Malaysia to focus on AI foreign investments, says PM Anwar

Malaysia will be focusing on projects that will benefit the country in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and data technology, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly said. 

Speaking at the Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum, the minister said that AI is required to establish a data centre and that cheap energy and water to move and cool the operating systems are no longer sufficient, reported Malay Mail. 

Anwar reportedly used projects such as Nvidia in Johor as an example of how technology needs to be improved in order to remain relevant. 

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At the same time, Anwar reportedly said that universities in Malaysia should also be empowered to produce a skilled workforce in the field of AI and engineering. This is to meet the needs of high-tech investors. 

As such, Malaysia can then be more selective in choosing investments that can benefit the country, Anwar reportedly explained. 

Following the forum, the minister spoke at an appreciation dinner by Amazon Web Services (AWS) where he said the government is dedicated to advancing the country's transformation and digital economy. 

In a statement on Facebook, Anwar said the government's current objective is to position Malaysia as a leading generative AI hub regionally and globally. 

This can be achieved by fortifying its digital infrastructure through collaboration with investors and partners, he added. 

In fact, Malaysia has been on a journey to become one of the top 20 AI nations globally in recent months. 

Although AI regulations are still in development, the Malaysian communications and multimedia commission (MCMC) have been actively engaging with social media giants to address pressing concerns around AI and deepfake technologies. 

For marketing professionals, these developments highlight a critical period of transition and adaptation. As the regulatory landscape begins to take shape, businesses must prepare for anticipated changes.

According to Jan Wong, founder of OpenMinds, there are a number of things marketing professionals should be preparing for in anticipation of new AI regulations, starting with stricter data privacy and protection standards. 

Meanwhile, Cindy Eliza Vaz, chief digital officer of IPG Mediabrands shared that marketing professionals should also stay informed about potential regulatory changes in areas such as data privacy, algorithmic transparency and ethical AI usage. 

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