The inaugural ASEAN-China Artificial Intelligence Convention (ACCI) 2025 was officially launched by YB Puan Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Held concurrently with ENGINEER & MARVEX, the convention complements the exhibition’s powerful platform and regional audience giving delegates a broader industry experience.
In her address, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the convention’s collaboration between IEM, AFEO, KL University of Science and Technology, and regional partners shows that technology is about people as much as machines. She stressed the need for engineers to embed safeguards into the technologies they design, while policymakers must ensure strong governance, so that AI and digital transformation remain ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to society.
“AI is not just about machines or algorithms; it is about people. Our greatest responsibility is to ensure that innovation remains human-centric, inclusive, and trustworthy.” she stressed.
She also noted that Malaysia’s push for nationwide 5G coverage, supported by initiatives like JENDELA Phase Two, is central to enabling AI adoption across urban and rural communities.
Highlighting ASEAN-China collaboration, YB Puan Teo called the convention a milestone in advancing shared standards, driving innovation, and nurturing talent across the region. She also stressed the dual responsibility of innovators and policymakers to ensure that AI development is ethical, inclusive, and safe from misuse.
With Malaysia ranking 33rd in the 2024 Global Innovation Index, its highest since 2016, the ACCI positions Malaysia and ASEAN as emerging leaders in responsible AI adoption, leveraging ENGINEER & MARVEX’s global stage to propel dialogue, partnerships, and innovation forward.