Gobind: Generative AI could unlock RM479b for Malaysia's economy, but must be a ‘force for good'
In a statement today, Gobind said that Generative AI alone is projected to unlock up to USD113.4 billion in productive capacity for the country.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai, China, yesterday, he underscored the shared responsibility of countries worldwide to ensure that AI continues to be a force for good.
'In this artificial intelligence (AI)-shaped era, collaboration is essential. Only through shared commitment, innovation and vigilance can we ensure that the digital world remains a force for good.
'The overarching goal is to bridge the digital divide among nations and enhance digital collaboration to ensure the development and governance of emerging technologies benefit humanity,' he said.
Gobind said Malaysia welcomes the outcome document of the Global AI Governance Action Plan, and highlighted domestic efforts, including the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO) last December to coordinate and drive the country's AI agenda.
As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Gobind said that the country is spearheading the ASEAN AI Safety Network and leading the conversation on AI safety.
The Network, according to Gobind, will act as ASEAN's regional platform for AI safety, facilitating best practice exchanges, research collaboration, standards development and responsible AI adoption.
'By driving innovation, enhancing decision-making and optimising the use of precious resources, AI is not just changing industries — it is accelerating global development.
'And in doing so, it reminds us that the technologies of tomorrow must be built together, across borders, with a shared vision for a better world,' he said.
Gobind also said Malaysia will host two major global events this year, the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit in August and the Smart Cities World Expo Kuala Lumpur in September, aimed at bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and academics to discuss AI, innovation and digital transformation. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
10 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Vietnam call for continued monitoring of Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Vietnam have reaffirmed the importance of continued monitoring of the ceasefire implementation between Cambodia and Thailand, to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Asean region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was agreed upon during a telephone conversation with his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, earlier today. "We welcomed the positive progress in the ceasefire negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, including the visit by a monitoring team led by Malaysia to the affected areas. "Both parties also stressed the need for ongoing monitoring efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the Asean region," he said in a statement. Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting on Monday, which brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with Anwar serving as host and Asean chair. During the call, Anwar said they also exchanged views on global issues, including the United States' tariffs, and explored future cooperation in areas such as innovation, energy security, and the Asean Power Grid initiative. He also welcomed Vietnam's readiness to send a ministerial-level delegation to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries. Anwar added that both sides would remain in close contact ahead of their next meeting in China, scheduled for early September.
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia border clash threatens 181 billion baht economic loss as ceasefire holds
BANGKOK: A fragile ceasefire between Thai and Cambodian forces has brought temporary relief to border tensions, but economists warn that prolonged conflict could cost both nations up to 181.7 billion baht over three months whilst displacing hundreds of thousands of workers. The five-day border skirmish from 24-28 July ended with a ceasefire agreement taking effect at midnight on 28 July, yet sporadic violations continue to undermine the truce. Cambodian forces have reportedly continued firing into Thai territory at multiple points, prompting Bangkok to lodge formal protests with Asean, the United States, and China as ceasefire witnesses. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed that the government is still assessing the economic fallout, with initial estimates suggesting the conflict has already cost Thailand approximately 10 billion baht during the brief escalation period. Economic vulnerability exposed The financial implications extend far beyond immediate military costs. Associate Professor Dr Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics expert, has modelled three potential scenarios following the ceasefire, warning of an 80% probability that fighting could resume. "The ceasefire agreement represents a Thai victory in initiating bilateral negotiations rather than relying solely on international court intervention," Dr Aat stated, though he cautioned that underlying territorial disputes remain unresolved. Should tensions persist for one month, both economies would suffer combined losses of 60.6 billion baht. A two-month conflict would double this figure to 121.1 billion baht, whilst a three-month standoff could reach 181.7 billion baht in total economic damage. Cross-border trade under threat The conflict's epicentre along key border crossings in Sa Kaeo and Trat provinces has paralysed vital trade arteries. Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, chairman of the Restaurant Business Association, warned that a three-month disruption could eliminate 40-50 billion baht in border exports immediately. "If the crisis extends beyond six to ten months, export losses could reach hundreds of billions of baht," he cautioned. "Beyond one year, we risk permanently losing our export infrastructure as Cambodia seeks alternative suppliers from Laos, Vietnam, or China." The uncertainty has already triggered concerns about supply chain diversification, with Cambodian buyers potentially sourcing goods from competitors who can deliver via maritime routes. Tourism sector braces for impact Thailand's crucial tourism industry faces substantial headwinds, with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) projecting significant visitor shortfalls depending on conflict duration. Adith Chairattananon, ATTA's secretary-general, outlined three scenarios: if normalcy returns within one month, Thailand could still achieve its target of 34.5-35 million foreign visitors this year. However, a three-month disruption would reduce arrivals to 33-34 million, whilst a six-month crisis could severely impact next year's peak season, affecting European and American markets during the crucial winter period. Labour market disruptions The conflict threatens to displace over 250,000 Cambodian workers currently employed in Thailand's manufacturing sector, particularly in frozen food processing, poultry, and seafood industries. Whilst most workers have remained at their posts, prolonged tensions could trigger mass departures, exacerbating Thailand's existing labour shortages. Nationalist sentiment clouds trade relations Rungphech Chitanuvat from Informa Markets expressed concern that rising Cambodian nationalism could influence consumer purchasing decisions, potentially reducing demand for Thai consumer goods in Cambodia's retail market. "Thailand exports significant consumer products to Cambodia," Rungphech noted. "While long-term investment impacts may be limited due to the border location of conflicts, we're monitoring how nationalist sentiment might affect trade relationships." Path forward remains uncertain Thai-Cambodia Business Council chairman Voratat Tantimongkolsuk emphasised the urgent need for transparent border demarcation negotiations. The territorial dispute centres on conflicting map scales - Thailand uses 1:50,000 whilst Cambodia employs 1:200,000 - creating ambiguity over precise boundaries. While Cambodia pushes for International Court of Justice arbitration, Thailand favours bilateral negotiations. The private sector continues monitoring developments closely, hoping for swift normalisation and renewed dialogue addressing underlying territorial issues. The conflict underscores the economic interdependence between the neighbouring nations, with business leaders calling for comprehensive resolution mechanisms to prevent future disruptions to the substantial annual bilateral trade relationship. - The Nation/ANN
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
13MP crucial amid uncertain times, says Fahmi
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil cautioned against treating AI systems as if they possess human-like decision-making power, calling it a dangerous misconception that could undermine human agency. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a 'critical milestone' in charting the country's development amid global uncertainty and rapid technological change. Speaking at the International Connectivity Conference 2025 here today, Fahmi said the 13MP, to be tabled by the prime minister tomorrow, will shape Malaysia's response to emerging challenges, particularly in the digital and connectivity sectors. 'The 13MP is built on the Madani economic framework, guided by the principle of raising the ceiling and raising the floor. 'The aim is to grow both national income and the people's income, with a focus on high value-added industries and strengthening downstream sectors. 'You can't talk about planning the future without thinking about connectivity. We are living in a time and an age where connectivity is ubiquitous, and you have an entire new generation born into what we now call the digital age,' he said. Separately, Fahmi said Malaysia's digital progress must go hand-in-hand with ethical responsibility, adding that technology must always be used in ways that serve humanity. He said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum communications and direct-to-cell satellite connectivity present many possibilities, but also raise questions around ethics. He cautioned against treating AI systems as if they possess human-like decision-making power, calling it a dangerous misconception that could undermine human agency. Fahmi also announced that Malaysia is set to launch its first large language model – an AI model trained on massive amounts of text data to understand, generate and manipulate human language – at the Asean AI Summit this year, a move aimed at enhancing national control over AI development and ensuring responsible use of technology.
