SALUTATION
1. Mr George Freeman
UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
2. Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah
Co-Patron, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC)
3. Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Omar Siddiq
Deputy Chair, BMCC
4. Ms Loh Wei Yuen
Executive Director, BMCC
5. Mr Evan Cheah
Deputy President, Sunway Group
6. Mr Richard Colley
Director of Trade & Investment, British High Commission in Malaysia
7. Mr Venkkat Ramanan Regional
Vice President (Asia Pacific), AICPA & CIMA
8. Your Excellencies & Foreign Dignitaries
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Evening.
1. Before I begin, I would like to thank the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) for the invitation.
2. It is an honour to share this evening with you, celebrating excellence and innovation among UK businesses in Malaysia.
3. Throughout the year, we have seen extensive conversations about technology, namely Artificial Intelligence (AI). I am sure many of you here today are already using AI in one way or the other.
4. Malaysia is investing heavily in AI. The MADANI Government is fully aware of the economic potential AI has got to offer. This is reflected in our annual budgets, including the recently tabled Budget 2026.
5. We have established a National AI Office (NAIO) and have worked on various AI programmes that target various demographics — from the masses to the business communities.
6. These are steps to accelerate Malaysia into a digital nation, and to turn it into an AI Nation by 2030. But all of you here today know that Malaysia already offers a digital-native environment — relying on e-wallets and interoperable QR code payments. From payments at toll gates to purchasing movie tickets and even nasi lemak at the pasar malam (night market), everything is done online.
7. As ASEAN Chair this year, Malaysia led various initiatives including the ASEAN AI Summit. Throughout the year, we witnessed discussions on multiple fronts: namely the ASEAN Guide for Sustainable Data Centre Development, ASEAN AI Safety Network, ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy (2026–2030), and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) that will be firmed up soon.
8. These discussions and commitments are key to Southeast Asia’s digital transformation. The latest e-Conomy SEA 2025 report, from Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, predicts the region’s digital economy will surpass US$300 billion in gross merchandise value this year. This is 1.5 times the inaugural forecast reported a decade ago. This is not surprising. It is a reflection of this region’s strength and capabilities.
9. As the World Economic Forum rightfully highlighted, this monumental achievement is not a finish line. It is the closing chapter that immediately launches the region’s next and greatest shift: the AI reality.
PARTNERING MALAYSIAN COMPANIES TO TAP REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. I was at the London Tech Week in June where I met some of your peers. I told them that Malaysia is strategically positioned at the heart of ASEAN, a market of close to 700 million people.
11. Our nation serves as a digitally advanced, stable, and culturally diverse bridgehead, offering unparalleled access to this vast consumer base. I am sure all of you here tonight can attest to this.
12. Malaysia’s progress has been monumental. Our digital economy is on track to contribute 25.5% to our national GDP by the end of this year. This success is underpinned by a vibrant ecosystem of local and international champions.
13. Many companies have been awarded the prestigious Malaysia Digital (MD) status. These companies leverage government incentives and privileges to focus on high-value digital services like AI, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things.
14. These are the partners that UK expertise needs. The partnership is also a solid step for us to be in the thick of AI reality. No more merely talking about AI. It is about adopting and adapting AI in every way possible.
15. Such partnerships can then extend beyond ASEAN. Our government is pushing for Made in Malaysia and Made for Malaysians. With your partnership, we can extend it to Made in Malaysia, Made for ASEAN. Let us be the bridge as you expand your presence in this digitally-thriving region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. The future of the global economy will be increasingly digital, increasingly intelligent, and increasingly interconnected. By choosing Malaysia as your strategic partner, you are choosing the growth and dynamism of ASEAN.
17. Finally, to the award nominees and winners, we honour you tonight — for your hard work, foresight, and dedication have driven our global economy forward.
18. May your achievements inspire us all as we work together to create opportunities in this exciting, AI-powered era.
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your evening
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