Malaysia's National Guidelines On AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE)

AI Governance in Malaysia

Malaysia’s journey towards artificial intelligence ("AI") governance gained significant momentum as part of its broader digital transformation efforts under the National Digital Economy Blueprint ("MyDigital"), launched in 2021. The blueprint identified AI as a key driver of the digital economy, emphasising the need for a robust regulatory framework to guide the responsible and ethical development of AI technologies. As industries across sectors rapidly adopt AI, concerns regarding its impact on jobs, privacy, and human rights became more pronounced, underscoring the urgency of establishing clear governance guidelines.

In August 2022, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (“MOSTI”) unveiled the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 (“AI-RMAP”), which defines AI as a suite of technologies aimed at enhancing human ingenuity and addressing complex challenges. The roadmap also laid the foundation for the development of the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics ("AIGE"), designed to ensure responsible, safe, and ethical integration of AI, while promoting transparency and trustworthiness in its application.

The first installment of the AIGE, introduced in September 2024, outlines seven (7) key principles adapted from standards issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (“UNESCO”) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), advocating for the responsible use of AI to cultivate a dynamic national innovation ecosystem. It present a significant milestone in guiding AI adoption across public and private sectors, helping organisations manage risks, promote responsible use, and contribute to Malaysia’s vision of leveraging AI for economic growth and societal well-being.

Although not legally binding, these guidelines encourage organisations to voluntarily incorporate responsible AI practices, fostering a culture of ethical discipline that supports long-term sustainability. Aligning with these principles not only prepares businesses for potential future regulations but also strengthens public trust.

Overview of the AIGE

The AIGE is designed to provide clear guidance for key stakeholders involved in the development, deployment, and use of AI. The three primary stakeholders addressed by the guidelines are:

1. End users (individuals and organisations)
2. Policy makers in government, agencies, organisations, institutions
3. Developers, designers, and technology providers

The seven core principles of the AIGE provide a structured framework for individuals and organisations to adopt responsible AI practices. These principles are:

1. Fairness
2. Reliability, safety, and control
3. Privacy and security
4. Inclusiveness
5. Transparency
6. Accountability
7. Pursuit of human benefit and happiness

Looking Ahead

As a dynamic, evolving framework, the AIGE will continuously adapt to address emerging technologies. The next iteration of the AIGE is anticipated to provide specific guidance on the responsible use of Generative AI ("GenAI"). In addition, the establishment of a dedicated AI office will further drive AI initiatives and enhance Malaysia’s regional standing in the AI space. Organisations can expect regular updates and potential policy revisions as these efforts advance.

Building Trust in AI: Ethical and Privacy-Centric Solutions

As Malaysia continues to develop and refine its AI governance frameworks, businesses will need to adopt ethical, privacy-centric, and transparent AI practices to align with these evolving guidelines and regulatory expectations. Deloitte’s Trustworthy AI service offering, built on a comprehensive framework, addresses the ethical and governance challenges surrounding AI adoption. The framework focuses on six key dimensions—fair and unbiased, transparent and explainable, responsible and accountable, robust and reliable, respectful of privacy, and safe and secure—to help businesses develop and deploy AI systems that align with ethical standards and regulatory guidance.

Our Digital Privacy and Trust team delivers services designed to assist your organisation in protecting the data and business models that matter most to you. We aim to support your efforts in ensuring your AI systems are not only trustworthy but also secure and compliant, keeping pace with the latest regulatory guidance and industry best practices. By offering tailored solutions based on your organisation’s unique characteristics and needs, our team works with you to integrate Trustworthy AI practices, mitigate risks, and drive long-term value.

We hope this brochure will guide organisations in navigating the emerging AI governance landscape in Malaysia.