GUANGZHOU: November 13, 2026 – Learning artificial intelligence (AI) technology cannot rely solely on reading or watching YouTube. It must be learned directly, including experiencing real field exposure.
The statement was made by Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) Datuk Jamawi Jaafar to emphasise the importance of practical training among officers of his ministry. As such, MAFFI plans to send its officers to undergo AI training and courses at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
The intention arose from a visit by a MAFFI delegation together with the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) to the university today, which is seen as having the potential to serve as a knowledge transfer platform to strengthen Sabah’s agricultural development.
“Learning AI cannot depend entirely on reading or through YouTube alone. We need to obtain information directly and experience for ourselves attending courses and field training,” he said.
Jamawi said that although MAFFI has begun applying AI technology in several aspects, its use is still not comprehensive and requires enhanced expertise and deeper exposure among ministry officers.
He said sending officers to undergo direct training at the university would provide a more practical understanding of AI development and applications, particularly in improving the efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector.
MCCC President Datuk Dexter Lau described the opportunity for cooperation between MCCC and MAFFI in exploring AI technology as the beginning of a broader relationship capable of benefiting the state.
“The collaboration should not be limited to AI development only, but can be expanded to other fields with the potential to contribute to Sabah’s development and open more opportunities for the state’s children,” he said.
The visit to Sun Yat-sen University is part of efforts to explore cooperation opportunities and expertise sharing between Sabah and institutions and industry players in China.
