KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia has launched a national artificial intelligence office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, positioning itself as a regional hub for AI development.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the initiative, emphasizing its significance in the country's digital transformation journey. The office will act as a centralized agency for AI, focusing on strategic planning, research and development, and regulatory oversight.
In its first year, the office aims to achieve seven key deliverables, including the development of a code of ethics, an AI regulatory framework, and a five-year action plan for AI technology extending to 2030.
Additionally, the government has formed strategic partnerships with six major companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, all of which have recently announced data center, cloud, and AI projects in Malaysia.
Digital ventures have significantly boosted Malaysia's economy in 2024, with 71.1 billion ringgit ($16.06 billion) in approved investments in the information and communications sector, according to the investment authority.