MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR, June 13, 2025 — Malaysia’s National AI Office (NAIO), under the Ministry of Digital, has partnered with PETRONAS Leadership Centre, Microsoft, and EY Malaysia to establish the Microsoft National AI Innovation Centre (NAIIC), a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate the country’s AI transformation. Unveiled at the Microsoft AI Tour in Kuala Lumpur, the NAIIC aims to drive innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and build a skilled AI workforce.
The NAIIC will serve as a dynamic hub for co-developing AI solutions tailored to Malaysia’s national priorities, enabling rapid prototyping, real-world testing, and workforce upskilling. It will support the National AI Strategy by creating scalable AI use cases, strengthening talent development, and showcasing Malaysia’s AI capabilities globally.
“This is a pivotal milestone in Malaysia’s journey to become a regional leader in ethical and transformative AI,” said Sam Majid, Head of NAIO. “With the combined strengths of PETRONAS Leadership Centre, Microsoft, and EY Malaysia, we’re building an AI ecosystem that drives national progress and global impact.”
The centre will complement NAIO’s AI Sectoral Centres of Excellence (AI-COEs) across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, transport, public services, education, and small businesses, forming the backbone of Malaysia’s AI infrastructure. NAIO will oversee NAIIC’s governance to ensure alignment with national priorities and ethical AI standards.
Microsoft Malaysia’s Managing Director, Laurence Si, emphasized the transformative potential of AI across industries. “From finance to healthcare, AI is unlocking new opportunities. We’re excited to bring our trusted cloud and technical expertise to support Malaysia’s ambitions,” he said.
Hezlinn Idris, CEO of PETRONAS Leadership Centre, highlighted the initiative’s role in empowering industries and communities.
“This collaboration is a catalyst for showcasing Malaysia’s growing AI capabilities,” she said.
Adrian Chew, EY Malaysia’s AI, Data, and Technology Consulting Leader, added, “The NAIIC offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation and position Malaysia as a leader in AI-driven transformation.”
This public-private partnership underscores Malaysia’s vision of becoming a digitally driven, AI-empowered nation, combining policy leadership, industry expertise, and cutting-edge innovation to deliver meaningful outcomes.
