Malaysia signs MoU with China to strengthen AI and digital economy

Under the MoU, both parties will cooperate in, among others, policy coordination and regulatory alignment, industrial digital transformation, digital technology innovation and talent development.

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This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on April 17, 2025 shows China's President Xi Jinping (L) walking with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C) upon his departure to Cambodia at the Bunga Raya VIP complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. PHOTO: MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION/AFP

April 17, 2025

PETALING JAYA – Malaysia has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NDRC).

One is to promote and develop both countries’ digital economies, and the other is to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

“The MoUs were exchanged on Wednesday (April 16) between Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, representing Malaysia and NDRC represented by chairman Zheng Shanjie,” said the ministry in a statement on Thursday (April 17).

It said the ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Under the MoU, both parties will cooperate in, among others, policy coordination and regulatory alignment, industrial digital transformation, digital technology innovation and talent development.

“It will also see Malaysia and the NDRC collaborate on certain projects to encourage the cooperation between cities and enterprises. A joint working group on the digital economy to be established, comprising representatives from China’s National Data Administration and Malaysia’s Digital Ministry.

It said the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and China’s Zhejiang University will tie up following the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) between both parties to cooperate in the fields of digital transformation, AI and smart cities.

“The signing of the two MoUs and the LOI is a step in the right direction as we continue to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation,” said Gobind.

“As Malaysia is Asean Chair this year, working with NDRC and Zhejiang University will support the nation’s push in spearheading digital conversations and initiatives, including when the country hosts the inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur in September,” he added.

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