Kuala Lumpur:Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong has outlined Malaysia's ambition to become an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Nation by 2030. This goal requires enhancing the country's technological capabilities, strengthening data sovereignty, and embedding security into the systems developed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kumbong emphasized that the ambition is not merely about adopting more AI technologies but involves developing the ability to build, adopt, and govern technology responsibly. It also aims to create opportunities for Malaysian companies and talent to advance in the technology value chain.
Kumbong highlighted the importance of security by stating that an AI nation must also be a secure nation. He explained that AI relies on data, which in turn depends on robust infrastructure, and that infrastructure must be secure to ensure trust in the digital economy. He made these remarks while inaugurating the Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2026.
The government's focus includes a proposed Sovereign AI Cloud to establish a secure AI infrastructure. However, achieving digital sovereignty ultimately depends on Malaysia's ability to build, understand, and secure the systems underpinning its economy.
The nation is also working on an AI Governance Bill through a consultative and risk-based approach, supported by AI standards and safety initiatives like MY-AI Standards and the Malaysia AI Safety Institute. Cybersecurity is now a national priority due to the potential disruption from cyber incidents to critical systems and services.
Kumbong stressed that resilience must be integrated from the start, requiring collaboration between government, regulators, infrastructure operators, technology companies, and cybersecurity professionals. CyberSecurity Malaysia plays a crucial role in translating cybersecurity priorities into practical capabilities.
At the regional level, Malaysia is enhancing cooperation with ASEAN in AI safety and cybersecurity, with Kuala Lumpur hosting the ASEAN AI Safety Network Secretariat. Kumbong also called for greater industry involvement in ensuring security and responsibility in technology development, as trust cannot be built by the government alone.
The CyberDSA 2026 conference, themed 'Advancing Secure AI, Strengthening Digital Trust and Safeguarding Data Sovereignty', is taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), gathering policymakers, industry players, and cybersecurity experts to discuss these crucial topics.