Malaysia Ties Up With China’s National Development And Reform Commission To Strengthen AI, Digital Economy

Malaysia has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NDRC) – one to promote and develop the digital economies of both countries; while the other to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The MoUs were exchanged yesterday by Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, representing Malaysia, while NDRC was represented by its Chairman, Zheng Shanjie. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China President, Xi Jinping.

In the MoU related to digital economy, 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 Digital Economy’ will be established, comprising representatives from China’s National Data Administration and Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital.

As for the MoU on AI, both sides will strive to strengthen the technology through technical exchange programmes; explore collaboration in strengthening AI infrastructure (including building of datasets and other AI infrastructure developments); exchange ethical AI guidelines and share experiences to promote the empowerment of AI applications for economic and social development in selected areas; exploring approaches to address AI security risks; and enhancing public literacy related to AI knowledge and professional skills.

The two MoUs were among 31 agreements exchanged between Malaysia and China. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), an agency under the Ministry of Digital, and China’s Zhejiang University will also tie-up following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between both parties. It will see MDEC and Zhejiang University develop and establish cooperation in the field of digital transformation, AI, and smart city.

Zhejiang University is widely known for cultivating future pioneers based on the Zhejiang Model. The higher learning institution has churned out a remarkable breed of innovators and entrepreneurs such as DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng; the founder of DEEP Robotics, Zhu Qiuguo; and Huang Xiaohuang and ChenHang, the duo behind Manycore Tech.

The Zhejiang Model in digital development refers to a comprehensive approach pioneered by Zhejiang Province that integrates digital technologies into governance, economy, and society through long-term strategic planning, government-driven reforms, and public-private collaboration.

“The signing of the two MoUs and the LOI is a step in the right direction as we continue to take steps to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation. This is in line with the aspiration of our Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar and that of the MADANI Government,” Gobind said.

“The practical collaborations in digital infrastructure, AI, technological innovation, data development and utilisation, digital industry growth, and talent exchange, among others, are crucial to ensure that Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is fully equipped in every aspect – from infrastructure, cybersecurity to talents – to harness the fullest potential of the thriving digital economy,” he added.

As Malaysia is ASEAN Chair this year, Gobind said Malaysia 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.