

Malaysia's AI Smart City Vision: Leading ASEAN in Technological Advancement
Malaysia Aims for ASEAN AI Smart City Leadership Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia is actively pursuing its goal of becoming a frontrunner in the development of AI-powered smart cities within the ASEAN community. This ambition is underscored by initiatives like the SCEKL25 project and the broader Smart Nation aspiration for 2040. Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, recently stated, "Major cities are already undertaking smart transformations." This progress is further supported by the insights of Mohamad Sirajuddin Jalil, President of the Malaysian Cyber Security Association (MCCA), who emphasized the importance of addressing the technology gap, integrating AI effectively, and building robust public-private partnerships. The Astro AWANI report highlights the need for Malaysia to learn from successful smart city models in other ASEAN countries, such as Singapore and Vietnam, to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach to technological development. Jalil noted the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of AI integration, stating, "We must ensure we balance its benefits and risks." The video concludes by emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive strategy that addresses both technological advancement and the development of a skilled workforce to support this growth. This balanced approach is crucial for Malaysia to achieve its ambitious goals and contribute to the regional development of AI-driven smart cities.