Penang and its neighbouring states up north in Malaysia continue to play a pivotal role in the digital sphere. This was evident during Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s working trip to George Town earlier this week.
From taking a closer look at the progress of the AI City initiative at the Penang Island City Council, to launching 42 Penang, Gobind reviewed various digital initiatives and spoke to stakeholders to find ways to accelerate the digitalisation of the northern states, in line with the government’s aspiration of turning Malaysia into a digital nation.
Here’s a round-up of Gobind’s trip.
Penang’s AI City initiative on right track
Gobind was briefed on the progress of the AI City initiative by the Penang Island City Council on April 28. He said Penang’s aspirations to become an AI city had been boosted by leveraging suitable applications and technologies, ultimately accelerating efforts to modernise infrastructure and increase productivity — enhancing the quality of life of the locals.
‘State govts should introduce Data Sharing Act’
While in Penang, Gobind highlighted that Malaysia marked a historic milestone on April 28 as the Data Sharing Act 2025 officially came into effect. The Act provides a legal and structured framework for the secure and efficient sharing of data between ministries and federal government agencies.
He added that the Act created a process for federal agencies to request data and outlined how such requests would be handled.
“The National Data Sharing Committee will carry out a strict evaluation when an application is made, according to the criteria set in the Act, in deciding whether or not the data requested can be shared. This promotes accountability while ensuring personal data remains safe,” he said.
Gobind also urged all state governments to introduce similar legislation to facilitate data sharing across federal, state, and local government agencies — ultimately benefiting the whole country.
Digital Ministry reaffirms commitment to driving digital transformation in northern region
At the Malaysia Digital (MD) Open Day 2025 on April 29, Gobind highlighted the significance of the northern corridor — namely Penang, Perlis, Kedah, and Perak — hailing it as a vital engine of Malaysia’s growth.
He said his ministry was focused on ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reached every corner of the nation.
“Currently, Malaysia is home to 3,891 active MD companies, with 254 located in the northern region. Newly approved MD companies have pledged RM16.2 billion in investments from January to mid-April 2025, and are projected to generate 6,480 jobs over the next five years. Notably, Data Centre and Cloud investments are at the forefront, comprising over 60 per cent of the total investment,” he said in his speech.
“Investor confidence in Malaysia remains strong, with significant foreign direct investment coming from countries such as the Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, and the United Kingdom. This confidence underscores Malaysia’s attractiveness as a leading digital investment destination.
“Recognising the importance of state-level implementation, the Digital Ministry has established the Northern Office in Penang. This strategic hub will serve Penang, Kedah, Perak, and Perlis — connecting local stakeholders with national programmes and support for talent development and the digital ecosystem.”
Penang is an important state in Malaysia’s digital economy, particularly given the large presence of semiconductor and technology companies, and its growing digital economy. Penang alone has attracted RM1.23 billion in MD-approved investments, expected to create 266 jobs.
While a significant portion of these investments is in Data Centre and Cloud, over 60 per cent of the job opportunities are in high-value sectors like integrated circuit (IC) design and embedded software.
“The Digital Ministry’s presence in Penang will facilitate better understanding of local needs, faster action, and ensure that national policies effectively benefit the region. The Digital Ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and with the support of various stakeholders, is committed to shaping a bold, inclusive, and innovation-led digital future for Malaysia,” he added.
42 Penang launched
Later in the day, Gobind launched 42 Penang, a tuition-free, peer-to-peer learning institution that aims to develop skilled technology talents.
Gobind said the establishment of such institutions would help in the race to create more digital talents.
Digitalisation efforts at temples receive backing
The Digital Ministry will continue to assist and support digitalisation initiatives at Hindu temples throughout the country. Gobind said it was the government’s commitment to ensure that digital technology reaches the grassroots — including in the context of religion and cultural heritage.
He said this after officiating the digitalisation system at the Sree Maha Mariamman Temple in George Town on April 26. He also approved RM20,000 in allocations to the temple.
