Cara beruang matahari di Asia Tenggara diselamatkan dan dipantau dengan Google Earth

Ditulis oleh: Raleigh Seamster, Pengurus Kanan Program, Google Earth Outreach



Beruang matahari di Asia tenggara sangat sesuai untuk persekitaran hutan mereka: padat, omnivor, dan dibina untuk memanjat pokok. Tidak seperti beruang Amerika Utara, beruang matahari menghabiskan sebahagian besar hidupnya di kanopi hutan, tidak lebih daripada mencari tempat yang baik untuk tidur di atas pokok.


Tetapi kehidupan beruang matahari penuh dengan cabaran, seperti mencari makanan secara berterusan dan ancaman daripada beruang matahari lain yang bersaing untuk mendapatkan wilayah. Dalam beberapa dekad kebelakangan ini, ancaman yang lebih berbahaya telah muncul: manusia yang menebang hutan, menceroboh habitat beruang matahari dengan pembangunan, dan memburu mereka untuk dijadikan makanan atau haiwan peliharaan.


Melihat beruang matahari yang dikurung serta keadaan di mana ia dipelihara, memberi kesan mendalam kepada ahli biologi hidupan liar Malaysia, Wong Siew Te dan memberikan inspirasi untuk penubuhannya Pusat Pemuliharaan Beruang Matahari Borneo (BSBCC) di Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Wong menjadi pakar dalam kajian beruang matahari semasa belajar di Universiti Montana, di mana beliau mengembara ke Borneo untuk mengkaji spesies ini di habitat semula jadi mereka. Apa yang ditemuinya adalah populasi beruang liar yang terancam dan spesies yang sering disalah fahami di peringkat tempatan, dan hampir tidak dikenali serta kurang dihargai di peringkat global.


Gambar ihsan dari Pusat Pemuliharaan Beruang Matahari Borneo

Di hutan tebal, mencari tanda beruang matahari

Untuk mencapai matlamat pemuliharaan beruang matahari, tugas BSBCC bergantung pada lima teras: kebajikan, pemulihan, pendidikan, penyelidikan dan ekopelancongan. Pada peringkat awal, organisasi Wong diberikan kuasa untuk menyita beruang matahari yang dipelihara secara haram; hanya lebih 40 ekor beruang pada masa ini membentuk populasi beruang yang disimpan di rizab seluas 4,200 hektar bersebelahan dengan bangunan Pusat Pemuliharaan. Menyelamatkan beruang terus menjadi salah satu keutamaan organisasi. Jika beruang itu cukup muda, BSBCC akan cuba memulihkan mereka sepanjang hayat di dalam hutan.

Dalam usaha penyelidikannya, BSBCC turut menjalankan kajian terhadap beruang matahari di alam liar di Rizab Hidupan Liar Tabin (Tabin Wildlife Reserve) berdekatan, iaitu lebih 120,000 hektar. "Walaupun saya telah mengkaji beruang matahari selama 26 tahun, masih banyak yang perlu dipelajari tentang beruang matahari," kata Wong. "Habitat mereka terdiri daripada hutan tebal dan padat menjadikannya sangat mencabar untuk penyelidik menjalankan kajian, dan inilah sebab utama mengapa maklumat mengenai mereka masih sangat terhad."

Sebahagian besar kerja yang doijalankan oleh BSBCC bergantung pada Google Earth Pro dan imejan satelit yang digunakan oleh Wong dan penyelidik lain untuk lebih memahami kawasan perlindungan hidupan liar. "Imej-imej ini memberi kami pandangan terperinci mengenai topografi, jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan dan penggunaan tanah," kata Wong. "Sesetengah kawasan ini sangat terpencil sehinggakan peta terperinci tidak tersedia untuk mereka."

Wong dan rakan-rakannya mendapati bahawa menambahkan data peta mereka pada imejan satelit Google Earth boleh memberitahu mereka lebih banyak tentang habitat beruang matahari daripada peta topografi yang mudah. "Kami dapat mengenal pasti perbezaan antara kanopi hutan tua, hutan sekunder, dan pelbagai jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan," kata Wong.

Selain imej satelit beresolusi tinggi dari Google Earth, Wong turut menambah data daripada kamera jauh, kolar pemancar yang dipasang pada beruang yang dipulihkan, serta pemerhatian penyelidik di lapangan. Peta ini bukan sahaja menunjukkan lokasi beruang, kawasan jelajah, dan corak pergerakan mereka, tetapi juga membantu memahami jenis persekitaran yang mereka gemari serta bagaimana mereka bertindak balas terhadap gangguan habitat.


Kapsyen: Data dan pemerhatian tentang beruang madu ditindih pada Google Earth (Kredit: Pusat Pemuliharaan Beruang Matahari Borneo)

Wong dan pasukannya boleh menggunakan maklumat itu untuk mengelakkan beruang liar semasa perjalanan rehabilitasi di dalam hutan, memutuskan penempatan kamera jauh dan memilih kawasan yang memerlukan kajian lanjut. "Ini semua adalah maklumat penting untuk mengkaji ekologi beruang-semuanya bermula dengan peta," kata Wong.

Wong dan penyelidik lain juga menggunakan mudah alih Google Earth bersama-sama unit GPS untuk mencari jalan, yang bukan tugas kecil di bahagian dunia ini.

"Kadang-kadang kami perlu pergi jauh di luar jangkauan jalan raya, meredah hutan dan juga mengupah penduduk kampung tempatan untuk membawa kami ke laluan air dengan bot mereka," kata Wong. "Peta Google Earth membantu kami mencari laluan terbaik, paling selamat dan paling tidak memberi kesan ke tapak yang perlu kami lawati di dalam hutan."

Soalan juta dolar: Berapa banyak beruang matahari yang ada?

Melangkah ke hadapan, Wong dan pasukan penyelidiknya berharap dapat menggunakan Google Earth untuk menjawab apa yang beliau gelarkan sebagai "persoalan bernilai sejuta ringgit", iaitu berapa banyak beruang matahari yang masih wujud di hutan Malaysia? "Kami mempunyai seorang pelajar siswazah yang sedang membangunkan grid kamera jauh," jelas Wong. "Semoga jika kami dapat mengumpulkan data yang mencukupi daripada itu, kami boleh mencari cara untuk menganggarkan populasi dan kepadatan mereka."

Maklumat yang dikumpul daripada perangkap kamera akan membantu menentukan garis dasar untuk kajian masa depan–dan yang lebih penting, memberikan petunjuk tentang kesihatan habitat beruang matahari dan seterusnya, persekitaran yang lebih besar yang mereka kongsi dengan manusia.

"Sebagai ahli biologi, dan sebagai ahli ekologi hutan, saya tahu betapa halusnya ekosistem, dan betapa saling berkaitan unsur-unsur itu," kata Wong. "Apa yang berlaku dengan satu spesies mungkin akan menjejaskan yang lain. Dan inilah sebabnya mengapa memelihara beruang matahari adalah sangat penting."

Google Malaysia Highlights Tools to Keep Families Safe Online

As search interest in ‘Screen Time’ surges, Google tools, resources, and parental controls are available to manage device usage and create a safer online experience for children

Google Malaysia Highlights Tools to Keep Families Safe Online

As search interest in ‘Screen Time’ surges, Google tools, resources, and parental controls are available to manage device usage and create a safer online experience for children



With families increasingly turning to digital platforms for education and entertainment, online safety has never been more top-of-mind for parents. According to Google Trends, search interest in ‘screen time’ reached an all-time high in Malaysia in December 2024, as more parents looked for ways to manage their children’s online habits. To help families navigate the digital world with confidence, Google Malaysia is reinforcing its ongoing commitment to online safety by spotlighting the tools, resources, and parental controls available across its platforms.


“As more kids and teens become savvy navigators of the digital world, it’s important that families are empowered with the right knowledge and tools to ensure that the Internet remains a safe space for everyone. We understand that each family’s relationship with technology is unique, and that’s why we’ve built easy-to-use parental controls such as Family Link and YouTube supervised experiences as well as digital literacy programs like Be Internet Awesome to aid in their digital parenting.  Together, we will be able to build a safer digital environment for all Malaysians,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Google Malaysia.


Putting Parents in Control Across Google Products


According to the APAC Kids and Families Online Safety Survey, 3 in 4 Malaysian children are spending an average of 1 to 6 six hours daily on digital platforms*. The top three types of inappropriate content reported by parents were misinformation (56.4%); deceptive ads and spam (52.3%); as well as violent content (45.9%).




In response to more children going online, Google’s search data in the past 12 months also reflects parents’ interest in online safety solutions that help manage digital risks for their children. "Screen time for kids" was a top 10 related search term among Malaysians,  while the search term "recommended screen time by age" saw a 50% rise in interest.


Over the years, Google has invested in building safety features and controls in its products that help keep Malaysian families safe online without having to change any settings. 


For example, to make online searches safer and prevent accidental exposure to inappropriate content, SafeSearch on Google is automatically enabled for all signed-in users under 18 years old, and blurs explicit imagery such as pornographic images, videos, and websites across all searches.

In addition, Google has also developed parental controls that empower parents to secure and manage their children’s online experience - while helping them build healthy digital habits. These protections are an important way of creating an environment where children can learn and explore safely. Some of the most impactful features that are helping parents across Malaysia include:


  • Parental Controls for a Safe Experience:  Family Link is an app created to help parents set up a supervised account for their child. With the app, parents are able to understand how their child is spending time on their device, find the screen time that works best, stay connected on the go, as well as manage and secure their children’s accounts.


  • New tools such as the ability to set Downtime and School time to help reduce distractions, parent-managed contacts, and an improved interface were also added to help foster healthy digital habits.


  • Manage children’s access to websites in Chrome browser: Enable parents to manage their child’s access to specific websites when they are using the Chrome browser on their Android or Chrome OS device. Parents may choose to limit access only to websites that they are comfortable with, or block specific sites that they don’t want their child to visit. This can be done through the Family Link app by tapping on Manage Settings > Google Chrome and choosing the setting that’s right for the family.”


Additionally, YouTube is more than just entertainment for Malaysian  youth – it's a place for them to learn new skills, dive deep into their passions, express their unique selves, and discover creators. To make it a safe and positive experience, YouTube has also invested in a range of features and policies to protect younger users:


  • YouTube Kids: A separate app that offers a more contained and curated environment for children. Parental controls on YouTube Kids allows families to limit screen time, only show videos approved by the parent or select suitable content based on the age of the child.


  • Supervised Experiences for pre-teens and teens  on YouTube: On the main YouTube app, parents can set up a  supervised experience on YouTube to manage the content that their children view – such as  live streams, live chats, comments and the types of videos they can watch. The Family Center hub also allows parents and teens the option to link their accounts and get shared insights and notifications.


  • Empowering teens to manage their screen time: Features like Bedtime reminders and Take a Break  notifications that encourage healthy digital habits are turned on by default for viewers under 18 years old, across short and long-form videos, with a default setting for Take a Break reminders every 60 minutes. Autoplay is also disabled for teenagers to give them more control over their viewing experience.


Building programs to elevate digital literacy in Malaysia

Beyond built-in safety features, Google is investing in education and free resources to equip families, schools, and communities with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely. The free digital citizenship programme, Be Internet Awesome, has empowered more than 148,000 children to develop critical online safety skills. It is also available in Malay, and accessible via DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia).


In addition, Google also launched the Be Internet Awesome World, a new gaming experience on Roblox that will bring these same safety lessons to life in an interactive and fun way.

Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms, with over 79.5 million daily active users. Working with Roblox helps Google to reach children where they are already spending time to teach them the basics of online safety. Visitors will explore the magical world of the Internauts and learn how to navigate various real-world scenarios and risks by applying safety tips and critical thinking skills. They will have the ability to play multiple games, each based on a specific safety topic, ranging from identifying phishing attempts to practicing kindness online. During the game, players will receive immediate feedback, helping them learn through trial and error.


Find More Resources at the Google Safety Center


Google remains committed to providing families with accessible, easy-to-use tools that help them manage screen time, filter content, and protect their children online. Parents can explore these features and safety guides at the Google Safety Center.


*The survey was conducted in 2023 with 8,000 parents across Australia, India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Malaysia, the survey was conducted with 500 parents who have at least one child aged five to 17 years old.


 

Year in Search 2024: Here’s What Malaysians Searched, Celebrated, and Remembered

From sporting triumphs to groundbreaking news that shaped the nation, this year’s search trends offer a window into what captivated Malaysians

 

Year in Search 2024: Here’s What Malaysians Searched, Celebrated, and Remembered

From sporting triumphs to groundbreaking news that shaped the nation, this year’s search trends offer a window into what captivated Malaysians


As 2024 enters its final chapter, it is the perfect time to reflect on the moments that defined the year. With Google’s Year in Search, Malaysians are reminded of the topics they searched for throughout the past twelve months. From electrifying sports moments that brought the nation together, to headline-grabbing news and viral trends that sparked nationwide fascination, this year’s searches paint a vibrant picture of the stories that resonated deeply across the country.

A Year of Sporting Glory That United Malaysians

2024 was a year when sports had Malaysians glued to their screens and cheering with passion, with 6 out of the top 10 trending searches reflecting the nation’s deep-seated love for sports. Whether it was friends huddled around screens at mamak stalls, enthusiastically watching the UEFA Euro 2024 (#1 Search, #1 Sports) over steaming cups of teh tarik, or families gathering at home to catch every nail-biting moment of the AFC Asian Cup (#4 Searches, #2 Sports), the excitement resonated deeply with Malaysians. The Copa América (#6 Searches, #4 Sports) added to the football fever, proving that no matter the time zone, Malaysians will always stay up for the love of the game.

The Paris Olympics 2024 (#3 Sports) also saw Malaysian athletes bring their A-game, with badminton stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik earning a repeat bronze medal in men’s doubles, while singles star Lee Zii Jia claimed his own bronze in singles, proudly flying the Malaysian flag high. The "Malaysia Boleh" spirit carried on with the Paralympics 2024 (#9 Sports), adding an emotional layer to the year’s sporting achievements, with Malaysian athletes taking home five medals. Back home, local broadcaster RTM (#7 Sports) kept Malaysians connected to all the action with seamless live coverage.


Stars, Athletes, and Politicians

Malaysians’ love for sports also translated into the personalities they were searching for, with athletes taking half of the spots in the Trending People list. National heroes such as cyclist Azizulhasni Awang (#2 People) or fondly known as the "Pocket Rocketman" and badminton player Pearly Tan (#8 People) inspired the nation with their outstanding performances at the Olympics 2024. Footballer Faisal Halim (#5 People) also garnered attention with his impressive comeback to the national team. Internationally, badminton enthusiasts followed the journeys of Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn (#4 People) and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (#10 People), whose stellar performances earned silver and gold medals at the Olympics 2024.

Sports aside, Malaysians were keeping a close watch of the US election campaigns by Donald Trump (#6 People) and Kamala Harris (#9 People).

News That Mattered to Malaysians

With the rising costs of living, Malaysians turned to search for financial assistance programs and ways to manage their budgets. Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (#1 News), the government’s cash assistance for the low and middle income groups, topped the trending ‘News’ list. Complementing these efforts was the Program Bantuan Subsidi Madani (#9 News) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (#10 News), which provided targeted subsidies, collectively offering much-needed relief during challenging economic times. 

Malaysians have also embraced the digital evolution in education and welfare, with platforms like DELIMa (#8 searches, #3 News), offering digital learning tools for students and educators, and AINS (#7 News), fostering a reading culture among students, making their way into the trending searches list. Social welfare programs like MyKasih (#6 News) that support vulnerable communities were high on Malaysians’ search behaviour. Additionally, the KWSP Akaun (#8 News) remained a focal point for Malaysians planning their financial futures.

Taking AI Enthusiasm to the next level

From chat bots to creative tools, AI has seamlessly become part of Malaysians’ daily routines. The widespread adoption in AI is further fueled by government initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Framework and Digital Economy Blueprint, which continue to drive AI integration across both personal and professional spheres.

For instance, AI chatbots like Gemini (#3 AI) are reimagining the way people are finding information and staying productive. Malaysians are also staying creative with tools such as Viggle AI (#7 AI) and Vidu Studio (#8 AI) to transform text into breathtaking visuals within seconds, unlocking new avenues for artistic expression and innovation.

From Bingeworthy Dramas to Blockbuster Hits

Malaysians flocked to theaters in a wave of excitement as Inside Out 2 (#1 Movies) and Kung Fu Panda 4 (#6 Movies) brought beloved characters back to the big screen. For fans who grew up with the earlier installments, the anticipation was heightened and made these sequels into must-watch cinematic events that reignited nostalgia. Superhero fans were treated to a thrilling lineup with Deadpool (#2 Movies), Madame Web (#5 Movies), and Venom (#7 Movies) with  each offering a compelling take on the superhero genre that intrigues both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Back at home, TV dramas became a source of comfort and connection for Malaysians. Global hits like Queen of Tears (#1 TV Shows), Marry My Husband (#2  TV Shows) and 家族荣曜之继承者 (The Heir to the Throne) (#3 TV Shows) brought emotionally charged narratives to the forefront, offering a blend of love, loss, and resilience that kept viewers hooked week after week. Series like Aku Bukan Ustazah (#4 TV Shows) and Lovely Runner (#5 TV Shows) emerged as fan favorites, weaving cultural nuances into compelling stories that felt both authentic and emotional.

Remembering Those Who Left Their Mark

While celebrating the presence of loved ones, Malaysians also turned to Google to honor the lives of figures who passed. The unexpected loss of Liam Payne (#1 Passing), beloved former member of One Direction, sent shockwaves across the globe. The passing of Taib Mahmud (#2 Passing), Sarawak’s former Governor and Chief Minister, on the other hand, marked the end of a significant chapter in Malaysian politics.

The nation also mourned the loss of cherished personalities such as Nidza Afham (#4 Passing), Hamdan Senario (#6 Passing), Jaafar Onn (#7 Passing), and Nabil Zamanhuri (#10 Passing), whose contributions left an impact in the entertainment industry. Globally, the departure of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama (#5 Passing), whose iconic Dragon Ball series many Malaysians grew up watching, serves as a reminder of the profound impact cultural icons have in shaping childhoods.


For a look at the full list, visit the website HERE.  

In addition to showcasing what people were curious about in Malaysia, Google Search tools also offer insights into which topics captured the entire world’s attention in 2024. Visit the global trends site to explore the rest of this year’s Year in Search stories and top trending charts from Malaysia and around the world.


What is Google’s Year in Search?

Google’s 2024 Year in Search looks back at both the moments, people, topics, events, and places across our 26 year history as well as within the past year that captured the world’s attention. Just as Search can help you explore and discover a world of information, there are many ways to explore the year through the lens of Google Search. Year in Search takes a look at the overall most searched trends to hundreds of top 10 lists of trending topics across pop culture and lifestyle, sports, music, news, and more from across over 60 countries.

 

 



Ekonomi digital Malaysia djiangka mencecah $31 bilion dalam Nilai Barangan Kasar (NBK) pada 2024 - peningkatan sebanyak 16% daripada 2023 - berdasarkan laporan e-Conomy SEA 2024 terkini oleh Google, Temasek dan Bain & Company.

Aliran pertumbuhan positif merentas sektor digital

Ekonomi digital Malaysia telah berkembang ke arah keuntungan sambil mengekalkan pertumbuhan dua angka untuk NBK. Penyertaan digital yang lebih mendalam dalam kalangan pengguna, strategi pengewangan yang berkesan dan pemulihan sektor yang terjejas oleh pandemik dijangka memacu pertumbuhan yang berterusan.

  • E-dagang: E-dagang kekal sebagai penyumbang terbesar kepada ekonomi digital. Sektor tersebut telah berkembang sebanyak 17% kepada $16 bilion dalam NBK pada 2024, apabila platform e-dagang utama melabur semula dalam pertumbuhan NBK, di samping peningkatan perdagangan video.

  • Perjalanan dalam talian menunjukkan perkembangan NBK yang paling pesat berbanding dengan sektor-sektor lain pada 19% tahun ke tahun (yoy) untuk mencapai $8 bilion dalam NBK pada 2024 tatkala perjalanan antarabangsa Malaysia mengalami pemulihan yang teguh dan dijangka melebihi paras pra-pandemik pada 2024. Perbelanjaan dalam perjalanan antarabangsa telah melonjak sebanyak 330% sejak 2020 selepas rakyat Malaysia mengambil kesempatan ini untuk melancong ke luar negara, terutamanya di rantau Asia Pasifik, yang menyumbang 38% daripada perbelanjaan keluar.

Pengunjung Asia Tenggara menyumbang hampir separuh (49%) daripada perbelanjaan pengembara masuk Malaysia, dipacu oleh beberapa faktor termasuk sambungan udara yang lebih baik, perkongsian syarikat penerbangan strategik dan kadar pertukaran yang menggalakkan.

  • Penghantaran dan pengangkutan makanan telah meningkat sebanyak 10% daripada $3 bilion dalam NBK pada 2023 dan dijangka untuk mencapai $4 bilion pada 2024. Momentum pertumbuhan yang stabil ini dipacu oleh pemulihan permintaan komuter dan perjalanan antarabangsa. 

Platform-platform penghantaran makanan semakin tertumpu pada peningkatan keuntungan melalui aliran hasil baharu seperti pilihan penghantaran berperingkat dan pelan langganan, manakala keamatan kompetitif kekal tinggi dalam panggilan tunggangan disebabkan oleh kemasukan pemain baharu dan pengembangan pemain sedia ada.

  • Media dalam talian di Malaysia telah menunjukkan perkembangan konsisten dengan NBK negara dijangka untuk meningkat sebanyak 10% daripada $3 bilion pada 2023 kepada $4 bilion pada 2024, dipacu oleh peningkatan populariti kandungan digital, permainan dan perkhidmatan penstriman.

  • Perkhidmatan kewangan digital meneruskan trajektori meningkat berikutan pelbagai bank digital Malaysia menawarkan ciri yang menarik dan kemudahan akses, menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan pesat landskap PKD. Pembayaran digital dijangka untuk mencapai $172 bilion pada 2024, peningkatan sebanyak 5% daripada 2023, manakala kekayaan digital dijangka berkembang dengan ketara dan mencapai aset di bawah pengurusan (AUM) kira-kira $80 bilion menjelang 2030.

Malaysia untuk merebut peluang AI

Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) sedang mengubah landskap digital Malaysia sambil kerajaan terus memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan dan penggunaan AI yang bertanggungjawab melalui Pelan Hala Tuju AI Kebangsaan 2021-2025 dan pelancaran Pejabat AI Kebangsaan (NAIO) yang akan datang.

Malaysia juga merupakan antara 10 negara teratas di dunia yang memacu minat carian AI, terutamanya dalam sektor pendidikan, pemasaran dan permainan, dengan Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, dan Selangor memacu negara dalam minat AI.

Dengan lebih banyak syarikat menggunakan AI untuk berinovasi, meningkatkan kecekapan dan pengalaman pelanggan serta menghidupkan idea baharu, permintaan untuk infrastruktur AI akan terus berkembang. Untuk memenuhi permintaan ini, Malaysia telah merekodkan pelaburan infrastruktur AI yang besar di kalangan negara-negara Asia Tenggara pada $15 bilion pada enam bulan pertama 2024. Laporan tersebut menganggarkan kapasiti pusat data semasa Malaysia adalah pada 120MW dan menjangkakan ia akan berkembang 5X pada tahun-tahun akan datang.

Malaysia telah merebut peluang AI melalui inisiatif-inisiatif strategik seperti KL20, yang akan memperkukuhkan ekosistem syarikat permulaan melalui insentif untuk industri berteknologi tinggi, pengecualian cukai ke atas pelaburan asing dan satu bilion dolar dalam pembiayaan kerajaan untuk syarikat permulaan di Malaysia dan rantau ini.

“Memandangkan Malaysia menyandang jawatan Pengerusi ASEAN tahun depan, kami menyasarkan untuk menjadi juara serantau bagi dasar digital yang berpandangan ke hadapan dan transformatif, untuk menggalakkan persekitaran kawal selia yang menggalakkan kemajuan teknologi, dan untuk memupuk kerjasama rentas sempadan. Laporan e-Konomi ini bukan sekadar laporan; ia berfungsi sebagai pengesahan kuat usaha kami dan merupakan bukti potensi besar yang menanti negara untuk masa depan digital Malaysia. Ini adalah seruan untuk kita semua—kerajaan, sektor swasta, dan rakyat Malaysia—untuk bekerjasama dan merealisasikan potensi digital penuh negara kita. Marilah kita merebut peluang ini dan, bersama-sama, membina Malaysia yang diperkasa secara digital yang makmur, inklusif, dan mampan,” kata YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Menteri Digital, yang diwakili pada majlis itu oleh Encik Fabian Bigar, Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Digital.

“Kami telah melihat pertumbuhan kukuh yang konsisten dalam ekonomi digital Malaysia dan tahun ini merupakan satu lagi bukti kukuh terhadap potensi ekonomi digital Malaysia. Dengan tumpuan rantau ini pada AI, ia adalah menggalakkan untuk melihat pemimpin-pemimpin negara meletakkan AI dan semikonduktor dalam senarai keutamaan negara,” kata Farhan Qureshi, Pengarah Negara untuk Google Malaysia. “Di Google, kami komited untuk terus menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi digital Malaysia dengan mempercepatkan tenaga kerja tempatan dengan kemahiran dan alatan sedia AI. Daripada melengkapkan belia dengan kemahiran sedia masa hadapan dalam AI melalui biasiswa Sijil Kerjaya Google hinggalah penggunaan Google Workspace di kalangan pegawai awam, kami berdedikasi untuk memastikan Malaysia kekal di barisan hadapan era digital,” tambah beliau.

“Ekonomi digital Asia Tenggara terus menunjukkan prestasi yang baik, dengan dua angka dalam NBK yang berterusan dan pertumbuhan hasil serta lonjakan dalam keuntungan merentas sektor yang diterajui oleh pemain utama. Begitu juga di Malaysia, di mana kita dapat melihat ekonomi digital yang sihat dipacu oleh e-dagang, perjalanan dalam talian dan perkhidmatan kewangan digital. Selepas penerimaan gangguan digital oleh sektor PKD Malaysia, teknologi baharu seperti AI akan digunakan untuk mempercepatkan pertumbuhan. Untuk memanfaatkan potensi transformatif Generatif AI dengan sepenuhnya, perniagaan mesti melangkaui tahap percubaan dan melabur dalam elemen-elemen asas—menyelaraskan inisiatif AI dengan objektif perniagaan teras untuk menangani masalah dunia sebenar dan mencipta nilai ketara, mengukuhkan bakat AI, dan membina infrastruktur berskala dan boleh disesuaikan untuk pertumbuhan yang berterusan,” kata Amanda Chin, Rakan Kongsi, Bain & Company.

“Pelaburan dalam infrastruktur AI dan minat yang semakin meningkat di kalangan rakyat Malaysia dalam teknologi AI  menandakan masa depan yang cerah bagi ekonomi digital negara. Seiring landskap digital yang terus berkembang hasil daripada inisiatif strategik kerajaan, adalah penting untuk mengutamakan keselamatan digital bagi melindungi data, mengekalkan kepercayaan, dan memastikan kemajuan berterusan dalam sektor digital,” kongsi Geia Lopez, Ketua Data, Cerapan, dan Perkembangan Antarabangsa, Google Asia Tenggara.