SALUTATION
1. Yang Berbahagia Tuan Fabian Bigar
Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
2. Yang Berusaha Tuan Ma Sivanesan Marimuthu
Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
3. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Azman Ismail
Chief Executive Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad
4. Yang Berusaha Anuar Fariz Fadzil
Chief Executive Officer, MDEC Esteemed Mayors,
Distinguished guests, members of the media, and participants of the summit,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Evening.
1. Thank you, Datuk Azman Ismail, for the warm and inspiring welcome. The Ministry of Digital is proud to have a committed partner in DNB and MDEC, alongside MyDIGITAL, and the other agencies that make up our digital ecosystem family. DNB’s dedication has been instrumental in advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation journey.
2. Malaysia is on a bold path to become the AI hub of ASEAN and beyond. We are not just adopting AI — we are shaping it. Through the National AI Roadmap, the National AI Office (NAIO), and strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, and governance, we are laying the foundation for a future powered by intelligence, innovation, and inclusion. The National AI Roadmap outlines key pillars including ethical AI development, sectoral adoption, and international collaboration. NAIO has launched initiatives to foster collaboration across government, academia, and industry, including talent development and curriculum design.
3. Leveraging Malaysia’s world-class 5G connectivity, DNB and MDEC have been tasked to lead the AI Cities initiative that builds upon and complements the Smart Cities program under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. This work has involved deep and productive engagements with mayors and local councils as well as the significant effort to organise and seek partners for the Smart City Expo KL 2025, or SCEKL25, from 17th to 19th September.
4. Ultimately, I hope these efforts have, and will continue to lay the groundwork for real, actionable innovation. By aligning strategic leadership with on-the-ground execution, we’ve seen how national initiatives can translate into meaningful local impact. The grants awarded today are a direct outcome of this alignment — where policy meets purpose, and vision meets implementation.
5. Today’s 5G Enterprise & AI Cities grant handover ceremony celebrates the people behind the technology — those who push the envelope for the benefit of society. To the enterprises and municipal councils receiving grants today — congratulations! Your winning proposals show that innovation is alive 4 and thriving in Malaysia.
6. The selected proposals under the KD Grant reflect a powerful convergence of innovation, national priorities, and digital transformation. Across sectors — from agriculture and healthcare to logistics, manufacturing, and education — these projects demonstrate how 5G and AI technologies are being harnessed to solve real-world challenges. Whether it's enabling advanced farm management for small farmers, connecting ambulances to emergency departments, or deploying smart surveillance at ports, each initiative is rooted in tangible use cases that promise measurable impact.
7. A recurring theme is the strategic use of 5G for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, paired with AI for intelligent decision-making and automation. These technologies are not just enhancing operational efficiency — they are redefining how services are delivered, how infrastructure is managed, and how data is used to drive outcomes.
8. The proposals show strong alignment with national goals, including digital inclusivity, public safety, and economic resilience, while also contributing to ESG 5 objectives such as sustainability, transparency, and equitable access.
9. Importantly, many of these solutions are designed to be scalable and replicable across industries and geographies. From autonomous drone corridors to AI-powered dashboards and smart transport systems, the projects offer blueprints for broader transformation. They also reflect a commitment to empowering SMEs and public institutions, ensuring that innovation is not confined to large enterprises but reaches the grassroots where it can make the most difference.
10. Together, these proposals embody a forward-looking vision for Malaysia — one where technology serves the rakyat, strengthens our institutions, and positions the nation as a regional leader in digital innovation. The KD Grant is not just funding projects; it is fueling a movement toward smarter, safer, and more inclusive futures.
11. With this financial support and newly established partnerships, you are not only advancing your organisations — you are creating positive economic and societal impact for the communities you serve. We look forward to seeing your solutions come to life and inspire other cities and enterprises to follow suit.
12. Let us continue to collaborate — across ministries, industries, and borders — to build a 5G-powered digital future that is inclusive, secure, and empowering. Together, we can make Malaysia a beacon of responsible AI and effective digital leadership.
Thank you, and congratulations again to the grant recipients.
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