Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's aspiration to become an AI Nation by 2030 requires a shift from a government-centric approach to a whole-of-nation approach involving industry, academia, the public, and related sectors, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He noted that this approach forms the foundation for AI Malaysia, a platform designed to bring together the expertise, resources, and stakeholders needed to holistically develop the country's AI ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AI Malaysia will be the place where expertise and resources are gathered to realize the AI Nation vision. Gobind emphasized the need for a common space where all relevant sectors can come together to discuss the actual challenges faced by each sector. This was highlighted during the launch of AI Malaysia, which was officially announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a national entity under the Ministry of Digital.
The establishment of AI Malaysia Bhd represents the enhancement and formal institutionalization of the National AI Office, initially established on December 12, 2024, to drive the country's future technology transformation agenda. Gobind explained that AI Malaysia was set up following Anwar's announcement in Parliament last year of making Malaysia an AI Nation by 2030, during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He further elaborated that AI Malaysia is the result of a two-year engagement process led by the National AI Office, which involved sectors to assess the country's challenges and requirements amid rapid AI development. AI Malaysia aims to chart the country's AI direction, develop relevant policies and ensure that existing strategies are implemented effectively.
Gobind emphasized that what is being witnessed now is just the beginning. He acknowledged that while past discussions on AI were crucial, there is a need for an institution with the expertise to determine the country's direction. AI Malaysia will also support the implementation of two key national documents: the Malaysia Digital Economy Master Plan 2030 (MD 2030) and the Malaysia AI Plan 2026-2030.
Gobind explained that the third phase, now known as MD 2030, aims to ensure that the digital economy contributes at least 30 percent of Malaysia's GDP by 2030. Furthermore, the Malaysia AI Plan 2026-2030 focuses on AI Nation development through three main aspects: government, people, and economy.