Kuala lumpur: The establishment of the Sovereign AI Cloud is set to enhance Malaysia’s digital framework, ensuring alignment with global advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Perak Communications, Multimedia and Non-governmental Organisations Committee chairman, Mohd Azlan Helmi, emphasized the state government’s readiness to take an active role in this initiative through strategic alliances with federal agencies, public universities, and the local tech industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Azlan highlighted Perak’s potential in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, which aligns with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan introduced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He affirmed that the Sovereign AI Cloud initiative would not only augment the nation’s data storage and processing capabilities but also solidify Malaysia’s digital sovereignty.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the tabling of Budget 2026, announced that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will spearhead the development of the Sovereign AI Cloud with a substantial RM2 billion investment. Furthermore, the government plans to provide an additional 50 percent tax deduction to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for AI and cybersecurity training expenses recognized by the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (NAICI), co-led by TalentCorp and MyDigital.

Mohd Azlan expressed that such incentives would accelerate the development of skilled local talent across the state. He noted that investments in AI align with the AI Nation 2030 aspirations announced by the Prime Minister and are poised to bolster Malaysia’s status as a regional technology hub.

Perak is committed to enhancing its digital ecosystem through training programs, support for start-ups, and smart community initiatives, ensuring that the advantages of AI transformation are accessible to all societal levels.