PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has the potential to influence the global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) while strengthening its own governance.
In its latest report, “AI Governance in Malaysia: Risks, Challenges and Pathways Forward”, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) emphasised the need for national coordination of existing initiatives and stakeholders, while simultaneously participating in international collaboration and global governance processes.
“This involves establishing Malaysia’s position on global governance debates and engaging strategically in international rules-setting and other global discussions,” KRI said.
The report stated the country’s existing data governance frameworks need to be fortified for AI-related risk scenarios.
KRI added that experts and laypeople alike need to form an understanding of AI and its impact so that AI governance expertise is strengthened.
“Consumer and civic education is the next step after AI literacy campaigns.
“This should include non-experts in AI governance to promote critical thinking and collect diverse perspectives on technology adoption,” the report said.
On the use of AI, KRI suggested an independent research and oversight effort, particularly to monitor the adverse effects of AI.
For the country to successfully embed these values and implement such initiatives, KRI said funding is a necessity.
“Without adequate financial support, the ambitious goals set forth for AI governance may remain unfulfilled.
“Securing funding that aligns with the nation’s strategic vision for AI might pave the way not only to managing risks but also to capitalising on the opportunities presented by the technology,” KRI noted.
The research institute’s recommendations were in response to the identification of some key AI governance areas that it said needed to be prioritised and addressed.
Furthermore, KRI said this includes a lack of collaboration and coordination among agencies, with fragmented efforts limiting cross-sector collaboration and alignment.
It also pointed out that shortages of skilled professionals and talents must be rectified.
“Another challenge involves issues beyond Malaysia’s control, as AI is a global, networked technology.
“There is a need for a supply chain approach to governance and robust shared definitions of what AI is and what it can do,” it said.
For Malaysia, KRI said it found three main types of AI risks including being left behind in terms of technology adoption, as well as the risks of unsafe AI and its unintended consequences.
KRI said the third risk is the malicious use of AI as the debate on balancing technology regulation with unrestrained innovation stems from the tension in mitigating these different types of risks.
“KRI further distinguishes between risks directly linked to AI and risks linked to a lack of AI readiness, which will exacerbate AI risks.
“Improving AI readiness is one way to implement policy that addresses existing gaps in governance, capacity, education and resources, instead of speculating about uncertain risks in the future, such as artificial super intelligence.”
