Kuala Lumpur, 20 September 2025 — Malaysia’s Digital Ministry is exploring a joint programme with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education to stage a global event aimed at highlighting the country’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) education and research. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the proposed event would spotlight Malaysia’s academic strengths, digital infrastructure, and pool of skilled talent.
Speaking at the Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025 at Asia Pacific University in Bukit Jalil — where 1,741 participants including university students and industry professionals took part — Gobind called on both ministries to collaborate, along with global partners, on the initiative. He said the event would help Malaysia be seen not just as a location with strong digital infrastructure but also as a hub where academic output and innovation flourish.
The hackathon, organized by APU in partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), has been recognised by ASEAN Records as one of the largest AWS-powered university hackathons in the Asia-Pacific region. It awarded a prize pool of RM110,000.
Gobind also emphasised that, in tandem with promoting AI education, Malaysia must strengthen frameworks such as data protection and ensure digital trust. He said that tools and events like the hackathon are meaningful only if they are supported by rigorous governance and ethical standards.
