KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must accelerate its efforts to build a strong ecosystem to drive the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all ministries must synergise and work together to ensure that the country is not left behind in the use of AI technologies.
"When I talk about the ecosystem, all ministries have to be involved, especially the Digital Ministry.
"This ecosystem means getting AI (to be introduced) from primary school to secondary school, to technical and vocational education and training colleges, institutes of higher learning, and among civil servants. Everyone must be ready (with this skill)."
Anwar said this at the launch of the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Nexus at the World Trade Centre here, today.
In his speech, Anwar also listed several pillars in the country's AI ecosystem, including having systematic AI governance, and ensuring that there is a pool of professional skilled talents equipped with AI knowledge working with multinational corporations.
He also said the growth of AI in the country must be pursued through the Malaysian Artificial Intelligence Consortium (MAIC).
It was also crucial, he added, to have lecturers and professors with the expertise to build the AI ecosystem, and the capabilities to train others to ensure the country has highly-specialised talents.
At the same time, he said all parties must move away from old ways of thinking and focus on the country's future by proving their abilities to perform in line with current needs.
Anwar emphasised on the need to strengthen Mathematics and Science in universities, adding that the younger generation's interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects was declining.
"We need to figure out a way to change our approach so that these subjects are seen as interesting to students."
Meanwhile, Anwar said in post-normal times, it would not be possible to execute policies or undertake change using old policy frameworks.
"One of the fundamental issues raised or observed is the accelerated pace.
"Spontaneous and complex issues happen at the same time, but also the pace of change and development is unprecedented.
"Under such circumstances, we cannot undertake change using old frameworks," he said.
He added that implementation of AI-related policies and initiatives must not be delayed.
"We cannot wait six months (to implement it), it must be expedited. For matters related to AI, we cannot wait too long, otherwise we will be left behind."
Present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
At the event, Anwar also presented Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with an appointment letter for the setting up of the MAIC.
He also launched the 2024-2030 AI Talent Roadmap and witnessed the exchange of the Letter of Intent between the Higher Education Ministry and tech company Nvidia.