digital growth - WORLDEF

Malaysia is accelerating its transition toward an AI-powered digital economy, backed by strong government policy, rising investments, and ecosystem-wide collaboration. The country’s long-term ambition is clear: to position itself as a leading regional hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation by 2030.

At the core of this transformation is the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030, designed to embed AI across governance, industry, and society. The initiative aligns with Malaysia’s broader MyDIGITAL blueprint, which aims to create a high-income, digitally enabled economy powered by advanced technologies.

AI as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

Malaysia’s digital economy is already showing strong momentum. The country has secured tens of billions in digital investments, driven largely by AI, cloud computing, and data infrastructure. These investments are expected to generate tens of thousands of high-value jobs, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional tech hub.

Government-backed programs are also ensuring that businesses, especially SMEs, can adopt AI solutions to improve productivity and competitiveness. Financial incentives, grants, and tax benefits are being rolled out to accelerate adoption at scale.

Building a Sovereign and Trusted AI Ecosystem

A key pillar of Malaysia’s strategy is trust and governance. Authorities are strengthening data protection laws, cybersecurity frameworks, and AI governance policies to ensure responsible innovation.

Initiatives such as the development of a Sovereign AI Cloud aim to keep data and AI operations within national borders, ensuring security while enabling large-scale deployment of AI technologies.

At the same time, Malaysia is investing heavily in local infrastructure, including data centres and AI platforms, to support domestic innovation and reduce reliance on external systems.

From Policy to Real-World Implementation

Malaysia is moving beyond strategy into execution. Programs like the Government Innovation Initiative (GII) are translating real-world challenges into deployable AI solutions, prioritising locally developed technologies and scalable applications.

Public sector transformation is also underway, with efforts to build an AI-augmented government that uses automation and data-driven decision-making to improve services and efficiency.

Positioning Malaysia as ASEAN’s AI Hub

With sustained investment, strong governance, and a growing talent pool, Malaysia is positioning itself as a competitive AI hub in Southeast Asia. The combination of public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, and policy alignment is creating a scalable ecosystem for innovation.

As global demand for AI solutions continues to rise, Malaysia’s integrated approach, linking policy, infrastructure, and industry adoption, could serve as a model for emerging digital economies.

Source

Uzbekistan sets new e-commerce growth target

Uzbekistan is aiming to increase the share of e-commerce in its retail trade to 9–11%, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and modernize its economy.

The target was outlined during a government meeting led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where new proposals were presented to strengthen the country’s e-commerce ecosystem.

Market shows strong growth momentum

Uzbekistan’s e-commerce sector has already experienced rapid expansion in recent years.

The market has grown nearly 20 times over the past eight years, reaching an estimated value of $1.3 billion, reflecting increasing consumer adoption and digital infrastructure development.

Despite this progress, e-commerce currently accounts for only around 4–4.6% of total retail trade, significantly below the global average of approximately 22%.

New strategies focus on infrastructure and customs reform

To support further growth, the government is focusing on improving logistics and trade processes.

A key priority is the development of bonded warehouse infrastructure, which allows imported goods to be stored under customs control with deferred payment of duties and taxes.

In addition, authorities are considering a system where customs duties are paid at the point of sale. This approach is expected to simplify trade operations and improve the investment climate.

Investment potential and global alignment

Officials estimate that the proposed reforms could attract up to $500 million in investment, supporting the expansion of digital commerce and related infrastructure.

Similar customs and logistics models are already widely implemented in countries such as China, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Germany, indicating Uzbekistan’s alignment with global best practices.

Strengthening the digital economy

The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to develop its digital economy and increase the role of online commerce in overall economic activity.

With a young and increasingly connected population, the country is positioning e-commerce as a key driver of future growth, while continuing to invest in infrastructure and regulatory improvements.

Source:
https://menafn.com

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