Malaysia’s Budget 2025 allocated RM50 million specifically for AI education and RM10 million for the National Artificial Intelligence Office. The broader education budget reached RM64.2 billion. The National AI Office serves as the designated lead body for AI governance and strategy. Malaysia’s AI policy framework is anchored by the Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 (AI-RMAP), which sets out measures to embed AI into school curricula, upskill educators, and enhance institutional capacity. Microsoft’s AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative targets 800,000 Malaysians for AI skills training by 2025, with a focus on responsible AI use. The government offers double tax deductions for AI research and development as an incentive for private sector engagement.
Who it affects: Students at all education levels, where the AI-RMAP drives curriculum integration. Educators receive upskilling support. Malaysian workers broadly are targeted through the AIForMYFuture programme. Private companies benefit from tax deductions for AI R&D but face no legal obligation to train employees.
What is notably missing: The AI-RMAP and education budget allocations are policy instruments; Malaysia has not enacted a binding AI law. There is no legal obligation on private employers to train all employees in AI. No minimum AI literacy standard is defined for schools or the workforce. The National AI Office’s precise regulatory mandate and enforcement powers are not fully established. Implementation of the AI curriculum in schools relies on voluntary adoption rather than binding mandate.