Malaysia signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NDRC) – one to promote and develop the digital economies of both countries; while the other to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The MoUs were exchanged yesterday by Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and NDRC chairman Zheng Shanjie. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China President Xi Jinping.
The two MoUs were among 31 agreements exchanged between both nations.
In the MoU related to the digital economy, both parties will cooperate in, among others, policy coordination and regulatory alignment; industrial digital transformation; digital technology innovation; and talent development.
It will also see Malaysia and the NDRC collaborate on certain projects to encourage cooperation between cities and enterprises. A ‘Joint Working Group on Digital Economy’ will be established, comprising representatives from China’s National Data Administration and Malaysia’s Digital Ministry.
As for the MoU on AI, both sides will strive to strengthen the technology through technical exchange programmes; explore collaboration in strengthening AI infrastructure (including building of datasets and other AI infrastructure developments); exchange ethical AI guidelines, and share experiences to promote the empowerment of AI applications for economic and social development in selected areas; exploring approaches to address AI security risks; and enhancing public literacy related to AI knowledge and professional skills.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), an agency under the Ministry of Digital, and China’s Zhejiang University will also collaborate following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between both parties. It will see MDEC and Zhejiang University develop and establish cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, AI, and smart cities.
Zhejiang University is widely known for cultivating remarkable innovators and entrepreneurs such as DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng; the founder of DEEP Robotics, Zhu Qiuguo, and Huang Xiaohuang and ChenHang, the duo behind Manycore Tech.
“The signing of the two MoUs and the LOI is a step in the right direction as we continue to take steps to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation. This is in line with the aspiration of our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and that of the MADANI Government,” Gobind said.
“The practical collaborations in digital infrastructure, AI, technological innovation, data development and utilisation, digital industry growth, and talent exchange, among others, are crucial to ensure that Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is fully equipped in every aspect – from infrastructure, cybersecurity to talents – to harness the fullest potential of the thriving digital economy,” he added.
Gobind said Malaysia working with NDRC and Zhejiang University will support the nation’s push in spearheading digital conversations and initiatives, including when the country hosts the inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur in September.
Main image: Information Department Malaysia
