IBM fully supports M’sia’s push for AI ethics, governance

Sdn Bhd has commended the Malaysian government for its efforts to introduce governance guidelines and code of ethics for artificial intelligence (AI).

IBM Asean general manager and technology leader Catherine Lian said yesterday that this forthcoming development is timely, highlighting the crucial need for ethical considerations in the rapidly expanding field of AI.

She emphasised the importance of demonstrating mutual dedication to responsible innovation, particularly at the national level.

Led by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), these guidelines aim to address the implementation of AI across three primary user categories: the public, policymakers, and technology developers/providers.

MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang recently announced that the proposed guidelines would be presented to the Cabinet for approval, with a scheduled launch in April 2024.

Lian said in a statement that as the new generation of AI or generative AI becomes increasingly integral to daily life, business and governance, embedding ethical principles within AI applications and processes is essential for fostering a Malaysian society grounded in trust.

“The need for governance guidelines and a code of ethics in AI arises from the technology’s vast potential coupled with its complex challenges.

“AI can transform industries, enhance efficiency and solve critical societal issues. However, without ethical guidelines, there are risks of harm, privacy breaches, bias and lack of accountability,” she said.

In citing the tech giant’s Policymaker’s Guide to Foundation Models paper, which introduced what policymakers need to know about foundation models, Lian said: “The recent Foundation models: Opportunities, risks and mitigations whitepaper also explained how the rise of foundation models offers enterprises exciting new possibilities but also raises new risks like deepfakes and expanded questions about their ethical design, development, deployment and use.”

In this regard, she said IBM has led the charge on responsible AI by releasing its high-level Principles for Trust and Transparency that “we follow to continually build and strengthen trust in technology”.

“It is clear that to successfully leverage the promise of AI, businesses everywhere must navigate an increasingly complex global regulatory landscape.

“Without responsible AI and AI governance framework, companies will not be able to adopt AI at scale,” said Lian.