Artificial intelligence advancements can improve quality of life for visually impaired, says Deputy Premier

Dr Sim (in yellow shirt) receiving a souvenir from Lau while others look on.

By William Isau

SIBU, Nov 12: Rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology may one day make it possible for visually impaired persons to ‘see’.

“This is how fast the AI revolution is happening at this point in time. AI technology may be able to help the visually impaired so they can “see”,l; they can guide and so on,” said Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian today.

Speaking at the Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sibu Division Branch annual open house-cum-food & fun fair, he also advised the public to take good care of their eye health by limiting their use of handphones.

“I hope medical research will be intensified as I don’t know what would happen to our children’s eyesight in years to come as our eyes are not built for us to look at our handphones for long hours,” said Dr Sim who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister.

Touching on the Sarawak Society for the Blind, Dr Sim said strong support from the community has enabled it to continue operations for 45 years now.

“Nobody chooses to be born visually-impaired. But you have chosen to support them which makes a lot of difference.

“Without the support from the community, the blind and visually-impaired persons would not be able to live beautifully like all of us,” he added.

Event organising chairperson Datin Judy Lau said today’s was held to raise funds to assist their clients who are also affected by the rising price of daily necessities. — DayakDaily