–KAMARUL ARIFFIN / TheStar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded RM54.13 billion in approved Malaysia Digital (MD) investments in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q 2025), generating 21,815 high-value jobs across 402 digital companies, said the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
In a statement, MDEC said the top four sources of approved digital investments were Singapore-based investors, contributing RM25.1 billion, followed by Malaysian investors (RM17.2 billion), the United States (RM6.4 billion), and China (RM3.0 billion).
"Artificial intelligence (AI)-related investments alone accounted for 8,328 jobs created, representing 38 per cent of total projected employment, reflecting rising demand for digital professionals, data scientists, AI engineers, and specialised service talent.
"The Klang Valley continues to be the focal point of digital investments, with Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor attracting 88 per cent of total investments, amounting to RM47.8 billion and nearly 90 per cent of the 19,417 digital jobs created, supported by mature infrastructure, strong talent concentration, and high ecosystem readiness,” it said.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the strong investment momentum reflects Malaysia’s readiness to lead in the AI era, enabling the nation to move up the value chain from being users of technology (tech) to becoming creators of globally competitive AI solutions.
"Becoming an AI nation by 2030 requires more than innovation. It demands strong digital foundations, trusted infrastructure, skilled talent, and robust global partnerships.
"The continued inflow of high-quality digital investments into Malaysia demonstrates international confidence in our policies, our talent, and our long-term vision for responsible and inclusive AI-driven growth,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said Malaysia is a premier destination for both foreign and domestic AI investments, driven by its strategic position as a digital hub within ASEAN and a highly skilled local talent workforce.
"MDEC’s commitment to developing future-ready talent in partnership with the tech industry has created a supportive ecosystem that enables innovation, scalability, and long-term growth,” he said.
Anuar said MDEC’s MD initiatives continue to attract global leaders across high-value AI technology stacks, shaping a local ecosystem where AI is developed responsibly, adopted widely, and enables the local companies to expand globally.
"These efforts place Malaysian-based companies at the centre of the nation’s AI transformation, including those operating within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone ecosystem,” he said.
By providing targeted incentives, proactive investor facilitation, and close policy alignment, MDEC ensures a seamless investment journey while strengthening cross-border digital investment opportunities, he added. - Bernama
