Malaysia must urgently prepare for a fast-evolving digital future powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies.
Speaking at the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the policy was a “critical enabler” of the nation’s ambition to become a regional technology leader.
The NCCP sets out a whole-of-nation roadmap for cloud adoption across government, business and society. It aims to modernise public services, boost private sector competitiveness, strengthen data security, and promote inclusivity, while positioning Malaysia as a regional digital hub by 2030.
The policy is aligned with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the National Fourth Industrial Revolution Policy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
“We live in a world in which we are exposed to new technology almost every day,” Gobind said.
“For a country that aspires to be a leader in this field, we as the government must think about how we can not only encourage awareness but also encourage adoption,” he added.
The NCCP focuses on five pillars – Enhance (public sector transformation), Nurture (private sector growth), Secure (data protection and privacy), Include (digital inclusivity) and Sustain (environmental sustainability). The policy also addresses data sovereignty, requiring critical national data to remain in Malaysia, and emphasises robust cybersecurity frameworks.
Gobind said cloud adoption is no longer optional if Malaysia is to remain competitive.
“If we can encourage adoption, and have a whole country using technology, then the dynamics behind how we provide the country’s services become the priority discussion for us,” he said.
The policy encourages public–private partnerships with leading global cloud service providers, while supporting local companies and fostering collaboration with academia. Over the past 18 months, Malaysia has attracted major data centre investments, which the government hopes to leverage as it moves from traditional data storage to cloud-based systems.
“When you digitise the data, you need to look at how it can be stored efficiently, where it is stored, and how it can be shared so solutions that depend on data can be developed, while ensuring security and privacy are addressed,” Gobind said.
Cloud infrastructure, he noted, is vital for emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications.
“Speaking about smart city or AI city, we want to look at countries that have autonomous vehicles, we want to look at countries that have surveillance systems that show you how cars travel,” he said, adding that Malaysia must plan for its technological needs over the next five to 10 years.
The NCCP also embeds sustainability goals, promoting green data centres, energy-efficient hosting and environmentally responsible infrastructure, aligning digital growth with climate commitments.
“This is more than just a conversation. Cloud computing is an enabler, and with the right framework, Malaysia can lead in shaping a secure, innovative and inclusive digital future,” he said.
Although the NCCP will evolve as technologies advance, Gobind said its purpose remains constant – “to enable progress, protect national interests and uplift our people”.
“I urge every Malaysian – government, industry, academia and civil society – to embrace the opportunities cloud computing offers,” he added.
The launch was held on the second day of the inaugural Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025, which has attracted government representatives from various Asean member states and industry players across Southeast Asia and beyond.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Muzliza Mustafa
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Twenty Two 13, 13.08.2025
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