Malaysia Launches New National AI Office
On December 12, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the launch of the National AI Office (NAIO), underscoring the country’s efforts to become a regional AI leader and high-income nation. The Prime Minister noted that greater public-private collaboration and acceleration of AI adoption could lead to AI-driven digitalization representing as much as a quarter of Malaysia’s GDP in 2025. The push towards greater collaboration with industry and AI usage comes as Malaysia’s digital economy has experienced significant investment in its digital economy, with the ICT sector accounting for RM71.1 billion (US$16.06 billion) worth of investments in 2024.
The NAIO will seek to accelerate AI adoption and integration by centralizing AI resources and policy development, promoting investment, and fostering AI innovation and implementation through collaboration. Under Budget 2025, RM10 million (US$2.2 million) has been allocated for NAIO, which will be incubated in MyDIGITAL during its first year as it determines its long-term organizational structure and priorities. Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been selected to head this agency. The NAIO is expected to pursue seven key deliverables in 2025, including developing an AI Code of Ethics, AI Technology Action Plan (2026–2030), and AI Adoption Regulatory Framework.
