“Women Must Shape AI, Not Just Adapt to It” — Nancy Shukri Calls for Ethical, Inclusive Digital Future at AI SHE LEADS Forum

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) – Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri emphasised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be shaped with people, values and communities at its core.

She said that women must not only adapt to technological change but play a central role in shaping it, noting that women should not only adapt but must also help shape the direction of technology.

“Technology is not just about machines. It is about people. It is about our values, our communities, and our future,” she said in her keynote address when officiating the AI SHE LEADS Forum held recently.

The forum brought together women executives, emerging leaders and senior practitioners from across Malaysia, ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region for a vibrant and future focused forum on AI, leadership and inclusive digital transformation. 

The forum explored how Artificial Intelligence can empower women, strengthen decision making and reshape leadership pathways across government, corporate sectors and civil society. 

Drawing from her experiences in Sarawak, she highlighted how AI can uplift women entrepreneurs across Malaysia, from longhouses to cities.

“With AI, even a small business owner in Kapit or Betong can reach customers far beyond her district, ” she said, while also reminding participants that “ethical AI is not just a technical matter. It is a social responsibility.” 

The forum also highlighted the role of higher education in supporting women’s leadership in the digital era. 

Higher Education Director-General Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman referenced her ministry’s virtual counsellor, AIMI- an AI-powered support system designed to strengthen student wellbeing and mental health. 

She noted that innovations like AIMI demonstrate how AI can be deployed responsibly to support young people, especially women, as they navigate academic, emotional and professional challenges. 

Her message reinforced the importance of building AI systems that are ethical, empathetic and aligned with Malaysia’s social priorities.

 AI SHE LEADS host Jaffri Amin Osman said that although AI is used globally and he personally relies on various AI tools daily, it was the women in his life who shaped his leadership journey.

 AI SHE LEADS as part of KLIP 8 brought together more than 300 women executives and leaders from government and corporate sectors across Malaysia, ASEAN and the AsiaPacific, including representatives from Sarawak Energy, Guardian Malaysia, Petronas, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and Aras Integrasi, alongside regional communication bodies. 

Their participation underscored the growing momentum behind women-centred leadership in AI, communication and governance across the region.

— BERNAMA