SIBU: Developing countries have a big chance to lead in artificial intelligence (AI) – more specifically, something called Regenerative AI.
Stating this, Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling Chai Yew, said it was because they can build new systems in better ways without having to fix all the old problems that some rich countries were now stuck with.
“Some simple examples include helping farmers grow more and waste less, better healthcare for everyone, saving local languages and cultures – building smarter, greener cities,” he remarked in his speech at a seminar on Generative AI organised by Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) held at its premises here on Saturday.
A total of 280 participants, including students and parents, attended the seminar conducted by Prof. Yi Shang, who is the Director of Graduate Studies, AI Fellow, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS), University of Missouri, USA.
Ling highlighted that Regenerative AI is a type of AI that does not just focus on making things faster or cheaper but on helping people, rebuilding communities, protecting the environment, and creating systems that grow and get better over time.
He pointed out that it was about using AI to solve real-world problems in ways that help everyone, especially those who might be struggling the most.
He explained that in many developing countries where farming is still a big part of life, Regenerative AI could help farmers know when to plant, how much water to use, and how to grow food in a way that keeps the soil healthy for the future.
AI apps, he further said, can send this information straight to farmers’ phones, even in remote areas.
On better healthcare, he said in some places where there are insufficient doctors or hospitals, AI can help by giving health advice through chatbots, helping nurses with medical records, and even teaching people how to take care of their own health.
It will not replace doctors, but he said it can help people get help faster.
Stating that some small languages and traditions are slowly disappearing, he added that AI could help by recording these languages, turning them into learning apps, and making sure future generations can speak and understand them.
“This way, AI helps us protect our identity and culture. As many developing countries grow, they can use AI to plan better roads, reduce traffic, save electricity, and protect the environment.
“Instead of copying old city designs, we can build smart, green cities from the start,” he enthused.
Ling also explained that to bring Regenerative AI to life, it needs:
- Education: for more students to learn about AI, coding, and problem-solving,
- Teamwork: among governments, schools, tech companies, and communities, and
- Fair policies: to make sure AI is used safely and benefits everyone.
According to him, AI is not just for big companies or rich countries, but for all.
“It is a tool we can use to make life better – for our families, our communities, and our world. The future is not just something we wait for, it is something we create,” Ling added.
Among those present were Sibu District Deputy Education Officer, Wong Siew Ming; MPI Honorary Chairman, Hii Ching Chiong; and MPI Chief Executive Officer cum Principal, Dr Lu Huong Ying.
