Gobind recognised by UK’s Apolitical for driving Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda

• Policy foundations laid for trusted AI adoption and data sharing
• Recognised for advancing AI governance and public sector modernisation

UK-based Apolitical, a leading online platform for governments, has recognised Malaysia’s digital minister, Gobind Singh Deo (pic), for his efforts in advancing the nation’s artificial intelligence, 5G and digital transformation agenda.

Gobind was named in Apolitical’s latest ‘The Government AI 100’ list, which features global leaders shaping AI governance frameworks and driving practical AI adoption in the public sector.

The list highlights Gobind as being “instrumental in positioning AI as a core pillar of Malaysia’s public sector modernisation, including establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO).”

He has overseen key policy and regulatory initiatives to enable trusted AI adoption, including strengthening cybersecurity legislation, modernising personal data protection laws, and proposing a Data Sharing Bill to support responsible data use across government agencies.

In a Facebook post, Gobind credited his team at the Digital Ministry and reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Malaysia into an AI Nation by 2030.

“Being listed in Apolitical’s ‘The Government AI 100’ is an honour and a reminder that this progress reflects the collective effort of the Ministry, its agencies and forward-thinking Malaysians working to build an inclusive digital future,” he said. “There is still much work to be done in further catalysing our shared ambitions in the AI age, but we are moving in the right direction for the benefit of the rakyat.”

Also featured on the list are Michael Kratsios, Science and Technology Advisor to the President of the United States; Dr Fei-Fei Li, co-director of the Human-Centered AI Institute at Stanford University; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); Evelyn Grass, Head of the AI Division at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; and Zhuang Rongwen, Director of China’s Cyberspace Administration.

Nominees were identified through desk research and recommendations from Apolitical’s learning partners and community of over 400,000 public servants. Each nominee was evaluated on their influence on AI governance, implementation and adoption, and public sector impact, followed by an independent review by three external AI experts.

Apolitical, founded in 2015, supports governments by helping public servants share best practices and solve common challenges. The platform serves over 250,000 verified public servants across 170 countries.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the recognition reflects the strength of Malaysia’s digital and AI agenda under Gobind’s leadership, particularly in aligning policy ambition with execution across government and industry.

“By establishing the foundations for trusted AI adoption and public-sector modernisation, alongside strong public–private partnerships, the minister has enabled the ecosystem to move forward with clarity and confidence. This progress is the result of collective effort, strong governance and a clear national vision for Malaysia to thrive as an AI-driven digital economy,” Anuar said.