Terry KS Cognizant’s latest whitepaper warns that Malaysia’s strong AI policy foundations risk falling short without faster talent development and leadership confidence. The study calls for human-centric governance, regional collaboration, and a shift from AI user to AI producer to secure Malaysia’s role as a global AI leader.
MALAYSIA, 30 OCTOBER 2025 – Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has released a new whitepaper, Unleashing the Power of Malaysia’s Human Capital in the AI Age, detailing how Malaysia can accelerate its journey toward becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. The report draws on insights from business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to outline critical steps for developing a future-ready workforce and achieving AI maturity.
According to the whitepaper, Malaysia stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey. While strong infrastructure and national policies have set a solid foundation, fragmented adoption and talent readiness remain major obstacles to scaling AI and maintaining global competitiveness.
Despite the World Economic Forum’s finding that 86% of employers expect AI to transform their operations, Cognizant reports that only 11% of Malaysian C-suite leaders feel “very confident” in their workforce’s AI capabilities. Furthermore, 66% identify workforce readiness and leadership clarity as key barriers to AI adoption, with 63% citing skills gaps as the top challenge to transformation.
Thomas Mathew, Vice President of Cognizant for ASEAN and Greater China, said, “We believe AI should empower people, not replace them. For Malaysia to truly lead, it must move beyond being an AI user to becoming an AI producer and innovator. By promoting ‘human-in-the-loop’ governance, transparent data frameworks, and ethical literacy, Malaysia can demonstrate that technology and human values can progress together.”
Key Recommendations for Malaysia’s AI Future
The whitepaper outlines three strategic priorities to strengthen Malaysia’s AI ecosystem:
• Develop Local AI Capabilities and IP: Encourage the creation of localized AI models, patent sector-specific solutions, and foster talent through a national AI blueprint, R&D incentives, and immigration reforms.
• Lead ASEAN Collaboration: As Malaysia assumes the 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, it can play a key role in shaping regional AI standards, establishing training hubs, and driving cross-border partnerships.
• Embed Ethics and Trust in AI Adoption: Promote inclusivity, transparency, and ethical literacy at every level to ensure AI innovation aligns with human values and societal trust.
Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, CEO of InvestKL, who co-hosted a roundtable with Cognizant, added, “Malaysia is poised to become ASEAN’s most trusted AI hub — multilingual, ethical, and innovation-driven. AI offers tremendous potential, but its success depends on our people. Our strength lies in blending technology with trust, inclusivity, and shared values.”
