Kota Kinabalu: Local higher learning institutions have no choice but to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, but the country must first enact laws to regulate digital access security, said Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.
He expressed concern over the nation’s shortage of more than 10,000 local AI specialist engineers, despite the rapid global expansion of artificial intelligence technology.
Masiung said while some local universities have established AI faculties, institutions such as Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS) could integrate AI across their training curricula to enable more Sabah-born youths to master the emerging technology.
He said training centres, including those under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), also have the potential to introduce AI as a new academic module.
However, Masiung stressed that trainees should not be focused solely on technical skills, but must also be developed with strong identity, character and moral values.
“Talent and innovation among Sabah youths must be highlighted to enable them to master high-level AI technology to meet the State’s development demands.
“Advanced AI expertise must be utilised in line with the times, but human moral values must not be sidelined in the absence of proper legislation,” he said.
Masiung noted that AI now has widespread global influence, in line with the industrial revolution affecting governance and national development.
He urged the Ministry of Higher Education to develop AI-based technology across universities and public higher learning institutions.
Masiung also called on young people, particularly in Sabah, to venture into the AI field to address the shortage of experts and engineers in intelligent technology.
