
STAR meet today to discuss use of AI, worker productivity, says Chief Secretary
The Chief Secretary to the Government said National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff has been tasked with presenting an initial report on the university's study.
"This evening, the STAR meeting will convene in Putrajaya, and I have asked the Intan director to present the report submitted by the university. We will deliberate on the matter, and within two weeks, provide feedback to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he told Bernama and RTM after attending the Fly the Jalur Gemilang programme organised by the Malaysian Information Department on Monday.
Earlier, Anwar reminded the government machinery to be cautious of the "AI Productivity Paradox" in implementing the country's digital transformation.
The phenomenon, he said, refers to the situation where significant investments in AI and digitalisation do not necessarily translate into higher productivity.
Citing studies by the United Nations University (Tokyo), McKinsey, and JP Morgan's experience, Anwar said only 3%-7% of AI adoption has a measurable impact on workers' productivity or income.
He said this is a cause for concern as the government's digital transformation and AI agenda is intended to boost output and productivity.
However, the "AI Productivity Paradox" indicates that productivity gains are not guaranteed despite technological investments, he added.
The Prime Minister has instructed Shamsul Azri and all department heads to study the issue and provide preliminary recommendations to address the challenge.
On the Merdeka Month celebration, Shamsul Azri said it was an initiative of the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) to foster patriotism among civil servants.
"This programme is ongoing, and we encourage all units and departments to organise activities to celebrate Merdeka Month on their own initiative," he added. - Bernama
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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (Aug 20, 2025)
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The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Water and energy supply key to attracting investors says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The ability to provide sufficient water and energy supply is among the main attractions for investors in the semiconductor, data centre, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sectors in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said this was further strengthened by the country's capacity to provide professional manpower expertise, which was a key strategic requirement for investors. 'These two aspects (water and energy) are very strategic, and I wish to emphasise that we will not be able to maintain Malaysia's credibility as a peaceful and competent nation if we cannot resolve matters related to water and energy. 'It is not only about providing (water and electricity facilities to investors), but also about how we manage the (prices) of water and energy at reasonable levels without burdening the people,' he said when officiating the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA2) here today. Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia continued to face wastage issues, particularly involving Non-Revenue Water (NRW) due to usage practices and weaknesses in the old piping system. He said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the minister responsible, had raised the matter numerous times during Cabinet meetings. Following discussions, it would be made one of the priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The Prime Minister said in terms of water management, ensuring comfort and meeting the people's needs remained the government's main priority. 'How can a country with an abundance of water, with floods two or three times a year, still face water shortages? That means something is wrong, not because of Allah's will, but due to a lack of human ingenuity. 'Take Jordan, for example. They may only have heavy rain two or three times a year, but they are able to store water for times of need. That is why our technology must not only focus on advancement but also ensure water-saving measures are in place,' said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister. - Bernama


Malaysiakini
11 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
'Seditious!': Waytha on PM's 'thousands of Indians killed' remark
Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy today reminded Anwar Ibrahim that the prime minister's recent remarks accusing him of labelling Malaysia a tyrannical state where police killed thousands of Indians, constitute sedition. In a statement today, the former minister in the Prime Minister's Department (National Unity and Social Wellbeing) accused Anwar of lying in his speech at a civil servants gathering last week. Waytha alleged that Anwar was also attempting 'to...