THE inaugural AI Horizon 2025 event was officially launched today at the Setia SPICE Arena, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s push to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event, praised the collaborative efforts behind the initiative, which brought together government bodies, academia, industry players, and the public under one roof.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the organisers, Tech Dome Penang, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), HRD Corp., Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Penang state Education Department (JPNPP) and Penang STEM, for successfully organising AI Horizon 2025.
“This is not merely a technology exhibition, but a strategic platform to strengthen the understanding, application and innovation of AI at the national and global levels,” Chow said in his speech.
He also noted that Penang has long been a driving force in Malaysia’s technological development.
With a strong emphasis on a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, AI is now identified as a key enabler of long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
He said initiatives such as AI Horizon 2025 align with the Federal Government’s aspiration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13) to position Malaysia as a regional AI leader by 2030.
“Under the Penang2030 vision of becoming a ‘Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, AI plays a critical role in enhancing digital education, improving smart public services, boosting digital entrepreneurship and cultivating an inclusive innovation economy,” he explained.
Chow also highlighted that the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan (2025–2030) underpins this direction by focusing on business digitalisation, local digital talent development, and strengthening the high-tech start-up ecosystem, including the development of AI hubs, data centres and tech incubators.
Today’s event saw participation from various technology companies, both local and international, along with prominent strategic partners.
Thousands of visitors, from students to professionals, educators and families, turned up to witness AI in action.
Attendees were treated to a variety of AI-driven activities, such as coding competitions that tested the creativity and critical thinking of youth, the Young Engineers programme to expose schoolchildren to AI-based engineering, industry conferences, public forums, and innovation showcases by SMEs, start-ups and multinational firms.
“There is clear public interest and readiness to embrace AI technology, and Penangites are well-positioned to lead in this new era of intelligent innovation,” Chow said.
He also reiterated that building a sustainable and competitive AI ecosystem cannot rely on government initiatives alone.
“True success lies in cross-sector collaboration, involving industries, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the public.
“Everyone has a role to play, from policy-making and research and development (R&D) to talent training and early tech education,” he said.
He urged for AI Horizon 2025 to be more than a one-off annual event, but rather a long-term strategic agenda to position Penang and Malaysia as a responsible and ethical AI innovation hub in the region and globally.
Chow also cautioned against the hidden risks that come with AI advancements, such as job displacement from automation, algorithmic bias, and the spread of misinformation.
To address these challenges, he said the Federal Government has introduced the AI Governance and Ethics Code (AIGE) which emphasises fairness, privacy, and accountability.
According to Chow, an AI Act is also currently being studied to tackle issues like misuse, algorithmic discrimination and data security.
“These efforts are in line with RMKe-13’s vision of making Malaysia a responsible AI leader that upholds human values,” he added.
In a light-hearted moment, Chow quipped about his usual role during event launches.
“Usually I get to strike the gong as part of the gimmick, but today it seems like I wasn’t needed.
“We had a machine ready to do it.
“Maybe I will just be required to turn the machine on instead!” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Also present earlier were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and Tech Dome chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud