Malaysia and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People's Republic of China have signed two memoranda of understanding (MoU): one aimed at promoting and developing the digital economy between the two countries, and the other dedicated to strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Minister of Digital Communications, Gobind Singh, yesterday (16th) represented the Malaysian government in exchanging the memoranda of understanding with Zheng Shanjie, Director of China's National Development and Reform Commission, with the signing ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In the MoU related to the digital economy, both parties will collaborate on various projects, including policy coordination and regulatory alignment, industrial digital transformation, digital technology innovation, and talent development.
The Ministry of Digital Communications stated in a statement today that Malaysia and the NDRC of China will also collaborate on certain projects to promote collaboration between cities and enterprises. Both parties will establish a "Digital Economy Joint Task Force" comprising representatives from China's National Data Bureau and Malaysia's Ministry of Digital Communications.
As for the memorandum of understanding related to artificial intelligence, both parties will strive to strengthen this technology through technical exchange programs, explore cooperation in AI infrastructure development (including the construction of datasets and other infrastructure development), exchange AI ethical guidelines and share experiences to encourage AI application empowerment in specific fields for economic and social development, explore ways to address AI security risks, and enhance public literacy and expertise in AI.
These two memoranda of understanding are among 31 MoUs and cooperation agreements exchanged between Malaysia and China.
Furthermore, the statement indicates that the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), under the Ministry of Digital Communications, also signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Zhejiang University in China to establish a cooperative relationship in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart city fields.
The statement continues, mentioning that Zhejiang University is widely known for its "Zhejiang Model," which is committed to cultivating future pioneer talents. This institution has nurtured numerous outstanding innovators and entrepreneurs, such as DeepSeek's founder Liang Wenfeng, DEEP Robotics (Yunshenchu Science and Technology) founder Zhu Qiuguo, and ManycoreTech's founding partners Huang Xiaohuang and Chen Hang.
The "Zhejiang Model" in digital development refers to a comprehensive approach pioneered by Zhejiang Province, integrating digital technology deeply into governance, economy, and all societal sectors through long-term strategic planning, government-led reforms, and public-private partnerships.
Gobind Singh said, “The signing of these MoUs and the LOI represents a correct step forward in accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation process. This is also highly aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Anwar and the unity government.”
He also stated that practical cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, technological innovation, data development and utilization, digital industry development, and talent exchange is crucial to ensuring that Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is fully prepared in every aspect—from infrastructure and cybersecurity to talent—so as to maximize the potential of a booming digital economy.
He expressed that Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair this year, will, through cooperation with China’s National Development and Reform Commission and Zhejiang University, effectively enhance the country's leadership in digital issues and related initiatives, including the inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur to be held this September.