AGP Executive Report

AI Safety in Schools & Public Use: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo urged safety and security checks before deploying new tech like robotics and Large Language Models, warning users to verify AI outputs and ensure fail-safes. Cybercrime Alert: Malaysia logged over 66,000 online scam cases last year with losses around RM2.97b, as experts say syndicates increasingly use AI and social engineering. Drone-Enabled Campus Security: Education Minister Fadhlina challenged Setapak Vocational College students to propose drone-based security improvements within a month, building on a Malaysia–South Korea education collaboration. Defence & AI Cooperation: Malaysia and Cambodia moved to finalise a defence cooperation MoU and expand collaboration in areas including jungle warfare, defence industry and AI. Health Tech for Diabetes Prevention: The Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine called for structured lifestyle medicine training in primary care to tackle rising Type 2 diabetes diagnoses, including among younger Malaysians. Enterprise AI Award: WhiteGator.AI won a Best AI Innovation Company award in Kuala Lumpur for its secure, governed enterprise AI suite. STEM & Creative Tech Events: SIGGRAPH Asia 2026 registration opened for KL (Dec 1–4), while USM’s SAFE-GAS smart hazardous gas control system helped it sweep multiple innovation awards at KIK Convention 2026. Agritech Policy Update: Malaysia expects a resolution on Thailand shrimp import issues by mid-August, as MAHA 2026 spotlights innovation and modernisation in agriculture.

Drones for Campus Security: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek challenged Setapak Vocational College students to propose, within a month, how drone tech can improve school safety, as part of a Malaysia–Seoul robotics and AI learning collaboration. Defence & Regional Security: Malaysia and Cambodia pledged to strengthen defence and security ties, including finalising a Malaysia–Cambodia Defence Cooperation MoU and pushing dialogue-led stability efforts in the region. Public Space Upgrade: KPKT’s MY Public Space initiative, with UN-Habitat, will develop safer, inclusive, resilient public spaces using international best practices. Enterprise AI Award: WhiteGator.AI won Best AI Innovation Company at an international summit in Kuala Lumpur for its Enterprise AI Transformation Suite focused on secure, governed deployment. AI Hardware Spotlight: Malaysia was named among the world’s top net exporters of AI hardware, driven by semiconductor assembly/testing strength and rising AI-linked investments. STEM Recognition: Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah launched the Women in Technology Awards 2026, opening nominations 10 Aug–5 Sep. AI Maps in Malaysia: Google is rolling out Ask Maps in Malaysia, adding Gemini-powered conversational search inside Google Maps. Road Safety Pilot: MIROS started a three-month trial of minimum advisory speed recommendations to reduce lane hogging on selected highways. Startup Ecosystem Push: Malaysia steps up efforts to build a world-class startup ecosystem, with more support for innovation and tech adoption.

Women in Tech Awards 2026: Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) and MIGHT launch the Women in Technology Awards 2026, with nominations open Aug 10–Sep 5 and prizes of RM30,000 (senior) and RM15,000 (junior), culminating in an Oct 17 gala. Semiconductor & AI shift: RHB flags Malaysia’s AI-driven structural shift, citing its role as the world’s sixth-largest semiconductor exporter and rising higher-value E&E exports. Digitalising SME financing: TEKUN Nasional starts online applications for financing for the first time since its launch, aiming to cut bureaucracy and improve transparency. Enterprise 5G-A & AI push: U Mobile opens an Enterprise Innovation Platform (EIP) Hub to help firms develop and test 5G-Advanced and AI solutions on its network. AI in investigations: Malaysia’s anti-corruption forensics ramps up training to handle manipulated and AI-generated images, audio and video. Maps gets Gemini: Google brings Ask Maps to Malaysia, letting users ask conversational questions about routes, live traffic and transit delays. Public transport upgrade: Theta Edge and MRCB-Theta Edge JV win a RM3.03b contract for Mutiara Line LRT system design. Road safety trial: Miros pilots minimum advisory speed limits to curb lane hogging on selected expressway sections. Tech hardware in Malaysia: ASUS expands its ExpertBook P Series with on-device AI meeting features, while Dell launches a 43-inch 4K huddle conferencing monitor for small rooms. Trust in tech: SEA research finds online banking and digital payments are most trusted, but also most likely to be abandoned after security failures.

Smart Logistics: J&T Express Malaysia plans to install 20 smart parcel lockers at high-traffic LRT stations, starting with Kerinchi and Bangsar, to support two-way parcel collection and drop-off for about 80,000 commuters. Energy Storage Rethink: Qnetic is pushing mechanical energy storage (kinetic batteries) as a longer-life, lower-geopolitical-risk alternative to lithium-ion for grid-scale use. AI Infrastructure Push (Region): Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison launches “Zankore,” a 1GW AI compute platform backed by Ooredoo, Nvidia and Nokia, targeting 200MW in early 2027. Digital & Border Security: PDRM will expand AI and drone use for land and maritime border surveillance to reduce manpower reliance and curb smuggling and cross-border crime. Malaysia Startup Drive: KL20 2026 expands nationwide across Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, adds four new focus areas (creative, digital economy, digital gaming, third sector), and aims for lasting ecosystem growth beyond rankings. STEM Talent Planning: MOSTI is using a foresight approach to align STEM talent development policies toward 2040. Innovation Showcase: Registration opens for MOSTI’s NICE 2026 (Aug 26–28, KLCC) to connect local R&D with commercialisation and market access. Cybersecurity & Trusted AI: Fahmi Fadzil urges industry to strengthen cybersecurity and adopt AI responsibly as Malaysia scales digital services. Agri-Food Cooperation: Malaysia and Hungary are deepening agricultural and food security collaboration via MARDI–MATE research links and joint working group plans.

Women in Tech Awards 2026: Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah (YTF) launched the Women in Technology Awards 2026, with nominations open Aug 10–Sept 5 and cash prizes of RM30,000 (senior) and RM15,000 (junior), backed by MIGHT. KL20 Summit Goes Multi-City: KL20 2026 expands to Penang (Sept 24), Johor (Sept 29) and Kuala Lumpur (Nov 5), adding focus on creative economy, digital economy, digital gaming and a third sector alongside green tech, agritech, manufacturing and automation. Ultra 5G for Real Sectors: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil says 5G Advanced can boost productivity in agriculture, retail and healthcare, including AI/robotics and 5G-enabled drone surveillance. Border Security Tech Push: PDRM will expand AI and drone use for land and maritime border enforcement to reduce manpower reliance and curb smuggling. STEM Talent Planning to 2040: MOSTI is using foresight to align STEM talent policy with future needs, via a Delphi-based report and town hall sessions. Data Centre Water & Planning: Selangor says data centre demand hasn’t pressured domestic water supply, citing early-stage coordination and federal DCTF screening. AI in Education: Google Malaysia and MARA will roll out 30,000 Google Workspace for Education Plus licences plus training and career certificates. Mutiara Line LRT Milestone: MRT Corp awarded a RM3.028b system turnkey contract for the Penang LRT’s Mutiara Line, advancing parallel system design. Digital Payments Upgrade: MBSB Bank Visa Debit Card-i now supports Samsung Wallet and Google Pay with tokenisation and device authentication. Cross-border Payments Tech: Maybank Singapore joins MAS BLOOM to advance tokenised cross-border settlement using regulated stablecoins. Energy & Industry: Shell greenlit Phase 3 of the Malikai deepwater development, targeting higher output from 2028. Security & Governance Watch: C4 Center urges clearer mandates and transparency for a MACC–Customs task force on port revenue leakages.

Digital Skills Push: Malaysia Digital Tour 2026 (JMD) kicks off Saturday to bring digital literacy, AI, robotics, drones and digital careers to 500,000 people across five locations, targeting students, youths, job seekers and SMEs. Defence Tech & Maritime Security: Malaysia and Vietnam will deepen defence cooperation, expanding maritime security, capability development, technology and defence-industry links as both sides tackle cyber threats and AI-driven cognitive warfare. Space Industry Focus: MYSA says Malaysia should prioritise high-value space tech components and services to grow from RM6.21b today to RM10b by 2030, leveraging E&E and aerospace strengths. Data Centre Buildout: Gamuda wins a RM1.71b contract for a hyperscale data centre in Port Dickson (start 3Q 2026, finish 2Q 2028), while BAC begins a US$150m Nilai sustainable cooling facility (phase one due end-2027). AI Governance in Courts: Former Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi says AI should support decisions, not replace human judgment, and lawyers must disclose AI use in legal work. Biodiversity Research: A study on Asian oaks finds 40 of 54 species lack living backup in botanical collections, raising extinction risk for wild populations. Road Safety Risk Planning: An activist urges RXZ Members organisers to adopt full risk management planning after rising motorcycle fatalities and accidents. Local Construction Deal: Nestcon secures a RM243m Penang serviced-apartment contract (57 storeys) starting Jan 2027.

Malaysia Tech Outlook: CGS International says Malaysia’s E&E exports should keep momentum in 2H 2026, supported by the global AI investment cycle even after tech-stock corrections. AI Governance: Former Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi says AI should assist decisions, not replace judges, and backs disclosure rules when AI is used in legal work. Data Centre Build-Out: Gamuda wins a RM1.71b contract for a hyperscale data centre in Port Dickson, starting 3Q 2026 and targeting completion in 2Q 2028. Market Pulse: Bursa Malaysia midday trade lifts on renewed buying in technology counters as investors weigh potential US curbs on Chinese data-centre components. Payments Upgrade: Alliance Bank adds Apple Pay support for its Visa credit cards, extending mobile wallet payments for customers. Public Sector Skills: PSD opens applications for Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) 2026 for eligible 2025 SPM holders to pursue diploma studies in fields including Engineering and Technology, Science and TVET. Road Safety: A road safety activist urges a full risk management plan for the RXZ Members motorcycle gathering after a rise in fatalities and accidents. Cross-Border Tech Media: TNGlobal acquires Hong Kong’s Jumpstart Media to expand its Asia innovation media network.

Digital Knowledge Access: Malaysia’s u-Pustaka (with BERNAMA Library and Infolink Service support) is being positioned as a national digital hub, letting users access millions of e-resources and even borrow physical books via 12 consortium libraries. Water for AI/Data Centres: PETRA says seawater desalination is being explored for high-demand industries like data centres, but only after checks on site suitability, energy use, costs and public water priorities. AI Trust & Cybercrime: MACC is upgrading digital forensics after training in Italy to better detect AI-manipulated images, audio and video for court-ready authenticity. Semiconductor Talent Pipeline: UniMAP says it produces nearly 2,000 E&E and semiconductor graduates annually to support the National Semiconductor Strategy. Rare Earth Policy Watch: Malaysia is considering conditional easing of its ban on exporting unprocessed rare earths to attract investment and enable technology transfer. Low Altitude Economy Framework: CAAM is seeking public feedback (by Sept 2) on a national Low Altitude Economy framework covering UAS, AAM, AI and autonomous systems for logistics, agriculture and emergency response. EV Charging Push: Government discussions continue on an EV sales levy to help fund public charging infrastructure. Parliament & Governance: Dewan Negara passed the National Trust Fund (KWAN) Bill 2026 and the Statistics Bill 2026, aiming for tighter withdrawals discipline and a stronger national statistics framework. Education-Industry Skills: CIDB reports 270,405 youth trained under its skills programme since 2012, with TVET employability above 94%. Copyright for AI Training: Malaysia says AI training using copyrighted works requires permission under the Copyright Act 1987, with licensing/royalty arrangements to be agreed by parties.

EV Charging Funding Debate: Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani says the government is studying a levy on every EV sold to create a dedicated fund for expanding public charging, citing RM3.3 billion in forgone tax revenue from past EV exemptions and weak charging investment by industry. Low-Altitude Aviation Framework: CAAM is inviting feedback by Sept 2 on a proposed national Low Altitude Economy framework to guide safe, secure, sustainable and commercially viable growth using UAS, advanced air mobility, AI, autonomous systems and digital connectivity. Semiconductor Talent Push: UniMAP says it is producing nearly 2,000 graduates annually for E&E and semiconductor needs, aligned with the National Semiconductor Strategy’s target of 60,000 skilled workers and engineers by 2030. Construction Skills and Tech Adoption: CIDB reports 270,405 youth trained under its skills programme (2012–2025) with TVET employability above 94%, as the sector shifts toward BIM and industrialised building systems. AI + Copyright Rules: Malaysia’s Copyright Act 1987 requires approval from copyright holders for copyrighted material used to train AI models, with licensing and royalty arrangements to be agreed by parties. Cyber/Compliance Focus: Labuan FSA urges financial institutions to adopt data-driven, risk-based compliance as digital fraud, tokenisation, stablecoins and AI-enabled services make crimes harder to trace. Tech in the spotlight (local): Gamuda showcases remote digital monitoring for thousands of trees in Penang to speed up environmental accountability using phone/laptop tracking. EV Ownership Perks: Zeekr Malaysia marks 5,000 deliveries with an up-to-eight-year extended warranty, free EV health checks, and plans to expand its fast-charging ecosystem. Policy-to-market signals: MITI says it has no official update on whether BYD will proceed with its planned Tanjung Malim investment, noting incentives depend on meeting government conditions.

BioHerbal Push: Malaysia plans to build a BioHerbal Innovation Hub in Asia, targeting RM30–50 billion in economic value over the next decade via priority medicinal plant cultivation, clinical validation, AI-assisted phytochemical discovery, genomic/metabolomic research, stronger IP protection, and export-ready halal herbal products. ESG Supplier Upskilling: WCT Holdings rolls out its ESG Queen Bee Programme to train suppliers on decarbonisation strategy and carbon reassessments, with technical support from Climate Asia/ BSD Consultancy. Education Infrastructure: Perak will complete 29 modular cabin classrooms and multipurpose halls by December (RM34.2m) to ease Standard One overcrowding, using Modular Precast System construction. Healthcare Innovation: KPJ Healthcare launches its first Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Centre of Excellence at KPJ Penang, bringing subspecialties, imaging, treatment and rehab under one roof with AI-assisted robotic joint replacement and navigation. Energy & Industry: TNB reiterates “energy sovereignty” through resilient, future-ready systems and low-carbon tech; meanwhile Press Metal moves to raise control of PMB Technology to 58.8% to pivot toward higher-margin silicon-aluminium alloy manufacturing. Rare Earths Policy: Malaysia is considering limited exports of unprocessed rare earths under strict conditions tied to investment and technology transfer.

AI Governance & Security: ManageEngine warns Malaysia’s AI rollout is outpacing identity security, leaving enterprises exposed as non-human identities and AI agents get over-privileged access. Energy Transition & Resilience: Tenaga Nasional frames “energy sovereignty” around resilient, future-ready systems, pushing net zero 2050 and shifting away from new greenfield coal while scaling low-carbon tech like biomass, ammonia, hydrogen co-firing and carbon capture. Rare Earth Strategy: Malaysia is weighing limited exports of unprocessed rare earths under strict conditions, tied to investment and technology transfer, as global demand grows. El Niño Water Response: Malaysia carried out 35 cloud seeding operations from Feb–June 2026 to boost rainfall for dams and haze mitigation, with planning continuing into early 2027. EV & Mobility Tech: Proton e.MAS 5 lands in Nepal (priced from ~RM81k) and Malaysia’s EV push also faces a call to accelerate charging infrastructure; meanwhile, Cyberjaya gets an autonomous vehicle control centre for Level 4 trials. Industry & Skills: Orange Economy Consortium and TVET Council plan a six-month AI-driven micro film training programme, while Workday says Malaysia can scale AI beyond pilots by building trusted systems and workplace culture. Climate & Safety: MetMalaysia debunks lightning and thunderstorm myths, and says recent afternoon storms are driven by wind shifts and higher moisture, not a permanent monsoon change. Market Watch: Bursa Malaysia edges up marginally as investors weigh AI spending worries against easing global energy fears.

Hybrid Workday in Malaysia’s public sector: The Hybrid Workday (HBH) policy starts today for states with a Fri-Sat weekend, with civil servants citing flexibility, easier online troubleshooting, and productivity safeguards via monitoring. Road safety crackdown: JPJ says it will step up enforcement against motorcycle gathering programmes (including RXZ Members) after recurring accident concerns, warning organisers and participants to follow traffic rules and vehicle standards. Animal welfare reform push: Animal welfare advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urges Malaysia’s local councils to replace “catch-and-kill” cycles with TNVR/Return approaches, standardise humane capture, ban harsh restraint tools, and set up independent oversight. Tech governance in focus: Malaysia reportedly ordered the shutdown of Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School over licensing issues, highlighting how “tech community” models face regulatory friction. ASEAN housing and cities: Asean-China construction and housing talks in Ipoh stress future-ready, liveable cities and stronger cross-border collaboration on housing and land planning. Public health and early detection: HPUSM eye screening in Kelantan found over 300 primary schoolchildren with issues like strabismus and amblyopia, stressing early treatment. AI compute rivalry: A Bloomberg investigation says Alibaba-backed Moonshot AI used about 20,000 Nvidia chips to build a model that outperforms Alibaba’s own Qwen team, raising questions about compute supply and competitive dynamics.

Public Safety & Mobility: JPJ says it will step up enforcement against motorcycle gathering programmes (including RXZ Members), warning organisers and participants to follow traffic rules and avoid illegal vehicle modifications. Healthcare Access: HPUSM’s eye screening in Kelantan found over 300 primary schoolchildren with conditions like strabismus and amblyopia, stressing early treatment. Animal Welfare Policy: Animal welfare advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urges local councils to replace “catch-and-kill” cycles with TNVR, standardise humane capture, ban harsh restraint tools, and set up independent oversight. Satellite Connectivity: Malaysia may trial Starlink Direct-to-Cell, aiming to extend mobile coverage using normal 4G phones without extra satellite hardware. Smart Cities & Housing: Malaysia helped finalise the Ipoh Accord under ASEAN-China housing talks, focusing on sustainable cities and quality, liveable homes. Cybersecurity: Researchers describe DeepSeek-powered autonomous cyberattacks using an agent framework to scan, assess, and launch exploits across hundreds of targets. AI in Practice: Huawei released openPangu-2.0-Pro (505B parameters) claiming training on its Ascend hardware without Nvidia involvement.

Satellite Connectivity: Starlink says it plans a Direct-to-Cell trial in Malaysia, aiming to extend mobile coverage to rural areas using normal 4G phones and no dedicated satellite phone. AI & Cybersecurity: Researchers warn that a DeepSeek-powered agent was used to run largely autonomous cyberattacks across Asian networks, showing how generative AI is moving from tools to operators. Public Service Tech: Malaysia’s Hybrid Workday policy starts today for civil servants, shifting to 3 office days and 2 remote/alternative days with state-specific attendance rules. Water Security R&D: NAHRIM is ramping up water-technology innovation to strengthen preparedness for El Nino, pushing “capture, store and reuse” via rainwater harvesting and other alternative sources. Health & Automation: A China hospital trial highlights robotic IV compounding to reduce pharmacists’ repetitive work and human error. Sustainable Housing: Malaysia helped finalise the Ipoh Accord under ACMROCH 2026, focusing on sustainable cities and quality housing with ASEAN-China cooperation. Cybercrime & Power Theft: Crypto mining syndicates are increasingly stealing electricity in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia-linked losses tied to large-scale illegal rigs.

Autonomous Mobility in Malaysia: Cyberjaya launched a Remote Operations Centre to monitor RoboVan delivery vehicles for autonomous logistics, supporting safety oversight and helping shape Malaysia’s road rules for driverless operations. EV and Industrial Push: BYD is targeting Malaysia’s luxury EV segment with new models, while Malaysia also looks to accelerate charging infrastructure to boost EV adoption. AI for Trade and Industry: Malaysia and China discussed AI-driven industrial upgrading and trade cooperation, highlighting how AI tools can help SMEs with market and compliance work. Road Safety Trial: MIROS and partners began a proof-of-concept using advisory minimum speed signage to reduce lane hogging and dangerous speed gaps. Water Security R&D: PETRA/NAHRIM is intensifying research on water tech under a “capture, store and reuse” approach to manage El Nino-driven drought and extreme weather risks. Public Health & Tech Use: Experts warn “text neck” is affecting children as young as six, while Singapore’s MOH panel urges redesigning harmful social media features instead of blanket age bans. Sustainable Cities: Malaysia finalised the Ipoh Accord with China on sustainable urban development and quality housing under an ASEAN-China housing roundtable.

Autonomous Vehicles in Malaysia: Cyberjaya launched Malaysia’s first Remote Operations Centre for Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicle trials, supporting monitoring and oversight along the 22km MyAV route. EV Ecosystem Push: Johari Abdul Ghani urged Malaysia to accelerate EV charging infrastructure and build a full ecosystem beyond vehicle sales, while Proton’s e.MAS 7 PHEV rollout highlights localisation and skills needs. EV Charging Deal: Gentari made its 15% off-peak DC charging discount permanent at selected sites from Aug 1, aiming to shift demand to quieter hours. AI + Education in ASEAN: ASEAN educators met in Ho Chi Minh City to map human-centred, AI-driven higher education skills, with Malaysia-linked participation. ESG Training Upgrade: UKM will introduce an ODL Master’s programme in ESG, plus an AI-powered ESG advisory platform to help organisations assess sustainability. Semiconductor Security: Malaysia’s chip supply chain is facing tougher cybersecurity checks from global buyers, moving vendor security into early qualification. Robotics Security Warning (US): The FCC moved some foreign-made robotic vacuums into a national-security ban list, a reminder for Malaysia’s connected robotics market. Healthcare Infrastructure: MOH will expedite a new KK Rantau clinic to replace an overcapacity facility, adding outpatient, maternal/child, emergency, dental, lab, radiology and rehab services. UNESCO Tourism Boost: FRIM Forest Park saw a sharp rise in visitors after UNESCO status, with capped daily access to protect the site. Malaysia-China Research: UK and Malaysia launched a mangrove restoration research initiative focused on biodiversity and community livelihoods. Immigration Cyber Crackdown: MACC and Immigration moved to cancel illegal temporary employment passes linked to the MyIMMs hacking probe, with more suspects expected.