AI Could Boost Malaysia’s GDP By US$115 Bln By 2030
KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) could add an estimated US$115 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product by 2030, benefiting not only the manufacturing sector but also the healthcare, agriculture, and finance sector, said EMIR Research founder, Dr Rais Hussin.
In a statement Tuesday, he said that to realise these gains, Malaysia needs a robust digital infrastructure, ethical AI governance, and dedicated investment in research and skills training.
As the ASEAN chair this year, Malaysia can lead the region by shaping data governance standards, promoting cross-border research and development (R&D), creating policies for talent mobility, and setting the tone for ethical AI, sustainable data centres, and quantum security initiatives, said Rais.
“Malaysia’s data centre expansion, particularly in Johor, is poised to make the country a major regional hub for data storage.
“However, the energy-intensive nature of these facilities raises environmental concerns that must be addressed. Initiatives could include adopting renewable energy and advanced cooling techniques, as well as exploring small modular reactors to power these facilities sustainably,” he added.
By maintaining an open stance through active neutrality, Rais said Malaysia can attract both Western and Eastern cloud providers, ensuring healthy competition, technology transfer, and diversified investment.
He noted that Penang has long been a linchpin in the global semiconductor supply chain, specialising in assembly, testing, and packaging, and the next step is to move up the value chain into wafer fabrication, integrated circuit design, and robust R&D.
“This requires government-industry partnerships that provide tax incentives, specialised upskilling programmes, and new R&D facilities.
“By focusing on higher-value activities, Malaysia ensures its place in the global tech ecosystem, mitigating the risks of over-reliance on lower-margin manufacturing,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
