IN RECENT years, Malaysia has positioned itself as one of the region’s leading digital economies, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to innovation and growth.

As the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) pointed out, our Digital Economy continues to move in an upward trajectory with an expected contribution of 24.5% to the GDP (gross domestic product) in 2024 (from 23.2% and 23.4% in 2021 and 2022 respectively) - representing almost a quarter of Malaysia’s GDP.

This progress underpins the importance of Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strategic emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal force for our future.

For a start, AI is no longer a distant concept confined to the realms of the tech community. Today, it has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives and work.

From enhancing the user experience on streaming platforms with personalised recommendations to optimising workplace productivity through intelligent tools, AI’s impact on life and business appears to be growing stronger than ever.

In recognising AI’s transformative potential, the PM’s recent call to the government, businesses and the rakyat to embrace AI for greater competitiveness is both timely and visionary of the future that is to come.

The announcement of plans to establish the first AI faculty at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) coupled with the ambition to bring the fastest AI supercomputers to our shores by mid-this year is a bold step towards securing Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in AI.

At Zoom, we understand the power of technology to help transform their everyday experiences and open up new possibilities for how we live and work.

Leveraging AI potential

Late last year, we introduced the Zoom AI Companion - which is Zoom’s AI smart assistant with some features now available in 36 languages including Bahasa Malaysia - to empower local businesses to improve team collaboration, realise greater productivity and operational efficiencies.

This innovation offers a suite of capabilities designed to enhance video conferencing experiences - from catching up on missed discussions to generating summaries with actionable next steps, all in our nation’s official language.

Our intention was also to continue contributing towards a more inclusive digital and equitable environment where everyone can benefit from AI’s potential. It represents a convergence of AI with communication technologies, thus ensuring that Malaysia remains at the cutting edge of the digital revolution.

As Malaysia continues to emphasise AI as a strategic thrust, it is imperative for all stakeholders to engage actively in this journey.

By fostering a robust ecosystem for AI development - from education and infrastructure to practical applications in business and daily life - the sky is the limit for Malaysia to harness the full spectrum of AI’s possibilities.

The path forward also involves nurturing a culture and mindset of innovation and inclusivity.

As we advance, the collaboration among government, industry and academia, the community becomes even more crucial. It is also essential to approach the integration of AI with a balanced perspective, considering ethical implications, privacy concerns and the need for digital literacy.

By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a resilient and sustainable digital ecosystem that supports Malaysia’s growth and prosperity.

As we embark boldly into Malaysia’s future, may we all be part of this transformative journey by leveraging AI to unlock our full potential and build a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. -  March 20, 2024

Lucas Lu is Zoom Video Communications (Zoom) head of Asia.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

https://focusmalaysia.my/embracing-ai-crucial-to-elevate-malaysias-national-competitiveness-says-zoom/