Malaysia: Malaysia has officially launched the Strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure, becoming the first in the region to activate a sovereign, full-stack artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Ministry of Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching stated that this initiative signifies an important step in the country’s AI development. The project involves localising large language models like DeepSeek and hosting servers domestically, which enhances AI sovereignty by ensuring data is processed locally, thus safeguarding user privacy and data security.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Teo emphasized that the project ensures data will be stored, managed, and used within Malaysia, thus preserving AI sovereignty. She explained that unlike previous systems where data storage and management were overseas, the entire infrastructure will now be based in Malaysia, with AI agents developed by Malaysians. This localised approach aims to bolster the application of AI within the country.
Teo made these remarks at a press conference following the launch of the Strategic AI Infrastructure: Trusted, Sovereign and Global. She highlighted that the project represents the first deployment of Huawei’s chips and servers, along with the DeepSeek large language model, outside of China, making it a pioneering effort in the region. Teo expressed pride in Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN regarding AI adoption and application.
The platform, described as the nation’s first complete national AI infrastructure, is intended to empower the government, businesses, and universities to leverage AI for improving services, boosting productivity, and driving innovation. As part of the event, Teo also launched Malaysia’s first sovereign generative AI environment, powered by the AlterMatic DT250 AI Server, which features eight high-end graphics processing units (GPUs).
The system offers 20 percent higher performance and 30 percent energy savings compared to industry peers and hosts the DeepSeek open-source large language model, making it the first national-scale sovereign LLM deployed in Malaysia. Early adopters of the system include the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Communications, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB), Cyberview Sdn Bhd, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
In addition, Skyvast and Leadyo announced plans to deploy 3,000 advanced GPUs across multiple infrastructure zones by 2026, supported by a growing ecosystem of Malaysian AI delivery and integration partners. Teo also witnessed the launch of the Malaysia-China Trusted Data Zone, the first bilateral corridor linking Cyberjaya, Malaysia, and the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area, aimed at enabling seamless cross-border AI development via infrastructure, joint innovation platforms, and digital capability integration.
The Malaysia-China Trusted Data Zone is operated by Skyvast Data on the Malaysian side and Shanghai International Data Port Co Ltd (SHIDP) on the China side, ensuring bilateral operational alignment and continuity. When questioned about Malaysia’s selection for the collaboration, Leadyo Systems Chief Executive Officer Zhang Yifeng praised Malaysia’s industrial environment, strong bilateral relationship with China, semiconductor manufacturing readiness, infrastructure, and skilled workforce.
Skyvast Data Chief Executive Officer Lim Chee Siong mentioned that the Perlis Advanced Tech Park project is progressing and expected to be ready in the next two years. The Digital Twin Park will be integrated into the Perlis Advanced Tech Park upon completion, while the design phase of a trusted data zone linking Perlis and Shanghai’s Lin-gang has already begun. Lim added that for Cyberjaya, data center clusters have been identified and mapped into Shanghai’s Lin-gang.