KUALA LUMPUR: The Digital Ministry plans to hold discussions with the Education and Higher Education ministries to spotlight Malaysia’s academic prowess and digital talent pool, positioning the country as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) education.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said it is time for a joint initiative for Malaysia to showcase its strength in this emerging field.
“It is time for us to discuss with both ministries the possibility of organising an event to highlight our strengths in the academic sphere.
“This can be done in a joint programme with global partners.
“We must show that Malaysia has the talent, academic prowess and digital infrastructure.
“This would enhance Malaysia as the education hub within the academic sector,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Earlier, Gobind launched the largest on-site AI hackathon, organised by Asia Pacific University (APU) in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, held at APU’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, saw 1,741 participants, comprising 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals.
The event also secured its place in the Asean Records as one of the largest AWS-powered university hackathons in the Asia Pacific region, featuring a RM110,000 prize pool.
The Asean Records is a platform that recognises outstanding achievements and unique feats by individuals and organisations across South-East Asia.
Gobind said the hackathon was more than a competition, as it demonstrated the very pillars of the nation’s digital policy.
“While we build infrastructure and encourage AI innovation, we must also establish robust frameworks like the proposed Data Commission to safeguard our citizens’ data and ensure digital trust.
“Events like the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon bring together the brightest minds under secure and ethical guidelines. That is how Malaysia secures its digital future,” he added.
Gobind also said the move to enhance Malaysia’s global education for AI is in line with the aspirations of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to turn the country into an AI-driven nation by 2030, as stated in the 13th Malaysia Plan.
On the issue of talent leakage, Gobind stressed that the government is committed to creating an ecosystem that provides job opportunities, access to technology, data protection and space for innovation so that skilled professionals choose to continue contributing in Malaysia.
“Between January and August this year, a total of 368 companies obtained Malaysia Digital status with investment values amounting to RM44.6bil.
“This demonstrates the confidence of international companies in making Malaysia their operational base.
“This initiative also opens up more job opportunities and collaborations in new technologies,” he added.
