Ethical AI: Charting a Course for an Inclusive Digital Malaysia
By Thulasy Suppiah, Managing Partner of Suppiah & Partners
Malaysia’s burgeoning AI landscape, from data centres to rapidly developing technologies, holds immense promise. Realising this potential, however, requires navigating complex challenges – infrastructure needs, skills gaps, and data security concerns, among others. Critically, we must also address the ethical dimensions of AI, ensuring this powerful technology serves all Malaysians equitably. We can chart a more inclusive, ethical, and prosperous digital future by focusing on a core set of guiding principles, adopted and applied appropriately across all levels of our society.
Fortunately, Malaysia doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Robust ethical frameworks for AI already exist. The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence provides a global blueprint, while the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics offers a practical, regional perspective. MOSTI’s own National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics tailors these principles to our Malaysian context. Building upon these solid foundations, the following ethical pillars should guide our national approach, embraced by all stakeholders:
FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICAL AI – THREE KEY SOURCES
WHAT FRAMEWORKS CAN GUIDE ETHICAL AI DISCUSSIONS IN MALAYSIA?
[2022] UNESCO RECOMMENDATION ON THE ETHICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
A global framework that promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability while providing guidelines to protect human dignity and fundamental rights.
[2024] ASEAN GUIDE ON AI GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS
A region-specific guide that aligns AI practices with Southeast Asian values and offers practical steps for ethical AI governance and deployment.
[2024] MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL GUIDELINES ON AI GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS (MOSTI)
A local framework that adapts international principles to Malaysia’s context, offering voluntary guidance on ethical AI practices.
MALAYSIA’S ETHICAL AI PILLARS
WHAT CORE PRINCIPLES THAT CAN GUIDE MALAYSIA’S AI JOURNEY?
HUMAN-CENTRICITY
AI should serve humanity, not replace it. This fundamental principle emphasizes prioritising human well-being, dignity, and agency. We must ensure AI systems enhance human capabilities, not diminish them, and that individuals retain control over decisions that significantly impact their lives.
FAIRNESS & NON-DISCRIMINATION
AI systems must be free from bias, ensuring equitable outcomes for all Malaysians. This requires careful attention to data quality, algorithmic design, and ongoing monitoring to prevent perpetuating or exacerbating existing inequalities.
TRANSPARENCY & EXPLAINABILITY
Trust is built on understanding. AI systems should be understandable, allowing individuals to comprehend how decisions are made and providing avenues to challenge those outcomes. "Black box" algorithms erode trust and should be avoided if possible.
PRIVACY & SECURITY
Protecting personal data in our increasingly data-driven world is paramount. Robust data security measures and strict adherence to privacy regulations are non-negotiable.
ACCOUNTABILITY, RELIABILITY, SAFETY, AND CONTROL
Clear lines of responsibility are essential, encompassing the reliability and safety of AI systems. When AI systems cause harm, those responsible must be identifiable and held accountable. This necessitates robust oversight mechanisms and a commitment to building systems that operate as intended, minimising unintended consequences.
By embracing these ethical principles, Malaysia can unlock the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding the well-being of all its citizens. This is not solely the government’s responsibility; it requires continuous dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to ethical awareness across all sectors – from industry and academia to civil society and individual citizens. Only through this collective effort can we ensure that AI contributes to a more just and prosperous future for all Malaysians.
© 2025 Suppiah & Partners. All rights reserved. The contents of this newsletter are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
