Latest news with #DigitalMinistry
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Data digitalisation policy expected to be introduced next month
PUTRAJAYA: The Digital Ministry will introduce a Data Digitalisation Policy next month to support the enforcement of the Data Sharing Act 2025 (Act 864). Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the policy, developed by the National Digital Department (JDN), will focus on enhancing data quality governance, data security, digital ethics, data storage and usage technologies, and promoting a digital culture in government administration and public service delivery. 'This is important because in order to succeed in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), we must ensure the data we use is in digital form, (but) many government datasets still exist in analogue formats such as images, audio, or hybrids,' Gobind told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the National Data Sharing Committee here today. He said he has given JDN a three-month deadline to finalise the policy and hopes to present it to the Cabinet by July. The minister said the policy will be implemented not only at the federal level but also extended to state governments and local authorities, to ensure consistent data quality for effective policymaking and delivery of public benefits. 'Full digitalisation of government data will allow for better data sharing and analysis using AI, leading to more innovative and realistic cross-sector solutions,' he remarked. Gobind said that the Data Sharing Act 2025, which officially came into force on April 28, provides a structured legal framework for secure and efficient data sharing between federal ministries and agencies, which is expected to enhance public service delivery by allowing real-time data access, accelerating decision-making, and improving coordination without compromising government data security or personal privacy. 'This will lead to a more connected and data-driven government that benefits the people, safeguards their welfare, and drives economic growth,' he said. In fact, he said data sharing between agencies can also eliminate redundancy in data collection, reduce costs, improve public service efficiency, and strengthen public trust through transparency and accountability. 'Shared data ensures policies are planned and implemented based on accurate and up-to-date information,' Gobind said. The minister also expressed hope that state governments would introduce their own data sharing laws to enable effective integration with federal and local government systems. So far, he said the state governments of Penang, Selangor, and Sarawak have responded positively to the proposal. 'I will be visiting each state to discuss the matter directly with chief ministers and menteris besar,' he said. In his remark at the meeting earlier, Gobind said the National Data Sharing Committee, established under the Data Sharing Act 2025, is tasked with setting policy and strategic direction for public sector data sharing. 'We acknowledge the legal and technical challenges in data sharing between public agencies, states, and local authorities. Therefore, it is hoped that this committee will be able to streamline and facilitate secure inter-agency data sharing,' he said.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
AI regulatory framework in the works, full report due by end of June
KUALA LUMPUR: A full report outlining Malaysia's proposed regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be completed by the end of June, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The report, currently being finalised by the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), established last year under the Digital Ministry, will form the basis for how the country approaches AI regulation, whether through legislation, new rules, or the adoption of common standards. 'Discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing and several views have already been presented. I hope that by the end of June, we will have a report from NAIO that can help chart an appropriate course for AI governance in Malaysia,' he said. He was speaking to reporters at the launch of the Cybersecurity Professional Capability Development Programme. Also in attendance were the ministry's secretary general Fabian Bigar, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab and EC-Council president Sanjay Bavisi. Gobind said the government's approach to AI would prioritise strong governance and public trust in digital technologies. 'Amid this digital transformation, risks will inevitably arise. We must carefully consider how best to ensure public trust in digital platforms,' he said. He added that any regulatory model must take into account the specific risks and characteristics of each sector affected by AI, given the technology's wide-ranging impact across industries.
The Star
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
AI regulatory framework in the works, full report due by end June, says Digital Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: A full report outlining Malaysia's proposed regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be completed by the end of June, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The report, currently being finalised by the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), established last year under the Digital Ministry, will form the basis for how the country approaches AI regulation, whether through legislation, new rules, or the adoption of common standards. "Discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing and several views have already been presented. I hope that by the end of June, we will have a report from NAIO that can help chart an appropriate course for AI governance in Malaysia," he said. He was speaking to reporters at the launch of the Cybersecurity Professional Capability Development Programme. Also in attendance were the ministry's secretary-general Fabian Bigar, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab and EC-Council president Sanjay Bavisi. Gobind said the government's approach to AI would prioritise strong governance and public trust in digital technologies. "Amid this digital transformation, risks will inevitably arise. We must carefully consider how best to ensure public trust in digital platforms," he said. He added that any regulatory model must take into account the specific risks and characteristics of each sector affected by AI, given the technology's wide-ranging impact across industries. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry extends digital empowerment schemes to rural Sarawak
KUALA LUMPUR: The Digital Ministry has extended its digital empowerment initiatives to rural Sarawak through an outreach programme at Rumah Collins in Selangau, Sibu. Organised by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the Jelajah Digital Rumah Panjang initiative introduced hands-on solutions to help local communities leverage digital tools for economic and social development. Highlights of the programme included the 'eKelas Usahawan' talk by Maxis Bhd, a financial literacy session by SME Bank, and a TikTok Shop bootcamp, designed to equip rural entrepreneurs and youth with digital marketing and e-commerce skills. CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) also conducted a session to promote awareness on online safety and responsible digital behaviour. The event was attended by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and his deputy Datuk Wilson Ugak anak Kumbong. Both leaders reiterated the ministry's commitment to extending digital inclusion to all parts of the country, including remote regions in Sarawak. Gobind said every community, no matter how remote, should have equal access to digital tools and opportunities. "We are here not just to launch programmes, but to listen, learn, and build meaningful connections that shape our national digital agenda," he said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Digital Ministry requests MCMC report on connectivity issues, non-functioning towers in Sarawak
SIBU: The Digital Ministry has requested the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prepare a report regarding the issues of connectivity blackspots and non-functional telecommunications towers, particularly in rural Sarawak. Its minister, Gobind Singh Deo said both these issues were discussed at the State Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IRN) special committee meeting on May 28, and requested the MCMC to submit a related report within six months. 'I hope that in six months, we will receive a special report from the MCMC regarding these issues together with the Sarawak government, and (see) how we can collaborate to resolve this problem,' he said. Gobind told reporters this after attending the Longhouse Outreach Programme at Rumah Collins in Selangau near here today. The programme, organised by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), an agency under the ministry, showcases practical field solutions aimed at helping communities leverage digital tools for economic and social enhancement. DNB, in a statement in conjunction with the implementation of the programme, said it involves the 'eKelas Usahawan' talk by Maxis Bhd; a financial literacy session by SME Bank; and a TikTok Shop boot camp, aimed at equipping rural entrepreneurs and youth with digital marketing and e-commerce skills. Meanwhile, the session by CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) also provided important education on online safety and digital responsibility.
