Maxim Oreshkin and Sam Majid on the development of AI and the role of humans

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the economy, public administration and everyday life. But new opportunities also raise questions: how can technological innovation be supported without abandoning responsibility, and how can people retain the right to make final decisions? The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Maxim Oreshkin, discussed these issues with Sam Majid, First Head of Malaysia's National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO, 2024–2026), in a new episode of the Open Dialogue podcast.

The main topic of the conversation was finding a balance between freedom for technological development and the need for regulation. The participants discussed approaches that allow governments and businesses to introduce AI-based solutions effectively and safely, as well as situations in which voluntary commitments by the market may not be enough.

Sam Majid shared Malaysia's practical experience, spoke about the development of national AI policy, criteria for assessing whether technologies are ready for widespread use, and mechanisms that help build public trust in new digital solutions.

Maxim Oreshkin and Sam Majid also paid particular attention to the role of humans in the new technological environment. Artificial intelligence can help analyse data, automate processes and suggest possible solutions, but responsibility for their application must remain with people. At the centre of this system is the user, who is able to understand the capabilities of the technology, critically assess its outputs and retain agency.

The conversation was recorded in Vladivostok during the expert session "Asia-Pacific: A Testing Ground for Technology" as part of the international Open Dialogue project "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth". The meeting was held at the National Centre RUSSIA branch with the support of the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise "The Third Rome".

Watch the new episode of the Open Dialogue podcast to learn how Malaysia's experience can help in the search for a responsible approach to AI development and why, in the age of technology, people must remain at the centre of decision-making.