Malaysia has taken a bold step toward shaping ASEAN’s future in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable industrial transformation. The Ministry of Digital, through the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), hosted the Powering the Intelligent Age: Driving Innovation with Southeast Asia and Beyond Summit at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. The event served as a significant platform to deepen regional collaboration in AI, digitalisation, and clean industrial transformation—marking a key milestone under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
Drawing over 400 delegates from 14 countries, the summit brought together senior policymakers, corporate leaders, researchers, and startup founders. The diverse participation reflected a strong and growing commitment across ASEAN to drive responsible and sustainable technology adoption through multi-stakeholder cooperation among the public, private, and international sectors.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the ASEAN AI Safety Network (ASEAN AI Safe), one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables under its ASEAN Chairmanship. Anchored in Kuala Lumpur, the network aims to connect policymakers, researchers, and industry players to promote safe, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption. This initiative underscores Malaysia’s ambition to position ASEAN as a globally trusted hub for responsible innovation and digital transformation.
Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to becoming an “AI Nation” by 2030, driven by trusted governance, inclusive talent development, and impactful investments. “As ASEAN Chair, we are focused on building collaborative frameworks that ensure technology is deployed safely, transparently and for the benefit of all communities,” he said. “The ASEAN AI Safe marks an important step forward, but it is only one part of our broader mission to create an ecosystem where innovation and accountability move together.”
The summit’s agenda focused on translating policy into practical action, with discussions centred on establishing common AI governance frameworks, aligning sustainability with technology adoption, and accelerating industrial transformation through innovation partnerships. Another key milestone was the launch of the Sustainable AI White Paper, developed by MYCentre4IR and ERM in consultation with Microsoft, which provides guidance for responsible and energy-efficient AI deployment across Southeast Asia.
A highlight of the summit was the Leader’s Dialogue between YB Gobind Singh Deo and Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence and Executive Committee Member at the WEF. Their discussion explored ASEAN’s framework for responsible AI development, strategies for equitable access to AI capabilities, and ways to build public trust in technology. Cathy Li noted that Southeast Asia has a unique opportunity to shape global AI standards, emphasising that regional alignment is essential to embed trust, transparency, and sustainability in innovation ecosystems.
Adding to the regional perspective, H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, delivered a special address highlighting that cross-border collaboration is key to ensuring technology drives shared prosperity and inclusion. He underscored ASEAN’s commitment to fostering digital economy growth, strengthening institutional readiness, and advancing policies that support the region’s transition into the Intelligent Age.
At the industry level, the Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) dialogue showcased practical pathways for integrating data platforms, advanced automation, and clean energy to boost industrial competitiveness while reducing emissions. Discussions on green-electron trade, industrial decarbonisation, and nuclear energy readiness demonstrated ASEAN’s collective determination to enhance energy security and sustainability.
The summit ultimately underscored the growing convergence between AI and industrial sustainability as key drivers of ASEAN’s future competitiveness. It reinforced Malaysia’s role as a regional convener and catalyst for responsible innovation—bridging governments, industry leaders, academia, and innovators to build a future where technology serves both progress and the planet. Through continued partnerships, including with trusted industry players like Microsoft, Malaysia is positioning itself and ASEAN as global leaders in safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital transformation.