MOSTI Eyes Homegrown AI: A Leap Towards Bahasa Malaysia LLM
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is actively exploring the development of a Bahasa Malaysia Large Language Model (LLM) in collaboration with local universities and companies. Moreover, this ambitious initiative aims to bolster Malaysia’s AI capabilities while also reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
Local Partnership and Cultural Nuance
A key partnership in this endeavor is with Mesolitica, a local company that has already developed MaLLaM, a Bahasa Malaysia LLM. Moreover, this model, trained on local datasets, is uniquely positioned to understand and respond to nuances in the Malaysian language and culture. As a result, it plays a critical role in ensuring that the technology is both relevant and effective for Malaysian users.
MOSTI’s Deputy Minister, Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, highlighted the potential of this collaboration to enrich Bahasa Malaysia, working closely with the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
Ethical AI and Data Security
The ministry is deeply committed to developing AI responsibly and ethically. To this end, the Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) will play a pivotal role in guiding the development of the LLM. Furthermore, these guidelines will ensure that the technology aligns closely with local values and culture.
Data security is another crucial aspect. While cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Azure, OpenAI, and AWS can reduce initial costs, they also pose risks of data leakage. To address this, MOSTI is exploring alternative solutions like aiDAPTIV+, which allows for on-premises training and optimisation of AI models.
ASEAN Collaboration
MOSTI is also actively engaging with ASEAN member states to coordinate AI frameworks. The ASEAN AI Governance and Ethics Guide, issued on February 2, 2023, provides a common framework for responsible AI development and deployment in the region.
By investing in the development of a Bahasa Malaysia LLM, MOSTI aims to empower local industries, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s journey toward s AI-driven growth.
