Latest news with #RafaelDaerr
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean urged to balance AI innovation with human values
Malaysia is exploring how AI can be used in weapons systems, cybersecurity, data analysis and other areas as other countries in Asean also press ahead. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, institutions from government agencies to small and medium enterprises have long since recognised the need to integrate the technology into their operations. Malaysia's defence ministry is exploring how AI can be used in areas like weapons systems, cybersecurity, and data analysis, with other countries across Asean also pressing ahead. Indonesia is partnering with Turkey to develop AI-powered drones, while Vietnam's defence tech arm, Viettel, is integrating AI into radar and electronic warfare systems. As Asean chair this year, Malaysia has also led digitalisation efforts among small and medium enterprises, allocating RM100 million in grants and RM900 million in loans to promote automation and AI adoption to boost productivity. However, diplomats and analysts have raised concerns over the over-reliance on AI technology and called for a more balanced and human-centred approach surrounding its governance. At the 2025 Fortune Asean-GCC Economic Forum, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia should not abandon human values when adopting AI, and called for legislation to protect digital sovereignty. Human-centric approach Rafael Daerr. European Union ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr told FMT that both Asean and the EU shared the same view: that AI must remain people-centric. As AI will have far-reaching consequences on the future, he said that it was crucial to find the appropriate balance 'between ensuring a form of regulation or governance framework that maintains the maximum space for innovation and to make it as human-centred as possible'. Analysts have also urged caution in deploying AI in military contexts, especially amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and instability in Myanmar. Faizal Abdul Rahman. Faizal Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that AI-powered propaganda is already shaping narratives in the South China Sea, describing it as a new front in cognitive warfare. 'AI cognitive warfare would be a tactic that claimant countries need to prepare for,' Faizal said. However, he said it remains unclear whether Asean nations are willing to accept regulatory limits that could constrain their strategic manoeuvring in the South China Sea, a highly contested body of water where China, through its 'nine-dash line', has asserted sovereignty and maritime claims over a large swathe. Faizal said negotiations over the Asean-China code of conduct, which have dragged on for over two decades, suggest that there is more pessimism than optimism in resolving the dispute. Rising AI-powered cybercrime Besides military applications, AI is also fuelling a rise in sophisticated cross-border cybercrime, particularly scams and fraud driven by generative AI, deepfakes and voice cloning. A 2023 UN report revealed that cybercriminals in East and Southeast Asia defrauded victims of up to US$37 billion through AI-powered scams. Dusit Manapan. In an interview with FMT, Dusit Manapan, an adviser to Thailand's foreign minister, said Myanmar's political instability brings risks of an increase in crimes such as commercial scams, drug trafficking and weapons trading. He said the Thai government's 'harsh measures' to hinder these criminal activities along the Myanmar border have only been partly successful, as the perpetrators always found a way to replace what they have lost. Dusit also said the nation's aerial surveillance through drones has also been hindered by advanced counter-technology. 'The people over there possess high technology to jam our drones, and I think they have the resources and ability to procure some high-tech equipment. This is a business that makes a lot of money for them,' he said. The Asean Community Vision 2045, adopted at the 46th Asean Summit last week, incorporates AI as a critical component of the region's development strategy. Malaysia will lead the establishment of the Asean AI safety network, to institutionalise regional principles of AI safety, ethics, and governance, positioning the region as a leader in responsible AI development.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean-EU partnership vital in navigating global shifts, says EU envoy
Rafael Daerr says the Asean Community Vision 2045, set to be launched at the regional bloc's summit next week, will allow the EU to identify new areas of cooperation with Asean. PETALING JAYA : Rafael Daerr, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Malaysia, is calling on Asean and the EU—two of the world's most successful regional blocs— to strengthen their cooperation to navigate a rapidly fragmented global landscape. Speaking with FMT, Daerr acknowledged Asean's growing presence on the world stage. 'If you just look at the upcoming summit and how many people will be coming and who is coming, it's a testament to the importance and to the convening power of Asean,' he said. Daerr said Asean and the EU, which together represent over one billion people, were 'natural partners' and powerful convening forces on the global stage. 'We are, I would say, families of countries that are very similar. 'Most of us are middle power countries and we all depend on frameworks of regional and international cooperation that provide predictable, rules-based environments for us to cooperate,' he said. Daerr said, as regional entities, Asean and the EU provide stability and predictability, allowing small and middle powers to navigate geopolitical tensions without being caught between larger forces. He said the EU has long recognised the value of regional cooperation and how vital it is for neighbouring countries to be able to engage and work together. 'We have always supported Asean initiatives in various fields, because regional cooperation has been in our DNA for 80 years,' said Daerr. Recognising that trust is fostered through dialogue and in-person discussions, Daerr said the EU is looking to deepen its ties with Asean by elevating engagement to the highest levels of leadership. AdChoices ADVERTISING 'I have been lobbying for us to get as many high level interlocutors to Malaysia in the coming year, to have dialogues at a very high level. 'What we want is to continue the engagements we have between the EU and Asean at all levels, not just through senior officials' meetings but also through ministerial engagements and meetings between heads of state and government,' he said. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recognised the EU's increasing commitment to a more active and strategic engagement. Speaking to the media, he said Asean can strengthen its economic resilience to changes in the US tariff policy by deepening ties with the EU and other key partners. Future cooperation Daerr said bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), entered between the EU and several Asean nations, were pragmatic steps toward the long-term goal of an inter-regional EU-Asean trade deal. He said the present agreements, tailored to suit the unique economic landscape of each country, provide a flexible approach to doing business as Asean pursues internal integration. 'At this stage, negotiating bilateral FTAs is clearly more beneficial for both partners, because you can adapt each and every agreement to the needs and requirements of the country and also the state of the economy. 'So I think this is definitely, in the short term, the most fruitful way forward, a stepping stone toward our long-term goal of a region-to-region agreement,' he said. The EU already has agreements in force with Singapore and Vietnam and is at various stages of negotiations with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Meanwhile, talks with Malaysia were formally relaunched earlier this year following Anwar's visit to Brussels, with the first round of negotiations scheduled for the middle of this year. Daerr said the EU was also looking forward to the launch of the Asean Community Vision 2045 at the summit on May 26 and 27, viewing it as a key reference point for identifying new areas of cooperation and as a compass to guide Asean's work over the next two decades.
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
EU yet to decide on Malaysian palm oil deforestation risk
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Kuala Lumpur: The European Union (EU) has yet to determine whether Malaysia will be classified as a low risk country under its upcoming country benchmarking system for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), said EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr. The EUDR's country benchmarking system will classify nations as low, standard, or high risk based on deforestation levels, to minimise the EU's contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation. The first official list is expected by June 30, 2025. Advertisement As a major producer of palm oil, rubber, timber, and cocoa, Malaysia may face trade restrictions under the EUDR, which mandates that seven key commodities -palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, cattle, soy, and coffee; and their derivatives - be deforestation-free, legally sourced, and supported by due diligence. Responding to persistent calls from Malaysian authorities, including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) for low risk recognition, Daerr said the outcome of the EU's assessment is still under discussion. 'What's important to understand is that, by default, all countries are classified as standard risk, and only those with, for example, a very small palm oil industry may be considered low risk because it is easier to control, trace, and monitor. 'If the country is small and there is little or no growth in the industry, making the risk of deforestation low, the EU might consider classifying it as low risk after a closer look,' he told Bernama. Advertisement He said Malaysia's large and complex landscape presents traceability challenges, which remain a significant consideration for the authorities conducting the benchmarking assessment. 'It is a huge and wonderful country with extensive forest cover, which by nature makes tracking and traceability challenging. We also encounter varying data, and with different regions operating under different traceability systems, this could be a reason why the relevant authorities may consider it too early to assign a definitive classification,' he said. Daerr emphasised that the risk categorisation does not change the EUDR requirements. 'It's simply an indication to member states on how to control batches of imports, and it does not raise or lower the standards required for those imports,' he said. Malaysia's palm oil sector, he said, is already ahead in terms of EUDR compliance readiness. 'In terms of how far Malaysia is to deliver EUDR-compliant palm oil, I would argue that you are at the very forefront here in the industry,' he added. The EU currently imports 10 per cent of Malaysian palm oil, and Daerr said it is open to importing more, provided the supply is fully compliant with the EUDR. He said the EU recognises the efforts Malaysia has made in improving the sustainability of its palm oil sector and is prepared to expand trade if those standards continue to align with EUDR requirements. 'Malaysian palm oil sold to Europe fetches higher prices than in other markets, as the EU values high end, sustainable products and its consumers are willing to pay more for responsibly sourced, environmentally friendly goods. Although only about 10 per cent of Malaysian palm oil is exported to Europe, the profit from that segment is significantly higher than its volume share, as the EU pays premium prices for sustainably produced palm oil,' he said. He added that Malaysian exporters, particularly those already engaged with the EU market, are largely prepared to meet the regulation's requirements. 'At various conferences I've attended here in Malaysia, the focus has consistently been on sustainable production aligned with ESG goals,' he said. Daerr also urged Malaysian stakeholders to promote the country's sustainable palm oil more actively in Europe to counter lingering misconceptions. 'One of the possibilities would be to run a campaign in Europe to show that there is a different kind of palm oil being produced here. There is room for development, and my encouragement is not to be too defensive about it,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
No decision yet on EUDR low risk status for Malaysian palm oil
KUALA LUMPUR: The European Union (EU) has yet to determine whether Malaysia will be classified as a low risk country under its upcoming country benchmarking system for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), said EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr. The EUDR's country benchmarking system will classify nations as low, standard, or high risk based on deforestation levels, to minimise the EU's contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation. The first official list is expected by June 30, 2025. As a major producer of palm oil, rubber, timber, and cocoa, Malaysia may face trade restrictions under the EUDR, which mandates that seven key commodities -palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, cattle, soy, and coffee; and their derivatives - be deforestation-free, legally sourced, and supported by due diligence. Responding to persistent calls from Malaysian authorities, including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) for low risk recognition, Daerr said the outcome of the EU's assessment is still under discussion. "What's important to understand is that, by default, all countries are classified as standard risk, and only those with, for example, a very small palm oil industry may be considered low risk because it is easier to control, trace, and monitor. "If the country is small and there is little or no growth in the industry, making the risk of deforestation low, the EU might consider classifying it as low risk after a closer look," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview. He said Malaysia's large and complex landscape presents traceability challenges, which remain a significant consideration for the authorities conducting the benchmarking assessment. "It is a huge and wonderful country with extensive forest cover, which by nature makes tracking and traceability challenging. We also encounter varying data, and with different regions operating under different traceability systems, this could be a reason why the relevant authorities may consider it too early to assign a definitive classification," he said. Daerr emphasised that the risk categorisation does not change the EUDR requirements. "It's simply an indication to member states on how to control batches of imports, and it does not raise or lower the standards required for those imports," he said. Compliance readiness Malaysia's palm oil sector, he said, is already ahead in terms of EUDR compliance readiness. "In terms of how far Malaysia is to deliver EUDR-compliant palm oil, I would argue that you are at the very forefront here in the industry," he added. The EU currently imports 10 per cent of Malaysian palm oil, and Daerr said it is open to importing more, provided the supply is fully compliant with the EUDR. He said the EU recognises the efforts Malaysia has made in improving the sustainability of its palm oil sector and is prepared to expand trade if those standards continue to align with EUDR requirements. "Malaysian palm oil sold to Europe fetches higher prices than in other markets, as the EU values high end, sustainable products and its consumers are willing to pay more for responsibly sourced, environmentally friendly goods. Although only about 10 per cent of Malaysian palm oil is exported to Europe, the profit from that segment is significantly higher than its volume share, as the EU pays premium prices for sustainably produced palm oil," he said. He added that Malaysian exporters, particularly those already engaged with the EU market, are largely prepared to meet the regulation's requirements. "At various conferences I've attended here in Malaysia, the focus has consistently been on sustainable production aligned with ESG goals," he said. Daerr also urged Malaysian stakeholders to promote the country's sustainable palm oil more actively in Europe to counter lingering misconceptions. "One of the possibilities would be to run a campaign in Europe to show that there is a different kind of palm oil being produced here. There is room for development, and my encouragement is not to be too defensive about it," he said. The EUDR, which will take effect from the end of this year for large companies, requires producers of palm oil and six other commodities to ensure their products are not linked to deforestation after Dec 31, 2020.
