KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must adapt quickly to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) improves lives as the technology is breaking barriers and transcending gender boundaries, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“AI is no longer about men or women, or who is physically stronger. It’s about how we explore it and use it to make life better.
“Whether we like it or not, AI is here and we must not overlook this reality,” he said when opening the “AI & She: Empowering Women for a Smarter Tomorrow” forum yesterday.
Dr Wee noted that the increasing number of women enrolling in electronics and electrical engineering courses in universities is an encouraging sign, as it will bring new technology into daily life and enhance education.
Recalling a prediction made a decade ago by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma that “by the time children currently in school enter university, 65% of existing jobs will no longer exist”, Dr Wee said this underscored the urgent need to prepare for a future shaped by AI.
He stressed that embracing AI as a universal tool could drive empowerment and innovation, aligning with Malaysia’s aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which prioritises attracting high-quality investments.
Malaysia, he said, is committed to cultivating more talent, including plans to transform Universiti Teknologi Malaysia into an AI University – an essential move given the technology’s pervasive presence.
One for the album: Dr Wee (third right) presenting a memento to one of the speakers, Chen Yanling, who is the founder of AI-based psychological consulting service Scietrain in China, after opening the ‘AI & She: Empowering Women for a Smarter Tomorrow’ forum by Wanita MCA. Looking on are (from left) Chan, Tee, Wong, Chong, Dr Mah and Wanita MCA treasurer-general Datuk Dr Pamela Yong. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Dr Wee also commended Wanita MCA for spearheading efforts to promote AI learning.
The forum, jointly organised by Wanita MCA and the Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), highlighted the role of AI in empowering women and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong as well as the wing’s deputy chairman Tee Hooi Ling and secretary-general Chan Quin Er.
In her speech, Wong said Malaysian women must not be left behind in the global race for AI.
“We are in the midst of a digitally driven, algorithm-defined Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI is no longer science fiction – it is reshaping economies, societies and the way we live.
“Some see opportunity, others feel anxiety, particularly women in traditional fields such as administration, customer service and education, who fear being displaced,” she said.
Wong said the forum was organised to give women a platform to learn and exchange ideas on AI, stressing that technological progress should not be seen as a threat but as a tool to unlock human potential.
“History shows us that women have always advanced by mastering new knowledge and embracing new tools – from the sewing machine to the Internet.
“AI is our era’s new tool. It should not be our threat, but our partner,” she added.
She said AI could free women from repetitive tasks, enabling them to focus on roles that require empathy, creativity and strategic thinking.
“The real concern is not whether AI will replace us, but whether we can keep pace and acquire the skills to use it,” she said.
The forum brought together leading experts from China and Malaysia in fields such as AI psychology, brand strategy, public policy, business intelligence and generative AI applications.
They shared how AI empowered women in personal growth, family life, careers and entrepreneurship – turning AI from an abstract concept into a practical superpower.
