JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to launch the National AI Office (NAIO) in Kuala Lumpur on December 12, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (pic).
Gobind added that the office will help the government enact appropriate policies for developing AI in Malaysia.
He also said the office will assist in creating suitable laws for AI.
“The important thing is that we are launching NAIO, and soon after, we will get input from AI industry players on what they need to grow AI here," said Gobind.
“As we move towards AI, we need to look at how it can bring benefits while also considering the risks involved and how to balance them,” he added.
Gobind said this to reporters after attending the GDS Data Center Supply Chain Ecosystem Summit at a hotel here on Sunday (Oct 27).
On Wednesday, in response to Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng in Parliament, Gobind said the soon-to-be-opened NAIO has received an overwhelming number of applications—totalling 1,254—for its top posts.
He said applicants were interested in key positions at NAIO, such as chief executive officer, AI policy director, and AI innovation exchange director.
“Establishing the office aims to position Malaysia as a key artificial intelligence player in South-East Asia and the broader global landscape,” he said.
He added that the office would enhance the country’s AI capabilities by supporting the integration of AI into government, industry, and society frameworks.
“NAIO will also lead initiatives that leverage AI to strengthen the digital economy, improve public service performance, and contribute to sustainable development,” he added.
Wee had asked about the ministry’s plans to address AI and AI-powered tools in key sectors of the country.
Meanwhile, Gobind also said the ministry plans to open a Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) office in Johor next month to facilitate digital economy investments in the state.
He added that the opening of MDEC's second office outside the Klang Valley, after Penang, was a preparation to aid investors ahead of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement signing ceremony, expected at the end of this year.
"MDEC will simplify the process for investors who show interest in the JS-SEZ, making it easier for them to come to Johor to start their business," he said.
Asked about Johor's preparations to become a data centre hub, Gobind said the state was ready based on the efforts made by the state government in providing infrastructure and support to the industry.
Meanwhile, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who launched the event, said it was crucial for the state to meet investor demands, including ease of movement, investment, and water and energy supply.
“What is equally important is providing local talents to meet investors' demand for a highly skilled workforce.
“To ensure the state can provide such talents, the government has set up the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), which will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on November 3,” he added.
