GENEVA, 21 September 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia has strengthened its push for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on the global stage, highlighting AI governance, digital literacy and wider access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the WTO Public Forum 2026.
Digital Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Digital Development), Tuan MA. Sivanesan, represented the ministry at the forum held from 15 to 17 September at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Themed “Powering the Future”, the WTO’s annual forum brought together representatives from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, academia, media and international organisations to discuss global trade developments and the future of the multilateral trading system.
During the panel session titled “Asia-Pacific’s AI Opportunity: Growth, Inclusion, and Connectivity”, Sivanesan highlighted Malaysia’s priorities in strengthening AI governance and safety, improving digital and AI literacy, and expanding AI access and adoption among SMEs and underserved communities.
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Discussions also focused on the importance of regional cooperation in developing interoperable standards, trusted cross-border data flows, talent development, computing capacity and digital infrastructure.
Malaysia stressed that AI should be harnessed as an enabler to create greater opportunities for businesses and communities, particularly SMEs, to participate in and benefit from regional and global markets.
The ministry’s international engagement also aims to strengthen Malaysia’s voice in shaping an open, inclusive and trusted digital economy and trade environment while ensuring the benefits of technological advancement are more widely shared.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Digital, Malaysia’s participation at the forum reinforced the country’s priorities in AI development and inclusive digital growth. – The Capital Post
