PETALING JAYA, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to take a proactive approach in formulating policies and developing the technology ecosystem, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure the country is ready to face future technological challenges, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the previous general approach, which was largely reactive and focused on finding solutions only after problems arose, was no longer suitable given the rapid pace of technological development.
The establishment of AI Malaysia as the lead body to drive country’s aspiration of becoming an AI nation by 2030 was among the government’s strategic measures to anticipate potential challenges and prepare solutions in advance, he said.
"Traditionally, the government’s approach has been to look at policies, legislation and enforcement when an issue arises. This takes time and, ultimately, we only respond reactively to problems.
"This approach needs to change. With AI Malaysia, we want to be proactive by anticipating future challenges so that solutions are already in place and can be implemented immediately when issues arise," he said when opening the AI-Ready Malaysia Summit 2026 here today.
Elaborating on the proactive approach, Gobind said this included efforts to formulate Bills and policies that would serve as preparedness measures and enable the country to respond to future challenges.
"AI Malaysia is also focusing on challenges expected to be faced in six key sectors in the country, including agriculture, transport and healthcare," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the government would continue to enhance awareness, accessibility and adoption of technology among the people in the country.
"First, we need to understand what the technology is and how it can help us...that is what really will attract us to use it. Once there is awareness, we cannot allow others to move forward while we are left behind.
"So, the government needs to ensure that the technology ecosystem is accessible and can be used by all segments of society, is not too costly and is easy to obtain before this technology can be adopted in our daily lives and benefit us in related areas," he said.
The establishment of AI Malaysia as the lead body to drive country’s aspiration of becoming an AI nation by 2030 was among the government’s strategic measures to anticipate potential challenges and prepare solutions in advance, he said.
"Traditionally, the government’s approach has been to look at policies, legislation and enforcement when an issue arises. This takes time and, ultimately, we only respond reactively to problems.
"This approach needs to change. With AI Malaysia, we want to be proactive by anticipating future challenges so that solutions are already in place and can be implemented immediately when issues arise," he said when opening the AI-Ready Malaysia Summit 2026 here today.
Elaborating on the proactive approach, Gobind said this included efforts to formulate Bills and policies that would serve as preparedness measures and enable the country to respond to future challenges.
"AI Malaysia is also focusing on challenges expected to be faced in six key sectors in the country, including agriculture, transport and healthcare," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the government would continue to enhance awareness, accessibility and adoption of technology among the people in the country.
"First, we need to understand what the technology is and how it can help us...that is what really will attract us to use it. Once there is awareness, we cannot allow others to move forward while we are left behind.
"So, the government needs to ensure that the technology ecosystem is accessible and can be used by all segments of society, is not too costly and is easy to obtain before this technology can be adopted in our daily lives and benefit us in related areas," he said.