Malaysia launches national AI office for policy, regulation

Malaysia launched on December 12 a national artificial intelligence (AI) office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, as it looks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI development. ​

Malaysia has launched a national artificial intelligence office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, as it looks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI development. (Photo: Reuters file)
Malaysia has launched a national artificial intelligence office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, as it looks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI development. (Photo: Reuters file)

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is another historical moment in the country’s digital transformation journey.

The office is expected to serve as a centralised agency for AI, providing strategic planning, research and development as well as regulatory oversight, among others.

It will pursue seven deliverables in its first year, including developing a code of ethics, an AI regulatory framework and a five-year AI technology action plan until 2030.

The same day, the Malaysian government announced strategic partnerships with six companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Digital ventures have helped propel Malaysia's economy in 2024, with 71.1 billion MYR (16.06 billion USD) in approved investments in the information and communications sub-sector.

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