KUALA LUMPUR, 28 SEPTEMBER 2025: Building trust will be the defining factor in Malaysia’s bid to lead the regional digital economy. Without it, ambitions to become ASEAN’s hub for artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and the data economy cannot succeed.
That was the central message from Microsoft ASEAN regional director for legal and government affairs Dr Jasmine Begum at the recent Malaysia Digital Xceleration (MDX) Summit 2025. She explained that while AI continues to dominate policy conversations, Malaysia must already prepare for the next frontier.
“What’s next is quantum, from AI to quantum – and it’s here today. We need to be the trusted data hub where investors know their data is safe. That’s how we create jobs and raise our GNI,” she said.
She stressed that initiatives such as the concept of a ‘digital embassy’ or ‘Trusted Malaysia Digital’ status are vital trust markers for global investors. The idea, she explained, is that when data is hosted in Malaysia, it should carry the same assurances as placing it in a secure diplomatic enclave: protected, sovereign and bound by international standards.
“When we elevate the standards, the entire ecosystem is raised. It is not just about one company being recognised, but about collectively building trust across Malaysia’s digital infrastructure,” she said.
Malaysia’s ambitions must also rest on protecting data sovereignty, creating agile regulations that keep pace with AI and quantum innovation, and treating people as renewable resources who can be continually retrained for the digital economy.
On this last point, Jasmine noted that Microsoft has pledged to train 800,000 Malaysians in AI-related skills and has already reached 600,000 within two years through its partner network. She cited examples of kindergarten teachers in rural areas who were retrained into managerial roles, illustrating how digital skills can transform lives and create opportunities far beyond the tech sector.
