PRESS RELEASE
AI, CYBERSECURITY AND DIGITAL INNOVATION KEY FOCUS AREAS AS MALAYSIA SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN DIGITAL TIES AT ADGMIN 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, January 15, 2025 – The Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, will participate in the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) from January 15 – 17 in Bangkok, Thailand, where key discussions will revolve around artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cross-border privacy frameworks, cybersecurity and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the nation’s leadership in shaping ASEAN’s digital future as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2025. “This meeting is crucial for setting the foundation to strengthen ASEAN’s digital ecosystem and prepare for an AI-driven future,” Gobind said, highlighting Malaysia’s role in driving discussions on cybersecurity, AI safety, and data center infrastructure.
The ADGMIN, themed “Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future”, aligns with Malaysia’s strategic vision to position itself as a regional leader in the digital economy. Gobind noted the nation’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, fostering cyber resilience, and cultivating local talent, all essential to achieving a robust digital ecosystem.
Malaysia’s agenda for ASEAN 2025 focuses on five key areas:
1. AI and Data - Advancing governance, research, and applications of AI and big data.
2. Cybersecurity - Strengthening resilience and cross-border collaboration to address threats.
3. AI Cities - Accelerating the development of sustainable, tech-enabled urban ecosystems.
4. Government Technology (GovTech) - Enhancing efficiency, transparency, and public service delivery through digital innovation.
5. Digital Creativity - Elevating the region’s presence in gaming, animation, and digital arts.
To drive progress in these areas, Malaysia will host nine major events in 2025, including the Malaysia AI Summit (June), ASEAN 5G & IoT Security Summit (August), Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (September), SmartGov Summit (October), and Level Up KL | Play 2025 (November). These platforms aim to attract investments, foster innovation, and build networks across the region.
During the meeting, Gobind will hold bilateral discussions with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong; ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; and Brian McFeeters, Senior Vice President of the US-ASEAN Business Council. He will also hold meetings with ASEAN Member States, Dialogue and Development Partners from Indonesia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and participate in the ADGMIN dialogue sessions with key FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE partners, including China, Japan, Republic of Korea, the United States and India.
As ASEAN’s 2025 chair, Malaysia is poised to spearhead initiatives that drive innovation, strengthen digital trust, and create a more inclusive digital economy for the region.
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Issued by: Corporate Communications Division
Ministry of Digital
