Gobind: Malaysia secures RM2.97bil digital investments from China
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has 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 nationwide, said Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the achievement, which was the result of the recent high-level mission to China led by him, has reaffirmed Malaysia's rising position as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation.
According to him, the mission, held in conjunction with the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025 in Shanghai, yielded concrete outcomes and strategic advancements that will accelerate Malaysia's transition into a digitally driven, high-income economy.
In a statement today, Gobind said 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,' he said.
Gobind has 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,' he said.
The minister highlighted the growing significance of artificial intelligence (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,' he said.
He also announced Malaysia's plan to launch the ASEAN AI Safety Network during its ASEAN chairmanship this year to help harmonise governance frameworks across the region.
Gobind noted that the world is entering the age of intelligence, where AI agents will play increasingly critical roles, and that people must trust that these systems are aligned with their values and societal needs.
To support responsible AI deployment, he proposed the development of AI certification frameworks, a mechanism to ensure that emerging technologies reflect national priorities, cultural context, and ethical safeguards. - Bernama
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