Forum unpacks DeepSeek’s disruptive force in AI for Malaysian business landscape

On 25 April 2025, the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur became a hub for high-level discourse on artificial intelligence as it hosted Decoding DeepSeek: Implications for Malaysian Businesses, a key instalment of the Decoding Thought Leadership Series. Co-organised by stakeholders from the fields of science, technology, medicine, education, urban innovation, and business sectors, the forum provided a timely platform for Malaysian stakeholders to assess and respond to the seismic shifts caused by DeepSeek’s emergence in the global AI arena.

The event commenced with an opening address by Madam Foong Wai Fong, Founding Director of Megatrends Asia. A prolific author and business strategist, Madam Foong emphasised the growing relevance of Asian-led technological advancements and the importance of strategic readiness in Malaysia’s business and education sectors. Her remarks set the tone for a day focused on insight and innovation.

YB Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Exco of Investment, Trade, and Mobility, delivered the keynote address, noting the far-reaching effects of DeepSeek’s emergence in the AI landscape had global ramifications, including the sharp decline in U.S. tech stocks. He encouraged Malaysian businesses to embrace such shifts proactively and position themselves advantageously in a changing market.
An international perspective was offered by Prof Li Wenzheng of the School of Computer Science at Beijing University of Technology. He presented a technical deep dive into DeepSeek’s architecture, performance benchmarks, and the rationale behind its meteoric rise. Prof Li’s analysis of the model’s strengths in coding and mathematical reasoning placed its capabilities into clear context for a business audience seeking practical applications.

A high-impact panel discussion followed, titled DeepSeek and the AI Landscape: Impact and Implications for Malaysia in the New AI Global Landscape. The session featured Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR President; Mr Tan Kuan Thye, Vice President of Timedotcom and Founder of the Digital Connect Society; Mr Shengli Bao, Solutions Director at CX Fusion Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and Mr Clement Sung, Founder of Venture Partner of Sinnovation Ventures and Chairman of Clement and Xinxin Foundation, who joined the discussion virtually from Kyoto. Together, the panellists addressed the multifaceted challenges and opportunities posed by DeepSeek’s integration into the AI ecosystem, touching on its impact across finance, software development, manufacturing, and customer service. Their dialogue emphasised the necessity of sovereign digital infrastructure, increased participation in open-source communities, and fostering a skilled, AI-ready workforce.

The discussion was moderated by Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Director for XDU-UTAR Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation and Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UTAR. With his expertise in artificial intelligence and engineering education, Prof Chang guided the discussion effectively, ensuring each speaker contributed targeted and strategic insights for the Malaysian business community.

Following the panel session, Mr Yang Kaiping, Director of Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), delivered a presentation on Selangor’s digital economy strategy. His address highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to advance AI adoption and strengthen the digital ecosystem through policy initiatives, ecosystem development, and public-private collaboration.
The forum concluded with a closing address by Prof Dato’ Ewe, who emphasised the need for adaptability, talent development, and responsible innovation. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and UTAR’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s role in the global AI ecosystem through research and industry engagement.

Decoding DeepSeek served not only as a platform for technological exchange but also as a catalyst for collaborative readiness, empowering Malaysian academia and industry to lead boldly in the age of AI.