KUCHING: Asia's youth must shift from being consumers to leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to ensure that the region has its own capabilities in determining the direction of future technology.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Hui Kian said the rapid development of AI and digitisation makes the mastery of the technology increasingly important, particularly for the young generation who will shape the future landscape of Asia.

According to him, the region should not only rely on technology and algorithms developed by other parties, but instead needs to develop its own expertise and play a greater role in the exploration and development of AI.

"Asia must not only believe in AI, but take ownership and be a leader in AI," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Asian Youth Learners Dialogue 2026 at the Sarawak Science Centre, on Wednesday.

He said that the matter is crucial considering that Asia has a strategic position with about 60 per cent of the world's population, in addition to being one of the main global economic powers.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that the mastery of AI by the region's young generation is also important to reduce dependence on external parties in aspects of technology that increasingly affect daily life.

Accordingly, he encouraged the participants of the Asian Youth Learners Dialogue 2026 to take advantage of the platform to exchange knowledge, share ideas and build a network of collaboration between young generations from various Asian countries.

"Platforms like the Asian Youth Learners Dialogue are important in building relationships between young people because the network formed today has the potential to be the basis for wider cooperation in the future," he said.

He also expressed hope that the connections and friendships established through the programme could continue in the long term, opening up space for the younger generation to contribute to the future of Asia. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Lonney Jinab
Photo: Muhd Zulfadli
Translator: Nerissa Sia