SHAH ALAM: A comprehensive study will be conducted to ensure better adaptation of new digital technology, particularly involving artificial intelligence (AI) products, is seamless and strengthens the digital ecosystem in the country, says Gobind Singh Deo.
Referring to the recent emergence of a free China-based AI chatbot DeepSeek, the Digital Minister said the study was essential given the rapid growth of AI and Malaysia being among the countries of choice for data centres of digital giants.
“It is something we have to consider seriously. In the past, we have seen other developments in the world of AI and this will continue. We will see more products unfolding, so we need to study how we can adapt to these new technologies as we go along,” he said during a religious ceremony at the Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple at Section 23 here.
Gobind said he viewed the emergence of new AI chatbots positively as it encourages the growth of data centres as Malaysia is among the top countries favoured for the setting up of such facilities by prominent digital companies.
“Ultimately, the need and demand for data centres, which is a significant part of AI will rise. As we can see, everything is moving towards AI.
“Over the past 10 months, there was a lot of interest shown in Malaysia which has become a destination of choice for data centre investments and what we have done over this period is a step in the right direction.
“Moving ahead, we will need to see how we can prepare ourselves to be adequate to cater to new AI products in the market and strengthen our ecosystem,” said Gobind.
The entry of DeepSeek which was developed at just a fraction of the cost of other AI facilities by digital giants such as Microsoft has raised concerns if it would dampen or undercut data centre investments in the South-East Asia region.
The open source AI which is said to have outperformed its contemporaries such as ChatGPT also requires minimal digital facilities for its upkeep, a feature which could undercut the need for large data centres.
Earlier, Gobind was introduced to the temple’s new digital management system which manages aspects of administration such as receipt of donations, and payments for ceremonies and rituals at its premises.
“This is an important initiative and a useful platform as bookings and payment for religious ceremonies can be done online rather than in person at the premises.
“It can also be used to disseminate information and announcements to devotees. I strongly encourage such initiatives and am delighted to know that over 40 temples are using this digital facility,” he said.
