Guiyang: Malaysia's push towards artificial intelligence (AI) should place human empowerment and dignity at its core as the country accelerates adoption of the technology across key sectors, particularly education and healthcare. Malaysian delegates attending the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2026 here said China's experience demonstrated how AI and big data could be developed through closer coordination among the government, industries, universities, and other segments of society. However, technological advancement should ultimately improve people's lives rather than diminish the role of humans.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the delegates, Senator Datuk Seri Professor Dr Noor Inayah Yaakub, who is also founder of Neuro Ethical Global Consulting and MindGuard Ethical Intelligence Sdn Bhd, said education and healthcare should be among Malaysia's priority sectors in adopting AI and big-data technology, pointing to China's systematic approach to developing its digital ecosystem. She emphasized that cooperation could ultimately benefit young Malaysians throughout the education system, from early childhood education to university level.
Senator Noor Inayah, with her extensive experience in higher education and the legal profession, highlighted the importance of ensuring human dignity as AI technology advances. Her research into the intersection between technology, law, and ethics has motivated her to advocate for the preservation of humanity's central role in technological development. She stressed that Malaysia should ensure technology serves society's interests rather than dictating its direction.
Meanwhile, Alpha University College vice-chancellor Professor Dr Nurliza Haslin Muslim stated that Malaysian higher education institutions should view AI as a tool that empowers people. She acknowledged concerns about AI's potential negative implications, such as plagiarism, but also emphasized its benefits for students in learning more effectively. Citing her own experience, she noted AI's ability to help students overcome mental blocks and work more efficiently.
The vice-chancellor mentioned that Alpha University College is actively offering courses related to information technology, AI, and cybersecurity, aligning with Malaysia's national aspirations for AI and big data advancement. She suggested Malaysia consider organizing platforms similar to the expo to bring together industry practitioners, universities, government representatives, and technology players.
Regarding Malaysia-China cooperation, she revealed that Alpha University College has signed memoranda of understanding with several Chinese universities for research, student exchanges, and dual-award programmes. She emphasized the potential for further collaboration, especially given China's advanced digital services and Internet infrastructure.
Senator Noor Inayah noted that China's digital infrastructure and technological strength create strong prospects for sustained cooperation, given the close bilateral ties between Malaysia and China. She remarked on China's familiarity with ASEAN culture, which makes its technologies more relevant and adaptable to the region. She also highlighted that technological advancement should not come at the expense of culture and history, drawing from her visit to a Miao village in Guizhou where cultural heritage was preserved alongside technological transformation.
Vice-chancellor Nurliza further added that Guiyang's development as a big-data hub offers useful lessons for Malaysia as it seeks to advance its own AI and big-data agenda. She advocated for deeper long-term cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese universities and companies, inspired by China's advanced digital services and the potential benefits of such collaborations.