KUALA LUMPUR: The National Cloud Policy, aimed at enhancing public service innovation and efficiency through cloud technology, will prioritise four key areas, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the "Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI" event hosted by Google for Malaysia today, Anwar said it also aimed to modernise government operations, foster greater citizen engagement and streamline the delivery of public services.

Anwar said the Madani government will boost public service innovation and efficiency.

"This is particularly important and precisely the reason why I decided after 12 years, we will make a major departure from the existing salary scheme to ensure Malaysia's civil service remains efficient, through the efficient public sector… the level of efficiency must increase exponentially.

"Second, we seek to promote economic competitiveness and growth, and fuel economic expansion by enabling businesses - especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups - to harness cloud technology for innovation, operational efficiency, and access to global markets.

"Third, we are committed to strengthening user trust and data security. The government will establish robust security frameworks and protocols to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure in both public and private cloud environments.

"Lastly, we will empower citizens through digital inclusivity. Our approach will be citizen-centric and inclusive, utilising cloud technology to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of digital-first public services," he said.

Present were Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo; Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching; Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari; Google Malaysia country director Farhan Qureshi and Alphabet and Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat.

At the event, Anwar also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Google's first data centre and cloud region in Malaysia, involving an investment of US$2 billion (RM8.29 billion).

With construction underway in Elmina Business Park, Selangor, the data centre and cloud infrastructure will help meet the growing demand for Google Cloud capabilities and AI innovations, along with other digital products and services that people and organisations in Malaysia use every day.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1113228/updated-anwar-cloud-tech-modernise-govt-empower-smes