• Malaysia’s new AIM initiative aims to support business AI use and regional ties.
• With NAIO already leading strategy, it’s unclear how AIM will avoid overlap.

Malaysia now has another initiative focused on artificial intelligence. Launched last Friday, AI Malaysia (AIM) is described as a platform to help businesses adopt AI and connect with others in the region. The initiative comes from ASEAN-BAC Malaysia and is part of a broader effort to encourage innovation and responsible tech use.

But Malaysia already has several ongoing efforts in AI, including the National AI Office (NAIO), which was set up in late 2024. The arrival of AIM raises a question: What gap is it meant to fill?

A new player in Malaysia’s AI plans

AI Malaysia, or AIM, was launched as a way to help companies better understand and use AI. According to its backers, AIM wants to create links between government, businesses, and researchers. It aims to encourage responsible development while helping firms stay competitive.

AIM also places importance on Malaysia’s place in ASEAN. Part of its mission is to support cross-border collaboration and to take part in regional discussions about AI safety, fairness, and trust.

This is not the country’s first attempt at organising its AI efforts. The Malaysian government created NAIO with a clear public role: to build national policy, oversee long-term strategy, and guide public sector adoption. AIM, by contrast, appears to focus more on business users and cross-industry collaboration.

What AIM wants to do

Early details imply that AIM will act as a connector rather than a regulator. The initiative is expected to help companies understand how artificial intelligence can enhance operations, reduce costs, and open new market opportunities. It also plans to create events, partnerships, and working groups to support these goals.

Still, there’s limited public information about how AIM’s work will be structured or measured. Its launch comes at a time when many in Malaysia are already trying to make sense of the country’s broader digital strategies. This includes the MyDIGITAL initiative, the National AI Roadmap, and separate industry-based programs.

Overlap with existing national plans

NAIO is the country’s main agency for AI policy and planning. Since its launch, it has announced plans for an AI Technology Action Plan (2026–2030), a national AI Code of Ethics, and a regulatory framework to support responsible adoption. It also plays a role in driving public sector AI projects and shaping Malaysia’s position in global AI forums.

With AIM now added to the mix, it’s unclear how the two efforts will work together. Both aim to support adoption, encourage responsible use, and strengthen Malaysia’s role in ASEAN’s digital economy. Without clear boundaries, there is a chance of overlap—or confusion—between their roles.

AIM’s timing and regional context

Across Southeast Asia, countries are setting up national AI centres and publishing ethical AI guidelines. Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam have each released AI roadmaps and are investing in cloud and data infrastructure.

Malaysia is already part of ASEAN’s push for regional AI governance. In this context, AIM may serve as the country’s private-sector link to regional conversations. Its focus on cross-border collaboration could help Malaysian businesses find AI use cases that work across sectors and borders.

Bridging the public-private gap

One possible benefit of AIM is its closer link to business needs. While NAIO sets policy, AIM could help companies test ideas, run pilots, and find technical partners. This could include universities, AI startups, or cloud service providers.

This approach might help Malaysia address some of the known challenges in Malaysia’s AI plans. Companies have previously reported trouble accessing skilled talent, finding funding for AI research, and getting regulatory support for pilot programs. AIM may be able to help fill those gaps if its structure supports collaboration rather than competition.

The talent gap remains a shared concern

Malaysia still faces a shortage of AI talent, both in terms of technical skill and practical experience. To address this, the government has rolled out the AI Talent Roadmap (2024-2030) and school-level programs like Cikgu Juara Digital, which teaches kids and teachers about AI, coding, and robotics.

AIM’s role in talent development is not yet clear. While its launch announcement mentioned a focus on innovation and education, it did not outline any new programs. If AIM plans to support training or help match workers with AI-related jobs, it could complement the existing government strategies.

International support builds momentum

Malaysia’s push into AI has drawn interest from international tech companies. Microsoft recently committed $2.2 billion to support cloud and AI infrastructure in the country. This investment includes the planned National AI Innovation Center, training programs, and partnerships with local organisations.

This support could benefit both AIM and NAIO, as both seek to encourage responsible adoption and stronger digital foundations. At the same time, it points out the need for coordination. If too many initiatives are created without clear roles, they risk competing for the same partners, resources, and attention.

Avoiding fragmentation

When governments and industry bodies launch multiple programs with similar goals, the risk is confusion rather than progress. Malaysia has made clear that AI is a national priority. To keep on track, it will need to ensure that AIM, NAIO, and other programs support one another rather than overlap.

So far, AIM appears to position itself as a complement to NAIO, not a replacement. Whether that balance holds will depend on how clearly each group defines its tasks and how well they coordinate over time.

AI Malaysia is still in its early days. There are few details available about its structure, funding, or programs. Its website and public statements suggest it wants to be a meeting point for AI innovation and policy, but success will depend on how well it works alongside existing efforts.

For AIM to matter, it will need to show how it adds value—not just duplicate work already being done by the National AI Office or other agencies. That might mean helping businesses run pilots, linking developers with users, or giving feedback to policymakers about on-the-ground challenges.

If AIM can stay focused and fill those gaps, it could help speed up AI use in Malaysia. If not, it may risk becoming one more name on a long list of well-meaning plans.