ISKANDAR PUTERI: The drive to make Malaysia an Artificial Intelligence (AI) nation by 2030 is still on track despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, says Gobind Singh Deo (pic).
The Digital Minister said the ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that this vision is achievable within the timeline set by the government.
“We are still on track at the moment, but we are making the necessary preparations to ensure our vision of becoming an AI nation by 2030, where 30% of the country’s GDP comes from the digital sector, is realised.
“We will take the necessary steps if there are any impacts (from the conflict) that could affect that vision, but for now, we are still on track,” he told reporters after officiating the Southern Region Digital Economy office here yesterday.
He noted that the digital sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP had reached 25.5% as of last year.
He said this when asked about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the vision, which was announced under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Gobind added that the ministry is also looking into the impact of the conflict on other areas involving the country’s digital sector, and that this is also being examined.
“All sectors will be affected.
“To what extent it will impact the digital economy is something we need to study and we are currently in the process of doing so,” he said.
On the development of data centres in the country, Gobind also said that they are still on track despite the conflict.
“Many agreements have already been signed and much of the work has already begun, with some even completed. There are also projects that have already begun operations, while others are under construction.
“Some are still in the process of drafting agreements and so on. Therefore, it is continuing as usual,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the launch of the Southern Region Digital Economy office here, Gobind said it was established in response to current needs arising from the rapid development of the digital economy in the southern region, particularly in Johor.
