This article first appeared in Forum, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on May 15, 2023 - May 21, 2023
Since the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) have been launched for public use. These LLMs have the potential to revolutionise various aspects of our lives, from healthcare to finance, education to transport and beyond. LLMs users have been discussing and sharing innovative concepts and entrepreneurial ideas through virtual forums and social media daily, ranging from AI-generated children’s storybooks to co-piloting coding processes, integrating LLMs into new software systems and generating innovative business ideas.
Just as Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed literature and literacy to become more accessible, unlocking knowledge helped propel humanity and civilisation during the Renaissance. Similarly, LLMs can help improve decentralised learning by allowing inquisitive minds to make full use of knowledge and automation to create value in society.
Some may fear that the use of AI tools will displace jobs. While the innovation of calculators and computers in our modern history initially led to job losses (such as among typists and switchboard operators), we ultimately created new job opportunities using technology, improving efficiency and productivity. A modern point-of-sale system in a retail store or restaurant has replaced multiple jobs, yet the productivity and efficiency to collect data and streamline accounting and inventory have helped retail owners better manage their business in real-time. Similarly, I believe AI will spur opportunities and economic growth in the future.
For Malaysia to progress further, I would like to propose that the government and citizens consider the following points:
(i) Adopt AI with an open heart: Adopting and utilising AI technology has become a necessity for individuals and organisations to remain competitive, and if we make full use of this opportunity to educate ourselves and others about these AI technologies, we could access knowledge at our fingertips and more, having multiple virtual assistants to automate our routine work and thereby helping us to free up our creative minds to innovate new ideas in the future.
(ii) Promote the use of AI tools: Since the announcement of ChatGPT, I have been demonstrating the use case of ChatGPT to my family and friends. I have observed younger users immediately adopting it, while elderly users might need more motivation, opportunity and assistance to adopt these AI tools. As a community, we should create programmes to keep everyone informed on the advancement of technology so that the technological gap in society will not widen too drastically.
(iii) Improve stable internet access: The inequality of internet access between rural and urban areas is a significant challenge for the adoption of AI, particularly for the rural population. As access to LLMs and other AI products requires significant data for development and daily use, the availability of internet access is crucial. In rural areas where internet access is limited, the adoption of AI may not be possible. This gap in internet access will further create educational gaps between rural and urban areas as the use of AI in education becomes more prevalent. For example, urban schools may be able to use AI tools for personalised learning while rural schools may not have access to such tools, resulting in an educational disadvantage for rural students. Thus, it is essential to address this inequality of internet access to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.
(iv) Innovate with AI tools for better use cases: The adoption of AI tools can provide significant advantages to individuals and organisations that use them. AI can help businesses make data-driven decisions, automate repetitive tasks and enhance the customer experience. Similarly, individuals can use AI tools for personal productivity, such as language translation or predictive text. As a result, those who adopt AI tools will be rewarded proportionally, as they will have access to better opportunities, increased efficiency and improved decision-making capabilities. However, those who do not use AI may be left behind, as they will not have access to the benefits of the technology. This gap may further exacerbate existing inequalities, such as income or education levels. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the adoption of AI is equitable and accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background. This can be achieved through policies that promote the democratisation of AI and the provision of education and training opportunities to individuals and organisations that may not have access to them.
(v) Address ethical concerns: With the increasing use of AI, there are ethical concerns that need to be addressed, such as bias in algorithms, privacy and data security. It is essential to ensure that AI is developed and used in an ethical and responsible manner with proper regulations and guidelines in place. This will not only ensure the protection of individuals’ rights and privacy but also build trust in the technology among users and stakeholders.
Just as the printing press during the Renaissance unlocked new opportunities and propelled civilisation forward, the adoption of AI promises to do the same. However, it is crucial to address the challenges and considerations associated with the adoption of AI, such as job displacement, internet access inequality, ethical concerns and the need for innovation and education. By addressing these issues and ensuring that the adoption of AI is equitable, ethical, and sustainable, Malaysia can leverage the benefits of this transformative technology and propel itself forward into a more innovative and prosperous future.
Dr Low Ley Hian is a senior fellow at the Pacific Research Center
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