In an effort to drive growth in Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is working with various ministries and agencies to develop a Large Language Model (LLM) specific to the country. This exciting project aims to support the local AI industry and propel Malaysia to the forefront of AI innovation.
Deputy Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Mohammad Yusof Apdal revealed that discussions are underway with key stakeholders such as the Health Ministry, Digital Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, Plantation and Commodities Ministry, as well as the Prime Minister’s Department. This collaborative approach ensures that the development of the LLM aligns with the AI Governance and Ethical Use Framework, promoting responsible and inclusive AI practices.
“The AI sector has tremendous potential in fueling economic growth and societal development,” said Mohammad Yusof Apdal. “By developing our own LLM, we can tap into the power of AI technology while also addressing the specific language and cultural nuances of Malaysia.”
The use of large language models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-3, has gained significant attention in recent years. These models are trained on vast amounts of text data and can generate human-like language outputs, making them useful for a wide range of applications, including natural language processing, chatbots, and content generation.
While many existing LLMs excel in English language processing, developing a model tailored to the Malaysian context will have numerous advantages. It will capture the intricacies of the Malay language, which has a unique linguistic structure, and incorporate cultural references and nuances specific to Malaysia. This localization effort is crucial for AI systems to truly understand and cater to the needs of the Malaysian population.
To ensure the success of this ambitious endeavor, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation plans to collaborate with research institutions and industry players to pool expertise and resources. This multi-stakeholder approach will foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and a thriving AI ecosystem in Malaysia.
The development of Malaysia’s own LLM will also address concerns surrounding data privacy and sovereignty. By relying on a locally developed model, Malaysia can reduce reliance on foreign AI models and maintain control over sensitive data. This strategic move aligns with the government’s vision of building a resilient and self-reliant digital economy.
Industry experts have expressed their optimism regarding the development of a local language model for Malaysia. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Ramli from a local university notes, “Having a language model that understands the Malaysian context will greatly enhance our ability to leverage AI for various sectors, including education, healthcare, and customer service. It will enable more personalized and effective interactions with the system.”
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s commitment to developing a local language model reflects Malaysia’s ambition to be at the forefront of AI innovation. By harnessing the power of AI and tailoring it to the specific needs of the country, Malaysia is poised to make significant strides in technological advancement and reap the benefits of a thriving digital economy.
In the words of Deputy Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Mohammad Yusof Apdal, “This project is a testament to Malaysia’s dedication to harnessing the power of AI for the betterment of society. We believe that our localized language model will not only spur economic growth but also empower Malaysians and create a sustainable future.”
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