Kota Kinabalu: The National AI Roadmap 2030 outlines the vision to transform Malaysia into an “AI Nation,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
“This vision is centred on leveraging AI to enhance the quality of life, stimulate innovation and reform the Government.
“The plan is designed to deliver significant benefits to three primary stakeholders — the people, industry and the Government,” he said.
AI Nation, Zambry said, aims to make Malaysia an inclusive, sustainable and competitive AI-driven country, becoming a regional digital technology hub as well as a producer of “Made by Malaysia” products.
By 2028, AI is expected to contribute an additional 0.8 per cent to GDP, generating between RM13 and RM20 billion annually. By 2030, the impact will rise to 1.2 per cent, with the industry creating 300,000 new jobs by 2028 and up to 500,000 by 2030, he said.
“To achieve these targets, higher education plays a pivotal role in building a globally competitive AI talent pool capable of meeting industry demand, driving cutting-edge research and creating innovative ecosystems aligned with national priorities,” said Zambry.
He said strong digital and AI leadership within universities and colleges will ensure that AI not only fuels economic growth but also uplifts society, safeguards values and prepares future generations for a rapidly evolving world.
This is also aligned with the Digitalisation of Higher Education Policy 2025–2030, where digital leadership is identified as the key driver in creating robust, forward-thinking governance to support change at all levels of the higher education ecosystem, he said.
“To prepare students for an AI-driven future, we are investing in AI literacy programmes, interdisciplinary research hubs and strong governance frameworks,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of protecting privacy and intellectual freedom in building an AI ecosystem that advances knowledge while preserving core values.
Zambry urged young leaders to embrace AI as an ally guided by values.
“Question assumptions, champion diversity of thought and lead with empathy. Build communities that harness technology for collective upliftment, not narrow gain,” he said.
He added that leadership must remain courageous, forward-looking and rooted in responsibility, with universities, industry and Asean partners deepening collaboration to build ethical and inclusive AI principles.
The conference, jointly organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), drew delegates from Malaysia, Asean and Australasia. Also present was UMS Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kassim Mansor.
