Accelerate pace for AI use in the country, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need for a robust ecosystem to build a nexus for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country and the pace must be accelerated, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"We have to explore this new field of technology," said the Prime Minister during his speech at the launch of the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Nexus-Boosting the Future, here at the World Trade Centre on Friday (May 11).

He said the governance of the AI ecosystem must be systematic, have professional and skilled talents, with AI working with multinational corporations (MNCs) and pursue the growth of AI through the Malaysian Artificial Intelligence Consortium (MAIC).

This is why it is crucial to have an ecosystem in terms of education and training, he added.

Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang and Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

He said there has to be emphasis on mathematics and science at universities, especially when there was a lack of interest among the younger generation.

As such, he added the approach to subjects such as mathematics and science have to be made more appealing.

He also said there was a weakness in terms of specialisation especially with a shortage of 30,000 engineers in the country.

At the event, Anwar presented an appointment letter to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for the setting up of the MAIC.

He also launched the AI Talent Roadmap 2024-2030 and Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI) and MAIC.

Anwar also witnessed the exchange of Letter of Intent between the Higher Education Ministry and Nvidia.