SEOUL: The Defence Ministry is studying the necessary framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into the nation's defence system.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the national defence system will be strengthened by the integration of AI adding that a focus is needed to understand how such advancements in military applications can benefit the country's defence sector.
"That is why we (Mindef) are participating in the 'Responsible AI in the Military' (REAIM) 2024 Conference in Seoul, organised by the South Korean government, to better understand AI advancements that will certainly benefit the nation, as well as to identify aspects of AI that need to be avoided.
"At present, not many countries have achieved the highest levels of AI development, which is why only a few nations have taken the opportunity to join REAIM 2024.
"Our participation will allow us (Mindef) to observe and review AI applications used by the countries involved in the REAIM 2024 conference, enabling us to compare and gather insights on the military AI technologies being implemented," he said after attending Session 1 of REAIM 2024 at the Lotte Hotel here today.
The REAIM 2024 is organised by South Korea's Foreign Affairs Ministry and Defence Ministry co-hosted with the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.
Malaysia, along with over 90 other invited nations, is attending as a guest country.
Khaled said one of the key issues raised at REAIM 2024 is the need for guidelines regarding the use of AI technology in the military sector.
"The main point discussed is the necessity for international practices or standard operating procedures (SOPs) for using AI technology in the military, which I believe has not yet been fully established and remains under discussion.
"As highlighted in today's REAIM 2024 session, AI technology has both advantages and disadvantages, much like a double-edged sword. We must fully understand the ethics and moral implications of using this technology.
"All parties involved in the use of AI technology must know how to divide responsibilities between humans and machines or systems.
"We must grasp this concept and understand the extent to which we want to use AI technology, as well as how much responsibility humans must retain rather than relying entirely on AI systems. This is extremely important," he said.
When asked whether all three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have begun using AI technology in military operations, he confirmed that AI is being utilised but has not been widely implemented.
Khaled added that the use of AI technology would improve the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making within the armed forces, as it involves matters of national security and sovereignty.
"Therefore, my ministry must carefully plan the implementation of AI technology within the armed forces.
"The use of AI technology in the military should encompass all three branches of the armed forces, and it must be guided by the end users. We also need to consider our capacity to develop AI technology domestically," he said.