rmk-13

by SHAUQI WAHAB 

MALAYSIA must invest aggressively in the development of local artificial intelligence (AI) technology if it intends to achieve the aspirations set out in the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), which include becoming a creator of technology rather than merely a user.

Economic analyst Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai told Utusan Malaysia that AI has the potential to be a major driver of economic transformation, but only if investments are focused on developing and creating the technology itself.

“AI can replace many human functions in the near future. However, if Malaysia only focuses on using it without creating its own technology, we will remain as users rather than market leaders on the global stage,” he opined.

He acknowledged that Malaysians have already started using AI in business and economic practices at the initial stage. But that is just the beginning.

He added that the next stage is to create our own AI technologies and new innovations, because the field is developing rapidly and will soon take over many aspects of human life.

“If we don’t take action now, humans could become irrelevant. We need to develop AI with a new approach that ensures humans remain relevant,” he said.

Barjoyai stressed on the need of talents that are not only skilled in AI but also capable of integrating AI into everyday life to make it better and more efficient.

He mentioned that key investments should be channelled into the education sector and local talent development in order to produce a workforce capable of building, creating and marketing AI systems and applications that are locally developed but globally competitive.

He also highlighted the need to build an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem, ensuring that the technology developed does not only serve commercial purposes but also upholds human values.

“We do not want technology that replaces humans entirely, but we want AI that empowers humans. This requires deeper policy frameworks and consistent investment,” he said.

Commenting on the high-growth, high-value (HGHV) industries highlighted in MP13, Barjoyai said Malaysia is now aiming to transition into a value-creation economy by diversifying its economic sectors and positioning itself as a hub for homegrown innovations that lead to the production of locally branded products and equipment.

“Today, there are products labeled ‘Made in Malaysia,’ but many of them are actually licensed from companies in developed countries like Japan and China, mainly to benefit from tax and tariff advantages,” he shared.

He said Malaysia needs to be a producer like the US, Japan and South Korea so that the nation can create high value within this industry.

Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his tabling of MP13 in the Dewan Rakyat, announced Malaysia’s ambition to become an inclusive and sustainable AI nation by 2030.

He said the government aims to position the country as a regional hub for digital innovation and for producing products and services under the ‘Made by Malaysia’ brand.