KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- France has recognised Malaysia as one of the leaders in innovation industry in Southeast Asia.
French Ambassador to Malaysia Axel Cruau commended Malaysia’s commitment in establishing its position as a regional leader in innovation, digital transformation and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) implementation.
“The ASEAN AI Summit and the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur will establish Malaysia as a regional leader in innovation, digital transformation, and ethical AI implementation,” he said in the opening remark of France-Malaysia Innovation Day 2025, here, Thursday.
The ASEAN AI Summit will be held on Aug 12 to 13 while the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur will take place on Sept 17 to 19.
The ambassador emphasised that France and Malaysia also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in innovation and technology advancement.
He noted that French technology in widely used and developed in Malaysia.
“Programme such as the innovation day can be a meaningful platform to advance shared priorities in AI, green technology, health, women in technology, (and) talent building which are crucial to both nations’ future,” he added.
Meanwhile, National AI Office (NAIO) chief executive officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid said the combination of France's expertise in innovation and engineering and Malaysia's growing digital sector create a win-win collaboration for both, building on trust and a shared goal of using AI for the public good.
Citing Station F, he said the French start-up ecosystem offers a significant impact for Malaysia's AI entrepreneurs.
"Station F demonstrates how the wide ecosystem design and mature bold ideas help to scale and facilitate research into real-world solutions.
"Inspired by this model, NAIO is building cross-border innovation pathways in its four sectors – healthcare, transportation, agriculture, education, public services and micro-entrepreneurship," he said in his speech at the event.
The second France-Malaysia Innovation Day, themed “Navigating the Technological Frontiers” was organised by the French Embassy in Malaysia in partnership with Business France, French Tech, the French-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFM), and the Malaysian Health Club
Besides featured talks and presentations, it also provided the opportunity for Malaysian alumni of French institutions to connect with French companies and engage directly with potential employers.
-- BERNAMA
