Southeast Asian nations are set to accelerate their adoption of advanced technologies and deepen the digitalisation of their economies, with Malaysia highlighting China as a key partner in this transformation.
Speaking at the 2025 China Mobile Southeast Asia Cooperation Conference on Wednesday, Malaysian Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said China’s strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation networks, cross-border systems, and emerging high-tech sectors can help ASEAN countries achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
“Building a digital future requires deep cooperation with partners such as China,” Gobind noted, emphasising Malaysia’s commitment to expanding digital collaboration with Beijing.
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said digital economy cooperation between China and ASEAN had entered a “new stage of comprehensive depth.” He highlighted existing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysia and China aimed at boosting investment and collaboration in digital technology, green development, and AI, benefiting people in both nations and setting a regional benchmark.
China Mobile Executive Vice President Li Huidi pointed to AI as a driving force in global technological and industrial transformation, noting Southeast Asia’s potential as a hub for AI innovation. He cited the region’s young population, robust economic growth, supportive policies, and rapidly improving computing infrastructure as key enablers.
Organised under the theme “Envisioning Intelligent Ecosystems, Empowering the Digital Future,” the conference brought together leaders from government, telecommunications, and academia to explore opportunities in AI, digital platforms, and cross-border technology solutions.
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