MDEC secures US$22 billion in digital investments in 2025, driven by AI

• High-value jobs and talent development anchor AI Nation ambitions
• Domestic and foreign investments reinforce Malaysia’s digital momentum

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) secured US$22 billion (RM87 billion) in approved digital investments in 2025, driven by strong growth in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, data centres and cloud services. In a statement, the agency noted that this forms a significant share of the US$39 billion (RM153 billion) in approved investments in the information and communications sub-sector, as reported by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

[RM1 = US$0.25]

The investments, secured from more than 600 Malaysia Digital status companies, are expected to generate over 31,000 high-value jobs, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading digital investment destination in Asean. The performance signals that Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030 is gaining momentum.

Digital minister Gobind Singh Deo said the results reflect a deliberate national strategy coming to fruition, benefiting businesses, the rakyat and the broader economy as Malaysia accelerates its shift towards higher-value, AI-driven growth.

“All the policies that we have put in place are clearly delivering results. These achievements validate the strength of our national digital blueprint in attracting high-value investments. By strengthening digital infrastructure, developing future-ready talent and fostering innovation, Malaysia is accelerating its progress towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030,” he added.

Gobind said the investments will deliver tangible benefits through better job opportunities, stronger digital capabilities and greater economic resilience. Domestic investors accounted for the largest share at RM37 billion, reflecting strong confidence in Malaysia’s digital growth trajectory, followed by Singapore (RM32 billion), the United States (RM11 billion) and China (RM4 billion).

The investments are also driving demand for high-value digital talent. AI leads job creation with over 12,600 roles, followed by Global Business Services (~9,000), data centre and cloud services (~2,600), creative media technology (~1,400) and IoT (~1,100).

MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the figures reflect a maturing digital economy shifting towards higher-value, AI-led growth, positioning Malaysia to move up the global digital value chain.

“The numbers show that foundational sectors are stabilising and supporting the next phase of growth, particularly in applied and agentic AI. Our focus is to ensure every ringgit of investment translates into real capability building for Malaysians, as reflected in the creation of more than 12,600 AI-related roles this year,” he said.

Anuar added that this momentum supports Malaysia’s ambition of becoming an AI Nation by 2030, where innovation is not only adopted but created locally.

“Under the ‘Made by Malaysia’ vision, we aim to develop AI products, services and solutions powered by Malaysian talent, enabling companies to move up the global value chain and compete internationally,” he said.

He noted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), efforts are being strengthened to develop local talent capable of building and shaping AI technologies.

As MDEC marks its 30th anniversary this year, Anuar reaffirmed that the agency’s mandate remains focused on translating national policy into measurable outcomes.

“Our priority has always been execution — ensuring investments translate into stronger companies, better jobs and a more competitive, resilient digital economy,” he added.

Click here more information on MDEC’s initiatives and support for the digital ecosystem.