TOKYO: Highlighting Malaysia’s demographic shift, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi pointed out projections indicating that Malaysia is on track to transition into an ageing nation by 2030, with 15 per cent of its population aged 60 and above.
The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Malaysia chairman stressed this during Parliamentarians’ Meeting of the International Conference on Population and Development in Tokyo, Japan, the importance of leveraging AI and digital technologies to empower older individuals and enhance healthcare services on April 23 to 24.
Recognising the hurdles faced by older individuals due to digital transformation, Nanta underscored Malaysia’s commitment to digitalisation.
He specifically pointed to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s (MOSTI) development of the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (AI-Rmap) 2021-2025 as a significant step in this direction.
He noted the alignment of the AI-Rmap with Malaysia’s broader policy frameworks, signalling a concerted effort to embrace AI as a catalyst for economic growth and societal advancement.
“In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies emerge as invaluable tools in revolutionising the way we approach ageing and healthcare. These technologies offer innovative solutions that can enhance preventative care, improve diagnostics, personalise treatments, and empower individuals to manage their health proactively.
“Malaysia views AI as one of the crucial emerging technologies with a need to focus on balanced development for economic benefits while managing associated risks.”
Nanta highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to improve transportation access for older individuals, including a mobile app designed for this purpose, stressing the need for inclusive design and community involvement for their success.
“Recognising these challenges, Malaysia has developed a mobile application aiming to transform the way older persons’ access and use transportation services.
“Utilising global positioning technology, the app helps users identify the most suitable transportation options, whether it be public transport, e-hailing services, or community transport.
“It provides detailed information on the cost and time required for each mode of transport, empowering users to make decisions that best suit their needs and preferences.
“One of the key features of the app is its user-friendly interface, designed with the cognitive and physical needs of older persons in mind.”
Explaining developments in healthcare, he detailed how the University Malaya Medical Centre launched a geriatric medicine-led service on January 9, 2024.
This service, currently in a pilot phase, is under constant evaluation and is scheduled to be integrated into routine clinical operations by May 2024
Similarly, he added, the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS) has devised consumer-centric solutions tailored to address specific needs, ensuring the consistent and high-quality delivery of medical and healthcare services.
