Kuala Lumpur is setting the stage for a transformative leap into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) education. The Digital Ministry of Malaysia, under the leadership of Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, is collaborating with both the Education and Higher Education ministries to position Malaysia as a global hub for AI education. This initiative comes at a critical juncture, emphasizing the need for the nation to showcase its strong academic prowess and digital talent pool.

The intention is to organize a joint initiative that highlights Malaysia’s strengths in this emerging field. Minister Gobind expressed his commitment to fostering discussions with academic partners to craft an event that not only elevates Malaysia’s presence on the global AI education stage but also solidifies its reputation within the academic sector.

Highlighting the importance of practical engagement, Gobind launched the largest on-site AI hackathon, known as the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, which took place at the Asia Pacific University (APU) campus in Technology Park Malaysia. This notable event, organized in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), drew an impressive turnout of 1,741 participants, including 1,547 university students and 194 industry professionals. The hackathon is recognized for securing a place in the Asean Records as one of the largest AWS-powered university hackathons in the Asia Pacific region, and it featured a competitive prize pool of RM110,000.

Gobind remarked that the hackathon transcends mere competition; it embodies the core pillars of the nation’s digital policy. He emphasized the necessity of building robust infrastructures while fostering AI innovation, alongside establishing frameworks such as a proposed Data Commission to protect citizens’ data and reinforce digital trust.

As Malaysia seeks to solidify its position in the global education landscape for AI, these efforts align seamlessly with the aspirations of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who envisions the country as an AI-driven nation by 2030. This ambition is mapped out in the 13th Malaysia Plan, which acts as a strategic framework for the nation’s growth in AI technologies.

Gobind also touched upon the critical issue of talent leakage, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating an environment that nurtures job opportunities, ensures access to essential technology, guarantees data protection, and fosters innovation. The objective is to retain skilled professionals in Malaysia, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s advancement in tech development.

A glimpse into recent economic developments reveals that from January to August of this year, a total of 368 companies have received Malaysia Digital status, representing investment values totaling RM44.6 billion. This influx of foreign investment serves as a testament to the growing confidence of international companies in Malaysia, encouraging them to establish their operational bases within the country.

In conclusion, the efforts of the Malaysian government in elevating the nation’s AI education landscape are not just setting a foundation for future technological advances, but are also directly tied to job creation, collaboration in emerging technologies, and the encouragement of a vibrant tech ecosystem. With these initiatives, Malaysia is on course to enhance its role in the global AI education arena while ensuring that local talent is cultivated and retained, ultimately securing the nation’s digital future.