Digital Minister meets industry players, academia to advance Malaysia’s AI sovereignty and talent potential

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo recently engaged with key industry players and representatives from Malaysia’s top public universities in two high-level sessions focused on artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty and talent development.

Organised by the National AI Office (NAIO), the sessions form part of an ongoing series of strategic roundtables leading up to the Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025 in August. These engagements are helping shape the National AI Action Plan 2030.

Upcoming sessions will explore AI safety, policy and governance, and innovation.

In a dialogue with local and international technology leaders, Gobind led discussions on Malaysia’s AI sovereignty. The conversation centred on national priorities such as developing AI-ready data guidelines, fostering public trust, and adopting agile, transparent policymaking.

“In our journey to become a leading AI nation, we must prioritise high-impact areas that deliver early wins while safeguarding our sovereignty. Data and trust must serve as the foundation of our AI ecosystem,” Gobind said in a statement issued by the ministry today.

He also emphasised the need for action-driven and inclusive strategies to position Malaysia as a competitive and ethical AI hub in the region.

Industry representatives shared insights into global trends, enablers of AI sovereignty, and strategies to strengthen national capabilities. Discussions highlighted the critical roles of government, industry and academia in shaping a unified national AI agenda.

In a separate session, Gobind met with leaders from public universities to explore ways to enhance AI education and research. TalentCorp also took part, focusing on workforce readiness and talent development policies.

This session underscored the importance of cultivating homegrown AI professionals, strengthening academia–industry collaboration, and building a sustainable, future-ready workforce. Key areas included improving data quality and accessibility, upgrading digital infrastructure, and deepening public trust in AI technologies.

Participants shared a commitment to expanding government–academia collaboration by co-developing and implementing targeted initiatives that support innovation, inclusivity and long-term talent sustainability.

Both engagements reflect the government’s ongoing consultative approach in developing the National AI Action Plan 2030 and advancing the vision of an AI-empowered Malaysia.

Gobind, through NAIO, will continue to lead multi-stakeholder discussions leading up to the Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025 on Aug 12 and 13 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.