AI Use Hits 89% in Malaysia, 51% at Work

By The Malketeer

Malaysians are adopting artificial intelligence at record speed with daily usage jumping from 75% in 2024 to 89% this year, according to Telenor Asia’s Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Malaysia’s AI Future report.

AI is no longer an occasional convenience for Malaysians. It’s part of daily life helping people manage finances, track health, get answers, and save time.

One in four Malaysians now intentionally uses AI tools several times a day, marking a clear shift from novelty to necessity.

The Workplace Shift

AI’s influence is growing on the job too.

Last year, 37% of internet users in Malaysia used AI at work.

Today, it’s 51%. The most common uses: analytics (59%), content creation (52%), and customer service (45%).

For many companies, AI has moved from being a test run to a key productivity driver.

Trust is Non-Negotiable

But the report makes it clear: adoption alone isn’t enough.

Malaysians are optimistic about AI’s potential, yet they’re equally aware of its risks from bias and fairness to privacy and control.

“They expect transparent, inclusive, and human-centric AI systems as a baseline, not a luxury,” said Telenor Group senior vice-president and head of AI, Dr Ieva Martinkenaite.

Her message to businesses is simple: responsible AI is not just good ethics — it’s a competitive edge.

Companies that fail to prioritise it risk losing both trust and customers.

Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

For Malaysian businesses, the call to action is clear:

• Be transparent about AI strategies and decisions.
• Train employees to work effectively with AI.
• Build ethical safeguards into every stage of AI use.

“Responsible AI is not just a compliance measure; it is a core element for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Dr Martinkenaite added.

The numbers tell the story — more Malaysians are using AI every day, in more ways, and with higher expectations.

It’s not just a technology trend. It’s a cultural shift.

For brands, getting AI right means more than innovation.

It’s about earning lasting trust in a future Malaysians want to live in.