Malaysia launches Digital Action Plan 2030

Background

On 29 June 2026, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim alongside the Ministry of Digital unveiled the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030. While the full Action Plan is currently available only in Bahasa Malaysia, a bilingual summary outlines the key elements of the Government‘s roadmap.

National Targets

The Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 sets forward several ambitious national targets. By 2030 Malaysia intends for the digital economy to account for 30 % of the GDP and create 500,000 high-value job opportunities. The Government also aims to provide 95 % of public services online end-to-end while achieving public-sector savings of RM 4.5 billion through digitalization. Further targets relate to Malaysia’s international rankings for digital competitiveness and AI readiness.

Seven-pillar approach

The Action Plan follows a whole-of-government approach. Responsibility is divided across seven pillars, each led by a designated ministry or government agency:

• Government: Digitalize public services (end-to-end) and federal data, establish GovTech Malaysia and develop an integrated Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Economy: Improve competitiveness and productivity and position Malaysia as a regional hub for digital trade, innovation and “Made by Malaysia” products and solutions.
• Infrastructure: Improve internet connectivity and service quality and develop sustainable, future-ready digital infrastructure, including data centers, cloud computing and smart cities.
• Talent: Ensure an agile workforce, establish a comprehensive digital talent policy and position Malaysia as a regional and global digital talent hub.
• Society: Ensure inclusive digital participation through the Malaysia Digital Inclusivity Index, stronger support for rural communities and digital solutions designed to deliver social impact.
• Trust and Security: Build a resilient digital environment, strengthen public trust and maintain an appropriate balance between security and innovation.
• Innovation: Strengthen Malaysia’s innovation capacity and support its transition from consumer to creator and producer of digital solutions.

Integrated Implementation

Implementation is intended to be further coordinated across existing institutions, including bodies responsible for AI, cybersecurity and digital policy. This is designed to link the Action Plan with Malaysia’s existing policies and initiatives and reduce fragmented implementation across agencies.

A recent procurement exercise [RFP: Study of AI Awareness and Readiness Assessment Instrument, 20.07.2026] provides an early example of how elements of this broader digital agenda may be translated into practice.

Relevance for Business

The Action Plan confirms Malaysia’s continued drive towards greater digitalization, wider AI adoption and stronger digital readiness across the public and private sectors.

Businesses involved in AI development, digital infrastructure, data centers or digital training services may benefit from future initiatives introduced to implement the Action Plan. Future initiatives may also support companies seeking to strengthen their digital capabilities as well as the AI-related skills of their workforce. However, at this stage the Action Plan itself does not establish specific funding schemes, initiatives or measures. Businesses active in these areas should monitor future programs, procurement opportunities and other measures introduced as part of the Plan’s implementation.