KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) lays the foundation for Malaysia's transformation into a high-tech, inclusive, and sustainable economy, with artificial intelligence (AI) and waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies emerging as key enablers of the nation's digital and green ambitions.
As Malaysia positions itself to lead the digital economy in Southeast Asia, 13MP places strong focus on building strategic digital infrastructure, developing data-driven capabilities, and nurturing a robust AI ecosystem.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said when tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat today that the advent of generative AI offers Malaysia a unique opportunity to leap forward in innovation and economic growth.
The government is charting a clear course to harness the full potential of AI through the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2030, which outlines plans to develop local AI talent, drive AI-focused research, development, and commercialisation, and enhance digital infrastructure to attract global and domestic investments, particularly in the data centre sector.
"This effort is crucial to strengthen the nation's economic competitiveness while developing a more sustainable and high-impact industry in line with the aspiration of becoming an AI-driven nation," Anwar said.
To support this vision, the government aims to achieve, by 2030, 98 per cent 5G network coverage, 5,000 digital entrepreneurs nationwide, and 95 per cent of government services to be fully digitised.
In parallel, the 13MP also advances Malaysia's green growth agenda through a stronger push for WTE adoption. These facilities, developed in collaboration with the private sector, aim to reduce landfill dependency while generating clean, renewable energy.
The WTE programme is part of a broader clean energy strategy that includes floating solar-hybrid hydro systems, green hydrogen hubs, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and the National Energy Transition Facility Fund to finance sustainable energy initiatives.
Industry sources say the dual focus on AI and WTE under the 13MP underscores Malaysia's strong commitment to building a digitally driven, low-carbon economy.
"These initiatives represent a strategic policy shift that positions Malaysia for sustained growth, innovation, and global competitiveness in a world increasingly shaped by technology and climate action," they told Business Times.
According to one source, companies poised to benefit from the AI and digital infrastructure push include Telekom Malaysia Bhd, YTL Power International Bhd, G3 Global Bhd, and TIME dotCom Bhd, owing to their involvement in cloud services, data centres, AI solutions, and high-speed connectivity.
On the green energy front, WTE beneficiaries are expected to include YTL, Yinson Holdings Bhd, Malakoff Corporation Bhd, and Samaiden Group Bhd, given their active roles in power generation, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
"YTL, in particular, stands to gain on multiple fronts, especially through its participation in data centre development and digital infrastructure expansion tied to the country's AI and digital transformation agenda," the source added.