Malaysia to develop digital trust and data security strategy, establish data commission
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said these initiatives will strengthen data protection and governance, enhance cyber resilience, and uphold the integrity of Malaysia's digital ecosystem.
This will ensure the nation's progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies remains secure, transparent, and accountable.
"The Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy will set a long-term roadmap for building resilience against emerging threats, advancing data integrity, and strengthening public confidence in Malaysia's digital future.
"Complementing this, the Data Commission will function as an independent oversight body, tasked with safeguarding and ensuring robust data governance while promoting ethical AI practices," he said at the opening of ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25) today.
According to Gobind, the commission's framework will be designed for interoperability across ASEAN, enabling Malaysia to contribute meaningfully to a region-wide trust architecture
"By taking a proactive, future-oriented approach, Malaysia is positioning itself not only to meet current challenges, but to lead in shaping regional and global standards for trustworthy AI and digital systems.
"Our efforts to build trust through the forthcoming Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy and the establishment of the Data Commission are deliberately designed to complement and strengthen ASEAN's collective frameworks," he added.
Gobind emphasised that Malaysia's domestic initiatives will become building blocks for a wider ASEAN trust architecture — one capable of protecting data, ensuring AI safety, and fostering public confidence across borders, especially in this agentic age of AI.
Malaysia is contributing to a region-wide trust architecture by aligning with ASEAN initiatives such as the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, the ASEAN AI Safety Network, and the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030.
"This architecture will enable AI to operate safely across jurisdictions, ensure consistent data governance, and extend public confidence beyond national borders.
"By working collectively, ASEAN can close the AI divide, safeguard our societies, and unlock the full potential of innovation — building an AI future that is inclusive, secure, and distinctly ASEAN," he said.
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