Accelerating Digital Transformation: Malaysia’s Bold AI Partnership with UAE
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) has reshaped industries and redefined possibilities, Malaysia is poised to make significant strides through a remarkable collaboration with the UAE. This partnership, formed between Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI)—a government entity—and Presight, a leading AI and big data analytics firm based in the UAE, is set to enhance the nation’s digital transformation and national security.
A Landmark Agreement
The historic agreement was officially signed during the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum in 2025, marking a pivotal moment in AI collaboration between the two nations. The exchange took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and UAE officials. As the first substantial initiative by Presight in Southeast Asia, this partnership signals both nations’ commitment to leveraging AI technology for progressive governance.
Objectives of the Collaboration
At its core, the collaboration aims to harness advanced AI and sovereign cloud infrastructure to enhance government efficiency, strengthen national security, and drive data-powered governance. By focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding public safety and national administration, the partnership seeks not merely to implement technology but to fundamentally transform the way the Malaysian government operates.
“This partnership is uniquely strengthened by the UAE’s proactive efforts in artificial intelligence,” commented His Excellency Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs. He emphasized that the UAE’s rich experience in AI serves as an invaluable foundation for Malaysia’s ambitions in the digital realm.
Strategic Vision for Economic Growth
The agreement dovetails with the MADANI economic framework, implemented by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in July 2023. This framework seeks to elevate Malaysia’s economic standing through sustainable development and fair wealth distribution, positioning innovation as a critical pillar. Here, MMAI emerges not just as a participant but as the cornerstone in Malaysia’s AI-driven aspirations.
The tech partnership follows an earlier memorandum of understanding signed in January 2025, which laid out shared commitments toward enhancing national safety and public security via AI capabilities. The synergy of these agreements illustrates the growing momentum behind Malaysia’s digital ambitions.
A Bridge to the Future
As the partnership unfolds, it is expected to facilitate the development of world-class AI solutions tailored to meet Malaysia’s unique needs. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, articulated the significance of this agreement, emphasizing its aim to create substantial national impact. “By partnering with MMAI, we are not only fast-tracking Malaysia’s progress towards becoming a digitally advanced economy but also laying the groundwork for long-term innovation and efficiency across critical sectors,” he stated.
The collaboration will ultimately serve as a driving force for the Malaysian government, accelerating domestic resilience and reinforcing the robust bilateral relations between Malaysia and the UAE. As Pramotedham put it, “technology, when used responsibly and strategically, can be a catalyst for transformative change.”
Economic Ties and Regional Impact
The timing of this agreement is further bolstered by the recently renewed economic partnership between Malaysia and the UAE, highlighted by robust non-oil trade figures showing a year-on-year increase. As these economic ties grow, the foundation is laid for both nations to emerge as key players in the evolving global AI landscape.
The platform established by this agreement positions both countries to capitalize on the myriad benefits that AI promises, from enhancing efficiencies to driving economic growth.
Leading the Discourse on AI
In conjunction with the formal agreement, CEO Thomas Pramotedham participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion at the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum titled “AI Impact Across Industries.” In this session, he shared insights on the transformative power of AI across various sectors, reiterating the importance of strategic implementation in achieving real-world outcomes.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Digital Governance
As Malaysia embarks on this transformative journey with Presight, the national landscape is likely to see a profound change fueled by advanced AI capabilities. This partnership not only reflects a commitment to innovation but also charts a course for a future where technology serves as the backbone of governance. By embracing sophisticated AI solutions, Malaysia aims to position itself as a leader in the digital age, while fostering a more resilient and efficient government structure aimed at serving its citizens effectively.
