The Selangor state government is considering the development of its own artificial intelligence (AI) model to avoid over-reliance on foreign AI platforms. According to Dr. Fahmi Ngah, the State Executive Councillor for Islam and Innovation, this move is aimed at ensuring that AI adoption in the state is pragmatic and strategic, preventing excessive dependence on a single provider. 

Why Build a Local AI Model?

The initiative comes on the heels of Google's AI at Work 2.0 program, which offers civil servants free access to Gemini AI tools via Google Workspace until 2028. While this provides immediate AI capabilities, Dr. Fahmi emphasized that Selangor should not rely entirely on external platforms.

He explained that regardless of which AI model is used, the data being fed should be localized, which is why Selangor is looking into developing its own AI infrastructure specifically for government use. Instead of just being AI users, the goal is to maintain and control their own AI systems and data.

Following Sarawak's Lead?

Interestingly, Sarawak also recently announced its DeepSar AI project, named after China's successful DeepSeek model. Sarawak's plan involves creating an AI system that incorporates state-specific content, aligning with its broader digital transformation efforts.

Selangor's potential AI model could take a similar approach, ensuring that local government data is securely managed while tailoring AI functionalities to state needs. Whether the project materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Malaysia is taking steps toward AI self-sufficiency.