CYBERJAYA, July 28, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officially launched AI Malaysia Berhad, the country’s new national artificial intelligence entity, while announcing a major youth-focused programme to democratise access to AI tools.
The launch event at Menara Cyber Axis in Cyberjaya also marked the unveiling of the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 and the establishment of the Malaysian AI Safety Institute. AI Malaysia Berhad, placed under the Ministry of Digital, formalises and expands the role of the former National AI Office (NAIO), which was set up in December 2024. The new body will coordinate national AI policy, implementation across government agencies, governance frameworks, ethical standards, and international collaboration as Malaysia pursues its ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.
A key highlight was the announcement of the enhanced AI Untuk Rakyat (AI for the People) programme. Starting 31 August 2026 (Merdeka Day), up to 100,000 Malaysians aged 18 to 30 who complete specialised online modules on the Rakyat Digital platform will receive three months of free access and subscriptions to leading AI software and applications. The modules will cover AI Safety, Cyber SAFE, Agentic AI, Generative AI, and Cloud for the People.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who attended the ceremony, welcomed the initiative. In a statement on X, he said the programme aims to empower understanding and use of AI technology among youths, expand digital skills mastery, and prepare the younger generation for the future economy. He affirmed that the Ministry of Communications remains committed to strengthening national communications infrastructure so AI technologies can be utilised more widely, while intensifying public awareness efforts to promote safe, ethical, and responsible AI use.
Prime Minister Anwar stressed the importance of inclusive adoption. He warned that Malaysia’s AI push must not widen the gap between those with technology access and those without, calling for the “democratisation of access” to AI so that benefits reach ordinary Malaysians rather than only corporations or urban communities. He also highlighted the need for education system reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure upgrades to build AI literacy from primary school level.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo noted that AI Malaysia will ensure AI systems developed and adopted in the country remain human-centric, safe, and trustworthy. The government is also drafting an AI Governance Bill to support these goals.
The launch forms part of broader efforts under the Malaysia MADANI framework and the 13th Malaysia Plan to position AI as a driver of economic growth, public sector transformation, and inclusive national development.
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