PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Digital Engages Industry and Academia to Advance Malaysia’s AI Sovereignty and AI Talent Potential Agenda
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 July 2025 – Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, recently convened two high-level engagement sessions on AI Sovereignty and AI Talent Potential with key industry players and leading public universities respectively, reinforcing the Ministry of Digital’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and future-ready AI ecosystem for Malaysia.
Organised by the National AI Office (NAIO), the engagements are part of ongoing series of strategic roundtables leading up to the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25). These sessions aim to gather diverse perspectives and shape the development of the National AI Action Plan 2030. Upcoming discussions in the series will cover critical topics such as AI Safety scheduled on 4 August 2025, AI Policy & Governance, AI Innovation, and AI Talent.
Driving AI Sovereignty: A Strategic Dialogue with Industry
In a focused session with local and international technology leaders, Gobind convened a strategic dialogue to deliberate Malaysia’s vision for AI sovereignty. The conversation explored national priorities including the development of AI-ready data guidelines, fostering public trust, and the need for agile, transparent policymaking.
“In our journey to become a leading AI Nation, we must prioritise high-impact areas that deliver early wins while safeguarding our sovereignty. Data and trust must serve as the foundation of our AI ecosystem,” said Gobind.
Gobind also highlighted the need for action-oriented, inclusive strategies to position Malaysia as a competitive and ethical AI hub in the region. Industry players shared valuable insights into current global trends, the enablers of AI sovereignty, and recommendations to strengthen national capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Discussions also addressed the critical role of government, industry, and academia in shaping a unified AI agenda.
Strengthening AI Talent: Collaboration with Malaysia’s Public Universities
In a separate roundtable session, Gobind met representatives from Malaysia’s top public universities to explore strategies for strengthening AI education and research. TalentCorp also participated as a key stakeholder on workforce readiness and talent policy.
The session emphasised the vital role of talent development in realising Malaysia’s AI aspirations. Participants discussed ways to nurture homegrown AI professionals, enhance academic-industry collaboration, and build a sustainable future-ready workforce. Key focus areas included improving data accessibility and quality, strengthening digital infrastructure, and building public trust in AI technologies.
A shared commitment emerged to deepen Government-academia collaboration, with an emphasis on co-developing and implementing targeted initiatives that support innovation, inclusivity, and long-term talent sustainability. These efforts aim to strengthen Malaysia’s AI capabilities, support innovation, and reinforce the nation’s position as a regional leader in AI.
Both sessions reflect the Ministry’s continued inclusive and consultative approach towards realising the National AI Action Plan 2030 and advancing the vision of an AIempowered Malaysia.
Gobind, through NAIO, will continue to lead these multi-stakeholder engagements as part of the lead up to the AAIMS25, which will be hosted by the Ministry of Digital on 12 and 13 August 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
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Issued by: YB Minister’s Office
Ministry of Digital
