PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has secured RM87.4 billion in approved digital investments in 2025, largely driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, data centres and cloud services.
The investments formed a significant portion of the RM152.9 billion approved in the information and communication sub-sector, as reported by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the achievement reflects the success of Malaysia’s national digital strategy and its transition towards high-value, AI-driven growth.
"All the policies that we have put in place are clearly delivering results, and these achievements validate the strength of our national digital blueprint in attracting high-value investments,” he said in a statement released by MDEC.
Gobind said the investments are expected to generate more than 31,000 high-value jobs, benefiting Malaysians through better employment opportunities, stronger digital capabilities and improved economic resilience.
The minister also noted that the performance signals Malaysia’s steady progress towards its ambition of becoming an AI Nation by 2030.
Domestic investors contributed the largest share of digital investments at RM36.66 billion, followed by foreign investors from Singapore (RM32.16 billion), the United States (RM11.43 billion) and China (RM3.80 billion).
In terms of job creation, AI led with more than 12,600 roles, followed by global business services (9,000 jobs), data centre and cloud services (2,600 jobs), creative media technology (1,400 jobs) and Internet of Things (1,100 jobs).
Meanwhile, MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the figures reflect a maturing digital economy that is shifting decisively towards higher-value, AI-led growth.
"The numbers indicate that foundational sectors are stabilising and laying the groundwork for the next phase of expansion, particularly in applied and agentic AI,” he said, adding that MDEC is focused on ensuring that investments translate into capability building for Malaysians, particularly in AI-related fields.
Anuar said the momentum supports Malaysia’s long-term goal of becoming an AI Nation by 2030, with a focus on developing locally created AI products, services and solutions under the "Made by Malaysia” vision.
He noted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan, efforts are being strengthened to develop local talent capable of building and shaping AI technologies, positioning Malaysia not only as a technology adopter but also a creator. - Bernama
