KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Malaysia is aiming to achieve artificial intelligence (AI) nation status by 2030, with 2026 marked as a key transition point under the National AI Action Plan 2030.
The plan focuses on advancing technology, talent, governance, infrastructure, and sustainable investment.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said 2026 will be a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to elevate Malaysia as an AI-driven nation. He noted that the country’s AI ambition goes beyond technology development; it involves creating a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates policy, talent, infrastructure, digital trust, and investment, enabling Malaysia to position itself as a competitive and high-impact regional AI hub.
“With careful planning and a holistic approach, Malaysia is expected to become an inclusive, ethical, secure, and competitive AI nation, making AI a main driver of economic growth and transformation of citizens’ lives by 2030,” he said when winding up the policy-level debate on Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat.
To realise this goal, the government has allocated RM1.36 billion to the Digital Ministry under Budget 2026, including RM248.5 million for operating expenses and RM1.11 billion for development projects.
Among the key initiatives are RM53 million for the Malaysia Digital Accelerator Grant to boost the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and quantum computing, and RM18.1 million to strengthen the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO). In addition, RM20 million has been set aside for the GovTech Malaysia initiative to enhance the efficiency and quality of government service delivery.
Gobind also highlighted that Malaysia attracted around RM115 billion in data centre investments between 2021 and 2023. The sector is expected to create about 30,900 jobs by 2030, in line with the rising regional demand for digital services.
He said data centres generate long-term economic spillover effects, benefiting local companies across the supply chain — including architectural firms, electrical contractors, HVAC suppliers, security providers, and facilities management companies — while also driving the growth of local Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers.
The Digital Ministry is also developing a Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy, which will serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework to strengthen data security governance in both the public and private sectors, he said.
“This strategy unites principles of security, accountability, and digital trust, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as part of efforts to build a safe and trustworthy AI nation,” Gobind added.
