PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised local startup MaiStorage Technology Sdn Bhd for placing Malaysia on the global map in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), following its collaboration with major international players, including the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Speaking at the launch of MaiStorage’s operations in Putrajaya on Thursday, Anwar said the company’s achievement represents a significant leap in Malaysia’s innovation-driven MADANI economy.
“I chose to attend and lend my support because this represents a new frontier for us in terms of creative capability under the MADANI framework, and in securing a more advanced level of development,” he said.
He noted that Malaysia had been involved in the electrical and electronics (E\&E) sector for nearly seven decades, but efforts like those by MaiStorage signal a long-overdue shift towards front-end innovation and global competitiveness.
“There are areas we’re exploring that were once seen as difficult. But we’re fortunate to have Malaysians who have gone global and are now setting the foundation of a globally recognised industry here,” Anwar said, referencing MaiStorage’s link to international tech leaders such as Phison.
He also thanked various ministries and agencies including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), TalentCorp, and the Selangor State Government for their support in making the initiative possible.
Also present at the launch were MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Anwar further emphasised that MaiStorage’s success marks an “extraordinary leap” for Malaysia in the AI sector and is something the country can take great pride in.
Malaysia to Champion ASEAN’s Strategic Progress as 2025 Chair
In a separate address, Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s commitment as ASEAN Chair this year to advance the bloc’s role as a principled regional force with clear and sustainable economic direction.
He said the 46th ASEAN Summit will include discussions on key regional issues such as the Gaza crisis, alongside efforts to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade, investment and strategic alignment.
“Among the focus areas are boosting economic cooperation, increasing regional trade, and pushing ASEAN-wide investments,” Anwar shared in a post on platform X (formerly Twitter), following a briefing with domestic and international media editors.
He also highlighted the ASEAN Power Grid initiative as a “major step forward” for regional energy cooperation.
Addressing global trade dynamics, particularly the United States’ tariff regime, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s priority on domestic economic reform while expanding partnerships with key nations including China, India, Pakistan and the European Union.
“Malaysia remains committed as an open trading nation, maintaining relations with traditional partners like China and the United States, while exploring new markets and trade avenues, including with Russia,” he added. - May 22, 2025
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