PRESS RELEASE
MALAYSIA BOOSTS DIGITAL ECONOMY WITH RM2.97 BILLION CHINA INVESTMENTS, JOB CREATIONS AND AI INNOVATION COLLABORATION
The recent high-level mission led by the Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo to the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed Malaysia’s growing stature as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation.
Held in conjunction with the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025 in Shanghai, the mission yielded concrete outcomes and strategic advancements that will accelerate Malaysia’s transition into a digitally driven, high-income economy.
Malaysia secured RM2.97 billion in confirmed digital investments from leading Chinese technology players, paving the way for the creation of over 6,800 high-value digital jobs across the country. These investments span the development of AI-powered innovation hubs, intelligent customer service centres, cutting-edge AI platforms, and next-generation digital infrastructure.
Companies such as Baidu (via Wisetech), Tsing Digital, iSoftStone, Inspur Group, China Mobile International, and China Unicom, have pledged their support for Malaysia’s digital aspirations, bringing with them advanced technologies and deep expertise that will strengthen the nation’s tech ecosystem.
The mission further demonstrated the strength and momentum of the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative, which continues to attract high-quality investments aligned with national development priorities. Through MD Status recognitions and strategic partnerships, Malaysia is advancing its global digital competitiveness while opening new opportunities in Selangor, Johor, and Perak.
Gobind also called on Chinese companies to establish more innovation centres in Malaysia, emphasising the country’s ambition to become a hub for digital innovation in ASEAN. He highlighted the importance of building new technology-based ecosystems, such as autonomous mobility platforms and a national command centre, that will serve as key enablers of smart city development and advanced digital governance.
As digital technologies reshape every facet of society, Malaysia continues to lead with a values-based and forward-looking approach. The Minister highlighted the growing significance of AI agents — intelligent systems capable of autonomous decision-making and task execution — as a defining feature of the modern digital landscape. These systems are revolutionising public services and industry, but their success depends on public confidence that they operate in ways that are safe, ethical, and aligned with societal values.
Gobind said the world is entering an intelligent age where AI agents will play increasingly critical roles in our lives, and that people must trust that these systems are aligned with their values and societal needs.
To support responsible AI deployment, Gobind proposed the development of AI certification frameworks — a mechanism to ensure that emerging technologies reflect national priorities, cultural context, and ethical safeguards. He also announced Malaysia’s plan to launch the ASEAN AI Safety Network during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, to help harmonise governance frameworks across the region.
In addition, Gobind emphasised the urgent need for new legislation to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This includes enacting forward-thinking laws that can guide the adoption of next-generation technologies, protect users, and promote innovation within a secure and well-regulated ecosystem.
The mission reinforced the importance for Malaysia to invest in next-generation digital infrastructure capable of supporting complex, emerging technologies such as autonomous mobility, national-scale command platforms, and real-time decision intelligence. These foundational systems will be critical to future-ready smart cities, digital public services, and responsive governance.
This mission reflects the Ministry of Digital’s unwavering commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy — one grounded in values, powered by technology, and supported by strong international collaboration.
Malaysia returns from China with strengthened partnerships, transformative investments, and a bold national vision — ready to shape a smarter, more resilient digital future for all.
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Issued by:
Office of the Minister
Ministry of Digital
30 July 2025
