JOHOR BARU: The National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), which will be launched on Dec 12, will play a key role in helping the government formulate policies for the development of AI in Malaysia, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to launch the NAIO in Kuala Lumpur.
“The important thing is that the NAIO be launched and soon after that, we will get input from AI industry players on what they need to develop AI here.
“As we are moving towards AI, we need to look at how it will bring benefits. But there are risks involved and [we need to] balance it,” he told the media after attending the GDS Data Centre Supply Chain Ecosystem Summit here yesterday.
Last Wednesday, in a reply to Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng in Parliament, Gobind said the soon-to-be-opened NAIO had received an overwhelming 1,254 applications for its top posts.
“Establishing the office [is part of efforts] to position Malaysia as a key player in South-East Asia and the broader global landscape.”He said the office would enhance the country’s AI capabilities by supporting the integration of AI into government, industry, and societal frameworks.
“The NAIO will also lead initiatives that leverage AI to strengthen the digital economy, improve public service performance, and contribute to sustainable development,” said Gobind.
Wee had asked about the ministry’s plans to address AI-powered tools in key sectors of the country.
Meanwhile, Gobind said his ministry plans to open a Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) office in Johor next month to facilitate investments related to the digital economy.
He said the opening of MDEC’s second office outside the Klang Valley, after Penang, will help investors ahead of the signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Eco-nomic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement, which is expected to take place at the end of this year.
“MDEC will see how we can simplify the process if there are investors who show interest in the JS-SEZ – it will be easier for them to come to Johor to start their business,” he added.
Asked about Johor’s preparations to become a data centre hub, Gobind said the state is ready, based on efforts made by the state government to provide infrastructure for the industry.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who launched the event, said to ensure the state has the capability to provide skilled local talent for investors, the government has set up the Johor Talent Development Council, to be launched on Nov 3.
