Kuala Lumpur, 23 January 2026 – Malaysia has deepened its commitment to shaping the future of the digital economy and enhancing international cooperation through a series of strategic engagements at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, showcasing its leadership role in sustainable digital development and innovation.
Led by Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s delegation highlighted how the country’s digital ambitions align with broader global efforts to ensure inclusive, equitable and responsible deployment of advanced technologies, from artificial intelligence (AI) to data governance and industrial transformation.
Advancing the AI Nation Vision and Data Governance
Speaking from Davos, Gobind reinforced that Malaysia’s drive to become an AI Nation, as set out in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), goes beyond simply adopting new technologies. He emphasised that legislation, regulation and institutional frameworks are essential to unlock the full benefits of emerging digital technologies for businesses and citizens alike.
Central to these conversations is Malaysia’s proposed Data Commission, a forthcoming institution designed to catalyse new growth through responsible data sharing, data exchange mechanisms and robust safeguards. This initiative is expected to support the ethical use of data across next-generation technologies including AI, quantum computing and blockchain, while bolstering trust and security in digital ecosystems.
Malaysia also stressed that AI adoption must deliver meaningful outcomes for society, focusing on equity, access and affordability. Gobind called on global cooperation to ensure that cost-effective and responsible AI capabilities, especially from advanced economies, are accessible to the Global South and developing countries.
Digital Embassies: A Forward-Looking Framework
Another key initiative presented at Davos was the concept of digital embassies, a forward-looking framework designed to strengthen trust, digital sovereignty and resilience across borders. Malaysia and the WEF are collaborating to publish a digital embassy framework in April 2026 that could provide structured guidelines for countries to safeguard digital infrastructure while enabling cross-border cooperation and data access.
The concept of digital embassies reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to position itself as a trusted digital hub in Southeast Asia and beyond. With a fast-growing data centre ecosystem supporting jobs and investment, the framework could bolster the country’s appeal as a strategic partner for international digital infrastructure projects.
Industrial Transformation and Sustainable Growth
In parallel, Malaysia further advanced cooperation on Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC), a playbook developed with the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) and the WEF that promotes decarbonisation, job creation and inclusive growth through multi-stakeholder partnerships, innovative financing and policy alignment.
The playbook showcases pilot cases from the Bintulu Industrial Hub and Johor Transitioning Industrial Cluster, illustrating how digital technologies and sustainable practices can transform traditional industries. As part of this effort, Malaysia plans to launch its first TIC in Sarawak in June 2026, converting global collaboration into tangible domestic development outcomes.
Sharing Best Practices Across Borders
Malaysia also discussed ways to work with the WEF and global partners to share digital transformation best practices that can accelerate productivity, strengthen public services and advance sustainable development across countries. Gobind highlighted that these partnerships are key to ensuring that digital investments reach the people who need them most, particularly in emerging and developing markets.
“Malaysia looks forward to strengthening this partnership with WEF to drive sustainable digital growth that delivers real impact, at home, across the region, and globally,” Gobind said, underscoring Malaysia’s dedication to inclusive and future-ready digital leadership.
