Malaysia accelerates AI Nation 2030 plan at tech summit
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA — Malaysia is accelerating its journey toward becoming an “AI Nation” by 2030, with technology at the heart of its national growth agenda, according to a report from Business Today.
This vision took center stage at the Internet Alliance (IA) Business Summit 2025, where government leaders, digital innovators, and business executives reaffirmed their commitment to building a tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
Building Malaysia’s digital engine
In his keynote address, Azlan Sharom, Vice President of Corporate Services at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), highlighted that the digital economy already contributes 25.5% to Malaysia’s GDP, with a government target to reach 30% by 2030. Achieving this goal, he said, means embedding technology into every facet of society, from government and business to the everyday lives of Malaysians.
“When we bring this all together—talent, transformation, BPO, sustainability and expanding horizons—one truth is clear: Technology helps build nations. It equips our people, builds industries, drives exports, attracts investments, ensures sustainability, and secures our place in the global digital economy,” said Azlan.
He outlined five key priorities for Malaysia’s digital future: nurturing talent, escaping the middle-income trap, maximizing business process outsourcing (BPO), embedding sustainability, and expanding global horizons. These priorities are anchored by three growth levers: digital exports, digital investments, and corporate innovation, all seen as critical pillars in shaping Malaysia’s AI-driven economy.
Private sector drives AI readiness
The summit, hosted by the IA, brought together more than 500 policymakers, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss the evolving landscape of the digital economy.
Established in 2010, IA represents over 70 local tech firms in Malaysia’s internet infrastructure ecosystem. Its President, Dr. Sunny Ooi, emphasized the private sector’s vital role in realizing Malaysia’s digital ambitions.
“Malaysia’s digital economy goes beyond connectivity to cover creativity, resilience, and inclusivity. Our role as an industry body is to ensure that companies on the ground have the tools, talent and trust to build for the future,” said Ooi.
He added that IA continues to act as a bridge between government and industry, aligning national strategies with practical execution. “Platforms like this summit bring both sides together—aligning strategy with execution and vision with delivery. That is how Malaysia can boldly step forward as an AI Nation,” he said.
BPO evolves into high-value AI services
Azlan commented that BPO was one of the “hidden gems” of Malaysia, noting its transition from low-value to high-value services such as AI, data analytics, and innovation outsourcing.
This transition not only helps in realizing the vision of Malaysia as an AI Nation but also shows a parallel development in the global outsourcing market, where countries are ascending the ladder of value to give the knowledge-based services.
In case Malaysia maintains its tempo, then the BPO industry may be the foundation of the country’s AI-powered economy, thus leading to job creation and making the country more competitive in the world market.
The evolution of outsourcing into innovation-driven partnerships and Malaysia’s strategy places it perfectly to become the region’s trusted digital services hub, thus blending technology, talent, and trust into the country’s purposeful path to 2030.
