PCIOA stresses responsible AI use in Malaysia

• IN PHOTO: Philippines Chief Information Officer Association President Mel Migriño during the “Future of Data Governance Conference 2025” in Malaysia.

Philippines Chief Information Officer Association (PCIOA), a community of leaders harnessing the power of technology to a more prosperous and equitable digital economy, is urging businesses and policymakers in Malaysia to prioritize the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to build trust and ensure long-term benefits as the technology reshapes industries and everyday life.

This message took center stage during a presentation titled “Balancing Innovation and Trust,” where Mel Migriño, Founder and President of PCIOA emphasized the importance of ethics, privacy, and security in AI adoption.

One pressing issue raised was AI washing—a deceptive marketing practice where companies exaggerate or falsely claim their products and services are “powered by AI.” 

Much like “greenwashing” in sustainability, AI washing misleads consumers and investors, undermining confidence in genuine innovations.

The discussion also highlighted the critical role of data privacy. Since AI training datasets may include personal information covered under laws such as the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act (DPA), Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on the Executive Order (EO) on the safe use of AI.

Migriño stressed that organizations must ensure compliance and put safeguards in place to protect sensitive data. 

Without these protections, personal information, trade secrets, or confidential materials could be inadvertently exposed.

Another key focus was the use of AI in security operations. AI-driven tools are proving essential for detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats at scale—from identifying phishing attempts to flagging unusual behavior in networks. 

While AI can significantly improve response times compared to traditional methods, Migriño noted that its deployment must follow strict protocols to prevent misuse and safeguard the data being processed.

AI tools can detect intrusions and perform remediation by watching for malware and unauthorized access in networks, collect intelligence on both local and global cyberattacks, and automatically block suspicious devices or users before damage occurs. 

They can also monitor user activity to identify unusual behavior that may indicate account misuse. 

These capabilities allow faster, more precise responses and can even stream the repetitive and procedural workflows —but as Migriño, who is also the Gogolook Philipines Country Head and General manager, noted, they must be governed by strict protocols to prevent misuse and safeguard sensitive data.

“AI is a powerful tool in strengthening digital security, but it must be used responsibly,” Migriño said. “We need to balance innovation with accountability by ensuring transparency in how AI systems work, protecting personal data, and avoiding practices like AI washing that erode public trust.”

The discussion was part of the Future of Data Governance Conference 2025, held on August 19 to 20 at the Sunway, Kuala Lumpur.

The two-day event gathered industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to explore how data governance can evolve from a compliance requirement into a strategic driver of trust, agility, and responsible AI.

Migriño concluded her presentation with a call for stronger collaboration between the tech industry, regulators, and civil society to build frameworks that uphold both innovation and trust—ensuring AI remains a force for good.