Advancing AI Sovereignty: Strategic Dialogue with Malaysia’s Second Finance Minister
We were honored to recently meet with YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Malaysia’s Second Minister of Finance, in a high-level discussion that reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital and technological leadership.
Also present were Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), and Dr. Helmi Zakariah, CEO of the National AI Office, whose leadership in shaping Malaysia’s AI and innovation ecosystems is instrumental to the country’s future competitiveness.
A Shared Vision for AI Sovereignty and Data Sovereignty
During the meeting, we presented our AI Sovereignty and Data Sovereignty frameworks—strategic initiatives designed to ensure that Malaysia retains control over its AI infrastructure, intellectual property, and data governance. These frameworks aim to empower national capabilities in AI, reduce dependence on foreign platforms, and create a robust foundation for secure, ethical, and inclusive AI adoption across sectors.
We believe that sovereignty in these areas is no longer a luxury—it is a strategic imperative.
Catalyzing the Singapore-Johor Economic ZoneOne of the most exciting discussions centered around our ambitious proposal for an AI-led development zone within the Singapore-Johor Economic Zone (SEZ). The project envisions a cross-border innovation corridor, anchored by a world-class AI talent hub, digital infrastructure, and research-intensive ecosystem.
We are confident that with the right partnerships—including government collaboration, private sector investment, and academic support—this initiative can position the SEZ as ASEAN’s premier destination for AI development, deployment, and education.
Looking Ahead
We thank YB Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the participating agencies for their openness, insights, and support. These discussions represent more than just policy alignment—they reflect a collective will to shape a future where Malaysia is not just a user of AI technologies, but a global contributor and standard-setter.
We look forward to deepening our collaborations and helping Malaysia realize its vision of becoming a digitally sovereign, AI-powered economy.
