Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has on Monday launched the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 (MD2030), a blueprint to drive the country’s transition towards becoming an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered nation by 2030.
The Ministry of Digital said in a statement that as the national implementation plan for the 2026–2030 period, MD2030 marks a significant shift in Malaysia’s focus from being a technology consumer to becoming a producer of homegrown innovation.
The plan sets out comprehensive national targets to be achieved by 2030, including increasing the digital economy’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) to 30 percent; creating 500,000 high-value jobs in the digital economy; achieving MYR 4.5 billion ($1.11 billion) in public sector savings through government digitalization; and delivering 95 percent of government services fully online from end to end.
According to the statement, MD2030 is designed to build on existing national policies and strengthen Malaysia’s global competitiveness.
It operationalizes the digital priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and supports the MADANI Economy framework.
Following a comprehensive mid-term review, the blueprint also realigns strategic priorities from the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the National Fourth Industrial Revolution Policy to ensure more targeted outcomes.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the launch of MD2030 demonstrates Malaysia’s readiness to move beyond being merely a technology user and become a respected producer of digital innovation.
“As the lead ministry, the Ministry of Digital is not only responsible for achieving holistic economic targets, but is also committed to ensuring that this transformation is built on a foundation of trust, data security and strong governance,” he said.
Through a whole-of-government approach, the ministry said it will ensure coordinated and effective implementation across all relevant agencies.
“The ultimate goal goes beyond numbers and technology. It is about building a future where every Malaysian, regardless of background, benefits fairly and equitably from the nation’s digital economy,” he added.
MD2030 will be implemented through seven strategic thrusts, namely government, economy, infrastructure, talent, society, trust and security, and innovation, led jointly by multiple ministries under a whole-of-government approach.
The “government” aims to enhance citizen-centric public service delivery through the establishment of GovTech Malaysia, legislative reforms, and co-creation initiatives involving government, businesses and citizens.
The “economy” seeks to boost productivity and position Malaysia as a regional innovation and digital trade hub through “Made by Malaysia” products, technology adoption in High Growth High Value sectors, and the commercialization of data, digital assets and intellectual property.
The “infrastructure” will focus is on expanding high-quality nationwide connectivity and developing future-ready digital infrastructure, including data centers, cloud computing facilities and smart cities.
As for “talent”, the thrust aims to prepare Malaysia’s workforce for the digital economy through comprehensive talent policies, workforce transition programs and initiatives to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional and global digital talent hub.
The “society” will focus on ensuring inclusive participation in the digital ecosystem through the institutionalization of the Malaysia Digital Inclusion Index, rural community empowerment and socially impactful digital solutions.
Trust and security seek to balance digital security with innovation through the operationalization of the National Data Commission and the development of the National Digital Trust Strategy 2026–2030.
Innovation aims to strengthen the innovation chain from research to commercialization through a robust research, development, commercialization, innovation and economy (RDCIE) ecosystem, supporting Malaysia’s transition into a creator of digital technologies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital will drive implementation together with key agencies, including National AI Office (NAIO) which is leading the National AI Action Plan 2030 and the development of a safe AI ecosystem.
National Digital Department (JDN) and GovTech Malaysia will also be modernizing public service delivery through the MyGOV App and next-generation digital public infrastructure.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will also be accelerating digital economy growth through Regional AI Growth Zones and SME digitalisation initiatives.
CyberSecurity Malaysia and NAIO will also be ensuring AI security, governance and ethical standards while safeguarding data sovereignty.
MyDIGITAL Corporation and the Malaysia Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) will also be coordinating implementation, monitoring progress and promoting public-private collaboration in AI, internet of things (IoT), smart cities and technology transfer initiatives.
The AI Nation agenda under MD2030 is designed to create tangible benefits across society, said the statement.
For citizens, it seeks to build AI readiness, improve digital inclusion and enhance quality of life through better access to services and future-ready skills.
For businesses, it aims to raise productivity and competitiveness through advanced innovation and access to global markets.
For government, it will enable more cost-effective, efficient, transparent and data-driven governance through seamless digital public services.
“The successful implementation of MD2030 is expected to shape Malaysia into a progressive AI nation where artificial intelligence is embedded across daily life, data serves as a strategic national asset, systems become increasingly intelligent and autonomous, and citizens thrive alongside technology,” it said.
It also said the government remains committed to ensuring the implementation phase not only strengthens Malaysia’s position as a regional digital leader but also delivers inclusive and equitable benefits to all Malaysians.
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