Malaysia launches AIM platform to accelerate AI growth in ASEAN
A new chapter in Malaysia’s digital transformation was marked today with the launch of AIM, a dedicated platform aimed at accelerating the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) across the nation and the wider ASEAN region. The initiative, unveiled at the AICB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur, is the result of collaboration between the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia and Al Malaysia (AIM), with strong backing from a cross-section of government agencies, academic institutions, and leading industry players.
The launch event, themed “AI Conversations 2025,” gathered a distinguished assembly of leaders and experts from government, academia, and industry to deliberate the next phase of AI-driven growth in Malaysia. Among the notable attendees was Professor Richard Sutton, recipient of the 2024 Turing Award, who is internationally recognised for groundbreaking advancements in reinforcement learning and the development of modern AI principles.
At a time when Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is undergoing rapid maturation and national strategies for digital innovation are being refined, AIM’s formation signals a clear intention to move from policy formulation to tangible, sector-wide implementation. The platform is positioned to catalyse public-private-academic partnerships and enable a coordinated approach to AI adoption, economic value creation, and the building of capabilities suited to future demands.
Malaysia’s strategy is underpinned by several core priorities: advancing inclusive economic growth, driving ethical AI development, and establishing the country as a regional leader in digital innovation. With the creation of AIM, Malaysia seeks to consolidate these efforts and reinforce its role as a convenor and connector in the ASEAN digital economy, while building robust frameworks that emphasise responsibility and long-term sustainability in AI deployment.
AIM is structured as a multi-stakeholder initiative, integrating the efforts and expertise of government agencies—including the Ministry of Digital, National AI Office (NAIO), and MyDigital—with those of corporate leaders, research institutes, and academic partners. The platform’s objectives extend to facilitating AI-driven innovation across strategic economic sectors, promoting workforce upskilling, supporting investment in research and development, and enhancing productivity and competitiveness on both national and regional levels.
The focus areas for AIM include the establishment of industry-specific AI use cases, the creation of investment funds targeted at promising AI ventures, and the delivery of curated upskilling programmes to nurture a future-ready workforce. Through its wide-reaching network, AIM aims to support the growth of an ecosystem where corporates, SMEs, business associations, and government-linked companies can collaborate with academic and research entities to unlock the full value of AI for the Malaysian economy.
Complementing ongoing government efforts, AIM builds upon recent initiatives such as the establishment of the National AI Office, the launch of AI R&D centres, and the development of Special Economic Zones for AI-focused enterprises. The platform is aligned with Malaysia’s broader aspirations to become a vibrant technology hub and digital gateway to ASEAN, contributing to national goals outlined in development blueprints such as Malaysia Madani.
The launch event was made possible through a consortium of supporting partners. Silverlake acted as the Main Sponsor, reflecting its ongoing commitment to driving enterprise technology adoption in the region. Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a Founding Committee Member and Knowledge Partner for AIM, played a strategic role in shaping the platform’s direction and agenda. Additional sponsors included AmBank, Axiata, and CIMB, while key strategic and supporting partners spanned research institutes and academic institutions such as Openmind Research Institute, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA).
Through the collective effort of these stakeholders, AIM seeks to provide a centralised forum for discussion, collaboration, and policy advocacy around AI, supporting Malaysia’s ambitions for inclusive and sustainable economic progress. The platform’s work is expected to extend to regional and global engagement, positioning Malaysia as a proactive participant in the shaping of AI policies and standards in the international arena.
By fostering a strong and ethical AI ecosystem, AIM is set to drive not only technological advancement but also societal benefit, supporting the country’s transition to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. This new initiative stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to digital leadership, and marks a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing journey towards becoming a premier hub for technology, research, and digital enterprise within ASEAN.
