AI growth boosted by new Malaysian policy

Google’s $2 billion investment in Malaysia is expected to create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
Malaysia aims to be a generative AI hub, with government initiatives supporting ethical technology adoption.

Malaysia has announced plans to develop a national cloud policy and introduce regulations aimed at promoting the ethical use of AI. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed the initiative as global tech investments in the country have surged in recent years, building essential infrastructure to meet increasing demand for cloud and AI services.

The national cloud policy will focus on public service innovation, economic growth, and enhancing trust in data security. It will also promote digital inclusivity for all citizens. A national AI office will be created to manage these efforts, including a five-year technology plan and a regulatory framework to ensure ethical AI use.

Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s goal of becoming a hub for generative AI, noting that partnerships with tech firms would be vital for constructing a strong digital infrastructure. The announcement was made during a ceremony for Google’s new $2 billion data centre, expected to boost the Malaysian economy.

Google’s investments in the country are projected to create thousands of jobs and contribute over $3 billion by 2030. Malaysia has seen significant economic growth due to digital investments, outperforming market expectations in recent quarters.