NAIO – what has it achieved in its first 100 days?

The National AI Office (NAIO), under the Ministry of Digital Malaysia, today marks its first 100 days of advancing Malaysia’s AI-driven transformation.

Since its launch on 12 December 2024, NAIO has served as a catalyst for shaping Malaysia’s AI landscape, accelerating socio-economic development, and reinforcing the country’s global competitiveness.

Within this short period, NAIO has advanced AI as a national growth engine, anchored on four strategic themes: AI for the People, AI for a Stronger Economy, AI for Trust & Governance, and AI Talent for National Progress.

AI for the People

In just 100 days, AI is already making a difference in the daily lives of Malaysians.

From enhancing public service delivery and supporting healthcare providers with AI-driven diagnostics to introducing value-added AI solutions for farmers, NAIO potentially brings real-world benefits to communities nationwide.

“AI must be human-centric. Through our sectoral clusters and the NAIO Working Group, we are embedding AI where it matters most — in industries and communities — ensuring that AI is accessible, inclusive, and impactful.”,” said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo in a press statement.

AI for a Stronger Economy

Malaysia’s diverse economic sectors are tapping into AI to boost productivity and innovation.

Over the past 100 days, NAIO has initiated strategic partnerships with key industry players and digital champions to accelerate AI adoption across areas such as agriculture, transport, healthcare, public services, education as well as micro and SMEs.

By driving AI, improving supply chains, and fostering smarter operations, these collaborations are laying the groundwork for Malaysian businesses to leverage AI as a competitive edge regionally and globally.

AI for Trust & Governance

Trust is central to Malaysia’s AI journey. NAIO has made significant headway in advancing its 7 Deliverables, including the AI Technology Action Plan (2026–2030), the AI Adoption Regulatory Framework, and the AI Code of Ethics.

These efforts, in tandem with the Ministry of Digital’s data protection and privacy safeguards, are reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to a secure, transparent, and responsible AI ecosystem.

AI Talent for National Progress

NAIO has pushed the adoption of AI into public service delivery, aimed at making it more efficient and people-centric.

Its partnership with Google Cloud, under the AI@Work for MyGovUC platform, has extended AI tools to more than 400,000 civil servants across 23 ministries, 201 agencies, and 3 state governments.

AI-driven tools are helping to automate workflows, enhance research, and improve decision-making.

According to the Jabatan Digital Negara report (2024), government officers are saving an average of 3.25 hours per week, translating to more responsive and effective services for citizens.

NAIO is also strengthening the Quadruple Helix collaboration on AI talent pipeline.

Efforts with the Ministry of Higher Education through the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Consortium (MAIC) and the AI Nexus Ecosystem, to meet national needs and economic growth.

NAIO also recently contributed to the Ministry of Education’s Digital AI Literacy Framework and Guideline for Students and Teachers workshop, aimed at embedding foundational AI knowledge and digital ethics into Malaysia’s education system.

This initiative seeks to equip students and educators with the skills and mindset to navigate an AI-powered future confidently and responsibly.

Malaysia is also on track to upskill an additional 800,000 individuals by the end of the year through its partnership with Microsoft, supporting the development of a future-ready digital workforce.

The Road Ahead – Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive AI Nation

Reflecting on NAIO’s first 100 days, Gobind reaffirmed the government’s aspiration to position Malaysia as a regional AI leader.

“Our vision is for Malaysia to become not just AI users, but AI creators and innovators. Where AI will help create quality jobs and elevate productivity.

“This is only the beginning. Together, we will continue to build an AI-powered Malaysia — where AI drives national competitiveness, economic growth, and societal well-being.”