KUCHING: Policymakers should consider various factors such as governance and infrastructure before rushing towards wholesale adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), says a deputy minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department.
Datuk Abdullah Saidol said it was important for policymakers to take new technologies seriously in order not to be left behind.
"But neither do we want to be too quick in wholesale adoption when the fundamentals are not fully addressed.
"For example, there is a need for training and exposure on issues of governance and compliance as well as what AI is capable of," he said when closing the Sarawak media conference here on Thursday (July 3).
Abdullah also noted that some remote parts of Sarawak still lacked Internet connectivity, adding that the state government was expediting efforts to implement digital infrastructure across the state.
"Here we are talking about AI when in some places there is no Internet connection.
"In the course of structuring policies and future developments, there are so many things we have to take into account," he said.
The two-day conference, themed "Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism", was organised in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration.
It was attended by over 600 delegates, including media practitioners, academicians and students in communications and journalism.
Abdullah, who is the conference's organising chairman, also called for discussions on the economic impact of adopting AI, particularly the cost of digital tools.
"Some reporters have told me that they have to download apps that cost RM90 a month and the company doesn't pay for it.
"Yes, the tools do help with work, but employers need to understand that extra expenses have to be paid to get digital assistance," he said.
He added that future conferences could look into research and assessments of the costs of digital adoption and advancement.
