YANGON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China has emerged as a leading force in artificial intelligence (AI), bolstered by clear national policies, robust tech enterprises and a pool of skilled professionals, and its AI cooperation initiatives can open up opportunities for developing countries, a Myanmar expert has said.
Speaking on AI cooperation, Naing Swe Oo, senior advisory board member of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, noted that Myanmar is among the 29 member countries of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), founded in Shanghai, China, in July.
While Western nations have set up their own AI-focused organizations, China launched WAICO to support Global South countries. The body seeks to share AI technologies with developing economies and help bridge the digital divide across those regions, according to him.
Having visited China multiple times and studied its AI industry, Naing Swe Oo spoke highly of the country's advanced AI development. He said both the Chinese government and private-sector firms are at the forefront of AI advancement.
China's clear strategic roadmap and policy backing have fueled its progress in AI, Naing Swe Oo pointed out. Policy support has also fostered tech talent and enterprises. As these firms grow into multinationals, China's influence within the AI field keeps expanding, he added.
In his view, backed by China's robust AI ecosystem, WAICO is well-positioned to empower Global South countries, where AI applications hold vast potential.
In Myanmar, an economy where agriculture stands as a pillar industry with a large rural population, AI can be deployed for weather forecasting, pest control, irrigation operation and maintenance, he said.
He added that AI can also boost rural healthcare via telemedicine to deliver more effective medical services to the public.
He called for technology transfer, talent development and research and development cooperation among organization members to strengthen AI capabilities and achieve shared growth in the sector going forward.
"Through such cooperation, we can fully unlock the opportunities of the AI era and jointly develop AI that benefits all of humanity," he said. ■