Chan Chuey Hwye, Lead, Intervention - Regulatory Facilitation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

I have an interesting role in MDEC as part of the digital regulatory team. I have the opportunity to be involved in different aspects of developing policies for the digital regulatory regime.

Namely for digital infrastructure and technology which has a significant impact in transforming our lives and revolutionising businesses locally and globally.   

In my capacity of work, I do not develop any technical infrastructure or products but my work on technology policy development and contribution is crucial to allow technology to be adopted by users. 

The availability, capacity and capability of digital infrastructure to support the application of technology in delivering services are fundamental to enhancing and improving the lives of our citizens.   

To ensure that these fundamental pillars are in place, there must be progressive policies and regulatory instruments to guide development of digital infrastructure and garner the application of these technologies to have beneficial impacts to citizens’ lives.   

Progressive policies will allow innovative and sustainable technology to deliver the services in improving citizen’s lives.     

As an example, not many people understand the importance of having the basic digital infrastructure in place which provides the platform for technology to develop and be tested, alongside the storage of data and delivery of these tech enabled services or products to end users and citizens. 

The digital infrastructure I am referring to here are the data centres and connectivity (fibre networks and submarine cables). Applications on the mobile phone, data creation and information storage, enhanced delivery of services e.g AI enabled services from the public sector mainly rely on cloud platforms, technology and network. 

All these need to be stored on servers which are housed in data centres that are connected by fibre optic networks and subsea cables.  

One of the many projects I have been working on is the strategic development of the data centre ecosystem which centres on the regulatory context for infrastructure built, the connectivity, energy, renewable energy, cross border data policies and environmental sustainability of the data centre ecosystem. 

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here.

2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

Notably our contribution to the development of the National AI Governance and Ethics Guideline which highlights the 7 principles of ethics and the importance of governing the ethics for each category of users –  policy makers, end users, consumers and developers. 

One of the 7 principles is the pursuit of human benefit and happiness which enhances using AI to improve the quality of life and happiness. 

Working together with Jabatan Digital Negara on the AI adoption guidelines for the public sector which is important to encourage the delivery of services to the citizens in an efficient and effective manner.   

This guideline is expected to be ready early next year. The consultative and sharing sessions with the different stakeholders from the government, industries and agencies have provided me a well-balanced view of their desire to change and adopt technology which benefits them who are delivering the services and the citizens.  

As we evolve along the adoption of technology, the lessons I learnt along the way, being able to contribute and add value to this guideline has given me much satisfaction and the excitement continues as we work towards the final output of this guideline.  

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

My learnings and achievements in pursuing and completing the IEEE Assessor programme. 

The journey of knowing bits of AI ethics to deep diving into each principle of AI and how it can be assessed especially in using a technology which is invasive and could be pervasive to a certain extent. 

My first globally recognised certificate as an IEEE CertifAIEd™ Authorized Lead Assessor.  This allows me as an assessor to conduct profiling and assessments in accordance with the IEEE CertifAIEd™ Scheme.  

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

Not so much of a tool or technique but topics and understanding on nuclear energy and how policies can attribute to the benefits, opportunities derived;  the risk implications and how it can be managed.   

Another related focus is on improving sustainability impacts from technology adoption and digital infrastructure. (Eg. Nuclear can be an alternative clean energy to power a data centre which houses GPUs)

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here.

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI is just another outfit of the day, a fashion revived and popularised. 

In my opinion, AI technology has long existed but not as popularly known and discussed now until Chat GPT became a hot topic and evolved to generative AI applications and various types of AI. 

Adopt AI and show them what the “OOTD” is to change the perspective of citizens.  

Be the new era of the public sector and not be stigmatised for the inefficiency and bureaucratic processes.  

6. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

We can’t deny that technology is a part of our lives, as it has become a basic necessity.  AI is just the tip of the iceberg.  Much more beyond what we can predict now can and will happen in the future.     

Understanding what and how AI can be used to benefit and improve the lives of the people while acknowledging the systemic risks involved.  Open to change and pursue the positive outcomes technology can provide.   

Do not work in silos.  Everyone is learning from each other.  Collaborate and work together with the private sectors to foster innovative ideas and optimise resources. 

Have more open communication with various Ministries and agencies and work together towards a common objective with respect to different roles and responsibilities.

Avoid redundancy but build on optimising and recognising each other’s strengths to deliver what is best for the country and to the citizens.   

All services must be inclusive and fair, making it available to all categories of citizens in our unique multi-cultural country. 

7. Who inspires you today? 

For me, there is still no single individual who serves as my inspiration.  

Instead, my motivation comes from the diverse experiences and walks of life I observed – adopt the good and learn from the bad. 

It’s less about a specific person and more about the qualities exhibited by individuals who consistently demonstrate integrity, confidence, positivity, open-mindedness, articulateness, and a good sense of humour—though humour can be quite subjective.

If I had to name someone who closely embodies these characteristics, it would be Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.