ASEAN must strengthen unity and adapt to fast-evolving security threats beyond traditional territorial disputes, Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said at the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. He stressed that cyberattacks and weaponised technologies developed by private entities now pose significant risks, urging member states to build collective strategies to remain resilient against non-state actors and unconventional threats.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is urging Japan to take a larger role in technology transfer and front-end semiconductor investment across the region. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of Japan’s strategic contribution to AI and high-tech industries, reinforcing ASEAN’s goal of boosting regional innovation and economic competitiveness.

Malaysia’s Budget 2026, the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), sets a strong foundation for the nation’s deep-tech and digital ambitions. With RM5.9 billion allocated to strengthen the AI sector and additional investments in semiconductors, green innovation, and digital infrastructure, the government signals its commitment to building a future-ready innovation economy. MIMOS Berhad emphasized that the budget supports research, technology commercialization, and talent development, ensuring Malaysia’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and global markets.

Malaysia has established a cross-ministerial mechanism to counter the growing threat of weaponised AI, which is increasingly used for digital fraud, impersonation, and large-scale cyberattacks. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative brings together key ministries and enforcement agencies to coordinate rapid response and strengthen national cybersecurity. A National AI Security Framework is also being developed to balance innovation with protection, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to responsible AI governance.

At the Siber Siaga 2025 forum in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari urged stronger AI safeguards, deeper ASEAN cooperation, and greater human resilience to counter rising cyber security threats. He stressed that cyber warfare is already a reality, warning against blind reliance on AI and calling for technology to serve human strategy, not replace it.

Malaysia has been ranked second in ASEAN in the GSMA Digital Nations Index 2025, reflecting strong progress in digital readiness. The country excelled in digital skills and access, while new initiatives such as the AI Nation Framework and AI-powered banking highlight its innovation drive.

Malaysia is accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions with Budget 2026 set to introduce new funds, programmes, and regulatory frameworks aimed at turning the country into an “AI Nation.” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiatives will strengthen GovTech, expand public–private partnerships, and invest in digital talent to close the AI divide, positioning Malaysia as a leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

Malaysia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation through a new cross-border memorandum of understanding (MoU). During the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Melaka, Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang highlighted plans to enhance cybersecurity collaboration. Malaysia is in the process of acceding to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and will officially sign the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October. The visit, which includes senior Malaysian and Vietnamese officials, aims to reinforce long-standing ties between the two nations.

Malaysia has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (NDRC).

Several Malaysian and Chinese technology companies and educational institutions will join forces in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and next-generation digital infrastructure.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Bank of Thailand (BOT) have on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen joint efforts in cybersecurity and digital fraud protection.

Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a key front in a global computing arms race, as Western and Chinese technology giants rush to build data centres to power their evolving artificial intelligence models.