KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2027 includes measures to encourage Malaysians to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as the country pursues its ambition to become an AI nation by 2030.
The budget, tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this evening, expands individual tax relief to cover AI subscriptions.
Anwar also stressed the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for AI development while encouraging young people to pursue careers in technology.
“Reaching for the stars while remaining rooted to the earth also means pioneering AI without compromising national values and security,” he said.
“I often emphasise the importance of our youth mastering future fields such as data science and quantum technology.
“The development of a sovereign AI Cloud is currently being planned to ensure that citizens’ data and national strategic information remain under Malaysia’s control.”
Anwar said the government would expand its free AI subscription initiative for young people by offering another 100,000 subscriptions covering additional applications, following an encouraging response to the earlier programme.
The Rakyat Digital Platform also provides access to free digital courses through a collaboration with Coursera, offering more than 16,000 courses and professional certificate programmes from leading global universities and industry organisations.
“Overall, RM6 billion is being allocated to step up research, development and commercialisation activities across ministries,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted an allocation of nearly RM15 million for AI Malaysia Bhd to strengthen a safe and ethical AI ecosystem, with the initiative working towards developing 200,000 skilled AI workers.
Separately, a RM30 million fund under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation will help 4,000 micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI and automate their operations.
The programme will also train and certify 5,000 AI professionals, he said.
Other highlights of Budget 2027 include:
- Malaysia has attained Tier 1 status in readiness to transition to post-quantum cryptography.
- The National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will develop local data protection technology to address threats posed by quantum computing, while strengthening the capabilities of Cyber Security and Cryptology Development Centre Bhd.
- MyDigital ID has recorded more than 14 million registered users accessing 203 public and private services to facilitate secure transactions.
- Malaysia will host the FIRA RoboWorld Cup, providing opportunities for young talent and researchers to showcase local robotic innovations on the global stage.
