19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
AI a necessity for civil service reform, says PSD chief
SINTOK: Artificial intelligence must be used to drive civil service reforms and realise the Malaysia Madani vision, says a top civil servant.
It is a critical tool to enhance the government's service delivery system, making it more efficient, faster and impactful.
"AI can accelerate data-sharing across agencies, sharpen analysis of public needs and personalise service delivery.
"This is the catalyst for a more dynamic, people-centred transformation of the public sector," Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said at the 4th International Conference on Government and Public Affairs at Universiti Utara Malaysia here today.
Present were UUM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, UUM Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Shukor Mohd Mahfar and Institute of Integrity Malaysia board member Dato' Seri Mustafar Ali.
Wan Dahlan said civil servants must embrace change through technology- and value-driven approaches in an era where the public is increasingly aware and critical of governance.
"As we embrace AI, we must also be willing to adapt and refine our approaches without compromising the core values we have long upheld."
He added that the Malaysia Madani aspiration, which is anchored on values, humanity and people's wellbeing, can only be realised with a strong moral foundation, a clear reform mechanism and the responsible use of enabling technologies such as AI.
"The civil service can also no longer operate in silos. We need stronger strategic collaboration and synergy across ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector and academia to dismantle barriers and promote optimal resource-sharing. This is how we create greater and more meaningful impact."
Meanwhile, Foad said today's conference not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange, but also nurtured vital cross-border collaboration in a globalised world.
Organised by UUM's School of Government in collaboration with the Institute of Integrity Malaysia, the conference serves as a key forum for discussing strategies for strengthening governance and integrity amid increasing global complexity.
The event brought together leading figures from the public service, academia and public agencies locally and internationally
