SALUTATION
1. His Excellency Chea Vandeth
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Cambodia
2. His Excellency Ambassador Ouyang Yujing
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia
3. Ms Zhen Hong
Director General, Centre for International Economic & Technology Cooperation
4. Yang Berhormat Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan
Chairman, Malaysia-China Business Council (MBCC)
5. Mr Li Huidi
Executive Vice President, China Mobile Communication Group
6. Mr Wang Hua
Chairman, China Mobile International
Heads of Ministries and government departments,
Members of the ASEAN Delegations,
Distinguished guests, members of the media, and participants of the summit,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Afternoon.
1. I would like to express my appreciation to China Mobile for organising this conference here in Kuala Lumpur.
2. I am also glad that Kuala Lumpur is hosting a large number of leaders and experts in the digital technology sphere. While some of them are gathered here today, many others are involved in the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) that started yesterday.
3. As such, I am honoured to welcome the distinguished gatherings of regional leaders, digital economy experts, and industry stakeholders, as we work together to chart a digital future.
4. The theme of this conference, “Shaping Intelligent Ecosystems, Unleashing Digital Future”, aligns closely with Malaysia’s digital vision. Intelligent ecosystems are not merely technical frameworks. They are transformative solutions powered by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and big data.
5. These systems are reshaping industries, driving urban development, and enhancing our daily lives. In a localised context, our factories are relying on AI, 5G and other digital technology to improve operations and accelerate productivity. Our hawkers, selling some of the best food in Asia, are living in a cashless and digital environment, thanks to such technology. Collectively, they contribute to an intelligent ecosystem.
6. Malaysia, therefore, is committed to building a digital environment that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient. We are leveraging technology to drive sustainable economic growth, create quality employment, and significantly improve quality of life.
7. ASEAN’s strengths lie in its youthful population, high levels of mobile device penetration, and a rapidly expanding e-commerce and digital services market. These factors are positioning Southeast Asia as a key engine of global digital economic growth.
EMBRACING POWER OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. AI is fast becoming a core driver of the region’s digital transformation. By 2030, AI is projected to contribute an additional USD 1 trillion to ASEAN’s GDP. While Malaysia and our ASEAN partners embrace this trend, we are also taking active steps to ensure cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical governance.
9. Malaysia continues to advance digitalisation through the Malaysia Digital initiative. As of June 2025, the initiative has secured approximately RM 42.58 billion (USD 9.05 billion) in digital investment commitments, with an expected 17,495 high-quality knowledge-based jobs created.
10. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, digital investment grew by 125% quarter-on-quarter—demonstrating growing international confidence in Malaysia’s digital economy. According to official statistics, the digital economy contributed 23.5% to our GDP in 2023, and we are confident that this will surpass 25% by the end of 2025.
11. Malaysia has implemented the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (2021–2025) to promote AI adoption in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, smart cities, and transportation—while upholding 6 principles of responsibility and ethics. Currently, the government is developing the AI Action Plan (2026–2030) to further enhance AI regulation, cross-sectoral coordination, and national preparedness. These steps, among many others, are carried out to transform Malaysia into a digital nation.
12. None of this can happen without stable and secured internet connection. I am happy to say that the 5G deployment in Malaysia continues to make remarkable progress. As of now, the network — deployed by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) — has surpassed 82% coverage of populated areas.
13. DNB achieved its 80% coverage of populated areas (COPA) target a full year ahead of schedule, extending connectivity across both urban centres and many rural regions to ensure inclusive digital transformation. Efforts are also being made to enhance digital infrastructure in remote and underserved areas.
BUILDING A MORE SECURE, INCLUSIVE ASEAN DIGITAL COMMUNITY
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN this year, is actively driving regional digital collaboration. Our priorities include strengthening connectivity across borders, harmonising digital standards, and expanding digital talent exchange. These efforts aim to build a more integrated, secure, and inclusive ASEAN digital community.
15. Furthermore, building a digital future requires deep cooperation with partners such as China. China holds significant advantages in next-generation network deployment, edge intelligence, AI applications, and cross-border digital platforms. Malaysia highly values its cooperation with China in the digital domain, and we welcome further collaboration in smart city development, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation initiatives to achieve shared and inclusive growth.
16. In particular, Malaysia has begun cooperation with China Mobile on joint projects including AI Innovation Centres and 5G Labs. These collaborations are already demonstrating strong synergy via research and development, pilot deployments, and talent development. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation and expanding these partnerships to deliver greater value for our region.
17. Shaping intelligent ecosystems and unleashing the digital future requires close cooperation across ASEAN, between governments and industries, and with the international community. Malaysia remains firmly committed to this collaborative vision — ensuring that digital transformation is a force for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
18. Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to regional cooperation. Let us harness technology to create a prosperous, inclusive, and digitally empowered ASEAN future.
19. Once again, I would like to thank China Mobile and all participants here today for your active engagement. We must join forces to create a brighter digital future.
Thank You.
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