A recent study commissioned by Telenor Asia, conducted by GWI in August 2024, reveals cautious optimism among Malaysians regarding the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in mobile services. While the study indicates a significant enthusiasm for AI and emerging technologies, it highlights persistent concerns about security, privacy, and control over personal data among the Malaysian public.
According to the study, AI emerges as the leading technological interest among Malaysians, with 49% expressing excitement about its potential. This is closely followed by interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) at 48% and robotics at 35%. The enthusiasm for AI is particularly prominent among high-income male members of Generation X. In contrast, women tend to be more cautious, with 22% more likely than men to believe their mobile devices are already efficient without AI, and 13% more inclined to doubt AI's impact on their daily mobile use.
Despite reservations, the study notes that three-quarters of respondents already use AI tools in activities such as problem-solving, research, and idea generation. Approximately 55% of participants are optimistic about the efficiency and possibilities that AI offers, expressing positivity about its societal impact.
However, trust in AI-generated content varies significantly across different areas. While half of the respondents trust AI for educational content, there is notable scepticism towards its application in financial and medical advice, chatbots, and threat detection.
Concerns about data privacy underpin this mistrust, with 97% of respondents indicating they employ at least one privacy measure on their mobile devices. Despite this, nearly 40% continue to worry about corporate usage of their online personal data, and two-thirds feel they lack control over their data.
Awareness of security risks, such as financial scams, identity theft, data breaches, and deepfakes, is high among respondents. Yet, there is recognition of AI's potential to enhance security, with half believing AI smart devices could improve data privacy controls, and 55% acknowledging AI's ability to increase mobile device efficiency.
The study underscores the complexity of building trust in AI technologies. While 66% believe the government is accountable for ensuring online safety, 59% also hold institutions like banks and telecom companies responsible, and 47% feel individuals themselves bear a portion of the responsibility.
Håkon Bruaset Kjøl, SVP head of investment management and Deputy CEO of Telenor Asia, emphasised a collaborative approach. He stated: “To maximise the benefits of digital technologies, people need to have trust in the digital world. Institutions and individuals have a shared responsibility when it comes to building this trust and equipping people with knowledge and tools to better protect themselves online.”
The release of this study coincides with Malaysia's burgeoning data centre investments driven by the demand for hyperscale applications, including AI. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently announced plans to establish a national cloud policy and a regulatory framework within the next year to promote ethical and sustainable AI adoption. Additionally, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) introduced the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics last month.
These developments signify Malaysia's strategic positioning as a future hub for generative AI, reflecting both governmental and societal efforts to navigate the complexities of emerging digital technologies responsibly.
Source: Noah Wire Services