KUCHING: The federal government’s initiative to launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Faculty at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is seen as strengthening Malaysia’s position in the field of AI on a global scale.
Associate Prof Jaspal Kaur from School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom said the launch of the faculty is an excellent step.
She said this as the need for AI centres that are not solely focused on computer science or engineering, but are multidisciplinary in nature.
“These centres will evolve and encompass fields such as media, journalism, and law. This aspiration is certain to bring great benefits.”
She was spaeking to the media after attending the ‘Legal and Ethical Questions Around AI in Journalism’ talk on the second day of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEc) 2024 at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Monday (May 27).
She added that UTM has worked closely with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) on the National AI Roadmap.
“This effort includes the creation of responsible AI principles as part of the nation’s self-governance model.
“Malaysia aims to implement these principles to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.”
When asked about the importance of ethics in the faculty, Assoc Prof Jaspal stressed that ethics should be the primary foundation of the faculty.
She also suggested the involvement of law professors in the faculty as it must be multidisciplinary.
“AI governance should be viewed from a broader perspective, not just from the viewpoint of computer scientists or computer engineers, but also in terms of social and societal impacts.”
She highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in AI governance, including the involvement of non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and civil society organisations.
In the context of law, she said that issues need to mature first before legal challenges are presented.
“This is because Malaysia is doing well by adopting an innovative approach to AI governance through self-responsibility and accountability.”
Earlier reports said that Malaysia’s first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will lead the way in the integration and teaching of AI through the country.
Federal Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadi said the faculty, located at the UTM Kuala Lumpur campus, would be a catalyst for an integrated AI education system.
