KUALALUMPUR, July 18 2025 – The Ministry of Digital, led by Minister Gobind Singh Deo, held two high-level engagement sessions with industry leaders and top public universities to bolster Malaysia’s AI sovereignty and talent potential, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a secure, inclusive, and future-ready AI ecosystem.

Organized by the National AI Office (NAIO), the sessions are part of a series of strategic roundtables leading up to the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25), scheduled for 12-13 August 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. These discussions aim to shape the National AI Action Plan 2030, with upcoming sessions focusing on AI Safety (4 August 2025), AI Policy & Governance, AI Innovation, and AI Talent.
Strategic Dialogue on AI Sovereignty with Industry Leaders
In a focused session with local and international technology leaders, Minister Gobind spearheaded discussions on Malaysia’s vision for AI sovereignty. Key topics included developing AI-ready data guidelines, fostering public trust, and implementing agile, transparent policymaking.
“To become a leading AI nation, we must prioritize high-impact areas that deliver early wins while safeguarding our sovereignty. Data and trust are the foundation of our AI ecosystem,” said Gobind.
Industry players provided insights into global AI trends, qualities of AI sovereignty, and recommendations to enhance Malaysia’s capabilities in the fast-evolving digital landscape. The dialogue underscored the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia to create a unified AI agenda.
Strengthening AI Talent with Public Universities
In a separate roundtable, Gobind engaged representatives from Malaysia’s top public universities, alongside TalentCorp, to discuss strategies for advancing AI education and research. The session focused on nurturing homegrown AI professionals, enhancing academic-industry collaboration, and building a sustainable, future-ready workforce.
Key areas included improving data accessibility, strengthening digital infrastructure, and fostering public trust in AI technologies. Participants committed to deepening government-academia collaboration to develop targeted initiatives that promote innovation, inclusivity, and long-term talent sustainability.
Paving the Way for AAIMS25
These engagements reflect the Ministry’s inclusive and consultative approach to realizing the National AI Action Plan 2030 and positioning Malaysia as a regional AI leader. Gobind, through NAIO, will continue leading multi-stakeholder discussions in preparation for AAIMS25, which is set to be a landmark event in Malaysia’s AI journey.
