KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will lead a regional artificial intelligence (AI) safety effort under the Asean AI Safety Network (Asean AI Safe) with the office located in Kuala Lumpur expected to begin operations in early 2026.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative will bring together all Asean member states to develop common frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) governance and safety.
“The secretariat will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will be responsible for coordinating programmes and organising collaborative activities going forward,” he told reporters at the Powering the Intelligent Age Summit, jointly hosted by the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Sasana Kijang here today.
Gobind reiterated that Malaysia aims to become an “AI nation” by 2030, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision for inclusive, technology-driven growth.
“This means we must develop a structure that enables our country to possess and lead in AI technology,” Gobind said.
He added that the Digital Ministry’s focus is to strengthen infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, build public trust and develop local talent to support Malaysia’s AI ambitions. “We are studying aspects such as infrastructure, cybersecurity, public trust and talent development. Building a comprehensive foundation is key for Malaysia to take ownership of its AI future.”
In a separate statement, the Digital Ministry said it welcomes the adoption of the Declaration on the Establishment of the Asean AI Safety Network at the 47th Asean Leaders Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“As one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables, Malaysia’s championing of Asean AI Safe highlights the country’s leadership in setting a regional agenda on AI that balances promotion of AI innovation while safeguarding against emerging risks,” it said.
The ministry said the declaration came after a feasibility study and consultation process with Asean member states led by the ministry, through the MYCentre4IR hosted by MyDigital Corporation, following the project’s endorsement at the 5th Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in January.
Once formally operational, Asean AI Safe will serve as a regional mechanism to support the Asean Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting and the Asean Working Group on AI Governance to enhance regional capacity, foster collaboration, promote AI safety research and innovation efforts and advance AI safety adoption.
Asean AI Safe will be guided by existing regional frameworks such as the Asean Digital Masterplan 2025, the Asean Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, the expanded guide AI governance and ethics for Generative AI, and the Asean Responsible AI Roadmap (2025–2030).
It is also directly aligned with future frameworks such as the Asean Digital Masterplan 2030 and the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, specifically to foster cooperation in building safe and secure AI systems among Asean member states.
Asean AI Safe will take on a collaborative approach, recognising the various stages of maturity across Asean, to ensure that all Asean member states can participate and benefit from its programmes and activities.
External collaboration is also key with expected partnerships involving Asean dialogue partners, international organisations, industry leaders and academia for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and research and development initiatives.
These efforts to support and enhance Asean institutional readiness in adopting AI safely are envisioned to be supported by a permanent secretariat hosted by Malaysia.
Gobind said AI is reshaping the global economy, and Asean must lead in ensuring that progress is guided not only by pursuit of economic gains and innovation but also by strong ethical and safety practices. “The Asean AI Safety Network marks a defining step forward, serving as a platform to translate our shared principles into concrete action.”
By championing this initiative, he said, Malaysia is helping the region to strengthen its collective capabilities, advance ethical governance frameworks, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability in the use of AI.
“This collaboration ensures that as AI continues to evolve, it does so safely, responsibly, and inclusively, delivering innovation that protects people, empowers communities, and benefits every nation and citizen in our region.”
