Donald Trump’s revocation of Biden’s AI safety executive order has sent ripples through the tech world, signaling a dramatic shift in the US approach to artificial intelligence. While the US embraces a deregulated “innovate now, ask questions later” approach, where does that leave Malaysia?

Trump’s move, lauded by those who see regulation as a stifle to progress, raises valid concerns. Will a Wild West approach to AI development unleash a torrent of unforeseen consequences? Or will it spark a new era of unprecedented technological advancement?

The emergence of DeepSeek, the Chinese AI chatbot making waves globally, adds another layer of complexity. Developed at a fraction of the cost of its American rivals, DeepSeek demonstrates that innovation doesn’t always require a blank check. It also challenges the US strategy of containing China’s technological rise through chip export restrictions.

Malaysia, with its growing ambitions in the tech sector, must navigate this evolving landscape carefully. While some argue for mirroring the US’s deregulatory approach to attract investment and foster innovation, we must also consider the potential risks. Do we want to be a testing ground for potentially disruptive AI technologies, or should we prioritize a more cautious, ethical approach? Malaysia already has a foundation of ethical guidelines for AI development. We should build upon these, learning from the comprehensive frameworks being developed in Europe, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, rather than following in Trump’s deregulatory footsteps. Regulations, when implemented thoughtfully, don’t necessarily curb innovation. Instead, they can foster a vital balance between technological advancement and the protection of fundamental rights, preventing the potential for privacy violations and other harmful consequences of unchecked AI development.

Perhaps a middle ground is possible. We can encourage responsible AI development by fostering a regulatory environment that balances innovation with safeguards. This means promoting ethical guidelines, data privacy standards, and transparency while avoiding excessive red tape that stifles creativity.

Malaysia can also leverage DeepSeek’s open-source model to build a thriving local AI ecosystem. By empowering our researchers and developers to work with and adapt this technology, we can create innovative solutions tailored to our unique needs and challenges.

Trump’s gamble on deregulation presents both opportunities and risks for Malaysia. We must carefully consider our own path, balancing the potential rewards of rapid AI development with the responsibility of mitigating potential harms. The AI revolution is upon us, and Malaysia needs to choose its role wisely.