National AI Trust Framework Development in Malaysia
The Malaysian government is making significant strides toward establishing a National AI Trust Framework aimed at guiding the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This initiative is designed to build public trust in AI and position Malaysia as a regional leader in AI governance.
Initiation of the Framework
The Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, announced that the National AI Office has commenced work on this framework earlier this year. The development process involves extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including:
- Industry players
- Academia
- Civil society
- Government ministries and agencies
According to Gobind, “What we need is a trust framework that is Malaysia-centric and tailored to the needs of our society.” This emphasizes the importance of local context in the framework’s design.
Regulatory Environment Exploration
As part of this framework, Malaysia is exploring a regulatory environment that will oversee the ethical deployment of AI technologies. This includes:
- Resolving emerging data rights
- Enforcing evolving standards
- Acting as a trusted custodian of public interest
The framework is expected to incorporate tools such as regulatory sandboxes, algorithmic audits, model registries, and risk-calibrated compliance pathways to reflect the diversity and complexity of AI applications.
Global Models and Regional Cooperation
Gobind mentioned that the government is reviewing global models of AI governance. For instance, countries around the world are embedding trust into the core architecture of their digital economies. Some examples include:
- The European Union has introduced data portability rights under the General Data Protection Regulation and is advocating for algorithmic transparency through the AI Act.
- China is developing a sovereign data governance model via its Personal Information Protection Law and national data exchanges, which blends centralized control with structured innovation.
Gobind pointed out the necessity of addressing AI governance at a regional level, stating, “The question is how we shape our national policy and then escalate it to the Asean level to identify ways to work together.” As the Asean chair this year, Malaysia aims to spearhead regional cooperation on AI governance and trust.
Conclusion
This comprehensive approach to developing a National AI Trust Framework signifies Malaysia’s commitment to responsible AI governance, ensuring that the growth of AI technologies aligns with societal values and public interest.
