Julaihi: Sarawak committed to responsible AI, addressing ethical concerns

KUCHING (Oct 17): Sarawak is committed to responsible artificial intelligence (AI), which considers the broader societal impact of AI systems.

Minister of Telecommunication and Utility Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the state is aware of ethical concerns such as the protection of information and AI’s rapidly growing appetite for electricity.

“Sarawak’s commitment to responsible AI, addressing ethical concerns such as data privacy and energy consumption, is reflected in the establishment of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC),” he said in his keynote speech at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (Idecs) 2024 here today.

He said the SAIC, established by the state government, would play a central role in AI development, policy-making, and commercialisation, supporting Sarawak’s ambition to become a digital economy leader.

Sarawak is rapidly advancing its digital economy to become a regional powerhouse by 2030, he said, with a focus on AI and Big Data as key drivers of economic growth and sustainability.

“AI is expected to contribute US$15.7 trillion (RM77.83 trillion) to the global economy by 2030, significantly boosting productivity and consumer demand for AI-enhanced products and services,” he said.

Julaihi also described Big Data as the new currency, saying its value is critical for making informed decisions, whether in business, healthcare, or transportation.

He also stressed the importance of cybersecurity in a data-driven economy and urged for greater investments in cybersecurity strategies and collaboration to combat these threats.

“Without significant advancements in cybersecurity, the cost of cybercrime could escalate dramatically, affecting businesses and governments alike,” he said.

He also called for an international framework to regulate cross-border data flows, ensuring the economic benefits of the digital economy are shared fairly while reducing risks.