Malaysia’s digital investment push continued to translate into tangible workforce gains in 2025, with approved Malaysia Digital (MD) investments generating more than 21,800 high-value jobs, underscoring rising demand for AI and advanced digital skills.
Malaysia attracted MYR 54.13 billion (US$13.33 billion) in approved MD investments across 402 digital companies, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite cautious global conditions. According to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the inflows are reinforcing the country’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030 and shifting the digital economy towards more employment-intensive, high-value segments.
AI-related investments alone are expected to create 8,328 jobs, accounting for 38% of total projected employment. These roles span data science, AI engineering, digital services and other specialised technology functions, signalling strong workforce demand for advanced and future-ready skills.Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the investment momentum highlights Malaysia’s readiness to move up the value chain, from technology adoption to developing globally competitive AI solutions. He added that long-term growth will depend on strong digital infrastructure, skilled talent pipelines and trusted global partnerships.
Investment sources were led by Singapore-based investors, who committed MYR 25.1 billion, followed by domestic investors at MYR 17.2 billion, the United States at MYR 6.4 billion, and China at MYR 3 billion. The Klang Valley remained the dominant employment hub, with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor attracting 88% of total investments and nearly 90% of digital jobs created, supported by established infrastructure and dense talent pools.MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said Malaysia continues to stand out as a preferred destination for AI investments due to its skilled workforce and supportive ecosystem. He noted that MD initiatives, targeted incentives and cross-border collaboration, including within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone, are positioning Malaysian-based companies at the centre of the country’s AI-driven workforce transformation.