Digital Lives Decoded 2025

Malaysia stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey, with ambitions to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI). As Chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia has also signalled its commitment to advancing responsible AI development through regional solidarity and action. I am pleased to present Digital Lives Decoded 2025 report which offers a timely look into how people in Malaysia are embracing AI, where they see its greatest potential, and where caution and concern remain. The findings reveal a nation that is optimistic about AI’s role in education, health, and economic growth, yet deeply aware of the risks around privacy, fairness and trust. Malaysians are navigating this transformation with both optimism and discernment – they are active participants, demanding transparency, ethical safeguards, and shared responsibility from governments, businesses and themselves.

At Telenor Asia, we believe that upholding ethical standards and ensuring human oversight, and transparency must be at the heart of AI adoption. Additionally, with AI readily available in everyone’s pocket, the systems behind it must be built on strong, secure, and scalable infrastructure. Trust and security are increasingly the bedrock of any digital society.

As Malaysia positions itself to be a global leader in responsible AI innovation, this report offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, businesses and individuals alike. The impact of this rapidly evolving technology needs to be evaluated – in terms of awareness, skills, opportunities, and risks – to understand how Malaysian society can harness AI responsibly, securely and prepare people to navigate an AI-driven future.

Together, let’s build a digital Malaysia where everyone has the tools and confidence to thrive in the age of AI.

Jon Omund Revhaug
Head of Telenor Asia

2025 Snapshot

AI is a productivity partner and personal assistant for Malaysians

89% of Malaysian internet users say they use AI today, up from 75% in 2024. Notably, the number of internet users who use AI for financial purposes or health and fitness has more than doubled. Today, a quarter of Malaysian internet users intentionally use AI tools multiple times a day, indicating a significant behavioural shift.

AI at work: An untapped opportunity

AI is profoundly reshaping the Malaysian workplace, with younger, higher-income professionals leading adoption. For those who are already using AI at work, the outlook is optimistic. They are 17% more likely than average to believe that AI will have a very positive impact on their job security and 13% more likely to believe the same for the country’s economy. 

With just over 1 in 2 Malaysians using AI at work, there is untapped opportunity for greater adoption. Among those who use AI at work, 1 in 3 say they are not aware of an AI plan or strategy in place. This suggests a need for clearer organisational direction and support to fully harness the benefits of AI. 

A call for shared responsibility and human oversight

Malaysian internet users demand high ethical standards, strongly advocating for human oversight and transparency, especially in sensitive applications such as hiring. Fewer than half (46%) agree that companies should be allowed to experiment with AI freely, even if it involves some risk.  

When it comes to governance of AI use, Malaysian internet users believe in a shared and almost equal responsibility between the individual, technology companies and the government.

However, they tend to take on personal responsibility to upskill in AI. 6 in 10 believe they should take charge of educating themselves, while 4 in 10 think that their government, schools and employers should do so. Ultimately, this indicates a desire for shared oversight in the AI landscape, while emphasising personal agency in adapting to its evolving demands.