Malaysia and Australia to deepen digital cooperation

Malaysia and Australia have committed to enhancing its comprehensive cooperation in various industries that include the digital economy, cyber security, education, trade and investment.

Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said that both countries are willing to explore information sharing, cyber development, immigration and demarcation issues, according to a post on X seen by A+M.

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Both countries have agreed to expand existing cooperation in matters related to the vaccine ecosystem and clean energy transition as well.

PM Anwar was speaking at a joint press conference with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in conjunction with his official visit to Australia.

He also said that Malaysia has strengthened bilateral trade growth as Australia is Malaysia’s 10th largest trading partner, according to The Star.

Interest by investors and Australian companies in Malaysia also appears to be growing which shows their confidence in the nation, he reportedly added.

Other key areas that Malaysia is looking at to explore to further cooperation with Australia include renewable energy, green technology, education and food security.

Of these areas, PM Anwar explained that education remains the priority in its relations with Australia as opportunities for Malaysian students to continue their studies in Australia is beneficial. He also encouraged Australian institutions and universities to set up campuses in Malaysia.

As Malaysia focuses its efforts on its digital economy, earlier this year, PM Anwar said that Malaysians need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) or get left behind.

He added that in our civil society, while we talk about energy transition and digital transformation as well as AI, Malaysia will never abandon values and morals, and self-identity. Anwar was speaking at the University Putra Malaysia where he was officiating the 'AI for Rakyat' programme. In his speech, he addressed fears of synthetic humans taking over human beings and human values.

He explained that like other new technologies, AI is a field that must be mastered now and that this quick change in technology must be accepted. To do so, Malaysia must embrace it as fast as it can.

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