Malaysia launches national data-sharing policy

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia on February 10 launched a national policy to accelerate digital automation and technological advancement (DATA) across the public sector, describing it as a critical step towards building a data-driven government and positioning Malaysia as an AI-driven nation by 2030.

Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was quoted by local media as saying that the policy provides the backbone for long-term digital transformation, stressing that artificial intelligence and innovation cannot be developed without strong data governance.

The policy focuses on four key thrusts: implementing full digital administration, enabling data sharing in a controlled but secure manner, strengthening public sector governance, and nurturing a seamless digital culture.

She added that the policy also addresses key structural elements such as data digitisation management, security, infrastructure and digital data literacy within the public sector.

Its overarching goal is to establish a centralised framework for data collection and sharing, facilitating the delivery of public services, saving time, enhancing transparency and accountability, and contributing to environmental protection by reducing paper use.

In the coming period, Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital will accelerate nationwide digital transformation efforts, including tackling long-standing issues such as non-digitised records and fragmented data systems across government agencies. Currently, much of the public-sector data, including handwritten records as well as audio and visual materials, remains undigitised.

The issuance of the policy reflects Malaysia’s determination to build a data-driven digital government, improve governance efficiency and public service quality, and strengthen innovation capacity, while laying an important foundation for the country’s ambition to become an AI hub in the region by 2030./.

VNA