Malaysia moving into AI era to enhance lives

Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar (left) being presented a memento from the President of the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) Tan Sri Datuk Prof Dr Augustine Ong.

 

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is gearing up for a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) will become deeply woven into daily life, from powering hospitals that personalise treatments to farms that optimise yields through data.

Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar said the nation is at a turning point where human creativity and machine intelligence must work in harmony to drive growth.

“Artificial intelligence is not about replacing people; it’s about empowering them,” he said at the Malaysian Inventor and Innovator Convention yesterday.

“It’s about improving lives, enhancing public services, and building a sustainable economy.”

Fabian said AI is driving sustainability efforts, from modelling carbon emissions to supporting green energy development, demonstrating how technology can serve both economic and environmental priorities.

He added that Malaysia’s digital vision has evolved beyond simply becoming a “digital nation” into the ambition of building an “AI nation”, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan, to ensure long-term global competitiveness.

To promote the popularization and development of artificial intelligence (AI) education in Malaysian primary and secondary schools, the Duda Education Institution held an event themed 'Intelligent Education, Leading the Future,' and officially established the 'Malaysia AI Education Alliances' at the event. The event was attended by Minister of Digital Affairs of Malaysia Gobind Singh, President of the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr. Lim Hock San.

“AI is already beginning to reshape industries including manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture,” he said.

At the heart of this effort is the National AI Office, established as the government’s command centre for AI development.

The office has been tasked with seven major deliverables, including the creation of a national AI strategy, a code of ethics, and regulatory frameworks to ensure innovation is balanced with trust and accountability.

Malaysia is also strengthening its regional role, with the Asean AI Safety Network Secretariat set to be headquartered in Kuala Lumpur early next year, a move Fabian said reflects the country’s growing influence in shaping responsible AI adoption across South-East Asia.

However, he cautioned that new opportunities also come with risks. The government’s priority, he said, is to ensure that Malaysia’s AI transformation remains ethical, transparent and people-centred.

“The true driver of innovation is and always will be human ingenuity. Machines can process data but it’s people who give it purpose,” he said.

Fabian urged Malaysians, especially youth, researchers and entrepreneurs, to see themselves as active contributors to this transformation.

“The convergence of AI and human creativity will define Malaysia’s next chapter,” he said.

“Together, we can lead in this new age.”