Malaysia Advances Islamic Values-Based AI Leadership with JAKIM–Zetrix AI Collaboration

Johor Bahru, 17 September 2025 — Malaysia has taken a bold step toward shaping the future of ethical artificial intelligence (AI) by anchoring it in Islamic values. In a landmark ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Zetrix AI Berhad — developer of the world’s first Shariah-aligned large language model (LLM), NurAI — signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish the world’s first Shariah-compliant framework for AI certification and governance.

The LOI was received by Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of JAKIM, from Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI. The event was also attended by YB Senator Datuk Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

Building trust in Shariah-aligned AI

JAKIM, globally recognised as a trusted authority in halal certification and Islamic administration, will now extend its role into the digital frontier. Under the collaboration, the agency will help shape certification, governance, and ethical standards for NurAI, ensuring that Malaysia’s national AI model operates in strict alignment with Shariah principles.

NurAI is already positioned as Malaysia’s official large language model, and this partnership underscores its mission to provide an AI platform rooted in Islamic ethics rather than secular or foreign-centric paradigms. Advocates say the initiative addresses a critical gap — the need for AI systems that reflect the worldview and values of Muslim societies.

For Malaysia, this represents not only technological innovation but also a soft-power opportunity: to project leadership in Shariah-compliant AI and to set global benchmarks that could serve a Muslim population of more than 2 billion worldwide.

Prime Minister Anwar reinforced that national policies on digitalisation and AI must always remain grounded in principles of justice and Islamic values, ensuring that technology strengthens — rather than dilutes — the nation’s ethical and cultural identity.

Key areas of collaboration

The LOI outlines three primary areas of cooperation:

1. Shariah Certification and Governance — Developing frameworks, guidelines, and certification standards for AI systems rooted in Islamic ethics.
2. Global Advocacy and Promotion — Positioning Malaysia as the global centre of excellence for Islamic AI while advancing the Islamic digital economy, projected to reach USD 5.74 trillion by 2030.
3. JAKIM’s Official Channel on NurAI — Establishing a trusted platform for fatwas, halal certification, and verified Shariah guidance, helping combat misinformation through AI.

Reinforcing Malaysia’s halal tech leadership

Zetrix AI Director Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah said the partnership ensures that NurAI is “not only technologically advanced but also firmly rooted in the ethical and cultural values of our nation.” He added that extending Malaysia’s global halal leadership into the digital sphere — especially in Islamic finance, education, and law — positions the country as a frontrunner in Shariah-compliant AI.

Local, secure, and accessible

NurAI has been developed domestically, supporting Bahasa Melayu, Indonesian, English, and Arabic, and is designed to comply with Malaysia’s data sovereignty and cybersecurity policies. This localisation reduces reliance on foreign AI platforms while ensuring data remains trusted, secure, and aligned with national priorities.

By embedding Shariah values into AI systems, Malaysia hopes to not only strengthen its halal leadership but also to ensure that the digital economy develops in a way that is both inclusive and ethical. With this collaboration, Malaysia is signalling its ambition to pioneer a new era in AI — one where technology respects faith, culture, and integrity while driving innovation.