Gobind urges fail‑safe layers, says unchecked AI could jeopardise trust and national security

PETALING JAYA, Aug 8 — Safety and security assessments must precede the adoption and deployment of new technologies to prevent operational failures and safeguard user reliance, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

While rapid technological advancements, ranging from robotics to Large Language Models (LLMs), offer significant opportunities, users and policymakers must understand the inherent risks, verification processes and control mechanisms required before full implementation.

Speaking at the MyMahir Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadshow here today, Gobind highlighted a previous high-profile AI event launch that encountered technical glitches involving an autonomous robot, which provided crucial lessons on technological readiness and security controls.

“Actually, we must ensure that it (AI) is safe before we use it. So, we should be in a position where we are sure or certain that it is secure to use the technology before we introduce it and ask people to adopt it class-wide.

“Ultimately, there must also be layers to ensure that if anything goes wrong, we are still in a position to control it,” he added. 

Gobind noted that robust digital infrastructure and fail-safe layers are essential in robotics and autonomous deployment.

Addressing the surge in AI adoption, including tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini, Gobind cautioned users to verify the authenticity and accuracy of information before making critical decisions.

On workforce development and national readiness, the minister said Malaysia must proactively upskill its human capital to meet emerging technological needs rather than wait for disruptions to occur.

“So, we need to anticipate what kind of impact technologies will have on jobs, for example, and we have to start taking steps now to make sure that we have people who are ready for that when we get there.

“Because we cannot have a situation where technology arrives, it’s ready for us to use, but we have no talent or understanding to use it to our advantage,” he said.

With the rapid pace of advancement of global technology, remaining static is not an option as competitors and neighbouring nations continue to integrate digital tools across various sectors, including medical, agriculture, transport and security, he said.

“We don’t really have a choice. We have to make sure that we understand what is happening around us. We have to make sure that we are able to use it, because our neighbours are going to use it. In business, our competitors will be using technology. If we don’t, they move far ahead,” he said.

He commended initiatives by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) and cross-ministry collaborations aimed at preparing the nation’s workforce for the shifting demands of the future economy.

Over 400 Malaysians gathered today for the 16th and largest edition of the MyMahir AI Roadshow, reflecting growing public demand for practical AI skills and reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring Malaysians are prepared for the future of work. — Bernama