From left: Chang, Fadillah, and Formedic Technologies managing director Ng Zim Guan checking out a product that relieves breathing difficulties at the I-Nation Global Summit 2024. — ART CHEN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: As climate change and extreme weather conditions pose increasing challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof says the need for scientifically backed predictive technology is crucial.
"Hopefully we can use (data from) the predictions to help lessen the effects of disasters, to prepare our people to face any possible outcomes," he said.
He added that, according to the latest update from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, around 153,000 people have been affected by recent floods in nine states, including Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak.
When asked to comment further, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said climate change is an important part of his ministry's agenda.
"We're always looking at how to solve pressing issues related to how it could affect us, for example, in terms of what we can do to maintain food security. Of course, this is something that requires cross-ministerial effort, including with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry," he said.
Ensuring sustainability was the focus of Fadillah's opening speech at the launch of the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 event in Kuala Lumpur today (Dec 2).
The summit is the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation’s (Mranti’s) annual flagship event aimed at driving innovation and fostering collaboration with a focus on sustainability, climate and biodiversity.
Mranti CEO Datuk Wira Dr Hj Rais Hussin focused on the use of artificial intelligence in his keynote, saying algorithms will be the new "decision-makers" and there is a need to cultivate essential skills to effectively work with AI.
"Professionals need to understand AI's limitations and capabilities and be discerning on when to rely on AI or apply their own judgement," he said.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister, said technology will play a pivotal role in the Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040) agenda.
By integrating innovative concepts like virtual water accounting and water footprint analysis, he explained that WST 2040 seeks to optimise water resource management across sectors, ensuring sustainable and equitable access for all.
"For instance, Internet of Things-enabled smart water meters can monitor usage in real-time, reducing wastage and improving efficiency.
"Similarly, AI-driven predictive analytics optimise energy grids to anticipate demand and minimise carbon footprints," he said.
Meanwhile, Chang, in his speech, said the summit comes at a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards becoming a leading tech hub.
"One area where we’re seeing rapid progress is renewable energy, with Malaysia on track to increase its renewable energy capacity to 31% of the national energy mix by 2025," he said, adding that the shift also positions the country to become a key player in the region's green transition.
