KUALA LUMPUR, IBM Malaysia said the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI)- driven solutions, alongside supportive government policies promoting technological innovation, will drive Malaysia's AI market growth. Its managing director and technology leader, Dickson Woo, believes that continuous investment in AI research and development, and robust public-private partnerships will be key to sustaining this growth. "Additionally, government initiatives such as the National 4IR Policy and the 'AI Untuk Rakyat' programme are expected to play a significant role in fostering an AI-friendly ecosystem. "Businesses can support these drivers by investing in AI capabilities, nurturing a culture of innovation, and actively participating in government-led AI initiatives," Woo told Bernama. He noted that to maintain Malaysia's competitive edge, IBM Malaysia advocates for increased investment in expanding and enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure. He highlighted the need to boost broadband coverage, accel erate the 5G rollout, and strengthen cloud computing capabilities, noting that these investments are essential for supporting the backbone of the digital economy and enabling innovations like AI to thrive. "As AI becomes more integrated into business and government operations, it is critical to ensure that these technologies operate ethically and transparently. Malaysia can take the lead in establishing governance frameworks that prioritise data privacy, security, and fairness in AI deployment," Woo added. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently outlined three key pillars aimed at building an AI-enabled digital backbone and transforming countries into tech-driven nations that leverage connectivity. The three pillars - implementing forward-thinking policies, building sustainable infrastructure, and fostering skills across all segments of society - would enable the harnessing of connectivity to drive progress, promote inclusivity, and build a better future for all. According to Woo, IBM sees the need for targeted government funding and incentives to accelerate the development and adoption of AI and other emerging technologies. "This could involve grants and subsidies for businesses investing in AI solutions. Expanding initiatives like the National AI Roadmap would further ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of technological innovation," he added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency