A Malaysian temple has launched the world's first AI Mazu statue, a digital representation of the Chinese sea goddess, designed to interact with devotees.

This innovative launch coincided with the 1,065th birthday celebrations of Mazu, which took place on April 20, 2025, and was marked by social media posts filled with prayer emojis and requests for blessings.

This AI innovation also allows overseas devotees to connect with Mazu online, expanding the reach of spiritual practice beyond physical boundaries.

During public demonstrations, the AI Mazu provided thoughtful responses to various queries, showcasing its ability to offer spiritual support akin to traditional worship.

The temple's initiative aims to engage younger generations, who are digital natives, ensuring that traditional rituals remain relevant while adapting to modern engagement methods.

Today, Mazu is worshipped by Chinese communities globally, especially in Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

For instance, when asked about unexpected fortune, AI Mazu advised that staying at home would improve luck.

Another example of the AI's interaction included offering advice on improving sleep quality, which was shared on the temple's Facebook page.

Mazu is particularly venerated in Southeast Asia, where her statues are often transported for blessings and devotees possess special identity cards for travel.

Originally named Lin Mo, Mazu was born in 960 AD on Meizhou Island, China, and became a revered sea goddess after dying while attempting to rescue shipwrecked sailors.

Her compassion and heroic acts have made Mazu a beloved figure among Chinese communities across Southeast Asia and worldwide.

Demonstration videos have shown AI Mazu providing specific advice, such as suggesting to an influencer to drink warm water before sleep to alleviate insomnia.