K V Soon

10/06/2026

When the Smart Cameras Failed to Capture Governance.

Many thanks to The Edge Malaysia for their bold cover story, "SMART CITY SURVEILLANCE: sparks privacy debate" in Digital Edge.

The article has validated fundamental problems with the rollout of KL's 10,000 AI-powered camera.

It is sad that The Police (RMP), City Hall (DBKL), and the Minister were just avoiding the issue and issued, “Just trust me” issue and totally avoiding the issue of governance. Here are some points I picked up from the article:

1. Blind Spots: The Minister points to vague guidelines, but the reality is that the PDPA 2010 explicitly exempts federal and state governments from its scope. The authorities have conveniently put excuses and hid behind these legislative loopholes. I don’t think one can quote the AI Governance Framework - it's just a framework and not binding while the Digital Ministry struggles with the actual bill (promised in parliament and not delivered yet).

2. Unverifiable Data: They continue to boast a 50% drop in crime to justify the surveillance, yet openly state that the actual, detailed statistics "cannot be shared publicly". We are expected to blindly trust metrics we aren't allowed to see.

3. Zero Definitions: They claim the AI tracks "suspicious activities," but refuse to elaborate on what that actually means, leaving the door wide open for unchecked overreach.

I like how Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin MD Yunus, the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) rightly pointed it out:

"The implementation of 10,000 CCTV cameras by DBKL raises important privacy and human rights concerns, particularly if the system involves facial recognition technology, AI analytics or biometric data collection,"

This is indeed a human right issue. I am concerned that we missed the root of this problem - good governance - data governance is no different and a necessity today.

Governance is something that is already taken at the board level, in this at the council’s mayor and at the full board level and I am sure the PM’s Department level too. Data (and digital) governance is no different and must be taken with the same level of seriousness.

Can a city in the dark of governance ever be "smart"?

Let's talk below.

I’ve written about why this earlier:

https://substack.com//note/p-199840556?r=23qvv4&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

The Edge Malaysia
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

In article is in response to: “Criminals, traffic violators beware: DBKL’s 10,000 CCTVs can now identify faces, track your routes” — Malay Mail, 30 April 2026 and in all other media in Malaysia. First, congratulations are in order.

30/05/2026

Wishing all friends a Blessed Wesak, 2026

May ALL BEINGS be well and happy!

21/05/2026

I think there is more to the layoffs, and Meta is showing it - the brutality of AI business.

Next week, Meta is cutting about 10 percent of its staff. WIRED spoke with more than a dozen current and former employees about what it's like inside a company where “everyone is unhappy.”

06/05/2026

While this is a good effort, We would like to seek:

1. What is the targeted reduction of crime and the ability to monitor and a regular report card.

2. Reduction of traffic violation and demonstrated in the number of summons and fines issued keeping the public updated.

3. A presentation of privacy of individuals are adhered to to give us some comfort.

Not too much to ask from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) Rakan and Polis Diraja Malaysia ( Royal Malaysia Police )?

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Kuala Lumpur City Hall today said all of its 10,000 CCTV cameras have been upgraded with high-resolution facial recognition technology that could...

30/04/2026

Sabah is now officially carbon-negative, meaning its forests absorb more CO2 than the state emits. This achievement highlights the economic value of the global carbon credit market's significant potential. The strict monitoring through SaCRIC also ensures it is a secure option for green investment.

Globally, Sabah is now a key player in meeting international climate goals.

Congrats and well done, Sabah Government!

KOTA KINABALU, April 28 — Sabah has been officially confirmed as a “carbon-negative” state, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits, a finding that could position it to...

30/04/2026

I was at the Hospital Sultan Idris Shah (HSIS) , Serdang today - and I liked the experience there. I also particularly appreciate the new heart hospital. The hospital is efficiently run, the new building is well-maintained.

The hospital also has a good app for the public. I wrote about it previously (https://lnkd.in/gE8PJesK).

This goes for all the other hospitals and Pusat Kesihatan I am currently visiting - Selayang, HKL and PK Puchong Bt 13.

Healthcare workers need more recognition and appreciation.

I want to express my appreciation to the management and staff for doing a great job taking care of us.

Terima Kasih!

12/04/2026

I am deeply grateful to the INEB - International Network of Engaged Buddhists International Young Buddhist Programme (IYBP) and the beautiful Deer Park Institute in Bir for the opportunity to facilitate a one-day workshop with such an inspiring group of young participants.

The session was centred around a topic that I hold deeply. The question I find myself returning to often — how do we engage with AI and digital technologies in a way that is truly human? Is it even possible?

I want to be clear: I love technology, and I am fascinated by its form and also how they reflect the best of human ingenuity and innovation. I genuinely believe it holds enormous potential for positive social impact. But like anything powerful, it comes with shadow sides we must be honest about.

In the workshop, we covered the fundamentals — how AI and digital technologies actually work, from machine learning and automation to adoption patterns and real-world use. Beyond the mechanics, I facilitated a bigger conversation about us — the humans behind the screens.

Being "human in the loop" is a start. But what I really believe in is something deeper: the best of humanity governing the loop. More compassion online. More intentionality. More wisdom guiding the algorithms.

Technology shaped by kindness, curiosity, and conscience can genuinely change the world for the better.

Thank you to every participant who brought your questions, your openness, and your presence to the room. You reminded me why these conversations matter.

A special acknowledgement and expression of gratitude to INEB and Deer Park Institute for making it possible to visit and meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama (see previous post). This made the whole visit and programme ever so special. Thank you.

10/04/2026

Meeting someone with such great compassion was truly inspiring. I feel deeply honoured to have had this opportunity to meet His Holiness.

His presence, although brief, has left a profound impression and serves as a reminder that compassion is all-inclusive and knows no boundaries.

In these challenging times, this reminder is especially important.

PEACE AND COMPASSION TO ALL!

05/04/2026

From the astonishingly beautiful Golden Temple in Punjab to the peaceful highlands of Bir and Dharamsala — I carry peace within me.

Peace that begins in the heart. Peace that refuses to be silenced by the sound of bombs.

As Easter reminds us — light does not negotiate with darkness. It simply shines.

To every soul caught in the crossfire of conflict, every mother holding her child in a shelter, every person who still dares to hope — this peace is for you.

Wishing everyone celebrating a deeply Blessed Easter.