Synergy between NAIO and AIM to drive AI collaboration and adoption in Malaysia

Malaysia has launched AI Malaysia (AIM), a platform to help turn AI strategy into practical use by supporting collaboration across business, academia, and government.

AI Malaysia (AIM) is a newly launched platform in Malaysia that aims to help businesses, researchers, and policymakers work together on developing and deploying AI. AIM is backed by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia and supported by several ministries, including the Ministry of Digital and the National AI Office (NAIO).

AIM’s goal is to support AI projects that will boost the economy, improve skills, and strengthen ties across Southeast Asia. In his keynote address, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said the country's digital plans rely on using AI in a way that supports inclusive growth and public-private cooperation.

“AIM's mandate reinforces the importance of us working together to co-design an ecosystem to promote responsible AI design, growth and technologies. We need to build a collaborative model to shape our AI path forward. The spirit of networking and collaboration are consistent with the principles seen in our National AI Roadmap; anchored by collaborations across governments, academia, industries, and the society at large,” the minister said.

The government has already introduced frameworks to support digital development. AIM is seen as a next step—one that connects those efforts to practical use. It's also expected to support Malaysia's regional role by encouraging cross-border projects with ASEAN partners.

AIM is expected to support a wide range of activities, such as pilot projects, funding opportunities, training programs, and public discussions. The platform will bring together groups from across sectors—small businesses, government-linked companies, researchers, and investors—to explore where AI can add value.

Goh Peng Ooi, President of AIM, said the platform is meant to help different groups work together in a practical way. "We want to connect policymakers, researchers, and companies around common goals, including skills development and ethical AI practices," he said.

Goh, who is also the founder of Silverlake, added that “AIM seeks to support the foundation of an integrated ecosystem, underpinned by strong policy, talent government and ethical government frameworks, in support of Malaysia’s ambition to become a vibrant tech hub and digital gateway to ASEAN.”

AIM builds on Malaysia's current AI strategy. It collaborates with the National AI Office and supports the government's focus on AI research, funding, and job creation. The platform is also linked to broader national goals, such as the Malaysia Madani agenda, which aims to guarantee that digital development benefits all parts of society.

The launch was supported by partners from both public and private sectors. These included local banks, telecom companies, universities, and research groups. Silverlake was the main sponsor, and Boston Consulting Group contributed as a knowledge partner.

With AIM now in place, the focus will be on turning plans into action—helping different groups make use of AI in ways that are responsible, useful, and inclusive.