Malaysia and China Ink MoUs to Boost AI and Digital Economy
E News- Apr 17
- 2 min read
PUTRAJAYA, 17 April 2025 – Malaysia has forged a significant partnership with China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The agreements were formalized yesterday in a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The exchange saw Malaysia’s Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, and NDRC Chairman, Zheng Shanjie, signing the MoUs, which outline collaboration in policy alignment, industrial digital transformation, digital technology innovation, and talent development for the digital economy. Additionally, both nations will work on joint city and enterprise projects, supported by a newly established Joint Working Group on Digital Economy, comprising representatives from China’s National Data Administration and Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital.
The AI-focused MoU emphasizes technical exchange programs, development of AI infrastructure, including datasets, and sharing ethical AI guidelines to promote AI applications for economic and social progress. It also includes efforts to address AI security risks and enhance public literacy in AI knowledge and skills.
In a parallel development, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), under the Ministry of Digital, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with China’s Zhejiang University to collaborate on digital transformation, AI, and smart city initiatives. Zhejiang University, renowned for its Zhejiang Model—a strategic approach integrating digital technologies into governance, economy, and society—has produced notable innovators, including the founders of DeepSeek, DEEP Robotics, and Manycore Tech.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo described the agreements as a pivotal step toward accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation, aligning with the MADANI Government’s vision under Prime Minister Anwar. “These collaborations in digital infrastructure, AI, technological innovation, and talent exchange are crucial to equipping Malaysia’s digital ecosystem to harness the full potential of the thriving digital economy,” he said.
As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia’s partnerships with NDRC and Zhejiang University are expected to bolster its leadership in regional digital initiatives, including the upcoming inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur in September.
The MoUs and LOI were among 31 agreements exchanged between Malaysia and China, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties in technology and innovation.
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