KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia used the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos to highlight its commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable digital future, outlining plans to strengthen regulation, expand artificial intelligence adoption and deepen cooperation with global partners.
In a statement issued today, Digital Ministry Minister Gobind Singh Deo said he led a series of engagements at the 2026 gathering, positioning Malaysia as an increasingly active voice in discussions on how emerging technologies can drive economic growth while remaining socially responsible.
The statement added that Malaysia's ambition to become an "AI Nation" under its 13th Malaysia Plan would depend not only on deploying new technologies, but also on building the right institutions and safeguards.
Among the proposals highlighted in Davos was the creation of a Data Commission, aimed at fostering growth through data sharing and exchanges while ensuring the responsible use of information in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain.
Malaysia also called for greater international collaboration to make AI tools affordable and accessible to developing countries, warning that uneven access could exacerbate global inequalities.
"AI must deliver meaningful outcomes for society, including equity, access and affordability," the statement said, adding that digital investments should be guided by measurable benefits for citizens to ensure resources reach communities most in need.
The government said it welcomed continued collaboration with the WEF on initiatives such as "digital embassies" — a concept designed to strengthen trust, resilience and sovereignty in the digital sphere. A framework for the initiative is expected to be published in April, as Malaysia's rapidly expanding data centre sector continues to attract investment and create jobs, while also raising questions about long-term sustainability and energy use.
Malaysia also highlighted work on Transitioning Industrial Clusters, a regional decarbonisation drive developed with the WEF and its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A recently published playbook outlines how industrial hubs across Southeast Asia could reduce emissions while generating employment through policy alignment, new financing models and technology adoption. Case studies from Bintulu in Sarawak and Johor were cited as potential templates for wider replication.
The first such cluster in Malaysia is scheduled to be launched in Sarawak in June, which officials described as a milestone in translating international cooperation into domestic outcomes.
Looking ahead, the ministry said Malaysia would continue working with the WEF to share digital transformation lessons across borders, particularly in productivity, public services and sustainable development, as the country seeks to strengthen its role in shaping the global digital agenda. - NST
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