Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat announcing the company’s US$2bil (RM9.4bil) data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia. — File pic
As major tech investors make their mark on the nation, it’s just as crucial to safeguard users from the challenges and risks that modern technology can bring.
Major investments
Malaysia made headlines as the country cements its position to become the regional hub for technology by catering to the growing demands for digital infrastructure.
In May, Microsoft said it would invest US$2.2bil (RM10.47bil) over the next four years in Malaysia’s new cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure as well as partnering with the government to establish a national AI centre.
Then Google announced that it would invest US$2bil (RM9.4bil) to house its first Google data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia, which is expected to support some 26,500 jobs across various sectors. The data centre will be set up at Elmina Business Park in Greater Kuala Lumpur.
Later in August, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its AWS Asia Pacific data centre in Malaysia, where the company said it is planning to invest an estimated US$6.2bil (RM29.2bil) to the country through 2038.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the construction of the Google data centre, along with other investments into the country, is expected to create over 64,000 high-value jobs locally.
Perusing the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics guidelines launched in Putrajaya on Sept 20. — File pic
Enhancing cybersecurity
On Aug 26, the Cyber Security Act 2024 came into effect, giving greater authority to the chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency to issue directives and monitor compliance. The Act also identifies 11 entities as National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) including government; banking and finance; transportation; defence and national security; information, communication, and digital.
With this Act, an authorised person is required to report to the National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre System (NC4) if a cybersecurity incident has been detected at a NCII entity and it has to be made within six hours. It also outlines how NCII entities could face legal consequences if they fail to take measures to secure their systems against cybersecurity threats.
Eye on AI
As AI is changing the way we work, process information and create content, Malaysia introduced the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) guidelines on Sept 20.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in the development and application of AI, while Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the AIGE serves as an initial reference for industries and AI players. He also hopes that certain aspects of the guidelines can eventually be legislated.
Going through the MyDigital ID. The Oct 10 deadline for the MyDigital ID sign-in for the MyJPJ app has been deferred. — File pic
Tech misdirections
Moving forward with technology also means some initiatives are needed to help users keep up while also ensuring they are protected from online dangers.
In a Sept 7 statement, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that its effort to regulate Internet traffic through domain name service (DNS) management or redirection was meant to protect users from harmful content.
The statement was issued after it was revealed through a telco FAQ that MCMC has ordered local ISPs to implement public DNS redirection by Sept 30.
However, the directive sparked backlash among users about potential online censorship and that it could be used to restrict Internet freedom.
Eventually, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil instructed MCMC to halt the implementation after considering public feedback.
In October, an announcement on the MyJPJ app said it would be mandatory for users to log in using a MyDigital ID starting Oct 10.
As users rushed to get a MyDigital ID before the implementation date, netizens raised concerns on how the measure may not be convenient for senior citizens and questioned the cybersecurity aspect of MyDigital ID.
Eventually, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Oct 10 deadline for the MyDigital ID sign-in for the MyJPJ app has been deferred, adding that he acknowledged public grouses on the matter.
