By entering into a strategic partnership with Presight , an AI and big data analytics company based in the UAE, Malaysia has entered a new chapter in advancing digital sovereignty and AI-driven governance. The partnership was announced at the recently convened ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025 and represents Presight’s first significant venture in Southeast Asia. The partnership seeks to revolutionize Malaysia’s digital infrastructure in several sectors of government.
Government-Backed AI Collaboration with Strategic Impact
Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI), a government agency, partnered with Presight, a UAE-based technology firm, to develop sovereign cloud infrastructure and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The partnership will focus on national safety, public security, and the effectiveness of government overall.
The partnership corresponds directly with the context and framework of Malaysia’s MADANI economy, as it focuses on sustainable development, digital innovation, and the appropriate use of technology as a public service entity.
The Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail noted the structure of the UAE’s AI strategy as guidance for Malaysia’s digital approach for the future.
Presight Brings UAE’s AI Expertise to Malaysia
Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham emphasized that this partnership is about more than just technology—it’s about real national impact. “By collaborating with MMAI, we’re enabling long-term innovation, efficiency, and resilience across critical Malaysian sectors,” he said. He praised Malaysia’s leadership for their commitment to leveraging AI as a strategic growth engine.
Building on CEPA and Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The agreement builds on the UAE-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), finalized in October 2024. Bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations reached $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024—a 7% increase year-over-year—highlighting the growing economic depth of this relationship.
Key Highlights of the AI Partnership
Sovereign Cloud Development: Enabling secure national data storage and access.
AI for Public Security: Enhancing crime prevention, emergency response, and national safety.
Digital Governance: Optimizing government operations with data-driven decision-making tools.
Strategic Investment: Reinforcing Malaysia’s MADANI economic goals for innovation and inclusivity.
Conclusion
With this important partnership, Malaysia moves into a greater digital transformation period and ventures deeper into its strategic partnership with the UAE. As MMAI and Presight ramp up various collaborative activities to highlight the multiple ways technologies can be utilized innovatively, Malaysia will progress into an AI regional champion with new technology, strategic partnerships and clear foresight.
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