By Amanda L
KUCHING, Sept 8: Medical librarians must prove their value in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) by becoming active partners in healthcare, research and education, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Speaking at the ASEAN Medical Librarians Seminar 2026 (AMLiS 2026) here today, he said medical libraries could no longer remain mere repositories of information as AI tools such as ChatGPT reshape how people access knowledge.
“You are competing with ChatGPT, so you have to make yourself relevant. Show people how you can help with research and provide the information they need,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), said medical librarians should actively demonstrate how their expertise could support healthcare professionals, researchers and educators, particularly in evidence-based medicine.
Meanwhile, AMLiS 2026 chairperson Norazlina Abdul Rahman said medical librarians were taking on a broader role in clinical research and health policy through evidence synthesis, knowledge management, systematic reviews and research support.
“We need to embrace artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital repositories and other digital tools because they are changing how we serve our communities and support healthcare professionals, researchers and students,” she said.
Norazlina said the seminar also aimed to strengthen regional collaboration and improve access to reliable health information, particularly for diverse and underserved communities.
AMLiS 2026, themed “Empowering Health Knowledge: Future Role of Medical Libraries in Asia”, brings together medical librarians, health information professionals and researchers from across Asia. — DayakDaily
