Ethical AI crucial for future of Malaysian industries - Expert

SHAH ALAM - As Malaysia navigates the currents of rapid technological change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to profoundly reshape the nation's labour force.

This was the perspective shared by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Associate Professor Dr Marina Yusoff during an interview with Sinar Daily.

Marina, who is also the Deputy Director of the Institute for Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (IBDAAI), highlighted the transformative impact AI could have on various sectors, including healthcare, education, and work productivity.

"AI can catalyse positive transformations across the board, paving the way for enhanced productivity and more democratic access to education," she said.

Amidst the technological revolution, the ethical deployment of AI has become a pressing concern.

Marina stressed the importance of using AI systems that are transparent, fair, and unbiased.

"Ethical AI should prioritise human values and privacy, and must be designed to benefit society as a whole," she added.

Employers, according to Marina, must quickly adapt to ethical AI practices rather than solely focusing on digital transformation.

"This approach will ensure that the AI systems implemented are not only efficient but also safeguard against discrimination and privacy breaches," she said.

The potential legal implications of AI misuse were also discussed.

She warned of possible penalties if AI tools violate laws or labour regulations, stress the necessity for clear regulations governing AI usage.

Marina also believed that knowledge of AI is becoming increasingly necessary for students to remain competitive in their careers post-graduation.

“AI literacy should become a fundamental part of education, starting from primary levels, to prepare students adequately for future job markets," she said.

However, Marina expressed concerns about students' overreliance on AI, which could compromise academic integrity.

"Using AI tools irresponsibly could lead to plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

"It's essential to cultivate ethical awareness and personal responsibility among students to prevent such issues," she cautioned.

She also called on universities and schools to implement strict guidelines on AI use that align with ethical principles to prevent misuse and ensure data security.

"This guidance will help maintain the integrity of educational outcomes and prepare students for ethical challenges in their future workplaces," she added.