MALAYSIA TO PROPOSE AI INITIATIVES TO ASEAN SECRETARIAT FOR REGIONAL ADVANCEMENT - JOHARI

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia plans to propose artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives to the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure that the technology is widely utilised across the region, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

In fact, Johari, who is the 46th President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), said that Malaysia is expected to play a more significant role in leading the ASEAN community toward a deeper understanding of AI.

“We need AI capabilities urgently. The world is becoming more competitive, and we must be prepared. Moreover, we are chairing ASEAN this year, so we need to demonstrate that we are ready with AI capabilities. This could even serve as a showcase for other ASEAN nations, who will look to us for guidance on how to embrace AI advancements.

“So, we might propose to the ASEAN Secretariat to make this one of the key issues (at ASEAN Summits) because Malaysia should lead the ASEAN community in becoming more AI-aware, sharing our knowledge with others,” he told reporters after visiting the ‘AI for Malaysia’s Future’ Exhibition at the Parliament lobby today.

The two-day exhibition, which showcases the latest developments in AI technology, is jointly organised by the Parliament of Malaysia, the Ministry of Digital (National AI Office), UNITAR International University and Microsoft.

Meanwhile, Johari said that UNITAR would be offering courses for Members of Parliament, as well as Parliament officials to strengthen their understanding of Malaysia’s position in AI.

“This way, when they go to the ground, they can teach others,” he said.

-- BERNAMA