PETALING JAYA, Nov 25 — The government is urging industries to fast-track their shift to business models driven by artificial intelligence (AI), as the next five years will be critical as the nation moves towards its 2030 adoption goal.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the aim is to ensure businesses evolve in the way they adopt and apply technology, with AI integrated at the core of operations across all sectors, enabling Malaysia to advance in step with global developments.
“If we are truly minded to achieve AI digitisation, then we need to start looking at more resources, expertise, talent, and how to develop an ecosystem that will ultimately provide opportunities to industry, so we can proudly say we are a nation with an AI-digitised ecosystem,” he said at the Pikom LEAD Summit today.
Malaysia aims to achieve AI nation status by 2030, with 2026 designated as a key transition point under the National AI Action Plan, which focuses on advancing technology, talent, governance, infrastructure, and sustainable investment.
Gobind emphasised that while the government is committed to laying the foundations — including cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, policies, and expertise — industries have a key role in transforming their operations.
Key initiatives include developing the Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy 2026-2030 and establishing an independent data commission to protect digital transformation through a comprehensive national ecosystem.
He added that companies must identify gaps, leverage data effectively, adopt AI tools, and cultivate analytical talent to remain competitive, as regional and global players are already moving in this direction.
Yesterday, Gobind told the Dewan Rakyat the AI legislative framework will be presented to the Cabinet in June.
He said the framework was based on four main components — matters that do not require legislation, issues that can be addressed through adequate standards or methods, elements that can be managed through regulations, and aspects that require specific legislative enactment.
