The Malaysian government previously officiated the National AI Office (NAIO), with a planned November launch date. It looks like this has been pushed back by a month, but the silver lining is that we also get a specific date now. Digital minister Gobind Singh Deo has been reported to have provided a 12 December date for this office’s launch in Kuala Lumpur.
The Star also quoted the minister as saying that “the important thing is that we are launching NAIO, and soon after, we will get input from AI industry players on what they need to grow AI here”. He added that “as we move towards AI, we need to look at how it can bring benefits while also considering the risks involved and how to balance them”.
In case you missed it, the NAIO is meant to be the central authority for Malaysia’s AI efforts, operating under MyDIGITAL Corporation. It will be leading initiatives that make use of AI in not only improving the digital economy, public services, and sustainable development goals within the country, but also other regional challenges. All this are aimed at putting Malaysia on the map when it comes to AI innovation in Southeast Asia.
Also noted in the report was that NAIO has received “an overwhelming number of applications” for its top posts prior to to its opening. The number of applicants totalled 1,254.
(Source: The Star)
