Gobind Singh on what Malaysia must do to shift to tech-driven future

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The rapid evolution of technology demands more than just innovation, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said.
It also requires regulatory frameworks that align with the modern age to enable the nation's transition to a technology-driven future.
"The question is: how do we get people to adopt new technology? It really boils down to creating awareness," Gobind said during the Asean-GCC Economic Forum 2025.
"One way to achieve this is by discussing concepts like smart cities, where we can show people how doing things differently can impact their lives and improve outcomes."
Outdated Laws Hindering Innovation
Gobind highlighted a pressing issue of the legal frameworks governing certain technologies are often outdated and fail to accommodate new advancements.
He gives an example of autonomous vehicles which face significant roadblocks under current laws that require a licensed driver for a vehicle to be insured.
"Without a licensed driver, challenges arise such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage. This creates a conflict with the law, as a driverless vehicle would technically be considered illegal on public roads," he explained.
Such limitations are not unique to autonomous vehicles as other industries face similar barriers where existing legislation restricts the adoption of transformative technologies.
Gobind stressed the need to modernise these laws.
"Many existing policies and laws were not designed to accommodate new technologies. Reforming such laws is essential to enable the adoption of innovative solutions."
A Unified Vision for Technological Progress
Gobind said the ministry is working towards creating smarter, AI-driven cities that can improve the quality of life for its citizens especially with the establishment of the National AI Office in December that marked a significant step forward.
"Building smarter cities requires collaboration between governments, industries, and communities. It also requires data—lots of it," Gobind said.
He acknowledged that the government must digitise its vast repositories of data, create systems for sharing information, and establish integrated frameworks to ensure solutions work seamlessly.
Focus Areas: Healthcare, Transport and Beyond
The ministry has also identified key sectors where technology can have a transformative impact, including healthcare, transportation, and government services.
In healthcare, for instance, Gobind envisioned a future where hospital wait times are drastically reduced through the integration of digital systems while similarly in transportation, he emphasised the importance of managing traffic systems and ensuring timely public transport.
"These examples show how adopting technology can make cities smarter and daily life more efficient," Gobind said.
However, he cautioned that progress in these areas hinges on addressing legal and regulatory barriers.
Role of Legislative Reform in Tech Revolution
Meanwhile, Gobind reiterated that legislative reform is a cornerstone of Malaysia's digital transformation strategy.
"As we explore the development of autonomous vehicle networks, it's clear that we need to address regulatory conflicts.
"The first step is to evaluate the technology itself and identify where the current legal framework may be inadequate or in conflict with these advancements," he said.
The ministry's efforts are not just about enabling technology but also ensuring that its benefits are felt across society.
By aligning regulations with the realities of modern innovation, the government aims to create an environment where technology can thrive.
With its focus on next-generation technology and smart city development, Malaysia is poised to become a leader in technological innovation but Gobind cautioned that achieving this vision requires a clear strategy, robust legislative support, and active collaboration between stakeholders.