Former AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar named chair of AI Malaysia

The Digital Ministry has appointed Aireen Omar, former chief executive of AirAsia, as chair of the national agency AI Malaysia Bhd, according to a ministry statement reported by The Edge on 11 September. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said AI Malaysia will be the lead agency coordinating the national AI agenda.

Key points

  • Directors include ministry secretary general Datuk Fabian Bigar and his deputy Ma Sivanesan Marimuthu.
  • Also appointed are Muhammad Afhzal Abdul Rahman, chief digital technology officer of the Employees Provident Fund, and Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo.
  • Gobind said the agency will promote safe and responsible AI adoption and drive the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030.
  • Other board appointments will be made later, he said.

Why it matters for Malaysia

A named board gives the new agency a clearer line of leadership. Its mix of ministry officials and corporate figures will shape how the national AI plan is put into practice.

Questions answered

Who chairs AI Malaysia?
Aireen Omar, former chief executive of AirAsia, was appointed chair of AI Malaysia Bhd by the Digital Ministry, according to a statement on 11 September 2026.
What is AI Malaysia responsible for?
According to the ministry and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, it will lead and coordinate the national AI agenda, promote safe and responsible AI adoption, and drive the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030.

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