Malaysia pushes for Global South voice in artificial intelligence governance

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has underscored the importance of greater representation for Global South countries in artificial intelligence decision-making processes, arguing that developing nations must be treated as active participants in AI innovation rather than passive consumers or infrastructure providers.

In his statement, Hasan emphasised that countries across the Global South should hold meaningful partnerships in the advancement and governance of artificial intelligence technologies. This reflects growing concerns among developing nations that AI frameworks are being shaped primarily by wealthy countries and major tech corporations, potentially overlooking the interests and capabilities of emerging economies.

The call aligns with broader discussions at international forums regarding equitable access to AI benefits and the transfer of technological knowledge to less developed regions. Malaysia, as a Southeast Asian economy with growing technology ambitions, has positioned itself as an advocate for more inclusive global AI governance structures.

Hasan's comments reflect Malaysia's commitment to ensuring that developing countries are not relegated to serving as mere markets for AI products or locations for data centre operations, but instead gain meaningful influence over how these transformative technologies are developed and deployed globally.

The push for greater Global South participation in AI governance comes as countries worldwide grapple with regulating artificial intelligence's rapid advancement and managing its societal impacts.