Malaysia Scores 75 in ‘Robust Data Governance’, Underscores ASEAN Digital Future : Teo
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (VoM): Malaysia has achieved a score of 75 for Robust Data Governance under the GSMA Digital Nation Index, reflecting strong regulatory frameworks and the government’s commitment to protecting data, safeguarding privacy, and strengthening public trust, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Speaking at the Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur (ASEAN Edition) 2025 today, Teo said the milestone highlights Malaysia’s efforts to build a secure and trusted digital ecosystem while preparing for a fast-evolving regional digital economy.
“It is against this backdrop that we turn to the GSMA Digital Nations ASEAN Report 2025. The report identifies key areas for improvement, beginning with digital infrastructure. Our mobile network operators have laid a strong foundation for innovation, and it is vital that we build on this momentum,” she said.
Teo also emphasized the importance of Malaysia’s skilled and adaptable workforce, noting that continuous learning is essential in the digital age.
She stressed that trust remains the cornerstone of any digital nation. For ASEAN, this means ensuring data privacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and creating an environment where businesses and citizens feel safe to participate in the digital economy.
Currently valued at US$300 billion, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030. Teo said the region must harness transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, and cloud computing to build innovative and inclusive digital communities.
Highlighting the growing risk of cyber threats, Teo urged closer cooperation between governments, industry players, and international partners to strengthen regional cybersecurity strategies and legal frameworks.
She added that the summit aligns closely with ASEAN’s 2045 vision to create a resilient, innovative, and people-centered community powered by digital transformation.
“I believe this summit marks the beginning of deliberations on the region’s digital future. Let this summit herald a new chapter in building digital nations, where ASEAN leads with trust, thrives on innovation, and grows together,” she said.
The two-day summit, themed Forging ASEAN’s Digital Future: Technology for Trust and Transformation, focuses on trust, artificial intelligence, industry innovation, and cybersecurity as key drivers of ASEAN’s collective digital journey.