MY-AI Standards to serve as trust infrastructure, ensuring AI technologies are clear, auditable

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo says the MY-AI Standards platform adopts a “trust infrastructure” design to ensure AI technologies developed or deployed in Malaysia are clear, transparent and auditable.

CYBERJAYA: The MY-AI Standards, launched this morning, is set to form a major component of Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative is not merely an online portal or information repository but a “trust infrastructure” designed to guide the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) standards in the country.

“Over the last few years, the way we operate has changed significantly. Ideas that worked two years ago may not necessarily work today. Technology is changing, and with it, our mindset must also change,” he said.

“We recognise that technology will have a profound impact on how we operate, particularly from a governance perspective. Society itself will also be affected, perhaps even more significantly,” he said.

By adopting a “trust by design” mechanism, the MY-AI Standards platform ensures that AI technologies developed or deployed in Malaysia are clear, transparent and auditable.

This approach makes AI standards a common language between the government, industry, investors and the public – translating digital trust from abstract principles into practical implementation.

Gobind stressed that strong standards are essential when dealing with emerging technologies that increasingly process information and make decisions independently.

“When we think about technology – especially systems that process information and make decisions – we must ensure from the outset that the foundations are sound. Technology must be built within clear frameworks and guided by recognised standards,” he said.

The platform is also intended to serve as a catalyst for industrial development, benefiting sectors ranging from micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to National Critical Information Infrastructures (NCIIs).

Gobind said governance in the AI era must go beyond guidelines and include the development of institutional capacity.

“Governance in this context involves standards, regulation, legislation and the building of institutions that can engage with stakeholders, including industry, to determine what is required before we fully define the standards that will guide us moving forward,” he said.

Through structured standards and governance mechanisms, the initiative aims to ensure Malaysia remains at the forefront of the adoption, governance and development of safe, ethical and sustainable AI technologies.

At the regional level, Malaysia is also working with neighbouring countries to explore alignment in AI standards.

“Every country will naturally have its own requirements, and we respect that. However, we must also acknowledge that beyond our borders lies significant economic potential,” Gobind said.

“Standards ultimately define direction. If we understand the problem clearly, we can determine what must be done to address it and create a framework that prepares us for the future,” he said.

MY-AI Standards also has the potential to become an important reference point for Asean countries in developing aligned and mutually recognised AI standards at the regional level.

Malaysia is actively expanding its capacity in international AI standards through strategic participation in global platforms, including involvement in standards development under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42.

With the establishment of MY-AI Standards, Malaysia continues to strengthen its ambition of becoming an AI Nation by 2030 – a country that not only develops and adopts AI but also contributes to the global development of trusted AI standards.

Gobind also said the MY-AI Standards was originally to be launched in June but was brought forward.

Meanwhile, Cindy Parokkil, International Organisation for Standardisation’s AI Policy Lead, who attended the launch, congratulated Gobind for initiating MY-AI Standards.

“This initiative is important because it helps build the fundamental foundation for an AI ecosystem that people and institutions can trust,” said Parokkil.

“Standards are practical tools developed by experts from around the world through consensus. For businesses, they support market access, cross-border trade, reliability and interoperability. For governments, they help regulators and policymakers implement and assure responsible AI.”