US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya Calls On Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching met with Uzra Zeya, the United States (US) Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, in a courtesy call that underscored the shared challenges and responsibilities both nations face in the digital age.

The meeting, which lasted 45 minutes and included US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard Kagan, along with other officials, highlighted Malaysia’s efforts under the Madani government to uphold press freedom and ensure the free flow of information.

This includes initiatives like the establishment of the Press Council, as explained by Teo.

Teo also brought to light the increasing online threats that Malaysians encounter, including scams, cyberbullying, online gambling, misinformation and fake news.

Zeya acknowledged these concerns, noting that these are global issues, not unique to Malaysia.

“Big and small countries alike are grappling with these problems," Zeya stated, highlighting the universal challenge of navigating the digital landscape.

Zeya shared that her office has been actively engaging with online platforms and service providers to tackle these issues.

She emphasised that it is a shared responsibility to manage the proliferation of hate speech, criminal acts, and misinformation online.

The conversation also touched on the benefits and risks associated with digital transformation, which has contributed significantly to economic growth and dynamism, crucial for both Malaysia and the US.

Both officials expressed concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), including the emerging field of Regenerative AI, which poses both great advantages and challenges.

The discussion reflected the ongoing commitment of both nations to address the complexities of modern technology and its impact on society.

-- BERNAMA