Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry plans to renegotiate aspects of the 1.6 billion baht TH-AI Passport project following public scrutiny over procurement processes, budget transparency, and contract terms. The project aims to provide free access to premium AI models for five million Thais, while the government seeks to balance public benefits, transparency, and support for the country's AI ecosystem.

Pertamina is accelerating digital transformation across its energy value chain through AI, data analytics, and enterprise-wide digital initiatives. During a benchmarking visit by Medco E&P Indonesia, the company highlighted how its Digital Factory, Remote Surveillance, and Tech Orchestration Center programmes are driving operational efficiency, business value creation, and long-term transformation across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to a human-centred future of work as AI reshapes the labour market. Speaking at the 114th International Labour Conference, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan outlined initiatives spanning workforce upskilling, workplace safety, industrial justice, and social protection to ensure workers remain equipped, protected, and included in an AI-driven economy.

RHB Research has maintained its overweight stance on Malaysia’s construction sector despite new US restrictions on advanced AI chip exports. The research house believes leading data centre contractors remain well positioned as demand continues to be driven by global hyperscalers and ongoing digital infrastructure investments. RHB highlighted opportunities linked to major data centre developments in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Serendah, while noting that the greatest risk would come from any future scale-backs or cancellations of planned investments by multinational technology companies. The firm continues to rate all 12 construction stocks under its coverage as Buy.

Gas Malaysia has launched Asia Pacific’s first methane-to-graphene system, introducing technology that converts methane into graphene and hydrogen-rich gas. Developed in partnership with Levidian, the system aims to unlock additional value from existing gas infrastructure while supporting lower-emission industrial applications. The initiative forms part of Gas Malaysia’s strategy to expand into advanced materials and new energy technologies, with a focus on accelerating graphene adoption across industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure and energy. The move also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for graphene innovation and commercialisation.

ASEAN is rapidly positioning itself as a global AI hub, with Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand investing heavily in semiconductors, data centres and AI adoption. While the technology promises productivity gains, foreign investment and new economic opportunities, it also raises concerns over job displacement, widening inequality, pressure on SMEs, rising energy and water consumption, and the risk of an AI-driven market bubble. As the region accelerates its AI ambitions, governments face the challenge of balancing innovation with workforce protection, sustainability and inclusive growth.

Following a strong FY2024 performance, KPJ Healthcare is investing in AI-powered healthcare solutions, specialised Centres of Excellence, and talent development to enhance patient outcomes and strengthen its position as a leading healthcare provider in Malaysia and the region. The group is also deepening its sustainability commitments and expanding medical tourism as part of its long-term growth strategy.

TNB delivered a strong start to FY2026, driven by resilient electricity demand and continued investments in energy infrastructure. The utility is accelerating grid modernisation, renewable energy development, and regional power integration while supporting Malaysia’s expanding AI and data centre ecosystem through reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions.

Telekom Malaysia (TM) is accelerating investments in AI, digital infrastructure, and sustainability as part of its long-term growth strategy. At its 41st AGM, the company highlighted progress in AI-ready data centres, cloud and cybersecurity services, enterprise AI solutions, and ESG performance, while reaffirming its commitment to shareholder returns and its vision of becoming a digital powerhouse by 2030.

Malaysia recorded stronger-than-expected GDP growth of 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, supported by continued investment inflows, public spending, and growing momentum in the AI and semiconductor sectors. Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said sustained demand for AI technologies, data centres, and advanced manufacturing is helping position Malaysia as a competitive regional hub for high-value industries.

Indonesia is scaling up its Perlinsos digital social protection trial to 42 cities and districts, extending access to welfare services for more than 36 million people. Built on the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure framework, the platform is designed to improve targeting accuracy, streamline public service delivery, and strengthen connectivity between government agencies.

Vietnam’s technology sector is expanding rapidly, with nearly 80,000 tech firms and digital economy growth accelerating across AI, 5G, e-commerce, and cashless payments. Experts say the country now needs breakthrough policies, stronger talent development, and support for leading technology enterprises to compete globally and power long-term economic growth.

Malaysia and China are investing over RM500 million into high TVET programmes focused on EVs, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing, as both countries strengthen efforts to build future-ready tech talent and support emerging industries.

Singapore’s growth committee is urging the country to attract leading AI firms, strengthen its position as a trusted AI hub, and expand capabilities in energy, quantum, and space technologies to stay competitive amid global uncertainty.

Thailand’s PDPC is working with Unicef to strengthen child data protection standards as AI adoption accelerates, with new guidelines expected to address transparency, responsible data use, and safeguards for high-risk AI systems involving children.

Thailand’s first virtual bank applicants have been given additional time to meet regulatory conditions, as major players including CP Group, Krungthai Bank, and SCB X restructure subsidiaries and financial operations ahead of launch.

Ho Chi Minh City is scaling its innovation ecosystem through new venture capital initiatives, high-tech infrastructure, and startup support programmes. With nearly half of Vietnam’s startups based in the city, authorities are pushing to position Ho Chi Minh City among the world’s top 100 startup hubs in the coming years.

Ho Chi Minh City is scaling its innovation ecosystem through new venture capital initiatives, high-tech infrastructure, and startup support programmes. With nearly half of Vietnam’s startups based in the city, authorities are pushing to position Ho Chi Minh City among the world’s top 100 startup hubs in the coming years.

Indonesia is strengthening its position in the global AI ecosystem through investments in semiconductor capabilities, AI talent development, and strategic digital infrastructure. Officials say the country’s natural resources and demographic advantages could help transform Indonesia into an active player in the global AI supply chain.

Malaysia’s semiconductor industry achieved RM400 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting decades of growth and rising global demand driven by data centres, EVs, and AI technologies. However, the sector remains heavily reliant on backend operations, with limited capabilities in chip design and wafer fabrication. As global supply chains shift, the government is pushing initiatives like the National Semiconductor Strategy to move Malaysia up the value chain and strengthen its position as a full-spectrum technology player.