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Malaysia’s tech hub ambition takes major leap with new ministry spearheading digital transformation
- Malaysia will have its first ‘minister of digital’ with Gobind Singh Deo to lead the country’s tech initiatives ranging from AI to data centres
- But the country’s focus on new technologies has also heightened concerns about data security among Malaysians
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Malaysia has taken a major step towards realising its ambition to become a regional tech hub after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a cabinet reshuffle that includes a new “minister of digital”.
A key factor behind the shake-up announced on Tuesday is the country’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, Anwar said.
Malaysia has attracted more than 110 billion ringgit (US$23.5 billion) in cumulative digital technology investments and is aiming to raise this to 130 billion ringgit by 2025.
“Digital transformation is a major focus of this government,” the premier said after announcing his new cabinet line-up.
Under Anwar, “digital” has become a catch-all term for tech-related initiatives, including the rebranding of the communications and multimedia ministry to the communications and digital ministry.
Incumbent minister Fahmi Fadzil oversees communications in the new ministry while Gobind Singh Deo, who previously held Fahmi’s post, is the country’s first minister of digital.
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