Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has released a groundbreaking whitepaper titled “Unleashing the Power of Malaysia’s Human Capital in the AI Age,” outlining how Malaysia can accelerate the development of a future-ready workforce and solidify its position as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing insights from top Malaysian business and policy leaders, the whitepaper identifies key priorities for policymakers and corporate executives to ensure the nation’s AI ambitions translate into sustainable growth and innovation.
According to the report, Malaysia stands at a critical juncture in its AI journey. While the nation boasts strong policy direction and infrastructure, challenges such as fragmented adoption and limited talent readiness continue to hinder progress. Cognizant’s findings reveal that despite 86% of global employers expecting AI to reshape their industries, only 11% of Malaysian C-suite leaders are “very confident” in their workforce’s AI capabilities. Furthermore, 66% of business leaders cited workforce readiness and leadership clarity as the main obstacles to scaling AI, while 63% pointed to the widening skills gap as a major concern.
Thomas Mathew, Vice President of Cognizant for ASEAN and Greater China, emphasized the importance of human-centered AI growth. “We believe AI should empower people, not replace them,” he said. “For Malaysia to truly lead, it must evolve from being an AI user to an AI producer and innovator. By embedding ‘human in the loop’ governance, transparent data frameworks, and strong ethical literacy programs, Malaysia can set the regional benchmark for responsible AI innovation.”
The whitepaper outlines three strategic recommendations to help Malaysia bridge its talent and adoption gaps. First, it calls for the development of local AI capabilities and intellectual property—such as Bahasa Malaysia large language models (LLMs) and industry-specific AI solutions—supported by national blueprints, research incentives, and talent mobility reforms. Second, it urges Malaysia to leverage its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to drive regional collaboration, establish AI training hubs, and harmonize standards across Southeast Asia. Third, it highlights the need to anchor AI adoption in ethics, inclusivity, and trust, ensuring that all initiatives remain people-focused and transparent.
Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, CEO of InvestKL, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Malaysia stands poised to become ASEAN’s most trusted AI hub—multilingual, ethical, and driven by innovation. AI represents a bold new frontier, but the next leap depends on the people. Our true strength lies in blending cutting-edge technology with values, trust, and inclusivity.”
The whitepaper also benchmarks Malaysia’s progress against leading AI nations such as China and Singapore, incorporating insights from institutions like the National AI Office, TalentCorp, PNB, DHL Express, AstraZeneca, and others. Cognizant’s research, supported by data from Oxford Economics and the World Economic Forum (2025), reinforces the idea that Malaysia’s AI success will depend not only on technology but on nurturing the human capital that drives it.
As Malaysia continues to strengthen its AI ecosystem, Cognizant’s message is clear: progress must be human-centered, ethical, and value-driven. With the right policies, partnerships, and ambition, Malaysia is well-positioned to lead the ASEAN region into a new era of AI-powered growth and innovation.