Malaysia

AI economy blueprint: Government targets 500,000 high-value jobs by 2030

The initiative aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while delivering RM4.5 billion in savings through public sector digitalisation

Updated 20 hours ago · Published on 29 Jun 2026 3:53PM

AI economy blueprint: Government targets 500,000 high-value jobs by 2030
The government unveils the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan to transform the country into an artificial intelligence-driven economy by 2030 - June 29, 2026

THE nation has launched the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan, setting out an ambitious roadmap to transform the country into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered economy and position it as a trusted global producer of digital innovation by the end of the decade.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the blueprint targets the creation of 500,000 high-value jobs, aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), deliver RM4.5 billion in savings through public sector digitalisation, and ensure that 95 per cent of government services are available online.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said MD2030 marks a new phase in Malaysia's digital transformation by shifting the nation from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of digital innovation.

“Malaysia is ready to emerge as a respected producer of digital innovation through an implementation framework founded on trust, data security and strong governance,” he said.

Gobind said the 2026-2030 implementation plan positions the Ministry of Digital as the lead agency for delivering the National AI Agenda 2030, with implementation coordinated alongside the National AI Office (NAIO), the National Digital Department, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), CyberSecurity Malaysia and MyDIGITAL Corporation.

At the launch, Anwar presented letters of appointment to seven ministries that will spearhead the plan's seven strategic pillars covering government, the economy, infrastructure, talent, society, trust and security, and innovation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired the National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IRN) before launching the national blueprint.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Anwar describes MD2030 as Malaysia's strategic response to the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, automation and the data-driven economy, while strengthening the country's resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying global digital competition.

He said the government's priority is to ensure every initiative is implemented in a structured, disciplined and impactful manner to benefit the people, strengthen business competitiveness and accelerate Malaysia's transition into an inclusive AI nation by 2030.

Anwar also directed that government digital services be developed internally under the coordination of the Ministry of Digital through the National Digital Department to safeguard national data sovereignty, reduce dependence on external providers and strengthen digital capabilities within the public sector.

“With the commitment of the entire MADANI Government machinery, God willing, MD2030 will become a national agenda that transforms the way we work, deliver public services and build the future of the nation,” he said. - June 29, 2026

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