STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM, CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES A.I.
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Joint General Assembly - Economic and Social Council Special Meeting
“From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development”
Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., ECOSOC Chamber
Panel Discussion 1: Challenges and opportunities in developing countries in relation to science, technology, and innovation.
Thank you, Madam President.
2. Malaysia welcomes the convening of this Joint Special Meeting. We are further encouraged by the timely focus of the discussion on advancing digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship for sustainable development. We thank all the panelists for their valuable insights.
3. From Malaysia’s perspective, the global discourse on digital transformation has evolved beyond access to encompass inclusion, trust, and the effective translation of technology into meaningful socioeconomic outcomes. This presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
4. In facing current challenges, our national response is anchored in the My Digital Economy blueprint, a unified strategy that consolidates previously fragmented initiatives under a single governance framework. Malaysia is systematically reforming over 700 regulatory provisions to enable seamless digital operations, data sharing, and innovation.
5. People remain at the center of this effort. We are working toward near-universal internet coverage, while investing in digital literacy and workforce re-skilling, with the aim of creating 500,000 AI-related jobs and equipping 700,000 workers with relevant skills.
6. Enhancing trust is equally critical. Malaysia has introduced a national digital ID system and is advancing data-sharing legislation, alongside strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to address emerging risks.
7. Innovation continues to be a key pillar. We are investing in advanced technologies while supporting startups and SMEs, ensuring that innovation is responsive to real-world needs. We also see strong potential in sectors such as fintech and developing digital platforms and technologies to serve the Islamic and Halal economic sectors.
8. Malaysia’s objective is to ensure inclusivity while remaining competitive in the global digital economy. Achieving this will require sustained collaboration across technology, governance, and capacity-building.
9. In closing, Malaysia reaffirms its focus – within our national approach and priorities – on advancing digital inclusion, innovation and youth entrepreneurship, and looks forward to exploring ways to translate today’s discussions into sustainable development outcomes.
Thank you.
