PETALING JAYA, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The government will focus on efforts to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including exploring systems that can promote the wider use of AI tools, when tabling the 2027 Budget this October.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said that AI Malaysia, launched three weeks ago by the Ministry of Digital, requires significant funding support to mobilise expertise and develop AI-related infrastructure to support the growth of the technology across all sectors.
"Not just experts, we also need to ensure that we can build infrastructure in AI Malaysia that can support every sector in Malaysia for AI to move forward.
"So I will focus on that in the 2027 Budget to be tabled this October," he told reporters after delivering a speech at the Petaling Jaya (PJ) Startup Festival 2026 today.
He said the matter is important to ensure that the benefits of AI can be widely enjoyed, considering that high costs can be one of the factors limiting its use.
Gobind said although society and businesses have sufficient information about the benefits of AI, the high cost of usage can prevent the technology from being fully utilised.
"Overall, we need to look at how technology can help small traders, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises. This is something I will also pay attention to.
"But it is still too early in the discussion for me to mention details, but hopefully when we reach that day (Budget 2027) we can hear some initiatives that can help," he said.
On another note, Gobind said the PJ Startup Festival is an annual event that this year will feature around 100 booths, with approximately 2,000 participants, including the public, expected to attend.
Gobind, who is also the Member of Parliament for Damansara, said the organisation of the programme reflects the increased attention being given to startup companies and efforts to strengthen the country's startup ecosystem.
He added that the event also serves as a platform to identify new talent and potential, as well as open opportunities for investors to explore and support innovative businesses and ideas presented by startups.
-- BERNAMA