Head, AI & Data Ecosystem Strategy

JOB PURPOSE

Lead the development and execution of Malaysia's AI and Data Ecosystem strategy to accelerate national AI adoption, industry transformation, digital investment, talent development, and ecosystem growth.

The role serves as MDEC's strategic lead for AI and Data initiatives, working across government, industry, academia, technology providers, and investors to position Malaysia as a leading AI Nation by 2030.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. National AI & Data Strategy Leadership

• Lead AI and Data strategy execution aligned with Malaysia AI Nation ambitions.
• Identify strategic opportunities, gaps and growth priorities.
• Advise leadership on emerging AI trends and ecosystem development.

Key Skills

• National AI strategy development
• Technology policy understanding
• AI economy planning
• Strategic roadmapping
• Cross-agency coordination
• Investment attraction

2.AI & Data Ecosystem Development

• Build strategic partnerships across government, industry, academia and technology providers.
• Drive ecosystem programmes that accelerate AI adoption, innovation and commercialisation.
• Strengthen Malaysia's AI capabilities through talent, infrastructure, investment and innovation initiative

Key Skills:

• Ecosystem development
• Partnership building
• Industry engagement
• Startup ecosystem
• Research collaboration
• Hyperscaler engagement

3.Programme Delivery & Execution

• Lead execution of strategic AI and Data programmes and ensure measurable national outcomes.
• Track ecosystem impact through investment, adoption, talent and innovation metrics.
• Coordinate delivery across internal and external stakeholders

Key Skills:

• Portfolio management
• KPI management
• Programme governance
• Multi-stakeholder execution
• Budget oversight
• Impact measurement

4.Technology Advisory & Thought Leadership

• Provide strategic advice on AI, data, emerging technologies and digital transformation.
• Represent the MDEC's in the national and international AI engagements.
• Produce strategic insights, policy recommendations and thought leadership to guide ecosystem growth

Key Skills:

• AI strategy
• Emerging technology analysis
• Executive advisory
• Public speaking
• Industry influence
• Policy advisory

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES

1.Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Minimum a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence / Data Science / Information Technology or Software Engineering
• Preferred a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence / Data Science / Technology Management / MBA

2.Experience Requirements

• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience in at least Hyperscaler (Microsoft, AWS, Google, NVIDIA), National digital agency, Technology regulator, Large enterprise AI transformation programme
• Experience in managing RM50M+ programme portfolios, National or regional AI initiatives and Multi-stakeholder ecosystem leadership

COMPETENCIES

• AI Strategy & Ecosystem Building
• Government & Industry Stakeholder Management
• Hyperscaler Engagement
• AI Adoption & Industry Transformation
• Data Economy & Data Governance
• Programme Portfolio Management
• AI Policy & Responsible AI
• Investment & Innovation Ecosystem
• Public Speaking & Executive Advisory
• AI Technical Literacy