On 12 December 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia was invited to the official launch of Malaysia’s National AI Office at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. The welcome speech was addressed by YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, followed by the officiating speech by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Miniter of Malaysia. Invited guests, among many others, were Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Investment and Trade YB Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and representatives of foreign missions in Malaysia, government officials, private sector and media.

 

The NAIO was established to be a centralised AI agency, responsible for developing policies, overseeing regulatory frameworks and driving strategic planning. It also emphasises skill training on areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics, etc., which will work closely with the relevant authorities to enhance digital ecosystem, in support of Malaysia’s vision to be a high-income nation and an AI producer. It is also expected that digital economy will help increase new job opportunities in relation to digital technology, as well as the country’s GDP.

 

As for Thailand, the country focuses on digital and green economy. This is to transform itself to a country with new technology, boosting demand for smart electronics, while applying AI at work and in innovation building, etc.