KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-launched National AI Office will see more streamlined efforts in enhancing the digital ecosystem as Malaysia strives to be a high-income nation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the digital economy may contribute 23 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by next year and RM120 billion by 2030.
"If we keep this pace we're going (technological advancement), the digital economy may even contribute 25 per cent of the country's GDP.
"NAIO's establishment was driven by the need to address issues of digital literacy, not only among government staff and politicians, but in bringing change to education for millions of children.
"The AI Office will see coordination of efforts in research and implementation," he said in his speech at the launch of the National AI Office.
Present was Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-launched National AI Office will see more streamlined efforts in enhancing the digital ecosystem as Malaysia strives to be a high-income nation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the digital economy may contribute 23 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by next year and RM120 billion by 2030.
"If we keep this pace we're going (digital transformation), the digital economy may even contribute 25.5 per cent of the country's GDP.
"NAIO's establishment was driven by the need to address issues of digital literacy, not only among government staff and politicians, but also in bringing change to education for millions of children.
"The AI Office will see coordination of efforts in research and implementation," he said in his speech at the launch of the National AI Office.
He said the goal of becoming a high-income country could only be achieved if the economy was driven by digitalisation.
He also highlighted Malaysia's commitment by noting that the country was one of the earliest to establish a digital ministry.
He said Malaysia has been investor-friendly in its stance in trade, including in the IT field, which saw huge investments from different countries such as the United States, China and European nations.
He said NAIO's establishment was a step to drive the development of AI in the country through the participation of both public and private sectors, as well as the general public.
He said the country's digital transition requires a 'paradigm shift' with the involvement of all quarters.
"It requires us to leave behind the old ways of thinking and transcend and beyond bureaucracy.
"The new approach will require a systemic change, especially if we involve big companies (investing here)."
Meanwhile, values and ethics must also be given emphasis in line with the Madani framework that prioritises sustainability, integrity and sharing of wealth, he said.
He said digital gaps among the people must be addressed as reflected in the Malaysia Digital Economic Blueprint.
"This (digital transformation) does not only involve the Digital Ministry, but others as well, such as Miti (Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry), transport, education and health.
"On talents, we have the Higher Education Ministry and Human Resources; proper skill training was essential to ensure that the AI does not cause loss of jobs."