Summary
- Technology and business leaders welcome Budget 2027’s focus on AI, investment and digitalisation.
- Industry groups call for clear implementation plans, cybersecurity protection and measurable outcomes.
- Business leaders highlight opportunities for SMEs, skilled workers, exports and sustainable development.
KUALA LUMPUR, October 10 — Technology companies, business associations and civil society organisations have welcomed Malaysia’s Budget 2027.
Highlighting its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, economic growth and public welfare while calling for effective implementation.
Microsoft Malaysia Managing Director Laurence Si welcomed the RM30 million allocation to help 4,000 SMEs adopt AI.
While PIKOM Chairman Alex Liew stressed the importance of clear implementation timelines, accessible support and measurable outcomes.
DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei Managing Director Julian Neo highlighted semiconductor investment, international trade and green technology incentives.
While TrendAI Malaysia Managing Director Goh Chee Hoh emphasised stronger cybersecurity and data protection.
Meanwhile, WADAH welcomed increased funding for Islamic affairs and social welfare, urging transparent implementation to ensure assistance reaches those in need.
Industry Reactions
Laurence Si, Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia
“Budget 2027 sends a clear signal that Malaysia is serious about turning its AI Nation 2030 ambition into reality.”
Si said Malaysia’s next phase of AI development should focus on translating technology adoption into meaningful improvements in productivity, business competitiveness and workforce skills.
Adj. (Practice) Prof. Alex Liew, Chairman, PIKOM
“The test of Budget 2027 is how effectively its measures help businesses grow and Malaysians participate in the digital economy.”
Liew called for clear implementation timelines, accessible assistance and measurable outcomes, while highlighting several outstanding industry proposals involving cloud services, tax refunds and ICT procurement.
Julian Neo, Managing Director, DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei
Neo welcomed the government’s investment in semiconductor development, AI capabilities, green technology and export financing, saying these measures could strengthen Malaysia’s position in high-value industries and international trade.
Goh Chee Hoh, Managing Director, TrendAI Malaysia
Goh welcomed the government’s focus on cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and critical infrastructure protection, stressing the importance of collaboration between government agencies and industry players to strengthen cyber resilience.
Azizuddin Ahmad, Secretary-General, WADAH
WADAH welcomed the proposed increase in Islamic affairs funding from RM2.6 billion to RM3.1 billion and called for effective implementation of social assistance and measures to protect road accident victims.
Editorial Note
The supplied commentary also includes a banking-sector response discussing investment, financing and ASEAN opportunities, but the speaker and organisation were not identified. It has therefore been excluded from direct attribution. All comments above are based on the statements provided, without adding outside information or invented quotations.
