DAVOS, SWITZERLAND January 21, 2026 – Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the need for pragmatic and inclusive approaches to global AI governance during his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026. Speaking at the AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) Steering Committee Strategy Session, Deo highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to shaping AI policies that address the unique challenges faced by emerging and middle-income economies.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Deo detailed his engagement with prominent global leaders, including AI pioneer Andrew Ng, Microsoft President Brad Smith, and Meta’s Vice President of Global Affairs Joel Kaplan. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s role as a “pragmatic contributor” to AI governance, urging a shift from abstract principles and divisive debates toward practical, interoperable, and inclusive models.
“The next phase of AI governance must move beyond principles and polarisation — toward models that are implementable, interoperable, and inclusive,” Deo stated. “These insights will continue to strengthen Malaysia’s journey to becoming an AI Nation by 2030.”
The session aligns with broader discussions at Davos 2026, where themes of responsible innovation and scaling AI responsibly are central. Deo also participated in a panel titled “Digital Embassies for Sovereign AI,” alongside Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data and Metaverse at the WEF, and Alexandre Fasel, Special Envoy for Science and Technology Diplomacy at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. This session explored strategies for nations to maintain sovereignty over AI technologies while fostering international collaboration.
Malaysia’s push toward becoming an “AI Nation” by 2030 includes investments in AI infrastructure, talent development, and ethical frameworks. Deo’s remarks at Davos build on recent regional efforts, such as ASEAN’s Hanoi Declaration on AI-driven digital futures and partnerships with countries like the UAE and Rwanda to empower AI adoption in the Global South.
In an interview with WION at the forum, Deo discussed Malaysia’s digitization strategies and preparations for AI integration, stressing the importance of reskilling workers and government-led retraining programs.
The WEF 2026, running from January 19 to 23, features numerous sessions on AI, including “Scaling AI: Now Comes the Hard Part” and “Data against Modern Slavery,” underscoring the forum’s focus on leveraging technology for global good.
As AI continues to reshape economies, Malaysia’s active role in these discussions positions the country as a key voice from Southeast Asia in the global intelligent age.
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