Lim will also be hosting a fireside chat with Chang, focusing on AI at the macroeconomic level. — ACCCIM
PETALING JAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to change the industry here and across the world, and those who do not adapt risk being left out, according to the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
Chairman of the STI (science, technology, and innovation) Committee of the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and committee member of the STI Committee of ACCCIM, David Lim Tao Cheng, cited PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence study, which stated that AI could contribute up to US$15.7 trillion (RM71.08 trillion) to the global economy in 2030.
"AI will be a gamechanger for businesses, and key decision makers have to be ready for that.
"I feel they need to be prepared for possible disruptions. My view is that those who don’t adapt might be phased out," he said.
ACCCIM is organising the AI Unplugged 2023 conference to get local businesses up to speed in the fast-paced AI landscape.
Lim, who is also the organising chairman for the tech conference, said the event will feature over 20 C-level speakers from various countries, including China and the United States, who will talk about the impact of AI across a number of sectors.
"Apart from touching on how AI is changing industries like digital banking and renewable energy, we’ll also talk about its impact on education, future talents, and how AI can be used to prevent fraud," he said.
Lim will also be hosting a fireside chat with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, focusing on AI at the macroeconomic level.
"I am hoping to get him to share about his ministry’s role in the national AI strategy. How is Malaysia going to progress into an AI nation?
"We’ll also discuss how the ministry is going to encourage SMEs (small and medium enterprises) towards AI adoption. Do we have enough talent or funding for research?" he said.
Lim hopes that the session will help attendees understand the ministry’s role in AI development and the economy.
"ACCCIM will also be gathering feedback from our attendees and using that to compile a recommendation paper for the ministry as our follow-up plan," he added.
The conference will also feature a tech showcase, said Lim, where attendees get to see how AI is being used in various ways, such as in robotics, virtual humans (augmenting the workforce), and call centres, as well as innovations from the ministry.
"Based on conversations with ACCCIM members and other business peers, I find that most are curious about AI. They hear about applications like ChatGPT but are unsure about how to go with them.
"They need some guidance to understand the impact of AI, and that’s also part of the reason why we’re hosting this conference," he said.
The AI Unplugged 2023 conference will be held on Aug 10 at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur.
It’s targeted at SMEs, corporate executives, government officials, startup entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and tech professionals.
General admission tickets will be discounted from RM499 to RM399 until Aug 3.
For more information, check out the website website.
