Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury for large corporations but an essential tool for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to stay competitive, says Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng.
Speaking at the Asean AI Business Summit 2025 on Friday (Sept 12), Ng urged SMEs to embrace AI quickly, warning that those who “wait and see” risk being left behind.
He noted that many SMEs still lack awareness, skills and confidence in adopting AI, and called on Asean governments and industry players to work together to unlock AI’s full potential.
00:00NCCIM, we are deeply owing upon the crisis of our distinguished guests and we would like to acknowledge that.
00:07To strive in an AI-driven world, countries must urgently reinvent their national strategies and industrial policies,
00:17shifting the focus on technology, innovation and knowledge-intensive services.
00:23Those who wait and see on AI risk being left behind.
00:28To truly reap the benefits of deploying AI at scale, national strategies should focus on AI's three key leverage points.
00:38First, upgrading digital infrastructure, promoting open data and sharing.
00:45Second, building AI skills by integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
00:51And third, which is AI into education from early schooling to lifelong learning.
01:00Reaping the potential of AI, ASEAN members' country have formulated and implemented strategies and initiatives investing in digital infrastructure,
01:10talent development, as well as strengthen AI governance and ethics, to positioning itself as an active participant in the future of AI-driven innovations.
01:23Across Asia, member countries are at different stages of digital readiness and AI adoption,
01:29but there are still remaining structural challenges hindering the optimal utilization of AI technology.
01:38These include legal and regulatory, data privacy and security, the shortage of AI talent and the intense energy consumption of data centers and advanced AI systems.
01:53Ladies and gentlemen, Malaysia 2 is formulating strategies in advancing the country's digital potential through AI.
02:01The recent Table 13 Malaysia Plan introduced the National AI Action Plan 2030,
02:11which focuses on building and thriving AI ecosystem, developing digital talent, strengthening infrastructure and enhancing digital public services to position the country as a regional AI leader.
02:27For FMEs, the challenges are greater.
02:32Many lack awareness, expertise and confidence.
02:37AI adoption often perceived as a luxury for large corporations.
02:43The reality is, AI has emerged as a critical enabler for FMEs to increase operational efficiency,
02:59The real challenge is making AI solutions affordable, practical and accessible.
03:07Ladies and gentlemen, FMEs must take action now to embrace AI and secure their competitive edge.
03:16By making the first move, you can future-proof your business and unlock growth.
03:23Do not be intimidated by the past work, start small and adopt a step-by-step approach focusing on practical applications and leverage the available resources.
03:39I believe that the collection actions of ASEAN governments and industry stakeholders can make a significant difference to this region, followed by the AI.
03:50The future of AI in ASEAN is not pursued by any single country.
03:54It requires well-coordination and collaboration of ASEAN member countries, focusing on talent development, establishing responsible AI governance as well as building trust together.
04:09Malaysia is ready to work with our ASEAN members to be an active partner in co-creating an AI shared future that is sustainable, inclusive and secure for the community.
04:23On our part, ACC CIM, through its strong networking with both domestic and international chambers in ASEAN, will continue to push for AI initiative to realise its potential benefits.
04:39On our part is at the
04:52to be an active partner of the Commonwealth, of the Commonwealth is one of the key members of the Commonwealth.
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