THE nation aims to create up to 300,000 artificial intelligence (AI)-related jobs and generate an additional 1.2 percentage points in gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 2030 as it accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the targets were outlined under the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 and National AI Action Plan 2026-2030, also known as AI Nation 2030.
The initiatives come as Malaysia climbed seven places to 27th out of 70 economies in the IMD World Digital and AI Ranking (WDAIR) 2026, compared with 34th last year, making it the second-highest ranked economy in ASEAN after Singapore.
Malaysia's strongest improvement was in AI adoption, where it rose 21 places to 14th globally, while its efficiency ranking improved 10 places to 28th. It also ranked 12th for implementation of its national AI strategy.
Under Budget 2027, the government has allocated RM30 million through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to help 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI and automate their operations.
The funding will also support the training and certification of 5,000 AI professionals, alongside an additional 100,000 free AI subscriptions for young people.
Malaysia also ranked 18th globally in workforce development, second for science graduates, fifth for venture capital, sixth for high-tech exports and eighth for AI investment incentives.
Anwar said the ranking reflected progress under the government's economic reform and national digitalisation agenda. - November 11, 2026
