29/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 29, 2025

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Talent shortage, data gap could stall AI drive

Enhancing skills to tackle future challenges GEORGE TOWN: The Human Resources Ministry is boosting skills training to prepare workers for current job needs and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Its minister, Steven Sim said this included reviewing the syllabus for skills courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to incorporate elements of artificial intelligence (AI). “We will look at the current subject syllabi to include at least basic AI skills. “So, even if our trainees do not go on to work directly in tech-related fields, at least they have basic knowledge because AI encompasses all sectors of employment and life,” he told reporters after opening the 52nd Asian Regional Training and Development Organisation Conference yesterday. He said there are currently 33 industrial training institutes supervised by the ministry under TVET, adding that cooperation will also be expanded with other TVET institutions and private training providers to strengthen the delivery of technology-based training. He also hopes to be able to further expand short-term courses and AI literacy programmes to the general public, particularly housewives, to ensure all segments of society are covered. He said current technological developments, including AI, digitalisation and the green economy are growing rapidly, having a significant impact on the country’s job market. He added that the ministry has prepared a report to study the impact of future technology on Malaysia’s workforce. – Bernama stage bus service’ ALOR SETAR: The Transport Ministry is calling on the public to make full use of the Bas.My stage bus service introduced under the Stage Bus Service Transformation programme, which is being rolled out in phases this year. Minister Anthony Loke said the government has allocated substantial funding to support the initiative, particularly in urban areas where the service is in operation. “To convince the Finance Ministry to continue providing allocations to us, I need to show data and performance that this service benefits the people. “If the public doesn’t use the service despite the affordable fares and convenience offered, we will struggle to justify further funding for its expansion,” Loke told reporters after launching the Kota Setar Bas.My service yesterday. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the co-chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council, and Kedah State Agriculture, Plantation and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani. Loke said the federal government has allocated RM78.5 million over five years, or RM15.7 million annually, to operate 13 stage bus routes in Kedah. – Bernama ‘Make full use of Bas.My

o Academics urge government to invest in local expertise, privacy-respecting systems and legal safeguards before launching 2026–2030 action plan

Zool emphasised that AI systems funded by the government must be safe, transparent and aligned with public values. He called for ethical standards and regular audits to ensure that AI remains fair, reliable and privacy-conscious. He said universities are already training lecturers under the national TVET programme to equip them with real-world AI skills, adding that universities must work with the industry to support AI startups and offer recognised certifications. “But for any of this to succeed, government, academia, business and the public must move as one.” He also cautioned that irresponsible AI deployment can result in real-world harm, from biased hiring systems and faulty medical diagnoses to scams and data breaches. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mahyuddin Daud highlighted the legal and ethical underpinnings needed for a credible AI framework. “The action plan must be grounded in fairness, transparency and accountability.

rights are at stake.” Mahyuddin also urged the government to legislate against deepfakes, fake content and online manipulation, adding that tech platforms should be held responsible for detecting and removing such content with penalties for misuse. Without proper safeguards, he warned, AI could compromise privacy and erode public trust. He proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder council comprising regulators, tech experts, academics and civil society representatives to guide AI policymaking and uphold ethical standards. Mahyuddin also called for a dedicated AI law and the establishment of an independent oversight body with the authority to investigate, regulate and ensure redress for those harmed by AI-driven decisions. Both experts agreed that while the AI roadmap must be ambitious, it must also be rooted in strong governance and accountability. The National Artificial Intelligence Office, under the Digital Ministry, began soliciting public feedback on the action plan on July 1.

hands-on targeted scholarships and robust public private partnerships to close the skills gap. “We need a workforce that’s not just tech-savvy, but also understands the ethical risks that come with AI.” Beyond talent shortage, Zool also pointed to technical barriers such as outdated data-sharing infrastructure, over-reliance on imported hardware and inadequate investment in cybersecurity. “Our data is fragmented across government agencies and private companies, making it hard to integrate or use effectively,” he said, urging the government to invest in shared national databases and privacy preserving technologies to enable responsible AI training. training,

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia drafts its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan for 2026–2030, experts have raised concerns over critical gaps in talent and legal safeguards that could derail the country’s AI ambitions. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Assoc Prof Dr Zool Hilmi Ismail said the nation currently faces a shortage of about 10,000 workers with AI skills – a gap he warned could hinder progress before the plan even takes off. “The AI talent pool is growing, but it’s still far from enough.

“Many graduates still lack skills in areas such as AI operations, chip design, advanced computing and AI ethics.” Zool stressed the need for more Labelling boosts transparency, but laws must follow Malaysians are encouraged to share their views, concerns and hopes on how AI should be developed. “Even as Penang and Johor grow into regional data and chip hubs, we’re still too dependent on imported semi conductors and foreign cloud services. That poses strategic risks.” “There must be clear laws to address harm or negligence involving AI, especially when fundamental

PETALING JAYA: The government’s proposal to mandate the labelling of AI-generated content under the forthcoming Online Safety Act is a positive step but experts warned it must be reinforced by technical and legal safeguards to be effective. UTM Assoc Prof Dr Zool Hilmi Ismail said the move is timely but enforcing it across all platforms will be technically complex and may fall short of preventing malicious AI use. “Detecting AI-generated content isn’t foolproof. The tools we have are still developing and can struggle with new or cleverly altered content. “Studies show that deepfake detectors often get it wrong with poor-quality videos, content involving non-Western faces or when the AI has used tricks to avoid detection. In general, technology can’t keep up with how fast AI is advancing.” Zool noted that while labelling AI content could increase transparency, it also raises difficult questions about accountability. “Who is responsible – the creator, platform or third-party aggregators? Logging digital signatures or watermarks could help, but setting up and regulating such a system end to-end is complex.” He also cautioned that labelling alone will not deter more harmful applications of AI, such as scams and voice-cloning fraud. “Malaysia needs to strengthen technical safeguards, such as digital watermarking at the point of creation, robust detection systems and fast takedown mechanisms. We also need advanced forensic tools to support investigations.” IIUM Assoc Prof Dr Mahyuddin

government may consider making it mandatory for digital platforms to label AI-generated content under the Online Safety Act. He said it was crucial in addressing concerns about boundaries and the risk of misinformation and fake news spreading through social media. He added that the government may consider similar requirements under the Online Safety Act, which is is expected to come into force by the end of the year. – By Harith Kamal

penalties, such as fines tied to platform revenues and legal duties for platforms to actively detect and remove harmful AI content.” He also recommended mandatory standards for verifying AI material, backed by independent audits, along with specific laws targeting high-risk content such as deepfake pornography and political disinformation. On July 13, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the

Daud described the labelling proposal as a “significant legal development”. “It mirrors steps taken in countries such as Spain, where failing to label AI content is now considered a serious offence. China is also moving in this direction, requiring platforms to disclose watermarks and metadata.” However, Mahyuddin stressed that without strong enforcement, the law will have little effect. “Malaysia should introduce clear

RURAL EXCELLENCE ... Recipients of the Risda People’s Tuition Programme – Nur Syafiqah Izzati Mohd Affendi (Pahang), Nurul Hani Affiezal (Negeri Sembilan) and Siti Sarah Sabri (Kedah) – represent the success of Malaysia’s rural education drive. Over 800 top scorers received cash rewards for their SPM achievements. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN