SUBANG JAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) is lowering the cost and speed of building digital solutions, creating significant opportunities for Malaysian companies.
This, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, is where sovereignty becomes tangible in the systems people use daily.
“We have a strong local talent pool that is already making its mark globally. The real question is whether we can create the conditions for them to build here, for Malaysia,” said Gobind.
“With the rise of AI, this becomes urgent. AI is no longer peripheral; it is shaping decisions, productivity, and how institutions function.”
Speaking at the Tech Stacks & Stakes Forum at Monash University earlier today, Gobind added that Malaysia must also scale regionally through Asean.
“Ultimately, sovereignty depends on our ability to build, adopt, and govern these systems ourselves,” he said. “This is fundamental because the global landscape has changed. Access and openness can no longer be assumed. Sovereignty must now be deliberately built and protected.”
The Minister noted that Malaysia has already taken steps through the National AI Roadmap, the National AI Office, and the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE) framework to support responsible growth. However, he warned that if the country does not act, dependency on foreign systems will deepen.
“The economic potential is clear, with AI poised to contribute meaningfully to future GDP. But this is not guaranteed,” he said. “If we rely entirely on foreign systems, we must ask ourselves: are we building intelligence, or simply accessing it?”
“The Digital Ministry is strengthening the foundations, but the real challenge is effective adoption. The government must lead as both regulator and enabler to drive local innovation.”
Gobind reiterated that industries must step forward, not just to participate, but to build, invest, and take ownership of the systems defining the future. He called for a collaborative effort between startups, enterprises, researchers, and investors to “anchor capability” within the country.
“This is not just about technology; it is about ensuring that the systems shaping our future remain within our control,” he said. “Sovereignty will not happen by default. It must be built deliberately, and it must be built together.
“Ultimately, this moment will not be defined by who moved first, but by who chose to act with intent. If we are clear in our purpose and disciplined in our execution, Malaysia will not simply adjust to this new landscape—we will shape it on our own terms.”
Image: Digital Ministry
