On Tuesday, Malaysia launched a programme to raise the public’s literacy level on artificial intelligence (AI).

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the people should master the basics of AI and eliminate the fears of embracing new technology.

Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.

In summary, the goal of AI is to provide software that can reason on input and explain on output.

AI will provide human-like interactions with software and offer decision support for specific tasks, but it’s not a replacement for humans.

Mr Anwar, who officiated the launch, said such a programme by the government is important to address the digital ignorance among the masses.

“The programme is a cooperation between the Economy Ministry and Intel to introduce AI and enable people to master the basic AI skills in a four-hour module.

“With such a programme, the government has projected that at least one million Malaysians would be able to master AI skills in three years,” the prime minister said. 

(Xinhua/NAN)