TLDR: Malaysia, in collaboration with Zetrix AI Berhad, has launched the world’s first global framework for Shariah-compliant artificial intelligence. This initiative, formalized on September 13, 2025, aims to establish ethical guidelines, certification standards, and governance for AI systems, particularly focusing on Zetrix AI’s NurAI, a Shariah-aligned large language model. The partnership seeks to position Malaysia as a leader in Islamic AI and tap into the rapidly growing Islamic digital economy, projected to reach US$5.74 trillion by 2030.
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia – In a groundbreaking move towards ethical and faith-based technological advancement, Malaysia has officially partnered with Zetrix AI Berhad to establish the world’s first global framework for Shariah-compliant artificial intelligence. The collaboration was formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on September 13, 2025, in Johor Bahru, witnessed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Setia Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The agreement brings together the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (JAKIM), renowned globally as a gold standard in halal certification, and Zetrix AI Berhad, the developer of NurAI, the world’s first Shariah-aligned Large Language Model (LLM). The LOI was signed by Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director-General of JAKIM, and Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI Berhad.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the nation’s commitment, stating, “Malaysia’s push towards digitalisation must always remain grounded in Islamic principles and values, to ensure technological progress does not compromise the country’s identity and ethics.” This sentiment was echoed by Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah, who added, “This collaboration ensures NurAI is not only technologically advanced but also firmly rooted in the ethical and cultural values of our nation.”
The partnership outlines three key areas of cooperation:
1. Shariah Certification and Governance: This involves developing comprehensive frameworks, ethical guidelines, and certification standards for AI systems that are deeply rooted in Islamic principles. JAKIM will play a central role in guiding these standards for NurAI, ensuring its alignment with Islamic teachings and addressing global concerns regarding trustworthy and transparent AI.
2. Global Advocacy and Promotion: The initiative aims to position Malaysia as the global center of excellence for Islamic AI. This includes championing the Islamic digital economy, which is projected to reach a substantial USD 5.74 trillion by 2030.
3. JAKIM’s Official Channel on NurAI: A dedicated, trusted platform will be created within NurAI to provide verified Islamic legal rulings (fatwa), halal certification information, and Shariah guidance. This channel will also serve as a tool to combat online misinformation.
NurAI, developed locally in Malaysia, supports multiple languages including Bahasa Melayu, English, Indonesian, and Arabic. It adheres to national data sovereignty and cybersecurity policies, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign AI tools and ensure the security and trustworthiness of AI knowledge. The LLM was initially unveiled by Zetrix AI in August, integrating Islamic values into its responses and operating under guidelines from JAKIM.
Industry observers and analysts view this collaboration as a significant step, reflecting a growing global demand for ethical safeguards in AI, particularly in Muslim-majority nations where Shariah compliance is a priority. Malaysia’s consistent top ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator underscores its leadership in areas like halal certification, Islamic finance, food, and education. This initiative extends that leadership into the digital realm, potentially setting international benchmarks and attracting interest from countries like Indonesia and Gulf states seeking to harmonize technology with Islamic values.
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Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, is a prominent player in deploying blockchain and AI technologies across ASEAN, with a history of providing electronic government services since 2000. This partnership further solidifies Malaysia’s ambition to lead in the ethical development and application of artificial intelligence for the global Muslim community, estimated at over two billion people.
