The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies across public and private sectorshas underscored the urgent need for governance frameworks that ensure ethical, transparent, andaccountable deployment. AI's economic contribution is projected to reach RM 480 billion by 2030in Malaysia. This study employed a qualitative analysis approach to capture diverse perspectivesfrom government agencies, private sectors, and academia. The study examines the Malaysia’s AIgovernance readiness across five critical dimensions: country governance and regulation, educationand research innovation, talent development, cultural sustainability, and facilities management. TheMcKinsey 7S framework was used to analyze the readiness of AI deployment in the Malaysia’s,highlighting the interconnectivity of 7 McKinsey elements which are strategy, structure, system,shared values, skill, style, and staff and additional elements which are stakeholders & ecosystem,all of which collectively influence the nation’s AI preparedness. Findings reveal that, in Malaysia,the regulatory ambiguity remains a major challenge leading to inconsistent enforcement andcompliance gaps. Stakeholder engagement is further complicated by conflicting interests and a lackof shared understanding of AI ethics and risks. Ethical considerations are paramount throughout theresearch process. A significant strength in institutional readiness, including investment in education,talent pools initiatives and ICT related infrastructure was identified. However, weak AI deploymentobserved in heritage and cultural protection efforts and limited environmental protection initiativesremain barriers, requiring tailored capacity-building programs and cross-sector collaboration. Thestudy calls for strengthened international cooperation, risk management practices, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure ethical and accountable AI deployment in diverse national socio-economic sectors in Malaysia.
Taib et al. (Sun,) studied this question.