PIKOM LEAD 2025 marks milestone moment for digital leadership

More than 400 top executives from Malaysia’s technology and business sectors convened at M World Hotel for PIKOM LEAD 2025, a flagship C-suite summit aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital leadership as the economy undergoes rapid transformation. The event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in a single forum to examine Malaysia’s strategic priorities for the years ahead, with artificial intelligence (AI), public–private collaboration, and digital governance emerging as central themes.

The summit opened with a strong message on the importance of collective leadership in modernising Malaysia’s digital landscape. Organising Chair Millie Yong set the tone by underscoring the value of close cooperation between industry players and decision-makers, reflecting the summit’s role as a platform for shared direction.

This was further reinforced by PIKOM Chairman Adjunct Prof Alex Liew, who highlighted the association’s commitment to embracing change and ensuring nationwide inclusivity as it approaches its 40th anniversary. His remarks pointed to PIKOM’s sustained influence developed over four decades as a bridge between industry and government.

PIKOM CEO Ong Kian Yew noted the association’s continued expansion, now representing more than 2,000 member companies spanning the ICT and wider digital ecosystem. The growing pool of individual and associate members across related industries further demonstrates PIKOM’s widening role in shaping sector-wide growth and policy advocacy.

Reinforcing a growing digital ecosystem

A major focus of the day was Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in AI innovation. Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Digital YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo stressed that the next five years will be crucial in determining the nation’s AI readiness and competitiveness. He emphasised the need for industry leadership in policy shaping, implementation acceleration, and the development of advanced digital talent.

The Minister also outlined the government’s directive for MDEC to intensify its efforts in building a robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting companies to scale and innovate. Strengthening competencies in AI, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and data analytics remains central to Malaysia’s competitiveness, with MDEC positioned as the primary executing agency driving this national agenda.

One of the summit’s most significant announcements was the development of Malaysia’s first AI Governance Bill. Designed to introduce a risk-based regulatory framework, the upcoming legislation aims to ensure responsible, ethical, and trustworthy AI adoption across sectors. The government signalled the urgency of avoiding global pitfalls, where many organisations have struggled to scale AI beyond experimental stages.

A strategic launchpad for digital future

Beyond the speeches, the summit’s energy was reflected in its closed-door CEO roundtables, where senior leaders exchanged views on economic resilience, AI readiness, and long-term digital transformation strategies. Exhibitor booths lining the venue provided hands-on exposure to next-generation enterprise solutions, AI-driven platforms, and advanced digital tools poised to shape business operations.

With its 40-year milestone approaching and an expanding membership base, PIKOM continues to play a pivotal role in guiding Malaysia toward innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in the digital age.