Malaysia is actively collaborating with various parties, including international bodies, to navigate the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, develop local talent, and implement comprehensive policies and regulations in the country and beyond.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that Malaysia is now a member of the Hiroshima Artificial Intelligence Process Friends Group (HAIPFG). Launched in May 2024, HAIPFG is a voluntary framework that brings together countries supporting the spirit of the Hiroshima AI Process, with its first physical meeting held in February 2025 in Tokyo.
“Malaysia’s membership in important international networks such as the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and HAIPFG allows the country to be directly involved in discussions, policy formulation, and the sharing of best practices on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI governance at the global level,” said Gobind.
“Malaysia’s involvement in the Unesco Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (RAM) is carried out through the National AI Office (NAIO), which acts as the lead coordinator to ensure the country’s AI development and usage align with global ethical principles. NAIO plays a key role in conducting national self-assessments based on the RAM framework, identifying policy gaps, and outlining improvement measures involving human rights, inclusivity, sustainability, and transparent governance.”
Gobind was responding to a question by Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu (Pakatan Harapan – Batu Gajah) in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
Through the Ministry of Digital, Malaysia has led the establishment and secretariat role of the Asean AI Safety Network that was officially endorsed at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting. Additionally, it is working to see the formation of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement - a regional initiative aimed at forming a more integrated, secure, and competitive Southeast Asian digital economy ecosystem, covering aspects such as cross-border digital trade, cybersecurity, AI, data protection, and digital payments.
Malaysia’s cooperation with other countries and international bodies is one of the key agendas of the Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025, scheduled for Aug 12-13 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The summit is an international platform that brings together industry players, policymakers, and researchers worldwide. It aims to be a global meeting point to explore opportunities, challenges, and ethics in developing safe and inclusive AI technology.
Gobind further added that the government has developed and implemented the National AI Roadmap 2021–2025. This plan aims to drive AI technology transfer through talent development, research and development collaboration, sandbox operations, and the development of safety standards.
“NAIO is currently drafting the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional AI hub. The plan sets targets to improve Malaysia’s global AI rankings.”
Malaysia is currently ranked 26th out of 36 countries in the Stanford HAI AI Index (2023) and 24th out of 193 countries in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index (2024). Efforts are being intensified to achieve higher rankings.
