Malaysia must adopt and adapt AI effectively to secure its digital future, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, emphasising innovation and trust.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond debating whether to “adopt or adapt” to artificial intelligence and instead focus on doing both effectively to secure the country’s digital future, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Speaking at the SIRIM International Conference on Quality and Innovation 2025, he said adoption and adaptation are “two wings of the same bird”, driving innovation while safeguarding trust.
Gobind noted that AI use is growing rapidly worldwide, yet many organisations are still struggling to scale its deployment.
He cited a global McKinsey survey showing nearly nine out of 10 organisations use AI in at least one function but have yet to embed the technology across their operations.
The minister said Malaysia is already seeing the benefits of early-stage adoption, with AWS reporting that about 2.4 million local businesses, roughly 27% of enterprises, have begun using AI.
“In healthcare, AI is helping doctors detect diseases earlier and improve patient outcomes,” he said.
Gobind added that AI is also automating inspection and certification within the standards and quality ecosystem, improving consistency in testing.
He said the government is seeing positive results from its public sector pilot project, which has grown into a nationwide rollout reaching 445,000 officers.
However, he cautioned that Malaysia must adapt its systems, institutions and workforce to the deeper changes brought by AI.
“As AI becomes more deeply embedded in our systems and decisions, how do we ensure that what is efficient also remains ethical?” he asked.
Gobind said Malaysia is preparing for these challenges through three fronts: infrastructure, digital trust and talent.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce digital trust, including the Cyber Security Act 2024 and the development of the National AI Action Plan (2026-2030).
NAIO is also working to align Malaysia with international AI standards, including localising key ISO standards on AI management and risk governance.
On talent readiness, Gobind said a study commissioned by TalentCorp found that 620,000 jobs across 10 critical sectors are expected to be highly affected over the next three to five years.
The government has established the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry to coordinate AI talent development and cross-sectoral collaboration.
These efforts are supported by global partnerships aimed at training hundreds of thousands of Malaysians in AI literacy and skills.
“Adoption drives progress. Adaptation secures trust. Both are needed for a flourishing AI ecosystem that serves the greater good of all,” Gobind concluded.
