Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML) have continued to shape the future, making ethical considerations surrounding these technologies increasingly important. On November 8, 2023, the MFPC Virtual Platform (Hubilo) played host to the “Virtual Industry: Professionalism & Ethics Forum 2023,” centered around the theme “Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.” This comprehensive event brought together renowned speakers, experts, and a thought-provoking roundtable discussion, providing invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of AI & ML ethics.
Mr. Andy Ng Yen Heng, President of the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC), eloquently summed up the forum’s essence by stating, “I believe that our ‘Virtual Industry: Professionalism & Ethics Forum 2023’ has illuminated the path toward a future where Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning thrive alongside human values and ethics, shaping a better world for all.”
The forum commenced with an engaging session that delved into personal perspectives on AI & ML. Mr. Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), a highly respected figure in the industry, shared his insights on how individuals perceive AI and ML. This session was an opportunity for attendees to explore and discuss their own understanding and perceptions of these transformative technologies during the subsequent Q&A.
Following this, Mr. Ahmad Fairuz Ali, Head of Data Science at Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, provided valuable insights into the corporate world’s experiences with AI & ML and the ethical challenges that have emerged. The ensuing Q&A session encouraged participants to delve deeper into the ethical solutions adopted by businesses to address these challenges.
The third session featured Prof. Ts Dr. Yau Kok Lim, who took the virtual stage to discuss how humans and AI can coexist harmoniously. As a Professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), his academic perspective added depth to the crucial discussion on how to work together with Artificial Intelligence without humans being replaced. The Q&A session that followed allowed attendees to explore strategies for maintaining human relevance in an increasingly automated world.
The Round Table session served as the forum’s centerpiece, with Mr. Raevendren Ramachandran, Co-Founder of Cashku, moderating a discussion that featured prominent industry leaders and experts. Panelists, including Mr. Desmond Foo, Director, Head of Data, Analytic, and AI at AIA Bhd, Mr. Goh Joon Koon, Head of IT for Malaysia and Singapore at Principal Malaysia, and Ms. Adilah Junid, Director of Legal & Government Affairs at Microsoft Malaysia, shared their real-world experiences, insights, and perspectives on the ethical considerations within their respective domains. This interactive session, followed by a Q&A, allowed participants to engage directly with the panelists, providing a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of AI & ML ethics.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Mr. S.K. Samy, Chairman of the Ethics and Compliance Board at the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC). His remarks underscored the critical importance of ethics in the implementation and deployment of AI & ML technologies, offering attendees valuable takeaways from this insightful event.
In a rapidly evolving world where AI & ML continue to transform industries, this forum provided a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Participants had the opportunity to explore personal perspectives, corporate experiences, and strategies for harmonious collaboration between humans and AI, ensuring that these transformative technologies serve the greater good while upholding ethical standards.
