KUALA LUMPUR: The Digital Ministry will put a focus on building an AI Nation 2030 and advancing GovTech initiatives in the upcoming 2026 Budget 2026 in October.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said while he would not reveal specifics ahead of the budget tabling, discussions have already been held between ministries and the Finance Ministry as part of the annual budget process.
“As you know, in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the prime minister emphasised several priorities. One, we want to build an AI Nation 2030.
“We also emphasised GovTech, where we want to establish a GovTech institution to improve the delivery of government digital services to the people,” he said.
Gobind added that strengthening cybersecurity and personal data protection will also be key areas of focus for his ministry.
“My ministry is a new ministry. We are now building the structures needed to support a new digital ecosystem.
“So our focus is to secure allocations to establish these institutions as soon as possible, so that we can build an AI nation in line with the Prime Minister’s vision in 13MP,” he said.
Gobind was speaking after launching the AI for Good Forum, an initiative supported by the ministry to promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education.
“The forum is about how we can create an environment where educators and teachers can focus on AI’s strengths while using them for the benefit of society. This is a very important initiative,” he said.
He added that trust must remain a central pillar in building Malaysia into an AI-driven nation, noting that the government is preparing to introduce the Digital Trust and Data Safety Strategy 2026–2030 by year-end.
Another priority, he said, is nurturing local talent through education and that the government is focusing on establishing AI faculties in higher education institutions in Malaysia.
Gobind explained that building an AI-literate society from industry and government to communities and leadership would ensure the country is prepared for the rapid and significant changes AI will bring.
“If teachers and educators can use AI and understand how it can advance the nation, then this knowledge and talent will be embedded across all sectors moving forward,” he said.
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