KUALA LUMPUR: There is an urgent need for Malaysia to strengthen its digital ecosystem to fully harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and remain competitive amid rapid global technological change, say Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Speaking at the Ministerial Forum: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future Workforce, held in conjunction with the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFuture) 2025 here, both ministers underlined the importance of readiness, responsible adoption and a whole-of-nation approach in embracing AI.
Fahmi said AI should be seen as a complementary tool to enhance human capability, not as a replacement.
“What’s more important than using these technologies is to possess the right frame of mind. It’s no longer ‘to be or not to be’ but the question now is, what is the question?” he said.
The forum was moderated by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar.
Fahmi said students are generally more open to embracing AI compared to lecturers or administrators, emphasising the role of leadership in guiding its responsible use.
“Those in leadership positions tend to be more conservative. But as leaders, we must show the way on how best to adapt and adopt emerging technologies,” he said yesterday, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, Gobind emphasised that Malaysia must build a strong foundation of infrastructure, data and trust to prepare for AI transformation.
“We need to understand the philosophy behind AI. This gives us the perspective to craft strategies that prepare our country to take advantage of this technology.”
He stressed that confidence and readiness must grow alongside innovation, noting that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision of making Malaysia an AI nation by 2030 requires immediate, coordinated action across all sectors to avoid being left behind.
