Digimasters Shorts - Huawei's AI workforce push in Malaysia, Human creativity fights AI takeover, Ray-Ban Meta glasses restore sight, UK's Alan Turing Institute faces AI funding crisis, Robot Games reveal humanoid AI limits

Digimasters Shorts keeps you updated with the latest developments in AI, digital innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future. Hosted by Adam Nagus and Carly Wilson, each episode delivers concise insights into groundbreaking projects, industry trends, and societal impacts—from Malaysia’s AI workforce initiatives and assistive AI tech to challenges faced by research institutions and advancements in humanoid robotics. Tune in for expert analyses, inspiring stories, and a look at how technology is transforming our world—quick, informative, and designed to keep you ahead in the digital era.

Transcript

Adam N2: 0:05

Welcome to Digimasters Shorts, we are your hosts Adam Nagus

Carly W: 0:09

and Carly Wilson delivering the latest scoop from the digital realm. Malaysia is accelerating its efforts to build a homegrown AI workforce with Huawei's pledge to train 30,000 local professionals over the next three years. This initiative aligns with the country's newly launched National Cloud Computing Policy, which aims to create a regulatory framework for a sovereign yet globally competitive digital economy. At the Huawei Cloud AI Ecosystem Summit APAC 2025, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized the importance of inclusivity, ensuring AI-driven productivity benefits every Malaysian. Huawei, recently recognized by Gartner as a leader in container management, will leverage its advanced cloud infrastructure to support this talent development. The program targets a wide range of participants, including students, government officials, and industry leaders, to build a diverse AI ecosystem. Huawei's AI Cloud Service supports over 160 open-source models, underpinning applications across manufacturing, healthcare, and transport sectors. The company is also nurturing 200 local AI partners through knowledge transfer and collaborations to stimulate AI investments in Malaysia. The National AI Office has identified 55 AI use cases across six sectors, highlighting rapid adoption opportunities. The government stresses strong governance and security measures to ensure sustainable AI adoption. This collaboration positions Malaysia as a potential regional hub for AI expertise, preparing the nation for future technological advancements.

Adam N2: 1:40

Amid growing concerns about AI-generated work feeling soulless and generic, creative professionals are identifying uniquely human skills that keep them irreplaceable. These include deep empathy, cultural insight, and the ability to read between the lines in client relationships—qualities AI cannot replicate. For example, understanding subtle body language or personal backstories can shift a project’s direction to better meet human needs. AI may analyze patterns and data but lacks the lived experiences and emotional nuance that shape breakthrough creativity. Human creatives thrive in chaos, navigating messy briefs and contradictory demands that leave AI overwhelmed. Moreover, trust and genuine connection in client partnerships remain firmly human domains, built on listening, empathy, and vulnerability. While AI handles routine tasks, professionals will evolve into curators and decision-makers, focusing on meaningful purpose and cultural context. This partnership with AI promises to free creative minds to take risks and push boundaries uniquely suited to human thought. Ultimately, the future favors those who blend technology with irreplaceable human insight and emotional intelligence. Creative Boom continues to champion these values, supporting creatives to thrive in an AI-augmented world. A man who was registered blind has returned to work after a year, crediting new AI-powered glasses for his improved quality of life. Andy Evans, 57, from Larkhall near Bath, became unemployed due to his sight loss while working nights at a Morrison’s supermarket. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses feature a camera in the frame, tiny speakers in the arms, and voice-activated AI technology that assists users in navigating their surroundings. Mr. Evans, who also uses a white cane, can now order food in restaurants and identify obstacles by asking his glasses. The device even offers a choice of celebrity voices in the UK, with Evans enjoying the company of Dame Judi Dench, who affectionately calls him James Bond. He has since returned to work at the Sight Support West of England charity, helping others adjust to sight loss. Robin Spinks, head of inclusive design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, praised the glasses for their tangible impact. Spinks, also registered blind, uses the glasses daily and describes the technology as transformational. Experts say AI is advancing rapidly and the smart glasses market remains in its early stages with enormous potential. This development marks a significant step forward in assistive technology for the visually impaired.

Carly W: 4:11

The Alan Turing Institute, the U.K's premier AI research body, faces potential collapse amid funding threats and a mandated shift toward defence and national security. Established in 2014 as a tribute to the pioneering computer scientist, it has become embroiled in internal strife and concerns over its future direction. Staff have raised a whistleblower complaint warning that a£100 million funding cut could jeopardize the institute’s existence and charitable status. Leadership has announced redundancies affecting about 10% of employees and is winding down projects in areas like online safety and health inequality. The U.K technology secretary has demanded a sharper focus on defence and security, threatening to review funding unless this shift is implemented. The institute’s chair pledged to prioritize national security projects while maintaining some work in health and environment, but staff remain skeptical. Experts warn that a narrow focus risks losing the broad impact and international leadership the institute once held. Internal morale is low, with concerns that the restructuring endangers jobs and research quality. The government insists the changes ensure value for money and align with national security priorities. The institute’s survival now depends on balancing these demands with sustaining its wider scientific mission. The World Humanoid Robot Games concluded Sunday in Beijing after three days of intense multi-sport competition featuring over 500 robots from 16 countries. Events ranged from soccer and running to boxing, held at the National Speed Skating Oval, a venue from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite impressive performances, many robots frequently toppled or required human assistance for repairs and adjustments. Technicians were often seen stepping in to replace batteries, fix limbs, and even carry robots off the field after crashes. The games highlighted the current limitations of humanoid robots in autonomous athletic performance. China has increased efforts to develop AI-powered humanoid robots, using events like this to showcase progress. Spectators reacted enthusiastically, cheering as robots scored goals or landed punches, reflecting genuine engagement with the competition. Robots remained close to their operators, suggesting remote control or direct intervention remains essential. The event offered both a glimpse of robotic potential and the considerable challenges ahead. Winners posed for photographs, marking the end of a landmark event in the development of competitive humanoid robotics.

Don: 6:41

Thank you for listening to today's AI and Tech News podcast summary... Please do leave us a comment and for additional feedback, please email us at podcast@digimasters.co.uk You can now follow us on Instagram and Threads by searching for@DigimastersShorts or Search for Digimasters on Linkedin. Be sure to tune in tomorrow and don't forget to follow or subscribe!