Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1208016
06.02.2020 11 INTERVIEW recognised as the ultimate AI launchpad' narrow as it is at present. However, at present, no system currently available can or will evolve to become full or gen- eral. What is truly important to us at this stage is that substantive research is car- ried out on how AI may be corrupted or misapplied. To this effect, In August 2019 Mal- ta published its ethical AI Framework Towards Trustworthy AI, in an effort to guide AI practitioners on how to de- sign, train and operate AI in a trusted and ethical manner. e intention is for the Malta Ethical AI Framework to sup- port AI practitioners in identifying and managing the potential risks of AI while also identify opportunities. Malta's AI certification ensures the development and enforcement of standards for compliance with local and international obligations and is also aligned to the EU and OECD ethical frameworks. MDIA's certification process includes a detailed assessment process carried out by independent MDIA-approved system auditors who will review the control frameworks in place in order to achieve ethical and trustworthy AI. Market leaders insist AI needs to become more broadly available in business. What are the benefits of introducing AI- powered solutions to a business today? AI solutions will undoubtedly enable companies to improve their operational performance and ameliorate their ser- vices to customers. is is particularly relevant in a tight labour market such as Malta's. Our key sectors are in a good position to adopt AI solutions as com- panies look to innovation to drive op- erational improvements. We are already seeing this in financial services, gam- ing, tourism, and real estate. AI-driv- en solutions are also being deployed in advanced manufacturing and aviation maintenance. Is AI the playground of only large multi-nationals? Or can - and should - even small business look into how they can integrate AI in their service solutions? AI solutions will enable companies of all sizes to enhance operational per- formance and deliver better services to their customers as AI is a broad field with many branches and sub-branches. ere are many niches that can be ex- plored. Malta will seek to create an in- novation ecosystem that will allow the AI sector to flourish, whilst attracting and developing talent. e Government will welcome companies of all sizes and across all industries: from start-ups to scale-ups to established global tech leaders. Malta will definitely need to build AI skill-sets in the future workforce. But the potential for technological job displacement is also a major concern for policy makers. Will jobs in Malta be automated and will people be left behind? What I can say for certain is this: peo- ple will not be left behind. e govern- ment will ensure that Malta's current and future workforce will be prepared for work in an AI-driven world as it will create new jobs across various Maltese sectors. AI will be used to help Malta's citizens and business get ahead, and not vice-versa. We are committed to pur- suing the Malta AI Strategy with Mal- ta's citizens to ensure stakeholders are engaged and any concerns are voiced and addressed. We aim to build trust in how AI works and enhance the general readiness to adopt AI solutions in our everyday lives. Where do you see Malta in this AI world in 10 years' time? Our mission was to be amongst the top 10 nations with the highest-impact AI programme. Very recently, the Glob- al AI Index carried out by Tortoise Me- dia ranked Malta's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 10th place out of 54 countries, significantly surpassing countries such as Estonia, Sweden and Austria amongst others. In 2030, Malta will be recognised as the Ultimate AI Launchpad. It will be a global hub for AI applications and niche R&D with a vibrant start-up community. Following Malta's lead, most countries will require AI systems that comply with international regu- lations and standards on AI systems which it has helped shape and develop. In 2030, AI solutions will be a highly valued and trusted part of everyday life in Malta. We are committed to pursuing the Malta AI Strategy with Malta's citizens to ensure stakeholders are engaged and any concerns are voiced and addressed. We aim to build trust in how AI works and enhance the general readiness to adopt AI solutions in our everyday lives