Latest news with #DigitalMinistry
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Data centre framework key to harnessing tech and AI, says Gobind
KUALA LUMPUR: The Digital Ministry has underscored the need for structured data management and integration across government agencies. This, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said, was key to fully harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enhancing the delivery of citizen-friendly government services. Gobind said each government agency generates data, but must ensure that this data can be digitised. He said data exists in various formats, digital, analogue, visual and audio and must be digitised to be integrated effectively. "To use data meaningfully, we require computer power. That's where data centres and cloud infrastructure come in. We are adopting a cloud-first policy, which will allow us to deploy new technologies faster and at scale. "We must ensure that data sharing is seamless, and to do that, the data must be digitised, securely stored and supported by adequate compute capacity," in a press conference after attending a tour of the Kuala Lumpur Command & Control Centre here today. Present was Kuala Lumpur City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Gobind said while some states have already developed their own digital twin technologies, efforts were now underway to consolidate them into a single national digital twin framework that will benefit all states and ministries. He said his current focus was on consolidating existing assets, harnessing available strengths, and determining the most effective way forward to reduce costs and improve efficiency. "At the Digital Ministry, particularly under MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), we are developing this forward-looking strategy. "If we build on our strengths, prepare for the future, ensure secure systems, and build public trust, I believe we will be well on our way to realising Malaysia Digital 2030," he said. Gobind said the government also intends to establish a National Smart Nation Centre, bringing together initiatives from across the country. This comes ahead of the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025, set to take place from Sept 17 to 19, marking the first time the global event, usually hosted in Barcelona, will be held in Malaysia. He said that it will serve as a platform to gather the brightest talents and tech companies involved in smart technologies, with Kuala Lumpur as this year's showcase. On Kuala Lumpur's progress, Maimunah said City Hall's ongoing digital twin project allows for simulations of urban development, enabling authorities to forecast traffic congestion, estimate carbon emissions based on materials used and evaluate land use proposals. She said DBKL's KLCCC was already leveraging real-time data and sensor systems to implement green wave traffic management and improve flood response. "In the past, enforcement officers had to stand at flood-prone hotspots during heavy rains. "Today, we rely on real-time flood warnings and river level data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, which also gets shared with Alam Flora for cleanup readiness. "All this significantly reduces operational costs and improves efficiency at DBKL," she said.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar wants laws to protect local creative works from AI threats
SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Digital Ministry and the Communications Ministry to draft legislation to protect the copyrights and authenticity of local creative works uploaded to online platforms. This, said Anwar, was crucial to ensure local content is safeguarded from various threats, particularly as the country navigates challenges arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). "The (copyright) guarantee must not only apply to cartoonists, but also to films, poetry, and other works that sometimes (could) cripple the strength of creativity and an artist's ability to create. "As such, there must also be legal provisions by the Digital Ministry and the Communications Ministry to ensure that our country's (creative work) does not simply follow the mould set by others, only to then become trapped, losing our identity, values, and the virtues that should be nurtured here," he said. Anwar said this in his speech during the launch of the book "Melukis dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun" by Zunar here today. He said ethical and cultural considerations, as well as values, must be central to the nation's AI development policy. "In our national policy on AI, we do not sideline or separate the issue of values. And it's quite interesting and well-known that with companies like Infineon, Google, Microsoft - whenever I meet their leaders, I always ask them: how should they respond? "Without exception, they all admit that AI is a new technology. But they also acknowledge that whatever is produced or 'spit out' by AI depends on what is fed into it. "And what is being fed into it right now through ChatGPT and other platforms is largely shaped by Western countries, especially the United States, China, and others. "So, if we want to ensure that AI also emphasises the question of values and addresses concerns in line with our religious beliefs, our faith, our culture, and our diversity, then we must train our children in the field of AI, including those who aspire to be cartoonists," he said. He said they must first master the knowledge, and then incorporate elements of culture, religion, and values, so that what is produced by these machines reflects the Malaysian perspective.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
PM Anwar calls for laws to protect copyright, local creativity amid AI boom
SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed the introduction of legal provisions to safeguard the copyright and authenticity of local creative works in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Anwar said the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry must take immediate action to ensure that local works are protected from risks and vulnerabilities arising from the advancement of AI technology, such as plagiarism. "On the issue of copyright, the protection is not limited to cartoonists but also covers films, poems and other creative works, which at times face copyright challenges due to the development of AI,' he said at the launch of 'Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar' at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda on Tuesday (July 22). "This legal protection is to ensure that creativity and the artistic abilities of creators are not stifled by copyright disputes or questions over the authenticity of their works,' he added. Present at the launch were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Selangor Public Library Corporation director, Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad; and renowned cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwarul Haque, better known as Zunar. – Bernama
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Digital Ministry brings AI, tech awareness to rural students in Belaga
Ugak (seated fifth left) in a photocall with other guests and students. BELAGA (July 17): The Digital Ministry remains committed to accelerating the national digitalisation agenda through grassroots initiatives such as the Jelajah Komuniti Digital programme, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. Speaking during the programme at SMK Belaga on Wednesday, the Hulu Rajang MP said the outreach aims to boost digital awareness among rural communities, particularly students in remote areas. 'It not only introduces digital education but also empowers students with knowledge, career insights, awareness on online scams, and the relevance of emerging technologies in everyday life,' he said. Ugak noted that the initiative reflects the ministry's broader mission to nurture a 'digital-first' mindset and foster a more inclusive, tech-ready society. Held in collaboration with key agencies under the ministry, including the Department of Personal Data Protection, MYNIC Berhad, and official tech partner Alibaba Cloud, the programme features modules on digital literacy, data privacy, digital identity, and early exposure to artificial intelligence (AI). 'We are now in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by technologies such as AI. 'AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is already embedded in our daily lives. In education, AI is used to analyse student performance and automatically recommend suitable learning content,' he said. He cited examples of AI in education, where smart platforms now analyse student performance and generate tailored quizzes, notes, and exercises to support teachers. Ugak also highlighted AI applications in healthcare where it helps doctors diagnose conditions using scan images such as MRIs and X-rays and in agriculture, where it aids in disease detection, weather monitoring, and optimal harvesting. 'Even in our daily lives, AI is present in digital assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, organising our photos and videos or offering personalised shopping suggestions,' he said. He stressed that rural students must be equipped with digital skills from an early age, and assured that the ministry will continue expanding education-based initiatives to bridge the digital divide in Sarawak. The event drew over 300 students, 40 community leaders, and representatives from various government agencies across the Belaga district. Students also took part in a casual dialogue session with the Deputy Minister and participated in hands-on tech-based activities. AI belaga digital digital ministry Wilson Ugak
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to host Smart City Expo KL 2025 in September
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) this September, marking its first international event focused on smart cities and positioning the country as a key regional hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven urban development. Scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the expo is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates and over 10,000 visitors. SCEKL25 will be the first South-East Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. It is spearheaded by the Digital Ministry through its agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the event will serve as a strategic platform for technology providers and AI-driven smart city solution players, reinforcing Malaysia's leadership in regional digital innovation. "At its core, SCEKL25 is about accelerating a new urban vision - one that is green, efficient, and inclusive, with the rakyat at the heart of every innovation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 15). According to Gobind, the expo supports Malaysia's aspirations under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, aligns with regional efforts through the Asean Smart Cities Network, and complements the country's ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040. MDEC, under the Digital Ministry, is currently spearheading AI Cities initiatives through targeted pilot projects in selected areas across the country. Meanwhile MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil in the statement said the expo will showcase Malaysia's transformation into a digitally connected society, highlighting projects such as predictive traffic systems in Penang, smart traffic optimisation in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial solutions in Sabah. "Our smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious, delivering faster and more adaptive public services. With robust digital infrastructure to drive inclusive growth, startups and SMEs will be able to scale beyond borders,' he said. DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail added that hosting the event would bring strategic benefits to Malaysia, including boosting economic growth through business tourism and attracting foreign investment. "SCEKL25 will elevate Malaysia's global profile in smart city innovation, while driving economic growth through business tourism and strategic foreign investment,' he said. Held under the theme 'AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future', the expo will feature cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure solutions, and future-ready mobility systems aimed at building inclusive and resilient urban centres. For more information, visit - Bernama
