Input from Asean AI Summit to spur M'sia's ambition to be key leader

The Asean AI Malaysia Summit (AAIMS) 2025 will be an input to the National AI Action Plan 2030 for Malaysia to achieve its ambition to become a leader in AI and digital technology in Southeast Asia.

Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar said AAIMS 2025, scheduled to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Kuala Lumpur from Aug 12-13 with the theme Human Centred AI, is the first AI conference for Asean.

“We haven’t had (an AI conference like this before), so we want to see it continue because it’s not just a conference where we showcase technology, but a platform for discussion among ministers, sharing information and knowledge from industry and academia.

“In line with the theme of human-centred AI for a better tomorrow, it will highlight the benefits of AI for humans and reduce the negative effects of AI on humans,” he said during the Ruang Bicara Aspirasi Ekonomi programme titled “AAIMS: AI Driving Asean’s Digital Economy” on Bernama TV yesterday.

He said 1,500 delegates, including Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, would attend the conference.

Leading transformation

According to Fabian, among Malaysia’s objectives in hosting AAIMS 2025 is to lead the AI transformation in Asean, as well as strengthen regional cooperation to advance the AI framework through the Asean AI framework and create an Asean AI Safety Network.

“We have plans to attract strategic investments, so we also want to give confidence to foreign investors that Malaysia is ready to make Malaysia a regional AI hub. We will also promote comprehensive AI development programmes,” he said.

He said that in the face of geopolitical turmoil between the world’s two superpowers, Malaysia and Asean have an opportunity to create a third path in AI.

“There is an urgent need because of these geopolitical problems for us in Asean to work together regionally to face the challenges of AI,” he said.

Through the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has set a clear direction to lead Southeast Asia’s economy in AI, digital technology and the renewable energy industry.

He said the National AI Action Plan 2030 would drive local talent development, research and technology commercialisation to support the widespread adoption of AI.

In addition, Anwar said the 5G network is targeted to achieve 98 percent coverage in populated and industrial areas, including rural areas by 2030, aiming to produce at least 5,000 digital entrepreneurs.

- Bernama

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