China and Malaysia to Continue AI Cooperation: Malaysian Digital Minister

Harry Wu, journalist for Southern Finance Omnimedia Corp (SFC)

In the era of AI, human progress must transcend national borders.

In a recent exclusive interview with SFC, Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysian Digital Minister, said that China and Malaysia have been working together for many years and share very strong fundamentals and friendships. “We will carry on working together and moving ahead in the new digital and AI world.”

The minister emphasized the importance of building AI infrastructure. Without infrastructure, nothing can be achieved. Cooperation is needed to ensure that all countries can reap the benefits in AI era, he added.

Regarding China's role, Gobind Singh Deo said that China has significant advantages in AI, cross-border systems, and other emerging high-tech fields, which will benefit ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, ensuring that AI development benefits people from all walks of life and ensures inclusive and sustainable development.

He believes that Malaysia needs to deepen cooperation with partners like China to build its digital future. China has significant advantages in next-generation network deployment, edge intelligence, AI applications, and cross-border digital platforms. “Malaysia highly values cooperation with China in the digital field.”

Looking ahead, Gobind Singh Deo believes that AI will become a driving force for the global economy, reshaping countless industries. Some new drug discovery processes have been shortened from decades to months, and self-driving cars are becoming a reality. AI era requires proactive shaping rather than passive acceptance, requiring global dialogue and collaboration.

In December 2023, Malaysia established The Digital Ministry, with Gobind Singh Deo being appointed as its first minister to lead the country's digital transformation efforts and promote its development into a regional digital hub.