PUTRAJAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) is the defining technology of this generation, but the real challenge lies in governing it responsibly, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (image), at the 5th International Conference on Youth (ICYouth) 2026 yesterday, Gobind said society must confront a deeper question – responsibility.
“Every generation is defined by a technology it must learn to govern. For us now, that technology is artificial intelligence,” he said, adding that the issue is no longer whether AI can be built, but whether society is prepared to take ownership of its consequences.
The conference, themed ‘AI and Youth for Societal Impact: Transforming Communities and Advancing Wellbeing’, comes as AI becomes increasingly embedded across sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, governance and education.
Gobind said AI is already being deployed in real-world settings, from improving agricultural productivity to supporting clinical processes and advancing research through high-performance computing – signalling a shift towards systems that directly affect communities and livelihoods.
He highlighted the growing economic significance of AI in Malaysia, noting that the technology is expected to contribute between RM13 billion and RM20 billion annually to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
This would translate into an additional 0.8 to 1.2 percentage points in annual GDP growth, while the digital economy, largely powered by AI, already contributes more than 23 per cent to national GDP, exceeding RM450 billion in value.
“These are not projections in isolation,” he said.
“They signal a structural shift where AI is no longer peripheral to the economy, but central to productivity, competitiveness and national growth.”
Despite its benefits, Gobind cautioned that AI systems are not without risks. While capable of producing outcomes that are “efficient, predictive, even persuasive,” such systems are not always explainable, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
He called for stronger governance frameworks and closer collaboration between legal, academic and government institutions to ensure responsible deployment.
“The future cannot be built on unchecked systems,” he said, underscoring the importance of developing AI that can be understood, regulated and trusted.
Initiatives such as the upcoming Government Innovation Initiative (GII) were highlighted as part of efforts to ensure innovation takes place within structured and accountable frameworks.
Gobind also stressed the role of youth in shaping the future of AI, describing AI literacy as “foundational” and extending beyond technical skills to include critical thinking, ethical awareness and an understanding of societal impact.
He called for AI education to be integrated across disciplines, including law, social sciences, economics and governance, rather than confined to technical fields.
“Ultimately, the future of AI will not be determined by technology alone, but by the values we embed within it,” he said.
Gobind also highlighted the importance of platforms like ICYouth in bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry players and young people to ensure innovation is matched with responsibility.
As the conference concluded, participants were urged to engage actively, challenge ideas and build collaborations that extend beyond the event.
“What begins as dialogue here must translate into action beyond this room,” he said.
The conference serves as a platform not only to discuss AI advancements, but also to ensure that technological progress remains aligned with societal wellbeing, governance and ethical responsibility.
