Home Ministry mulls AI training for Immigration personnel at local universities

New Straits Times

3 days ago

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is considering sending Immigration Department personnel for training in artificial intelligence (AI) at local universities as part of efforts to embrace technological change.
In his speech at Immigration Department Day 2025, he called on the department's human resources division to coordinate sessions with institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) for such training.
"Send personnel to local university faculties in batches, such as UKM and UiTM.
"Give them the opportunity to attend one- to two-week sessions to gain knowledge of AI and develop the skills needed to use AI tools, which are evolving rapidly every day.
"These skills are necessary to leverage technologies that are advancing quickly. If we embrace AI today, we can keep pace. If we ignore it, we risk falling 30 years behind," he said.
Citing an example of technological advancement, Saifuddin said Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba manages a database of 800 million users and is capable of processing up to 230,000 transactions per second during special online sales.
"They don't have oil or gas resources, but they have mastered human capital. Through online sales, they can record 230,000 transactions in just one second," he said.
The minister also urged the Immigration Department to strengthen its commitment to integrity, describing it as the backbone of public service delivery under the Madani reform agenda.
"With reforms anchored on efficient governance, strengthened integrity, and impactful service delivery, I hope Immigration will uphold a zero-tolerance policy against corruption," he said.
He called for immediate and transparent action against any reported misconduct, supported by robust ethical practices within the department.
"If continuous training is needed (on AI), implement it. If collaboration with enforcement agencies like the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is necessary, pursue it. If an internal monitoring system is required, establish it," he said.
He also assured full support for efforts to strengthen integrity within the Immigration Department, aligning with the national leadership's call for a people-centric administration.
"If processes need improvement, simplify them. If systems need change, implement it. We remain the frontliners in delivering services to the people, and these efforts must move in tandem with ongoing developments," he said.