CYBERJAYA: A secure ecosystem focused on trust is necessary so that Malaysians can thwart the threats that come with embracing AI technology, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said a “whole-of-nation” approach is necessary to ensure the creation of an AI Nation by 2030, according to plan, whereas the “whole-of-government” approach will ensure everyone has access to secured AI technology.
The “whole-of-nation” approach is a public sector strategy where different departments and agencies work together to break down administrative "silos", share data, and deliver unified public services.
He also said that a command centre comprising 13 states will be set up in the endeavour to create an AI Nation.
Gobind told the media this after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched AI Malaysia here on Tuesday (July 28).
AI Malaysia is a state-backed initiative and governing body to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption, drive national innovation, and manage digital skills programs like Rakyat Digital to provide free AI software access to local youths.
Gobind said that the Malaysia AI Plan 2026-2030 will ensure that the digital economy is able to contribute to at least 30% of the national GDP come 2030.
“Whilst we want to build an AI ecosystem that is able to empower Malaysians, we also recognise the threats that surround it. This is very, very important for us again to create awareness of what kind of threats exist, and to make sure that we build an ecosystem that is secure.
“When it comes to a question of personal data, we also have to ensure that we are aware that personal data can get into the hands of wrong people. Subsequently, that could result in problems that we see today, for example, scams and similar issues. So, we have also strengthened the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the Personal Data Commissioner’s Office. That is currently in process as well.
“It also comes back now to us building trust. We are actually drafting a strategy around trust, and we hope that we are able to launch it by the end of this year. We were supposed to do it earlier, but because we wanted to launch AI Malaysia first.
‘One of the things AI Malaysia will look at is also how we can not just draft the document, but how we are also going to enforce it,” said Gobind.
Earlier, in his speech at the event, Gobind said that technology will keep changing and people must be aware of how this will change lives, ensuring accessibility and adaptability.
“We have to expose all layers of society to AI and we must build a secure eco-system as the government is a source of power for all the policies governing the eco system in which we use the AI.
“We must use the whole-of-government approach to bring the technology to Malaysians but the “whole-of-nation” approach must be used to sit with experts and adopt their ideas.
“We can only build the structure but Malaysia must be prepared to change the way things are done,” said Gobind.
On June 29, the Prime Minister launched the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 (MD2030) - a national strategy for 2026 to 2030
Its primary goals are to transition Malaysia into an inclusive AI Nation, move from a technology consumer to a home-grown innovation producer, and elevate the digital economy's contribution to 30% of the national GDP.
