Malaysia Advances Human-Centered AI Cities with Four Key Collaborations

Key Takeaways

Malaysia strengthens its digital transformation initiatives by signing key agreements at SCEKL25.
Partnerships include collaborations with Ericsson, Amazon Web Services, and Dell Technologies to enhance AI and smart city solutions.
The agreements aim to promote sustainable urban innovation and improve public services through technology.

Milestone in Digital Transformation

Malaysia recently celebrated a pivotal step towards inclusive digital transformation at the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25). Attended by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, the event featured the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and one Letter of Collaboration, highlighting the nation’s commitment to smart, sustainable urban development.

SCEKL25 stands as ASEAN’s first global platform focused on AI Cities, facilitating key collaborations among city leaders, global tech innovators, and local institutions. These agreements underscore Malaysia’s leadership in collaborating with stakeholders in the smart city and AI sectors to foster inclusive urban innovation.

DNB’s Chief Executive Officer, Azman Ismail, emphasized the need to build a future-ready Malaysia by combining global technology and local expertise. He noted the importance of creating AI-powered cities that address the needs of various communities.

MDEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, reiterated the organization’s commitment to human-centered progress. He highlighted how their collaborations aim to embed AI into urban sustainability, climate resilience, and citizen services, ensuring the technology benefits all demographics.

One of the key agreements was signed between DNB and Ericsson, initiating the 21st Century Technologies Education Program to upskill civil servants in AI, 5G, and IoT. Ericsson’s David Hägerbro noted Malaysia’s potential to lead in AI, contingent on a well-equipped government workforce.

Another pivotal partnership was formed between DNB and Amazon Web Services to develop a national AI Cities platform. This initiative aims to support smarter urban governance through advanced data analytics and cloud infrastructure, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing real-time decision-making.

Additionally, an MoU involving DNB, MDEC, and the Malaysian Smart City Alliance Association was established to create frameworks and standards for integrating technology into daily urban life. MSCA’s Chairman, Raslan Ahmad, affirmed that these initiatives would transform residents’ daily experiences in cities.

The final agreement, signed between MDEC and Dell Technologies’ AI Innovation Hub, sets up a testbed for climate AI prediction in Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Zone. This project seeks to combine cultural heritage protection with environmental resilience, emphasizing responsible technology use in addressing urban challenges.

Overall, these strategic collaborations position Malaysia as a frontrunner in ASEAN’s digital landscape, driven by local expertise and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.