‘We work with China and US'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has only gained in the technology space from choosing to work with both China and the United States, instead of taking sides between the two superpowers, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
'For a country like Malaysia, our practical position is we do not need to choose sides.
'Instead, we have chosen to work with both.
'I believe that it has brought us more benefits,' the Home Minister said during a panel session at the Asean-GCC Economic Forum.
Saifuddin Nasution pointed out that the US and China are ahead in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) research and investment.
By working with both, he said, Malaysia is able to bring the most effective and affordable AI tools into the country.
'We choose what is best for Malaysia based on our needs. This balanced approach gives us more room to negotiate, innovate and protect our national interests.
'At the same time, it also builds more trust with partners across Asean, the Gulf and the world,' he added.
He said this also meant that Malaysia's young talents can train in both the United States' Silicon Valley and Shenzhen in China.
The minister said Malaysia has used AI in border control and also to filter inappropriate content in films, he added.
'Our companies can learn from both countries' AI ecosystems. Those are the clear benefits of taking this position. We enjoy the best of both worlds,' he said.
Economist and author of The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism, Dr Keyu Jin said while the United States and China had reduced direct links following their trade disputes, they still have indirect links through other countries.
'If we look at the data, the competing blocs ... have reduced their direct linkages but arguably, their indirect linkages are still very much (there). Trade and investments with non-aligned countries have shot up,' she said.
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