KUCHING: Malaysia is looking to global models such as Estonia and Singapore to shape its digital public service architecture, ensuring high-speed access while maintaining strict data governance.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, said adopting international best practices will help the nation build a seamless, citizen-centric digital ecosystem.
He highlighted Estonia’s radical data transparency framework—which offers 99 per cent of public services online—and Singapore’s integrated ‘LifeSG’ platform as key benchmarks for local implementation.
“Malaysia is learning from global best practices while adapting them to our local context and values. But we are not just learning, we are also planning,” he said at the Digital Government Exchange 2026 (DGX26) held at voco Kuching on Thursday (Sept 10).
Ugak noted that alongside learning from global leaders, Malaysia is actively driving regional governance standards through platforms such as the ASEAN AI Safety Network and ASEAN AI Centre.
To support this digital shift, the government continues to deploy foundational infrastructure nationwide, including high-speed 5G networks, national data centres, submarine cables and sovereign cloud capabilities.
He emphasised that public adoption of digital services hinges on five fundamental pillars: Cybersecurity, data protection, digital identity, secure data exchange and transparency with accountability.
“The most brilliant digital network is useless without a human touch, passion, and execution behind it. While infrastructure is our hardware, civil servants remain the heart of this transformation,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, Digital Ministry secretary-general Datuk Fabian Bigar and SAINS chief executive officer Busiai Seman.
