Malaysia is targeting a position among the world’s top 20 artificial intelligence (AI) economies by 2030 through its National AI Roadmap 2021–2025, aiming for contributions of over RM60 billion to the country’s gross domestic product, according to Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang.

He said in a statement this week that AI has evolved beyond being merely a technological tool, becoming an essential driver for Malaysia’s economic growth.

To advance this objective, the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, has launched MRANTI AI Connect 2025.

The national AI innovation forum, introduced under the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), is designed to drive the country’s AI agenda, Malay Mail reports.

The initiative features structured programmes including problem-solution matching, pilot project development, and commercialisation support, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI solutions across Malaysia.

Held in collaboration with SPARK by CIO Academy Asia, the initiative is set to speed up AI adoption across various industries, link Malaysian innovators with leading global technology players, and further reinforce the nation’s aspiration to secure a spot among the world’s top 20 AI economies by 2030.

“Since 2020, NTIS has supported over 220 projects, commercialised 77 technologies, and generated RM157 million in value,” Chang said.

“Building on this momentum, MRANTI AI Connect 2025 will strengthen our innovation pipeline, nurture talent, and expand infrastructure that will drive Malaysia’s global competitiveness.”

Taking place at MRANTI Park, the forum gathers government agencies, industry leaders, researchers, investors, startups, and major global tech companies such as NVIDIA, AWS, Microsoft, and Google.

MRANTI chairman, Professor Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman, highlighted that MRANTI AI Connect 2025 is structured to generate not only immediate outcomes but also sustainable long-term impact.

“Through this forum, we endeavour to produce 50 fellowship graduates recognised as AI experts, accessible via the MATCH platform to corporations, startups, and government agencies,” she commented.

“We also expect to engage over 30 corporations through structured networking and matchmaking, embedding AI solutions into Malaysia’s key industries.”