Driving innovation: Chang (third from left) and Fadillah (centre) attending the I-Nation Global Summit 2024. — ART CHEN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: As climate change and extreme weather conditions pose increasing challenges, the need for scientifically- backed predictive technology is crucial, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“Hopefully, we can use (data from) the predictions to help lessen the effects of disasters, to prepare our people to face any possible outcomes,” he said.
According to the latest update from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, around 153,000 people have been affected by recent floods in nine states, including Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak, Fadillah said in his opening speech at the launch of the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 here yesterday.
The summit is the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation’s (Mranti) annual flagship event aimed at driving innovation and fostering collaboration, with a focus on sustainability, climate and biodiversity.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said technology will play a pivotal role in the Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040) agenda.By integrating innovative concepts like virtual water accounting and water footprint analysis, he said WST 2040 seeks to optimise water resource management across sectors, ensuring sustainable and equitable access for all.“For instance, Internet of Things-enabled smart water meters can monitor usage in real time, reducing wastage and improving efficiency.
“Similarly, AI-driven predictive analytics optimise energy grids to anticipate demand and minimise carbon footprints,” he said.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in his speech, said the summit comes at a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards becoming a leading tech hub.
“One area where we’re seeing rapid progress is renewable energy, with Malaysia on track to increase its renewable energy capacity to 31% of the national energy mix by 2025,” he said, adding that the shift also positions the country to become a key player in the region’s green transition.
When asked to comment further, he said climate change is an important part of his ministry’s agenda.
“We’re always looking at how to solve pressing issues related to how it could affect us, for example, in terms of what we can do to maintain food security.
“Of course, this is something that requires cross-ministerial effort, including with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mranti CEO Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin said artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms will be the new “decision-makers” and there is a need to cultivate essential skills to work effectively with AI.
“Professionals need to understand AI’s limitations and capabilities, and be discerning on when to rely on AI or apply their own judgement,” he said in his address.
