IRM backs Malaysia’s AI governance push after meeting Penang deputy chief minister

The Institute of Risk Management met with Penang Deputy Chief Minister II YB Jagdeep Singh Deo in London on July 24, 2026, to discuss how risk management can support Malaysia’s AI, manufacturing and semiconductor ambitions. The talks set up a Penang visit and October appearance at the AI Horizon event, signaling deeper collaboration on governance, resilience and skills development.

Why it matters: - Malaysia is trying to expand its role in AI, advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. - Stronger risk management and governance are becoming central as AI moves deeper into business and industry. - The talks point to a broader effort to build professional skills and trusted oversight around emerging technology.

What happened: - The Institute of Risk Management met with YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, in London on July 24, 2026. - IRM Chair Stephen Sidebottom, Chief Executive Dr Ian Livsey and Commercial Director Sarah Atkins joined the meeting. - The discussion focused on how professional risk management can support Malaysia’s innovation agenda. - The meeting also examined AI governance, organisational resilience and the skills needed for responsible technology adoption. - IRM agreed to visit Penang and take part in the AI Horizon event in October.

The details: - Jagdeep Singh Deo’s portfolio includes Human Capital, Science, Technology and Innovation. - Penang is strengthening its position as one of Asia’s leading technology and semiconductor hubs. - The conversation explored collaboration between government, academia and industry. - The goal is to support future-ready capabilities through internationally recognised education and professional certification in AI Risk Management, Operational Risk and Enterprise Risk Management. - IRM recently established IRM Asia Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur as its regional hub for ASEAN. - The Kuala Lumpur hub supports partnerships, professional education and HRD Corp-funded training across Malaysia. - IRM said its wider work across Asia is aimed at supporting governments, industry and academia through education, professional standards and thought leadership. - Malaysia’s investment in technology, digital infrastructure and skills development is creating opportunities across the region.

Between the lines: - The meeting shows Malaysia’s tech strategy is not just about infrastructure and investment. - Governance, risk capability and workforce skills are becoming part of the country’s competitiveness story. - IRM is positioning itself as a partner for governments and industry as AI adoption accelerates. - The Kuala Lumpur regional hub gives IRM a stronger platform to expand that role across ASEAN.

What's next: - IRM will visit Penang ahead of the AI Horizon event in October. - The two sides are expected to continue discussions on responsible AI adoption, governance and professional capability. - Further collaboration could grow across government, academia and industry as Malaysia advances its technology agenda.

The bottom line: - Malaysia’s AI ambitions are increasingly tied to the quality of its governance, resilience and professional risk skills, not just its technology investments.