The Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), is set to host the ‘Powering the Intelligent Age: Driving Innovation with Southeast Asia and Beyond’ Summit on October 28, 2025, at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. The event will gather policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and academics to discuss how the region can navigate the “Intelligent Age” through unified frameworks, scalable pilots, and cross-border partnerships.
Innovation will be the summit’s central theme, driving collaboration across Southeast Asia and beyond. The discussions will focus on advancing shared frameworks for AI governance, clean industrial pathways, and inclusive digital growth to ensure the region not only adapts to the Intelligent Age but leads in setting global standards. The program aims to translate high-level dialogue into tangible policy direction and actionable initiatives.
“Malaysia is proud to advance with our fellow ASEAN nations into the Intelligent Age. Our partnership and joint efforts go beyond technology implementation; we are instead focused on shaping an inclusive and resilient future for the people of ASEAN,” said Minister of Digital YB Gobind Singh Deo. He added that through AI governance, clean industry, and energy transition, ASEAN is working to ensure innovation uplifts every community and cements the region’s position as a global leader.
The Intelligent Age represents an evolution beyond the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where AI and converging technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies. With both opportunities and risks emerging, ASEAN is taking on the role of convener to ensure innovation supports inclusive growth, sustainable energy transition, and trusted governance.
MYCentre4IR’s partnership with the WEF and its membership in the global 4IR network will enable Malaysia to align its digital and energy initiatives with international standards, while strengthening ASEAN’s position in these fields.
The summit will feature high-level sessions, including Opening Remarks by Minister Gobind Singh Deo, a Keynote Address by the ASEAN Secretariat, and a Leaders Dialogue titled Malaysia’s AI Ambitions, moderated by Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence at WEF.
Among the highlights are the ASEAN AI Safety Network (ASEAN AI SAFE), the Sustainable AI White Paper, and the Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative. Spearheaded by Malaysia, ASEAN AI SAFE will serve as a regional platform to institutionalize AI governance and ethics in line with the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap (2025–2030). A formal declaration is anticipated at the 47th ASEAN Leaders Summit in October 2025, with operational rollout planned for 2026.
The TIC initiative, meanwhile, will make its global debut at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026, marking Sarawak’s international entry. Other summit discussions will address industrial transformation, digitalization, ESG frameworks, resilient ecosystems, and regional energy cooperation, including the ASEAN Power Grid and nuclear readiness.
“The Intelligent Age will be defined not only by the technologies we create, but by the responsibility we share in how they are applied,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. “The WEF, through its 4IR Network, is proud to support ASEAN in shaping trusted AI governance and driving industrial transformation that benefits all.”
Ultimately, this event aims to move from principles to practical action, showcasing how Malaysia and ASEAN can lead in AI governance, clean industry transitions, and inclusive digital ecosystems. Through these efforts, the region seeks to strengthen its competitiveness while helping shape global innovation standards for a more sustainable and connected future.
