BRIEFING ON AI AND POTENTIAL OF PROSOCIAL AI IN SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DOUGHNUT ECONOMY IN IPOH CITY

IPOH, 29 SEPTEMBER 2025 – A briefing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an emphasis on ProSocial AI was organised through a collaboration between Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), Sunway University. The programme focused on the role of technology in supporting the implementation of the Doughnut Economy concept in Ipoh City, in line with the aspirations of the Perak Sejahtera Plan 2030.

A brief explanation of the morning programme was delivered by TPr Dr. Zulqarnain Mohamad, Head of the Ipoh Doughnut Economy City Secretariat, MBI. The briefing session was presented by Adjunct Professor Dr. Cornelia C. Walther, Fellow at Sunway University and Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. She explained how ProSocial AI can ensure that technology is used for the good of society, taking into account human well-being, economic progress and environmental sustainability. Dr. Cornelia also stressed that this approach aligns with Islamic concepts and the doughnut economy philosophy, which emphasises a holistic balance of life.

Among the integral concepts in the ProSocial AI framework is the 4T Concept, i.e., Tailored (respecting cultural diversity and community needs), Trained (responsible use of data privacy), Tested (rigorous assessment of unintended environmental and community impacts) and Targeted (special focus on strengthening social bonds and sustainability).

Dr. Cornelia, a world-renowned expert in the field of ProSocial AI, hails from Germany and holds a PhD in law from Aux en-Provence Université, Marseille, France. Besides being affiliated with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Cornelia is also a senior Fellow at Harvard University and holds various academic positions in the United States. She also has extensive experience with various United Nations and international agencies, such as UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA and several other global organisations. She is a prolific writer and has written many journal articles and books, as well as contributing regularly to Forbes Magazine.

In his opening speech, MBI Chief WHIP Clr. Wong Kar Keat, representing the Ipoh Mayor, expressed his appreciation to all parties involved, including SCPH as a knowledge partner, Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR) as the state government representative, and MBI as the lead implementer of the Ipoh Doughnut Economy City aspiration. He emphasised the importance of technology such as AI in accelerating the implementation of policies and initiatives, but stressed that the use of technology must be done prudently, responsibly and ethically. He also extended a warm welcome to Dr. Cornelia Walther to Ipoh and Malaysia, and expressed his highest appreciation on her recent appointment as Fellow at Sunway University.

The briefing was also attended by Councillors, Department Heads and officers of MBI. NGO representatives were also present, including Prof Richard Ng (Lions Club), Tajuddin Tahir (Perak Heritage Society) and many representatives from the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE). The participation by representatives of government agencies, including PlanMalaysia, IDR and PKNP further enlivened the occasion.

This event served as an important platform to unite academic expertise, local authorities, state government, NGOs and government agencies in realising the vision of making Ipoh a progressive, prosperous and sustainable city based on the Doughnut Economy concept and supported by ProSocial AI technology.