NAIO attracted investments worth over RM3bil in first half of 2025, Dewan Rakyat told
NAIO also achieved significant milestones in the first half of the year, contributing to the development of AI, he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 11).
ALSO READ: Malaysia sets sights on regional AI leadership with 2026-2030 action plan, says Gobind
"To build a sustainable AI ecosystem, NAIO is currently drafting the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030.
"Our focus is on talent, data and infrastructure. We are finalising the AI Data Readiness Guidebook to support this plan," he told Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu).
Gobind said NAIO would also host the Asean AI Summit 2025 here on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 12 and 13) in collaboration with MyDigital to strengthen Malaysia's position regionally.
The summit, themed "Leading Sustainable and Inclusive AI Development in Asean", would serve as a critical platform for regional cooperation, he noted.
ALSO READ: NAIO to submit AI law proposal to Digital Ministry by end of June
"This summit will be a beacon for regional collaboration, showcasing Malaysia's leadership in AI," he added.
Gobind also highlighted the ongoing AI impact study on the public sector, involving 28 ministries, which is nearing completion and aims to enhance the sector's operational effectiveness through AI.
On the collaboration front, Gobind highlighted the ministry's strategic partnerships with various other ministries, identifying 55 cases across sectors.
"We are working with the Transport Ministry to develop a traffic prediction system using big data analytics.
"We are also collaborating with the Health Ministry on AI projects in radiology and public hospital resource management.
"Furthermore, the NAIO is working with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry on a smart agriculture platform and pest infestation identification systems," he said.
ALSO READ: Various initiatives used to drive AI adoption in public sector, says Digital Ministry
The NAIO is also collaborating with the Human Resources Ministry and TalentCorp to bridge the skills gap and prepare the workforce for the AI era.
"Our AI@Work programme is revolutionising public services by integrating generative AI into daily tasks, improving efficiency across the board," he said, affirming the ministry's commitment to harnessing AI for national development.
To an additional question, Gobind highlighted the importance of integrating diverse technologies, including those from South Korea, to enhance Malaysia's AI capabilities.
"We strive to ensure that our AI strategies align with the needs of employment, education, business and entrepreneurship.
"By adopting a comprehensive approach, we aim to create a robust environment for AI implementation," he said.
ALSO READ: Grappling with AI investments
Gobind also stressed the significance of community input in shaping AI policies.
"We are committed to engaging with the public to gather insights and perspectives, ensuring our policies are well-rounded and effective.
"This collaborative approach is essential for the successful deployment of AI across various sectors."
Gobind also expressed confidence in Malaysia's AI journey, highlighting the strategic alignment of initiatives with the nation's digital aspirations.
"Our efforts are geared towards establishing Malaysia as a leader in AI in the region, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth," he added.
ALSO READ: NAIO forms working groups to advance Malaysia's AI agenda
To another additional question, he pointed out the distinct role of the Digital Ministry, which focuses on cross-sectoral data collaboration to empower ministries.
"Every ministry usually looks at challenges from their perspective, but if we can have cross-sector data, we can empower them altogether.
"This is why we have the Digital Ministry, to ensure these plans succeed."
With Malaysia's population of 34 million compared to Asean's 700 million, Gobind stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to become a regional economic powerhouse.
"We are not just speaking about things that can be done; we implement them. This approach will benefit everyone in terms of job opportunities and technological advancement," he added.
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