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WEDNESDAY | MAY 14, 2025

Gobind: National AI Trust Framework in the works

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

framework to support an AI safety ecosystem across the region,” he said. Malaysia calls for stronger Asean collaboration to establish common principles and interoperable frame works for trusted AI and ethical data governance. “In a region as dynamic and diverse as ours, alignment is not just strategic – it is essential,” he said. Gobind said Malaysia is well positioned to serve as a testbed for innovation, a regional convener, and a trusted partner in co-developing governance models that shape Southeast Asia’s digital future. Since his appointment, the Ministry of Digital has gazetted the Cyber Security Act 2024 in August 2024 to strengthen Malaysia’s cyber defences. It also gazetted the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 in October 2024 to strengthen data protection and align with international standards. In December 2024, the Data Sharing Act 2024 was passed to enable data exchange among public sector agencies.

o Malaysia exploring regulatory environment to oversee ethical deployment, enforce evolving standards and serve as trusted custodian of public interest

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is developing a National AI Trust Framework to guide responsible use, build public trust, and position the country as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) gover nance. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the National AI Office began looking into the AI trust framework earlier this year. “We have engaged with industry players, academia, civil society, ministries and agencies. This is still a work in progress. What we need is a trust framework that is Malaysia centric and tailored to the needs of our society,” he told reporters at PwC Malaysia’s AI Leadership Conference 2025 yesterday. Gobind said Malaysia is exploring a regulatory environment to oversee the ethical deployment of AI, resolve emerging data rights, enforce evolving standards and serve as a trusted custodian of public interest.

CelcomDigi to support M’sia’s Asean Chairmanship PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd has been appointed the official strategic partner to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) for Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025. As a strategic partner and main connectivity provider, CelcomDigi will ensure a seamless network experience throughout the event, showcase deployable technologies through its AI Experience Centre (AiX), and contribute to policy discussions on regional digital frameworks. CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said this collaboration extends beyond providing connectivity. “It reflects CelcomDigi’s commitment to national priorities and to ensure Malaysia delivers a world-class experience as host of the chairmanship. “Realising this vision will require strong synergy and cooperation between public and private sectors to drive the success of Asean events, and to showcase the best of the nation’s digital capabilities, innovation, and regional leadership,” he said. Among the key initiatives CelcomDigi will provide to Asean delegates include an exclusive Asean-themed 5G tourist SIM to commemorate the event. The SIM offers unlimited data and free international calls across Asean at all Malaysian entry points, keeping delegates connected throughout their stay in Malaysia. The company will also enable high speed connectivity at meeting venues, outdoor solutions for large events, and 5G access in official vehicles for delegates and key officials. Asean delegates will also be able to visit CelcomDigi’s AiX, an immersive innovation experience developed with over 40 global technology and local ecosystem partners. AiX features 45 ready-to-deploy use cases across eight key industries, including manufacturing, energy, logistics, and smart cities. Numerous pilots are already under way with Malaysian enterprises. The company aims to showcase exportable, scalable, and collaborative local innovation capabilities, opening doors for cross-border initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to Asean’s shared digital future. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (left) and Idham.

nance model via its Personal Information Protection Law and national data exchanges, blending centralised control with structured innovation,” he pointed out. Furthermore, Gobind said, AI governance must also be addressed regionally. “The question is how we shape our national policy and then escalate it to the Asean level to identify ways to work together.” As Asean chair this year, Malaysia aims to spearhead regional co operation on AI governance and trust. “We will host an Asean AI Summit in August, where we intend to raise these issues and explore how we can jointly develop a

“It requires tools such as regulatory sandboxes, algorithmic audits, model registries, and risk calibrated compliance pathways that reflect the diversity and complexity of AI applications.” Gobind said the government is reviewing global models. “Around the world, nations are embedding trust into the core architecture of their digital eco nomies.” The European Union, for example, has introduced data portability rights under the General Data Protection Regulation and is pushing for algorithmic transparency through the AI Act. “China, meanwhile, is de veloping a sovereign data gover

The ACE Market listing will provide ICT Zone Asia with the opportunity to grow its business organically. – ICT ZONE ASIA/BERNAMA PIC

ICT Zone Asia aims to raise RM26.6m from IPO in transfer to ACE Market KUALA LUMPUR: Technology

term earnings predictability. “These attributes are especially valuable in today’s market, where risk-adjusted fundamentals and consistent execution are essential,” the company stated. The IPO is now open for applications and will close on May 20. Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd is the principal adviser, sponsor, joint underwriter, and joint placement agent for the IPO. SCS Global Advisory (M) Sdn Bhd is the financial adviser, while Kenangan Investment Bank Bhd is a joint underwriter and joint placement agent. – Bernama

transfer,” he said during the pros pectus launch yesterday. The company also aims to strengthen its position and focus on achieving a target of RM500 million in unbilled orders within three years. ICT Zone Asia has reported strong financial performance, with a record revenue of RM127.8 million and a profit after tax of RM9.1 million. “The company’s contractual business model, coupled with its revenue visibility and operational efficiency, provides investors with stable recurring cash flows and long

business organically by gaining access to funding from Malaysia’s capital market. It will also enhance its capacity to meet the growing demands of stakeholders, supported by greater visibility in the broader market. “Of the total RM26.6 million proceeds, RM21 million (or nearly 80%) will be allocated towards expanding our technology finan cing business. Another RM1.5 million will be used for sales and marketing efforts, while the remaining funds will cover listing related expenses for the ACE Market

financing solution company ICT Zone Asia Bhd aims to raise RM26.6 million through its initial public offering (IPO) in conjunction with its transfer from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. The transfer is scheduled for June 3, and will involve a public issue of 133 million new shares, priced at 20 sen each. Group managing director and chief executive officer Tommy Lim Kok Kwang said the ACE Market listing will provide the company with the opportunity to grow its