TLDR: A new report by Telenor Asia reveals that 89% of Malaysian internet users now engage with AI daily, with 51% utilizing it for work. The ‘Digital Lives Decoded 2025’ study emphasizes that for Malaysia to fully harness AI’s potential, firms must invest in transparent AI strategies, responsible frameworks, and comprehensive employee education to build trust and address concerns around ethics and job security.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A recent study by Telenor Asia, titled ‘Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Malaysia’s AI future,’ highlights a significant surge in artificial intelligence adoption across Malaysia. The report, released on August 14, 2025, indicates that a remarkable 89% of Malaysian internet users now engage with AI daily, a substantial increase from 75% in 2024. Furthermore, 51% of Malaysian internet users are leveraging AI in their professional lives, up from 37% the previous year .
The study, which surveyed 1,000 Malaysian internet users, underscores that AI is increasingly becoming a powerful tool for productivity, learning, and daily convenience. Top AI applications in the workplace include analytics (59%), content development (52%), and customer service (45%) . The report also notes a more than doubling of AI users opting for financial, health, and fitness tools this year .
Despite the widespread adoption and optimism, Malaysian internet users are digitally discerning, expressing deep awareness of AI’s risks, ethics, fairness, and control . Dr. Ieva Martinkenaite, Senior Vice-President and Head of AI at Telenor Group, emphasized the critical need for companies to act responsibly. ‘Malaysian internet users expect transparent, inclusive and human-centric AI systems as a baseline, not a luxury,’ she stated. Dr. Martinkenaite further advised that ‘For companies, these findings highlight that responsible AI is no longer an optional brand value but a core competitive differentiator. Businesses must prioritise responsible data practices, invest in employee upskilling, and foster environments where ethical safeguards are integral to AI-powered innovation’ .
Manisha Dogra, SVP and Head of External Relations and Sustainability at Telenor Asia, echoed these sentiments, noting that ‘As AI becomes embedded into how people work, learn, and connect across Malaysia, this comes with a clear demand for ethical safeguards and shared responsibility. Malaysian internet users are calling for greater transparency, fairness, and control.’ She added that to support this, AI systems must be built on secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure, as ‘Trust and security are the bedrock of any digital society’ .
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The report also revealed that while a majority of Malaysians believe they are personally responsible for keeping up with AI, four out of ten expect support from employers, schools, and the government to acquire necessary skills. This points to a clear opportunity for clearer organizational direction and training to fully harness AI’s benefits . Concerns about job security, particularly among older generations, remain a key issue, highlighting the need for proactive strategies from employers to communicate how new technologies complement human roles rather than displacing them . Only one in three AI users at work reported their company having an AI strategy in place, underscoring the gap that needs to be addressed for sustainable and responsible AI adoption .
