Hanoi: Local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia are encouraged to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their operations to enhance their entry into foreign markets, including Vietnam. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R Ramanan emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and expand market reach.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan highlighted the potential benefits of Malaysia's strong bilateral relations with Vietnam, facilitated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's engagement with Vietnamese leaders. He noted that the growing AI industry presents a significant opportunity for local SMEs to tap into the Vietnamese market, which is ripe for exploration due to the positive diplomatic ties.

Ramanan accompanied Prime Minister Anwar on a two-day working visit to Vietnam, coinciding with the second ASEAN Future Forum organized by Vietnam's Foreign Ministry. During the visit, the prime minister delivered a keynote address as ASEAN Chairman and engaged in discussions with Vietnamese and Timor Leste leaders on strengthening bilateral relations.

The visit concluded with Prime Minister Anwar's courtesy call on Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, after which he returned to Malaysia. The discussions and engagements during the visit are anticipated to bolster economic cooperation and provide new avenues for Malaysian SMEs in Vietnam.