THE rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), exemplified by the emergence of DeepSeek, necessitates a fundamental shift in approach for the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).
Speaking at the party’s 76th anniversary event at Wisma MCA on Saturday, MCA President Dr. Wee Ka Siong emphasised the urgent need for reflection on the transformative impact of technology.
Dr Wee drew attention to the geopolitical landscape, citing the US-led chip blockade against China.
While initially intended to stifle Chinese technological progress, the blockade inadvertently accelerated advancements in AI.
He highlighted the development of DeepSeek, a high-performance AI model achieved with a comparatively modest budget of RM25.290 million (US$5.6 million), reports The Star.
This breakthrough, he noted, sent shockwaves through the US tech industry, leading to substantial market value losses exceeding RM4.75 trillion (US$1 trillion) for tech giants such as Nvidia and other Western AI firms.
In a moment of levity, Dr. Wee recounted an quip whereby China’s creation of DeepSeek prompted a “Deep Shit” reaction in the US and a “Deep Shock” response in Europe.
He stressed that this scenario underscores the future of technology, urging Malaysia to embrace change, increase investment, and bolster innovation to remain competitive.
Dr Wee asserted that challenges, such as the chip blockade, are not insurmountable and that breakthroughs are achievable through wisdom and courage.
He called upon MCA members to contemplate the unexpected rise of DeepSeek, reinforcing that AI has reshaped the world and that the party can no longer afford to be in a “Deep Sleep.”
He further emphasised the importance of staying ahead of technological changes for Malaysia to address future challenges.
In this regard, he highlighted the vital role of MCA’s two universities, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), in preparing Malaysians for the future.
In a separate matter, Dr Wee reiterated MCA’s call for the government to reinstate the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing it as the sole viable solution to stabilise Malaysia’s economy. He cited the World Bank’s recent public recommendation for GST implementation, urging the government to prioritise economic stability over pride.
Dr Wee criticised the government’s concurrent implementation of several policy changes, including the increased minimum wage, electronic invoicing, higher electricity tariffs, a multi-tier foreign worker levy, mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers and employers, targeted RON 95 fuel subsidies, and an expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST). He argued that these measures, compounded by subsidy cuts, are placing undue strain on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He attributed the government’s fiscal challenges to a lack of funds, stating that the consistent solution, both domestically and internationally, has been the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
-BTS Media
