logo
Malaysia can lead regional AI direction

Malaysia can lead regional AI direction

Before a paycheck even lands, suggestions flood in from online — trending gadgets from TikTok, timed discounts on Shopee, dessert ads aligned with late-night cravings. These aren't coincidences.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly influencing choices and drawing attention to products in real time.
This is no longer about the future. AI has settled into daily life. It's part of how content is consumed, services are used and purchases are made.
Digital experiences are now crafted, not stumbled upon. Efforts such as the National AI Roadmap and the National AI Office position Malaysia as a leader in digital transformation.
But as algorithms become more embedded, deeper issues emerge. Convenience comes at a cost. Every interaction is tracked, yet the logic behind decisions often remains hidden. Without visibility, trust starts to thin.
AI doesn't just echo existing behaviour — it guides it. When systems rely mostly on input from urban, younger users, the result can be narrow and unrepresentative.
Older populations, rural residents, and minority communities are often left out of the data loop. That absence creates algorithmic blind spots, reinforcing divides under the guise of personalisation.
Technical success alone isn't enough. If AI is to shape Malaysian life, it must do so with integrity. The Madani framework — founded on values like compassion, respect, innovation, sustainability, prosperity and trust — offers more than policy.
It sets a direction. True respect means guarding against exploitative data use. Real compassion means ensuring that digital tools don't only serve the fluent or connected.
And trust? That grows when systems are transparent and accountable, not hidden behind lines of code.
AI is already choosing what's seen, offered and ignored. The question is no longer whether it works but whether it works fairly and for whom.
Government action can help. Independent algorithm audits and transparency reports should be encouraged. People deserve to understand how their data is used and why certain content or products are prioritised.
A few lines of code can influence public opinion, spending habits, or even social attitudes.
Globally, algorithm-driven platforms have raised concerns around misinformation, surveillance and polarisation. In a diverse nation like Malaysia, responsible AI governance is not optional — it is essential.
Language inclusivity is another concern. When platforms neglect Bahasa Malaysia and use Manglish or regional dialects, large segments of the population may be excluded.
Inclusivity must be intentional, not assumed.
There are encouraging signs.
One local beauty brand recently used an AI chatbot to resolve a customer complaint — offering a prompt, personalised apology and a voucher. The interaction felt efficient and sincere, showing that responsible AI can enhance human connection.
Yet, many small and medium enterprises remain at early stages of adoption. While interest in AI is growing, implementation remains limited. Many businesses, especially in rural areas, need clearer guidance and support.
This is where public-private partnerships can make a difference. Agencies working with tech platforms can lead AI awareness campaigns, especially in rural schools and community centres.
Digital literacy is the first step toward digital fairness.
Such efforts could be supported by a national AI ethics code for marketing — providing clear principles around fairness, inclusion and accountability. Policymakers would do well to bring this to the forefront of digital governance discussions.
Looking ahead, Malaysia has a chance to lead. As Asean chair in 2025, we are in a unique position to shape the region's direction on responsible technology.
The Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement may serve as a platform to align data governance and strengthen digital cooperation.
AI is here to stay — but how it is used remains a choice. A trustworthy digital future depends not just on clever code, but on shared values, clear guardrails and inclusive dialogue.
This means engaging all stakeholders — industry, policymakers, civil society and the public. Through openness and collaboration, AI can serve the public good rather than narrow interests.
Because in this algorithm-driven age, those who build with care won't just capture attention — they'll earn lasting trust.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MATTA: Rethink road crash rulings
MATTA: Rethink road crash rulings

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

MATTA: Rethink road crash rulings

Expert insight: Subramaniam (left) and Wong at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: A recent Transport Ministry directive over the suspension of vocational licences of commercial vehicle drivers involved in road accidents has raised the concern of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). Its president Nigel Wong said the ruling will affect tour bus drivers and lead to complications involving labour laws such as the employment of drivers and the continuation of their salaries. He also expressed concern over a circular issued by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) that travel agents will be required to submit a report within 24 hours of an accident. Their operating licences will be revoked if they fail to do so. Wong said the recent spate of accidents of both licensed and unlicensed buses and whether or not the vehicles carried tourists had left an impression that all the cases involved tour buses. 'Investigations should be conducted first before deciding where the burden of fault lies. 'There could be many factors that may cause an accident, including those unrelated to the vehicle or its driver, such as road conditions,' he said at a press conference here yesterday. 'We stand behind the government in ensuring a safe tourism and transportation ecosystem, and emphasis on the quality of drivers and road safety. 'However, when such accidents occur, there should not be any knee-jerk reactions. There is a rule of law and a process to be followed. A 24-hour time frame to submit a report is not reasonable. 'The industry needs support and understanding while we try to better ourselves rather than being imposed with additional regulations. 'There should be a holistic approach by improving processes as a whole for the tourism industry,' said Wong. He urged the relevant agencies to hold discussions and cooperate with industry players to iron out the grey areas and lack of clarity in the rulings, which has left tourism businesses in a quandary. Meanwhile, MATTA vice-president of land transportation Subramaniam Kandasamy said the government should reconsider the rulings on one-day submission of reports and the suspension of driving licences. 'Because of the fault of one driver, shutting down a whole company will affect the livelihood of other staff and their families. 'As for the suspension of licences, does the company continue paying a driver because a report can be lodged with the Labour Department if he does not get paid? These are the ripple effects that may arise from such rulings,' Subramaniam said. He urged the government to engage industry players for a solution that benefits all parties. Separately, Wong commended the Transport Ministry over new laws that forbid taxi touts from carrying out their activities at Malaysian airports, including KL International Airport. He said the move is timely and a stern message to illegal taxi operators. On July 6, Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said vocational licences of commercial vehicle drivers involved in crashes will be suspended until investigations are completed. They comprise the Public Service Vehicle licence for passenger vehicles and Goods Driving Licence for goods vehicles. In a circular issued by Motac last month, travel operating business and travel agency business permit holders are required to submit a report with the ministry on any road accident involving their tour vehicles within 24 hours of the incident. The ministry said failure to comply with the ruling may result in the revocation of the permit without notice.

Local MSMEs Achieved 30X Growth in Sales During the Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale
Local MSMEs Achieved 30X Growth in Sales During the Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Local MSMEs Achieved 30X Growth in Sales During the Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale

This campaign underscores Shopee's dedication to empowering local MSMEs by providing them with the tools and programmes necessary to thrive in the digital marketplace. MSME Reach Expanded Through Affiliate-Backed Recommendations By leveraging Shopee's 650,000-strong affiliate network, sellers experienced the power of community-driven marketing, through affiliates actively recommending their favourite local finds to their followers. During 7.7, sellers saw up to 160% increase in affiliate-generated sales showcasing how the local affiliate community helps MSMEs expand their reach and drive sustained sales growth. MSMEs Utilised Shopee Live and Shopee Video to Boost Sales Local MSMEs that used Shopee Live and Shopee Video during 7.7 saw their sales skyrocket by 200%, showing how real-time interactions with prospective buyers are influential in driving purchase decisions. 'Our orders more than doubled on 7.7 compared to a normal day. What really made the difference was going on Shopee Live for almost 8 hours where we were able to connect with more buyers and close sales faster,' said KM Fashion, a women's fashion brand based in Perak. Russell Taylors, a local home appliance brand, also saw how affiliates recommending their products on Shopee Video helped their sales grow during 7.7. 'Shopee's Affiliate Programme and Shopee Video were a game changer for us. The affiliates helped to push our product bundles and our Shopee Videos were quick conversion drivers, it's like having a salesperson that works 24/7! Together, these channels contributed nearly 40% of the store's sales during the 7.7 campaign. The Lagi Murah tag drew so many eyes to my store as well! My product views doubled in one day and our checkouts performed 50% better than the previous campaign,' said the brand representative. As buyers seek more interactive formats to make purchase decisions, these tools demonstrate its effectiveness in converting intent into revenue for local MSMEs. Lagi Murah, Lagi Cepat Make Buyers and Sellers Happy Shopee's ongoing commitment to buyer satisfaction, from guaranteed lowest prices to fast delivery, translated into higher purchase intent for all local MSMEs. Malaysians who shopped during 7.7 saved more than RM60 million across all product categories, especially on daily essentials such as personal care products, groceries, and childcare-related items. 'The sales growth we observed during Shopee's 7.7 campaign has convinced us to be even more serious in growing with Shopee. Together with strategic vouchers and livestream sessions, we were able to drive sales conversion. The Lagi Murah tag helped us to reduce customer decision making time since they don't need to compare prices across other platforms. We truly felt that this was a key driver in our sales growth during the 7.7 campaign,' said Bath Garden, a local body care brand. Carsolution, a local automotive seller echoes this sentiment, 'Thanks to the Lagi Murah tag, the 7.7 campaign was not just massive for us, it was meaningful because it helped us to attract the more serious buyers instead of clicks. We achieved our highest daily checkout rate ever and sold out both our bestsellers and lesser-known gems!' With 80% of those orders being shipped out within 1 day of check-out, Shopee is ensuring long-term buyer trust in order to drive local seller success. 'Our mission has always been to build a platform that supports seller growth. Campaigns like the 7.7 Mid Year Sale show that when we strengthen our ecosystem, from marketing tools, creator content, to buyer satisfaction, our sellers thrive. At the same time, buyers benefit from more personalised affiliate recommendations, better deals, and a more engaging shopping experience,' said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. As Shopee continues to invest in tools and strategies that empower entrepreneurs, Shopee remains dedicated to being the most effective and reliable partner for local MSME growth in the digital economy.

Focus on Empowerment: Octa Broker Helps Malaysians Jumpstart Their Careers
Focus on Empowerment: Octa Broker Helps Malaysians Jumpstart Their Careers

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Focus on Empowerment: Octa Broker Helps Malaysians Jumpstart Their Careers

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 July 2025 - Last year, Octa broker teamed up with its long-time charity partner, Ideas International, to carry out STATUS 200, a coding bootcamp for anyone willing to pick up a new valuable skill set from scratch. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and inspiring success stories of STATUS 200 graduates motivated organisers to continue with this initiative. This summer, the Bootcamp 2.0 will hopefully build on last year's success, offering goal-driven individuals a unique opportunity to jumpstart their career in coding. Coding and trading: a lift to a better future As a globally regulated and trusted broker, Octa envisages trading as a universal opportunity. If used correctly, it can become a metaphorical lift to help traders improve their financial outcomes and social standing. The same goes to coding—a profession where dedication and hard work often outweigh educational background, allowing for unique opportunities for growth. In Malaysia, a study found that a notable 48.4% adopt a fatalistic view regarding wealth and success. To turn this trend, Octa broker strives to provide new drivers of success for wide audiences via e-brokerage services—and now via coding as well. In 2024, Octa broker and Ideas International's STATUS 200 bootcamp showed that with targeted support, hard work can bring tangible results in several months. Shortly after graduation, several bootcamp participants made their first serious steps in the coding industry: • several students engaged in paid, commissioned web development projects on a freelance basis after completing Stage 2 • three students were offered internships in the field • one student with no prior teaching experience became a coding teacher • one student applied for a computer science scholarship in Australia. Throughout its 14 years in the financial markets, Octa broker has emphasised the importance of continuous learning for trading success. It is there that coding and trading seem to have a lot in common. By incrementally improving their skillset, analysing their mistakes, and realistically approaching their short-term and long-term goals, both new traders and aspiring coders can significantly improve their financial and social outcomes and unlock their potential. As skill-based pursuits popular in the modern globalised and digitalised world, both trading and coding present a valuable opportunity to step up in life regardless of social and educational background. To empower traders, Octa provides them with a seamless trading environment—a comprehensive array of tools that complement each other, enabling continuous improvement and better results. Octa's Bootcamp 2.0 Octa and Ideas International's free coding bootcamp 2025 will bring together young Malaysian men and women who are passionate about coding but have never had the chance to launch their careers in the field. Octa's long-standing charity partner, Ideas International, is a holistic school that empowers students to become contributing citizens who can succeed in an ever-changing world. Among other projects, the school carries out joint initiatives with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In their joint educational charity projects, Octa and Ideas International aim to unlock human potential in the next generation through technology, human, and life skills. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or an offer. It does not consider your financial situation or needs. Octa and its affiliates are not liable for losses. Trading carries risks and may not suit all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Product availability varies by jurisdiction—ensure compliance with local laws.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store