22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia to continue supporting digital, AI development in Asean
PUTRAJAYA: The government will continue supporting the development of digitalisation and artificial intelligence across Asean to position the region as a competitive and forward-looking digital hub.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia's digital push was not solely for domestic growth, but also aimed at building a strong, integrated regional ecosystem that benefits all Asean member states.
"(Malaysia) will also continue to support the development of digitalisation and AI in our neighbouring countries, because we want Asean, not just Malaysia, to become a more competitive digital hub," he said.
Anwar said this in his keynote address at the launch of MaiStorage Techology here today.
While highlighting Malaysia's progress and reputation as a stable and policy-driven tech destination, Anwar said digital transformation must be a collective Asean effort if the region is to remain competitive on the global stage.
He cited Malaysia's collaboration with Vietnam and Singapore under the Asean Power Grid initiative as an example of how the region could work together on cross-border infrastructure projects, including those related to energy and digital connectivity.
"The thrust of our Asean chairmanship has been energy transition, and we have seen some success through collaboration among Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore on the power grid.
"But, more importantly, the focus of our chairmanship is digital transformation. This is not just about platitudes or pronouncements, it is something we can be genuinely excited about.
"Our neighbouring countries can share in and support this venture, just as we will continue to support digitalisation and AI development in the region."
Anwar added that policy clarity and governance reform in Malaysia have created an enabling environment for technology and AI development.
He credited the New Industrial Master Plan and other national strategies for providing clear direction and certainty for investors and innovators.
"That said, the real challenge lies in effective execution, which is a common struggle for many countries including ours.
"That is why when I began this journey with my team, we focused first on governance. Unless we establish sound governance, we cannot ensure business discipline, policy clarity and efficient, transparent execution.
"If we do that, we can showcase Malaysia not only as a centre for AI development but also as a high-end innovation hub that adds real value to the industry."
