Malaysia has launched a National Artificial Intelligence Office as part of its strategy to become a leading regional hub for AI development. The initiative aims to centralize policy-making, regulatory oversight, and strategic planning for AI technologies, marking a major step in the country’s digital transformation journey.
“This is another historical moment in our digital transformation journey,” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Reuters during the office’s launch.
The new agency will focus on seven key deliverables in its first year, including the creation of a code of ethics for AI, a comprehensive regulatory framework, and a five-year AI technology action plan that extends to 2030. These initiatives aim to bolster Malaysia’s AI capabilities while ensuring ethical and sustainable development.
As part of its AI strategy, Malaysia announced partnerships with six major tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These companies have collectively committed billions of dollars to data center, cloud, and AI projects in the country over the past year.
These investments highlight Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for global tech firms seeking to build critical infrastructure to meet the rising demand for AI and cloud services across Southeast Asia.
The launch of the National AI Office builds on Malaysia’s strong economic momentum in the digital sector. In 2024, the country approved investments totaling 71.1 billion ringgit ($16.06 billion) in the information and communications sub-sector, according to Malaysia’s investment authority.
This surge in digital ventures has been instrumental in driving economic growth and positioning Malaysia as a competitive player in the regional tech landscape.
The National AI Office is expected to serve as a centralized agency to oversee AI-related activities, from research and development to regulatory compliance. By providing a unified approach to AI governance, the office aims to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
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