Malaysia has officially launched its Strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to activate a sovereign, full-stack AI ecosystem. The initiative includes the deployment of domestic servers and open-source large language models, such as DeepSeek, designed to localize data processing within national borders.
The AI infrastructure rollout features Malaysia’s first sovereign generative AI environment, powered by the AlterMatic DT250 AI Server and equipped with eight high-performance GPUs. The system delivers 20% more processing power and 30% energy savings compared to industry benchmarks and is being utilized by early adopters such as the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Communications, and several public and private institutions. The ecosystem is managed by local firm Skyvast Cloud, which will offer AI-as-a-Service and GPU-as-a-Service solutions to accelerate adoption across government, business, and academia. The move also aligns with broader goals outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint to foster secure, AI-driven development across both the public and private sectors. Looking ahead, Skyvast and Chinese partner Leadyo plan to deploy 3,000 additional GPUs across multiple infrastructure zones by 2026.
In tandem with the launch, Malaysia also introduced the Malaysia-China Trusted Data Zone – a bilateral initiative linking Cyberjaya with the Shanghai Free Trade Zone’s Lin-gang Special Area. Operated jointly by Skyvast Data in Malaysia and Shanghai International Data Port in China, the corridor is designed to facilitate secure cross-border AI collaboration, innovation, and digital integration. With plans underway to integrate this trusted data zone into major tech hubs such as the Perlis Advanced Tech Park, Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in sovereign AI infrastructure and a strategic gateway for digital cooperation between ASEAN and China.
(Sources: Bernama; Developing Telecoms)
