Powering Tomorrow's Industries & Economy
USD 115 Billion
Projected AI Contribution to Malaysia's Productive Capacity by 2030
Malaysia is on a determined path to harness Artificial Intelligence, transforming its economy and society. This infographic explores the nation's strategy, key initiatives, industrial impact, and the road ahead.
Malaysia's AI journey is guided by a strategic evolution, from foundational roadmaps to a collaborative, values-driven approach. Dedicated institutions orchestrate this national ambition, aiming for a "uniquely Malaysian" AI future.
Malaysia's AI strategy has matured, reflecting a deeper understanding of AI's complexities and a commitment to inclusive, ethical development.
Established in 2024, spearheads the national digital transformation agenda, with AI as a core component.
Established Dec 2024 under Ministry of Digital. Aims to position Malaysia as a key AI player, shaping policies, governance, and investment.
Historically central, developed AI-RMAP 2021-2025 and National Guidelines on AI Governance & Ethics.
Drives the digital economy, supports AI solution providers, fosters SME adoption, and facilitates international partnerships.
Lead secretariat for the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), involved in AI Sandbox initiatives and commercialization.
Malaysia is rolling out pivotal initiatives, from experimental sandboxes to nationwide literacy programs, to accelerate AI innovation and adoption across sectors.
Controlled environments for testing new AI technologies, practices, and governance models.
900 AI Startups Targeted by 2026
13,000+ New AI Talents Targeted by 2026
Provides access to specialized labs and NVIDIA's capability-building programs.
NAIO also leads sandboxes for public sector AI solutions and AI governance frameworks (e.g., with Microsoft).
Embedding AI knowledge within government and the public.
Enhances AI skills and awareness, targeting underserved groups. Courses like "AI Aware" & "AI Appreciate" are compulsory for all government servants.
Rollout of Google Workspace Gemini Suite to 445,000 public officers.
"AI at Work 2.0" trained 270 officers: >90% reported enhanced work quality & efficiency.
AI is poised to deliver a significant economic dividend to Malaysia, with transformative impacts projected across key industries. The nation is gearing up for substantial growth driven by AI innovation.
The AI market in Malaysia is on a steep upward trajectory, indicating rapid expansion and adoption.
Source: Projections indicate growth from USD 797.4M in 2024 to USD 3.59B by 2030 (CAGR 28.50%).
USD 113.4 Billion
Potential productive capacity unlocked by Generative AI alone.
MYR 1 Billion
Revenue generated by 140 MDEC AI solution providers.
AI is spearheading Malaysia's Industry 4.0, with smart factories promising significant gains.
Note: E&E AI adoption led by MNCs; SMEs face cost challenges.
AI is enhancing diagnostics and operational efficiency in healthcare.
AI Healthcare Market: USD 10M (2022) to USD 220M by 2030 (CAGR 45.42%).
AI Lung Screening Sensitivity: 56-95% (vs. Radiologists 23-76%).
DR. MATA for diabetic retinopathy detection.
AI is revolutionizing security, customer experience, and operations in finance.
AI in Fintech Market: USD 1.9B (2023) to USD 3.11B by 2030 (CAGR 7.30%).
75% Reduction in time to trace stolen funds.
Nearly 50% of consumers prefer AI interaction with financial brands.
AI is reshaping Malaysian workplaces, enhancing efficiency in public sector operations and offering transformative potential for businesses, though adoption varies.
Significant AI deployment to streamline government operations.
445,000
Public officers to receive Google Workspace Gemini Suite.
"AI at Work 2.0" already shows >90% participants reporting efficiency gains.
Large corporations are adopting AI, while SMEs face hurdles.
Cisco AI Readiness Index: 87% of Malaysian orgs not fully ready for AI integration. However, 86% of leaders plan to expand workforce capacity with AI agents.
AI is increasingly seen as a collaborator, augmenting human capabilities and addressing workplace challenges.
83%
of Malaysia's workforce report lacking sufficient time/energy to complete work.
AI agents can help expand capacity and alleviate burnout, with 51% of leaders already using them to automate workstreams.
Robust digital infrastructure and a skilled talent pipeline are crucial for Malaysia's AI ambitions. Significant investments and strategic initiatives are underway to bolster these areas.
Malaysia is rapidly expanding its data center and cloud capabilities.
Data Center Market: USD 4.04B (2024) to USD 13.57B by 2030 (CAGR 22.38%).
Microsoft: USD 2.2B investment in cloud & AI infrastructure.
>RM86 Billion in data center investments attracted.
Addressing the talent gap is a national priority.
Projected Demand: 30,000 AI professionals by 2030 vs. Current Supply: ~3,000.
AIForMYFuture: Aiming to skill 800,000 Malaysians by end of 2025.
NTIS AI Sandbox: Targeting 13,000+ new AI talents by 2026.
While the path is promising, Malaysia must address key challenges to fully unlock its AI potential and ensure sustainable, inclusive growth.
Demand for 30,000 AI pros by 2030 far exceeds current supply of ~3,000. 81% of employers struggle to hire AI talent.
High costs, lack of expertise, and infrastructure limitations hinder AI uptake among SMEs.
Regulatory gaps (e.g., ADM in PDPA), data quality issues, and cybersecurity threats need robust solutions.
Addressing bias, misinformation, environmental impact, and building public awareness are crucial.
Overcoming these challenges will pave the way for Malaysia to become a resilient, inclusive, and innovative AI-powered nation, capitalizing on opportunities for economic diversification and societal advancement.