18/01/2024 (Malaysia) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasized the importance of embracing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), with values to prevent dehumanization. Speaking at Universiti Putra Malaysia, he launched the AI for Rakyat program, urging the mastery of AI basics to keep pace globally. He personally committed to this educational pursuit.
AI for Rakyat, developed by the Economy Ministry and Intel, offers a free self-learning portal to equip citizens with essential AI skills. The government aims for one million Malaysians to master AI within three years. The initiative was introduced in the presence of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Intel's AK Chong.
Anwar addressed the challenges of digital divide and elitism, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital education. He advocated for the integration of human values into AI education, stressing the role of educators and the importance of maintaining these values from homes to educational systems.
He also tasked ministries and agencies with ensuring students complete the AI module within a month, highlighting the urgency of adopting new technology to avoid being left behind. Anwar expected reports on the progress of AI skill acquisition among Malaysians in a month.
Rafizi highlighted the AI for Rakyat program's role in positioning Malaysia as an ASEAN AI leader and a global hub. He projected generative AI's potential to significantly boost the economy, aligning with the KL20 blueprint's aim to make Malaysia a top global startup ecosystem. Rafizi emphasized the necessity of trustworthy data and secure channels for AI development, citing the Central Database Hub (Padu) as a key step towards this goal.