#Belanjawan2026: Malaysia To Become An ‘AI Nation’ By 2030
Anwar said the plan involves major investments in infrastructure, talent development, and research and development.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a comprehensive strategy to establish Malaysia as a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) nation by 2030
In tabling Belanjawan 2026 today, 10 October, Anwar said the plan involves major investments in infrastructure, talent development, and research and development (R&D).
As part of this initiative, the finance minister said the country has attracted significant foreign investment from global technology giants.
Anwar said that Microsoft is set to invest USD2.2 billion (approximately RM9.2 billion) to develop a new cloud and AI infrastructure, while Google has committed USD2 billion (approximately RM8.4 billion) to build its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia
Anwar stressed that the nation's future "is determined by our ability to master artificial intelligence".
To support this, the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) and the country's first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) will be enhanced.
Other universities are also integrating AI into critical fields, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for semiconductors, Universiti Malaya (UM) for medicine, and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for cryptology.
In achieving the goal of becoming an 'AI Nation' by 2030, nearly RM5.9 billion has been allocated for research, development, commercialisation, and innovation (RDCI) activities across various ministries
NAIO will receive close to RM20 million to develop high-skilled talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and foster a robust AI ecosystem.
Furthermore, the government has proposed an additional 50% tax deduction for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on costs related to AI and cybersecurity training.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also build a Sovereign AI Cloud with an investment of RM2 billion and establish an AI Transformation Centre
To accelerate the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and quantum computing, a Digital Acceleration Grant worth RM53 million will be made available.
To cultivate an interest in science, technology, and innovation among the youth, RM15 million will be allocated for programmes such as Malaysia Techlympics, National Science Week, and Science on Wheels.
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