Malaysia's National AI Office (NAIO) will be officially institutionalised on July 28, 2026, gaining full authority to oversee and coordinate AI policies and development across the country [1, 2]. Currently operating under the incubation of MyDIGITAL Corporation, the NAIO will transition into a formal institution located in Cyberjaya with a dedicated office [1, 2].
The NAIO was approved by Malaysia's Cabinet on August 28, 2024, as a strategic initiative under the Digital Ministry, signaling the government's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence in the region [1, 2]. It was subsequently launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on December 12, 2024, marking a key step toward positioning Malaysia as a regional AI leader [1, 2].
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated, "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given the date (July 28) to launch [the institutionalised] NAIO. The NAIO will be the institution that looks towards policies, governance and the ecosystem of AI, and assisting individuals that can develop AI which would drive the vision of an AI nation by 2030" [1]. This reflects the office's role in overseeing AI governance, shaping the AI ecosystem, and supporting developers aligned with Malaysia's goal to become an AI nation by 2030 [1, 2].
The government is currently drafting an AI Governance Framework through a NAIO department to guide responsible AI development and deployment [1, 2]. The institutionalisation will formally empower NAIO to coordinate AI initiatives, policies, and regulation effectively across relevant sectors.
The next key milestone is July 28, 2026, when the NAIO will formally assume its institutional role with full authority. The office is expected to serve as the national hub for AI strategy as Malaysia pushes toward its 2030 AI vision [1, 2].
