry was needed to help the government understand the challenges.
Fahmi suggested that Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) produce a special programme with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) as guests to talk about AI in Malay, to improve the public’s understanding of the technology. He added that language development must keep pace with technological advancement to ensure that new technologies are easily understood by all levels of society.
In his keynote address, Fahmi emphasised the need for Malaysia to acquire more talent and expertise in data and technology, as the country is fast approaching a golden digital decade and becoming an Asian digital tiger. He said that Malaysia has abundant opportunities to enhance its services by embracing digitalisation as the country strives to become a digital-first nation and embark on a prosperous digital decade.
Fahmi also highlighted the progress made by the MyDigital Initiative, which was launched in February 2021 and is aimed at transforming Malaysia into a digitally enabled and technologically advanced high-income nation, as well as a regional leader in the digital economy. The government is also considering making Malaysia a hub for sustainable and resilient data centre investment.
