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New AI technology must be mastered by the people

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) visiting the exhibition space after officiating the Artificial Intelligence (AI) For the People at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) here today. - UTUSAN/FARIZ RUSADIO
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) visiting the exhibition space after officiating the Artificial Intelligence (AI) For the People at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) here today. - UTUSAN/FARIZ RUSADIO

SERDANG: Malaysia will lag behind in various aspects, especially in becoming one of the world’s top 30 economies, if it does not master and penetrate the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This is because AI is a new technology and field that must be mastered starting now, aligning with current developments to navigate future changes.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia cannot afford to be late and too slow in mastering AI as it would cause the people to continuously fall behind.

According to him, the government is taking the initial step by launching the Artificial Intelligence (AI) For the People Program, which is a self-learning online platform designed to enhance public understanding and awareness of the field.

Through this program, the government aims for one million people to participate in a four-hour AI literacy program by the end of this year.

Following that, Anwar said all ministry secretaries-general and university vice-chancellors are requested to submit reports regarding the involvement of civil servants and students in the program.

“AI is a new field and technology that must be mastered now and must be accepted at the speed of change that compels us to quickly grasp it (master AI).

“So if introduced today, if it takes three months for the schools to think and plan, and then six months for students to participate in the AI For the People program, then we will be lagging behind by one year.

“So we have no time. Therefore, vice-chancellors are here, and I hope other universities and the Ministry of Higher Education will ensure that all students, without exception, especially those in universities, must participate in this program,” he said.

Anwar made these remarks during the launch of the AI For the People Program at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) here.

AI for the people is a self-learning online program designed to enhance public understanding and awareness of AI.

“AI is a new field and technology that must be mastered now and must be accepted at the speed of change that compels us to quickly grasp it (master AI).

“So if introduced today, if it takes three months for the schools to think and plan, and then six months for students to participate in the AI For the People program, then we will be lagging behind by one year.

“So we have no time. Therefore, vice-chancellors are here, and I hope other universities and the Ministry of Higher Education will ensure that all students, without exception, especially those in universities, must participate in this program,” he said.

Anwar made these remarks during the launch of the AI For the People Program at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) here.

AI for the people is a self-learning online program designed to enhance public understanding and awareness of AI.