Malaysia digital initiative secures RM16.2b worth of investments in four months
The minister said the investment momentum is expected to generate almost 6,500 job opportunities and reinforce Malaysia's position as a regional digital leader.
He said that out of the total approved investment, RM9.9 billion or more than 60 per cent, was contributed by data centres and cloud investments.
'From an innovation lens, AI (artificial intelligence) companies now make up the largest share of new MD status companies at 27 per cent, followed by data centres (23 per cent) and Global Business Services (11.5 per cent).
'Investor confidence in Malaysia remains strong. Our top five sources of foreign direct investments include the Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and the United Kingdom, a reflection of our robust infrastructure and investor-friendly policies,' he said when delivering his keynote speech at the MD Open Day 2025 here, today.
Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
Therefore, Gobind said those achievements reaffirmed Malaysia's appeal as a leading digital investment destination and, more importantly, reflect the real-world impact we are driving across our economy and workforce.
Elaborating, he said to date, Malaysia has hosted 3,891 active MD companies, including 254 in the northern region, and currently, Penang alone has attracted RM1.23 billion in MD-approved investments, with 266 jobs expected to be created.
'While 93 per cent of these investments are driven by data centres and cloud, more than 60 per cent of job opportunities are in high-value sectors such as IC (integrated circuit) design and embedded software,' he added.
The MD Open Day 2025 is a dedicated platform for engagement between MD-status companies, investors, government agencies, and key stakeholders within Malaysia's digital economy ecosystem.
The event also marked the official launch of the Digital Ministry's northern regional office, reinforcing the government's commitment to regional empowerment and nationwide alignment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Gobind: Generative AI could unlock RM479b for Malaysia's economy, but must be a ‘force for good'
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Widespread adoption of AI by businesses and workers in Malaysia is set to accelerate the nation's economic growth across various sectors, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. In a statement today, Gobind said that Generative AI alone is projected to unlock up to USD113.4 billion in productive capacity for the country. Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai, China, yesterday, he underscored the shared responsibility of countries worldwide to ensure that AI continues to be a force for good. 'In this artificial intelligence (AI)-shaped era, collaboration is essential. Only through shared commitment, innovation and vigilance can we ensure that the digital world remains a force for good. 'The overarching goal is to bridge the digital divide among nations and enhance digital collaboration to ensure the development and governance of emerging technologies benefit humanity,' he said. Gobind said Malaysia welcomes the outcome document of the Global AI Governance Action Plan, and highlighted domestic efforts, including the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO) last December to coordinate and drive the country's AI agenda. As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Gobind said that the country is spearheading the ASEAN AI Safety Network and leading the conversation on AI safety. The Network, according to Gobind, will act as ASEAN's regional platform for AI safety, facilitating best practice exchanges, research collaboration, standards development and responsible AI adoption. 'By driving innovation, enhancing decision-making and optimising the use of precious resources, AI is not just changing industries — it is accelerating global development. 'And in doing so, it reminds us that the technologies of tomorrow must be built together, across borders, with a shared vision for a better world,' he said. Gobind also said Malaysia will host two major global events this year, the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit in August and the Smart Cities World Expo Kuala Lumpur in September, aimed at bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and academics to discuss AI, innovation and digital transformation. — Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
AI to unlock over US$113 billion in productivity gains for Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by businesses and workers in Malaysia is set to accelerate the nation's economic growth across various sectors, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. In a statement today, Gobind said that Generative AI alone is projected to unlock up to US$113.4 billion in productive capacity for the country. Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai, China, yesterday, he underscored the shared responsibility of countries worldwide to ensure that AI continues to be a force for good. "In this AI-shaped era, collaboration is essential. "Only through shared commitment, innovation and vigilance can we ensure that the digital world remains a force for good. "The overarching goal is to bridge the digital divide among nations and enhance digital collaboration to ensure the development and governance of emerging technologies benefit humanity," he said. Gobind said Malaysia welcomes the outcome document of the Global AI Governance Action Plan and highlighted domestic efforts, including the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO) last December to coordinate and drive the country's AI agenda. As the 2025 Asean Chair, Gobind said the country is spearheading the Asean AI Safety Network and leading the conversation on AI safety. The Network, according to Gobind, will act as Asean's regional platform for AI safety, facilitating best practice exchanges, research collaboration, standards development and responsible AI adoption. "By driving innovation, enhancing decision-making and optimising the use of precious resources, AI is not just changing industries; it is accelerating global development. "And in doing so, it reminds us that the technologies of tomorrow must be built together, across borders, with a shared vision for a better world," he said. Gobind also said Malaysia will host two major global events this year: the inaugural Asean AI Malaysia Summit in August and the Smart Cities World Expo Kuala Lumpur in September, aimed at bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and academics to discuss AI, innovation and digital transformation.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
AI to boost Malaysia's economy with USD113 billion productivity gains
KUALA LUMPUR: Widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia is expected to drive significant economic growth, unlocking up to USD113.4 billion in productivity gains, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai, Gobind emphasised the need for global cooperation to ensure AI remains a force for good. 'In this AI-shaped era, collaboration is essential. Only through shared commitment, innovation, and vigilance can we ensure the digital world benefits humanity,' he said. Malaysia has taken proactive steps in AI governance, including the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO) last December. As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, the country is also leading the ASEAN AI Safety Network to promote best practices and responsible AI adoption. Gobind highlighted AI's transformative potential, stating, 'By driving innovation, enhancing decision-making, and optimising resources, AI is accelerating global development.' Malaysia will host two major AI events this year—the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit in August and the Smart Cities World Expo Kuala Lumpur in September—bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss digital transformation. - Bernama
