MOSTI to create AI code of ethics for all sectors in MY

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will reportedly create a code of ethics framework for artificial intelligence (AI) next year. The framework is expected to include guidelines and regulations for stakeholders across various sectors.

In fact, a special committee has already been formed under MOSTI to develop the framework in collaboration with stakeholders such as industry players, said MOSTI minister, Chang Lih Kang, according to Bernama.

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Chang added that the decision to create this framework for AI is due to the current lack of guidelines and regulations to ensure AI is used ethically across all sectors in Malaysia.

Plans for the AI code of ethics have reportedly been in motion since September 18. According to media reports, MOSTI secretary general Aminuddin Hassim said that the initiative to regulate AI was being drafted based on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.

The framework will also aim to respond to issues such as privacy, security and the impact of AI on human life, explained Aminuddin.

Additionally, Chang said that the widespread use of AI will create more high-skilled jobs while indirectly providing added value by upskilling and reskilling workers. He also added that MOSTI does not see AI replacing human jobs in the future but that future jobs will come with a new set of skills that require higher training capacities.

As the Malaysian government ramps up their efforts to ensure the country adopts AI seamlessly, communications and digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil has reportedly revealed that the current shortage of cybersecurity experts will be mitigated through artificial intelligence technology such as off-the-shelf applications.

He also explained that while Malaysia’s digital economy is on track to contribute to more than 25.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, its growth comes with an increased risk of cyber threats, in a statement seen by A+M.

Cyber security awareness in Malaysia needs to improve alongside nurturing skilled manpower in the area, he added.

Although both private and public institutions of higher learning provide small batches of cyber security experts, off-the-shelf applications that leverage AI technology can help reduce the dependence on manpower, he said during a press conference after the opening of PNB Cyber Planet 2023, as reported by Bernama.

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